Days 3–4 — GTO Tasks
The Group Testing Officer (GTO) observes you across 9 different tasks over two days. Every task assesses the same OLQs — consistency across tasks is what builds your GTO assessment.
Two rounds — one on a current affairs topic, one abstract. The group must reach a consensus (ideally).
- •Initiate if you have a strong point — but only if prepared
- •Build on others' points; don't dismiss them
- •Summarise the group's view when appropriate
- •Volume and clarity matter — speak to the far end of the table
A map-based scenario. The group analyses a problem, plans a solution, and the GTO picks one candidate to brief the group.
- •Read the map carefully — distances and time constraints are key
- •Prioritise tasks by urgency and resources available
- •If chosen to brief: speak confidently, structure your plan clearly
An outdoor obstacle course completed as a full group (10–12 people) using helping materials. Difficulty increases across 4 obstacles.
- •Volunteer to carry materials, but also delegate
- •Ensure all group members cross each obstacle
- •Help physically weaker members without embarrassing them
- •Call out the plan loudly so the GTO can hear you contributing
Same format as PGT but with only half the group (~5 people). You have more visibility — use it.
- •This is your time to lead or at minimum strongly contribute
- •Speak up more than you did in PGT
- •Ensure the task is completed — the GTO is watching time management
A physical race involving obstacles. Speed and teamwork both matter.
- •Don't sprint ahead and leave the group behind
- •Help the slowest member — this shows cooperation
- •Energy and liveliness are assessed here — stay vocal and positive
You get 3 minutes to speak on one of 4 topics shown on a card. 1 minute preparation.
- •Choose the topic you know most about — not the most impressive one
- •Structure: Introduction → 2–3 main points → Conclusion
- •Maintain eye contact with the entire group, not just the GTO
- •Use examples — personal or current affairs — to make it vivid
10 individual obstacles to attempt in 3 minutes. Each obstacle has a point value (1–3). You choose the order.
- •Plan your sequence: start with easy-medium obstacles to build momentum
- •Attempt higher-value obstacles even if risky — partial attempts score points
- •Courage and initiative are assessed — don't play it safe exclusively
- •Speed matters — keep moving
You lead a sub-group of 2–3 people assigned by the GTO to complete an obstacle.
- •Give a clear, simple briefing before starting
- •Assign specific roles — don't let people stand idle
- •Check on your sub-group during the task
- •Thank them at the end — shows social grace
Last outdoor group task. Same format as PGT. The GTO is looking for consistency with your earlier performance.
- •Maintain the same energy as Day 3 — fatigue is normal but show stamina
- •This is your last chance to demonstrate initiative — take it
GD & Lecturette Topics
Women in Combat Roles in the Indian Armed Forcesdefense
- →Women are now commissioned in all three services
- →Permanent Commission granted after Supreme Court ruling (2020)
- →Physical standards debate vs equal opportunity
- →International precedents — Israel, USA, UK
Is India ready for a Two-Front War?defense
- →Simultaneous threat from China and Pakistan
- →Indigenisation through Make in India Defence
- →Role of nuclear deterrence
- →Strategic partnerships with US, Russia, Israel
Social Media: Boon or Bane for Youthsocial
- →Information access vs misinformation spread
- →Mental health impact on adolescents
- →Radicalisation and fake news
- →Entrepreneurship and career opportunities
Should Capital Punishment be Abolished?social
- →Deterrence debate — empirical evidence
- →Risk of executing innocent persons
- →India's rarest of the rare doctrine
- →International trend towards abolition
Artificial Intelligence — Threat or Opportunity?current-affairs
- →Job displacement vs new job creation
- →AI in defence (autonomous weapons)
- →Ethical frameworks and regulation
- →India's National AI Strategy
Uniform Civil Code in Indiacurrent-affairs
- →Article 44 of the Constitution — directive principle
- →Goa already has a UCC
- →Religious sensitivity and personal law
- →Uttarakhand UCC 2024 — first state implementation
Agniveer Scheme — Pros and Consdefense
- →4-year short service commission for youth
- →Reduces pension burden on defence budget
- →Concerns about experience continuity
- →25% retention to regular cadre
Is India a Global Superpower Yet?current-affairs
- →5th largest economy, G20 presidency
- →Soft power — diaspora, culture, yoga, films
- →Military capability gaps vs China
- →Demographic dividend and tech leadership
Climate Change and National Securitycurrent-affairs
- →Water scarcity fuelling border conflicts
- →Extreme weather affecting military operations
- →India's glacier loss and Himalayan flashpoints
- →Net zero targets vs defence modernisation costs
Brain Drain — Challenge or Opportunity for India?social
- →Indian diaspora remittances and knowledge transfer
- →IIT graduates in global leadership roles
- →Improving domestic conditions to retain talent
- →Reverse brain drain post-COVID
Space Militarisation — Where Does India Stand?defense
- →DRDO's ASAT test — Mission Shakti 2019
- →Defence Space Agency set up 2019
- →Outer Space Treaty obligations
- →Chandrayaan-3 and dual-use technology
Reservation Policy in India — Time to Review?social
- →Constitutional mandate — SCs, STs, OBCs
- →EWS reservation — economic criterion
- →Creamy layer debate
- →50% cap — Mandal case Supreme Court ruling