Learn from the officer who sat on the other side of the table.
Group Captain Koushik Bandopadhyay (Retd) served over twelve years as a Senior Military Psychologist at Air Force Selection Boards. Today he mentors a small number of aspirants personally.
An assessor's understanding, applied to your preparation.
Most SSB coaching teaches candidates what to say. Gp Capt Bandopadhyay's approach is different: having assessed candidates himself at the Boards, he helps you understand what assessors are actually looking for — and develop it genuinely, rather than perform it.
Beyond his own assessment work, he was instrumental in setting up a new Selection Board and has trained and mentored psychologists, both Service and civilian, at SSBs and DIPR.
His approach is scientific, ethical and personal. He does not run large batches.
Commissioned 10 June 1992
- SelectionSenior Military Psychologist, AF Selection Boards (12+ years); helped establish a new Selection Board; trained psychologists at SSBs & DIPR
- CommandCommanded an operational unit; Command Org Officer & Command Works Officer; Chief Administrative Officer; Senior Air Traffic Controller
- EducationIIT Kharagpur · IIM Lucknow · University of Madras · Defence Services Staff College
- HonoursCommendations from the AOC-in-C, South Western Air Command, and the Chief of the Air Staff
Preparation for every stage of the Board.
Offered in person in Kolkata, with online sessions for candidates elsewhere.
SSB Interview Preparation
Complete preparation for the five-day SSB: screening, psychology tests, GTO tasks, personal interview and conference.
Psychological Assessment
An in-depth assessment of where you stand on the Officer Like Qualities, the way a Board psychologist would see you.
One-to-One Mentoring
Personal sessions focused on your own profile, background and areas for growth. Particularly useful for repeat candidates.
Mock Interview & Board
A realistic interview with detailed debrief, conducted by someone who has sat on the Board.
The Board is not looking for a perfect candidate. It is looking for an honest one with the potential to lead.— Placeholder quote · to be replaced with his own words
How mentoring works.
First conversation
A short call to understand your entry, your attempts so far, and what you want from mentoring.
Assessment
Psychological tests and an initial interview to see where you stand today.
Personal plan
Focused sessions on the qualities and areas that matter most for you.
Mock Board
A full mock run with detailed feedback before you report to your SSB.
Where a recommendation leads.
The SSB is the gateway to a commission — in the cockpit, on the bridge, or with the special forces.
Fifteen Officer Like Qualities.
Every SSB technique — every test, task and question — is designed to observe the same set of qualities, grouped into four factors.
Planning & Organising
Effective intelligence, reasoning ability, organising ability, power of expression
Social Adjustment
Social adaptability, cooperation, sense of responsibility
Social Effectiveness
Initiative, self-confidence, speed of decision, ability to influence the group, liveliness
Dynamic
Determination, courage, stamina
In their words.
Sir helped me understand why I had been screened out twice. It was not about learning answers — it was about understanding myself.
The mock interview was closer to the real one than anything else I had prepared with. I went in calm.
His feedback on my TAT and SRT responses was honest, sometimes uncomfortable, and exactly what I needed.
Sample text for layout only. Real messages from former candidates would go here.
Frequently asked.
Where are the sessions held?
In person in Kolkata. Candidates outside Kolkata can take sessions online.
Who is this for?
Candidates who have cleared, or are preparing for, the written examination for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, TES, ACC or other entries, and who have an SSB date coming up — including repeat candidates.
How large are the batches?
Small. Most mentoring is one-to-one or in small groups so that each candidate gets individual attention.
I have been conferenced out before. Can this help?
Yes — repeat candidates often benefit most from understanding how they were assessed and what to work on.
What are the fees?
Please get in touch on WhatsApp or by phone for current programmes and fees.
Begin with a conversation.
Send a message with your entry and SSB date, and you will receive a reply personally.
- Phone+91 91474 20169
- WhatsAppMessage on WhatsApp
- Emailbandosconsultancy@gmail.com
- LocationKolkata, West Bengal
Full address to be added