Writing the Best TAT Story – Insights from Captain Joshi

The Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) is one of the most crucial psychological tests in the SSB (Services Selection Board) process. In Episode 214 of the SSB Psychological Series on YouTube, India’s most experienced SSB psychologist, Capt Joshi, shares practical and expert insights on how to write the best TAT stories that reflect OLQs (Officer Like Qualities).

What is TAT?

The TAT is a projective psychological test used during the SSB to assess a candidate’s personality, problem-solving abilities, leadership skills, and emotional intelligence. Candidates are shown ambiguous pictures and are required to write a story within a few minutes. The challenge lies in interpreting the image, constructing a logical narrative, and subtly projecting positive attributes that align with an ideal officer's mindset.

Key Highlights from Ep-214

1. Understand the Picture, Not Just See It

Capt Joshi emphasizes the importance of deeply observing the image before jumping into the story. You need to:

• Identify the main character and assign an appropriate age, gender, and background.

• Understand the setting – whether it’s rural, urban, a crisis, a calm situation, etc.

• Think about the underlying emotion in the picture.

Example from the episode:

A boy standing near a river with a broken bridge — instead of simply stating he "builds a bridge", focus on how he solves the issue, the resources, team, and purpose behind his actions.

2. Create a Balanced Structure

A good TAT story has a clear and concise flow:

• Introduction: Who is the main character? What is the situation?

• Action: What steps does the character take to address the situation?

• Outcome: What result is achieved, and what qualities are reflected?

Pro Tip by Capt Joshi: Avoid writing vague or over-ambitious stories. Stick to realistic actions that highlight your planning ability, sense of responsibility, and teamwork.

3. Showcase Officer Like Qualities (OLQs)

The aim is not just to write a story but to reveal your personality through it. Capt Joshi mentions that assessors are trained to pick out subtle cues of OLQs, such as:

• Leadership

• Social adaptability

• Effective intelligence

• Courage

• Initiative

• Emotional stability

Don’t force these traits. Instead, let them organically emerge through your character’s decisions.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Copy-paste approach: Candidates who memorize and reproduce stories fail to stand out. Psychologists easily spot this.

• Over-dramatization: Unrealistic heroism or exaggerated plots feel insincere.

• Negative conclusions: Ending a story on a pessimistic or tragic note reflects poor psychological stamina.

Final Takeaway from Capt Joshi

“The TAT story is a reflection of your thought process. If your mind is clear, confident, and practical, your story will automatically reflect that. Be original. Be natural.”

This episode is a goldmine for serious SSB aspirants who wish to understand the real purpose of the psychological tests. Capt Joshi's experience brings unmatched clarity to how TAT works and what the assessors truly look for.

If you’re preparing for SSB or just want to understand military psychology better, this episode is a must-watch. Take notes, reflect on your own thinking patterns, and practice writing stories that are both realistic and inspiring.