Frequently asked questions
[ The short answer ]
Retakes are allowed but limited: per the recruitment circulars you can no longer apply after two screenings-out, two "not recommended" (red card) outcomes, or one of each, unless both were more than five years ago. ISSB discourages heavy coaching, forbids any attempt to influence results, and publishes outcomes via postal call-up letters and its website.
Can I retake ISSB if I fail?+
Yes, but attempts are limited. You can appear again after being screened out or not recommended once. Per the recruitment circulars, a candidate who is screened out twice at ISSB, or holds two 'not recommended' (red card) outcomes, or one of each, can no longer apply, unless both were more than five years ago. A single red card alone leaves you one remaining attempt.
Do the tests differ by service (Army, Navy, Air Force)?+
No. The overall assessment framework is identical across all three services; only some physical or field events vary slightly.
Should I take coaching beforehand?+
ISSB itself actively discourages heavy coaching, on the grounds that it can make a candidate's behavior look rehearsed and single-track rather than natural. Evaluators are specifically trained to notice this.
Should I try to influence my result through personal contacts?+
Explicitly and strongly prohibited. Attempting to approach ISSB directly or indirectly to influence a recommendation is grounds for disqualification.
What do the green, yellow, and red cards mean on the final day?+
Candidates are handed a result card after the assessment conference: green means you are recommended and move on to the final medical examination; yellow means you are qualified but must appear again later to re-pass the Physical Ability Test (PAT); red means you were not recommended this time.
What happens after I get a green card?+
Recommendation is not the same as selection. You next face the final, detailed medical examination, then each service runs its own final selection board (Army: Army Headquarters; Navy: Final Selection Board; Air Force: Central Medical Board and Cadet Final Selection Board, plus a Pilot Aptitude Test for GD Pilot). Only after that is a joining letter issued.
How will I know my results or call-up date?+
Call-up notices are issued in phases by post, SMS, and the ISSB website (issb-bd.org), and test dates for every batch are published there once finalized. Results after the board are also available on the website.
Do I need to bring a guardian?+
Not required, though they may accompany you on the first day and return for the final day.
Is there a fixed number of candidates selected per batch?+
No fixed quota. If an entire group or batch meets the required standard, all of them can be selected. Equally, none may be selected if no one meets the bar.
What is the best way to prepare, according to ISSB itself?+
Be yourself and do not try to perform a personality. Build genuine fluency in both Bangla and English. Read newspapers and follow current affairs, general science, and major global and domestic events. Practice handwriting speed and legibility, since much of the testing is handwritten and timed. Build physical fitness ahead of time with running, strength work, rope climbing, jumping drills, sit-ups and push-ups. Be honest in the psychological tests and interview, because evaluators are trained to detect exaggerated or invented answers.