Becoming an officer in the Indian Armed Forces is not just about clearing written exams or performing well in SSB interviews. At the heart of leadership selection lies a set of behavioural traits known as Officer Like Qualities (OLQs).
Developing Officer Like Qualities (OLQs)
These qualities reflect the mental, social, and emotional strength expected from future military leaders. The good news? OLQs are not innate or fixed — they can be learnt, strengthened, and displayed through disciplined, conscious efforts in daily life.
This article breaks down the OLQs and provides practical ways to develop them using everyday activities, habits, and real-life actions.
What Are OLQs? (Officer Like Qualities)
SSB evaluates 15 Officer Like Qualities, grouped into four broad factors. These reflect overall personality, leadership potential, decision-making, and emotional balance.
Factor 1: Planning & Organizing
- Effective Intelligence
- Reasoning Ability
- Organizing Ability
- Power of Expression
Factor 2: Social Adjustment
- Social Adaptability
- Cooperation
- Sense of Responsibility
Factor 3: Social Effectiveness
- Initiative
- Self-confidence
- Speed of Decision
- Ability to Influence the Group
- Liveliness
Factor 4: Dynamic Factor
- Determination
- Courage
- Stamina
These qualities are assessed continuously through SSB tasks — but they develop over months and years, not in one week.
Activities You Can Participate In to Build OLQs
1. Team Sports
Football, basketball, kabaddi, hockey — builds cooperation, stamina, leadership.
2. NCC
Strongest platform for discipline, leadership, responsibility, group influence.
3. Debate / MUN / Public Speaking
Improves expression, initiative, confidence.
4. Social Work & Volunteering
NGOs, blood donation camps, relief camps — builds responsibility and empathy.
5. Organising Events
College fest, school programs, tournaments — strengthens planning and group influence.
6. Fitness Activities
Running clubs, cycling, trekking — essential for stamina and courage.
7. Study or Discussion Groups
Great practice for decision-making, expression, cooperation, and leadership.
8. Adventure Sports
Trekking, rock climbing, water sports — teaches courage, adaptability, and mental toughness.
OLQs are not something you “perform” only during SSB. They are habits, behaviours, and values that grow slowly through daily discipline, teamwork, self-improvement, and reflection. The Indian Armed Forces are looking for leaders who can think, adapt, inspire, decide, and endure under pressure — and every small step you take today brings you closer to that officer’s uniform.
Author: Akshay Pathania Academics Mentor at Nimbus