Reporting, documents, and what to bring
[ The short answer ]
Candidates are summoned by a postal call-up letter, and schedules are also published on the ISSB website, searchable by service, course, and gender. Testing runs 4 full days (the reporting day is separate and does not count as a test day), and candidates are fully boarded, with food and lodging provided.
Call-up notices are issued in phases and delivered by post, SMS, and the ISSB website (issb-bd.org), which is updated once a batch's schedule is finalized. Candidates are advised to check it periodically rather than wait solely for the postal letter. If your roll number appears in the call-up list but you never physically receive the letter, you are still expected to report on the scheduled date. You can also contact ISSB directly if your roll number does not appear at all.
Online bio-data form
Before reporting, candidates must complete the online bio-data form through the ISSB candidate portal (candidate.issb-bd.org) using the details printed on the call-up letter. The interview and the psychological assessment are both built around what you write there, so fill it in honestly and completely.
Documents to bring
- The call-up letter itself
- Original SSC and HSC certificates and marksheets (or O/A-level equivalents) plus photocopies for submission
- National ID card (NID) or equivalent identity document
- Passport-size photographs, if required by the call-up letter
Mobile phones, smartwatches, and medicines are surrendered at reporting and returned on the final day.
Items generally prohibited from being brought in
- Cameras of any kind
- Audio or visual recording devices
- Knives or other sharp weapons
- Mobile phones
- Pets
- Alcohol or drugs
- Firearms
- Any item banned by the government
General dress expectations
Candidates are expected to present a clean, smart, well-groomed appearance throughout testing: proper haircut, trimmed nails, and tidy clothing, particularly for the Group Discussion, Group Planning, and Interview sessions. Seasonal clothing needs (summer or winter wear) are usually specified in the call-up letter itself, since requirements can shift slightly year to year. Female candidates are generally advised to dress modestly according to prevailing social norms, keep hair neatly tied, avoid wearing jewelry during outdoor obstacle tasks, and bring a tracksuit for physical activities.
Guardians or parents are not required to accompany candidates, but they are welcome to come on the first day (and wait until the screening result is announced) and return on the final day to receive the candidate.