What is the aim of the PPDT?

The aim of the PPDT is to test the communication abilities of the candidate. Generally, a blurred image with a theme is shown to the candidate for 30 seconds, and they are asked to frame a story on the image from their perspective.

Then, candidates are given a certain time for this exercise and post that they are segregated into a group of 10 to 15 members approximately. This gives them the opportunity to sit and discuss with their group, but every candidate has to present their own perspective in front of the board.

How to clear PPDT on the first attempt?

Here are some tips for writing a good story for PPDT and marking an impression on the board.

1. Identify and note down the number of characters, and try to be observant if you notice something different or unique in the image. 
2. Choose your central character, and add age to it; mostly, you can mention your age. 
3. Determine the length of the story based on the given timeframe of 4 minutes. Ensure that you begin and end the story on a good note and not unfinished.
4. Avoid framing a negative narrative and instead choose a positive storyline.
5. Break your story into parts – beginning, middle, and end and make use of all your characters equitably throughout the story.
6. Do not have an abrupt end to the story.
7. Stick to a logical and realistic story plot and avoid any negative or unrealistic connotations.
8. Be confident and fluent while narrating your story.
9. Keep it simple and interesting, and avoid jargon or ornamented vocabulary to impress.
10. Maintain eye contact and good body language while narrating. Be polite if you differ from someone else in your perception.

How to stand out in the group discussion?

There is a general notion among candidates to marking an impression on the interview board by being dominant and aggressive in nature while narrating the story. But, it may not work out during the group discussion. Here are some tips that candidates should follow to stand out in the group discussion.

1. Be confident enough to take the initiative of being the opener. It gives you an immense opportunity to be unique and mark a good initial impression on the board.
2. Do not be aggressive or dominant when others are putting their story out. Be polite if you disagree with them, and try to be respectful of others’ thought processes.
3. Try to be on track and not lose your focus or go off-topic. Try to avoid sounding biased towards any idea or topic.
4. Narrate a story with enough pauses wherever required. Don’t be too loud, yet sound confident.
5. Try to be creative in adding points to other stories and forming a better and more polished version rather than disregarding their ideas.

Theme to showcase and narrate for your PPDT

The various themes and ideas that you can form your story around can be any of the following:

1. Social initiatives
2. Self-confidence
3. The convincing ability for a better change
4. Responsibility towards a cause
5. Awareness of creating an impact
6. Around unconditional help
7. Bravery during emergency situations
8. Developmental guidance to farmers’ community
9. Plantation drive for better impact on the environment
10. Organising a street play to drive awareness
11. Empowerment and uplifting equality in small incidents
12. Clearing a competitive exam and what it takes to achieve the dream

Mistakes to avoid in the PPDT

There are some common mistakes that candidates make during the PPDT that lead to their rejection at times. Here are some common mistakes to avoid in PPDT.

1. Do not watch a movie before the test, as it can fill your mind with a variety of thoughts and can confuse you altogether.
2. Try to have a fresh new perspective on the ideas and develop your story accordingly rather than a predetermined and common narrative.
3. Do not underestimate your central character. In order to plot a theme around it, you need to introduce and use your central character effectively.
4. Do not write a wishful story, the same old tit-for-tat or rags-to-riches one. This is a very common idea and can turn your opportunity down.
5. Always try to write the outcome of the story, keep it subtle and not overly achiever type, which would sound too good to be true.
6. Do not be too quiet or too loud during the group discussion. Make yourself noticed but avoid being aggressive or rude.
7. Always try to showcase a positive and helpful mindset while narrating your story. The views you convey speaks volume about your social attitude and the responsibilities to the people in the society.
8. Do not narrate any unnecessary and pessimistic idea that is not even in the picture, such as any mishap in a marketplace.
9. Do not lose your theme while conveying your story. The outcome and the idea must be presented at the end with a strong cause and effect.
10. Respect the time limit given to you and let others also get a chance to speak. This would reflect your level of perseverance and respect towards fellow members.

Candidates willing to appear for other Government exams can click the link for information on upcoming exams.

Aspirants must practice this test enough to atleast have an idea about the topics quickly. This would also widen your horizon of imagination and perspective. Practising will enhance your speed and efficiency during the actual test and will help you narrate a unique, interesting and successful story in front of the audience.

We hope that these tips will help you figure out how to prepare for PDT in the SSB interview and sail through the exam in the first try.

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