ISSB Preparation Forum

Revised June 2026

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After Reading these Notes:

• Static Verbal Test - 100 + Questions
• Live Verbal Intelligence Test -Practice (40 Questions
• Free Verbal Test - Live Practice 2 (40 Question)
• Non Verbal Test at ISSB
  

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Verbal Ability Test, also known as Aptitude test is conducted to check the personality of the candidate. Verbal intelligence is a person’s ability to understand and reason using concepts framed in words. It is also defined as a person’s ability to use words and their combinations effectively when it comes to analyzing information, communication and problem solving. It may comprise Analogy, Synonyms, Prepositions, Antonyms, Direct and Indirect , Active and Passive Voice, Spotting Errors, Vocabulary tests.

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Verbal intelligence tests at both the Initial Tests and ISSB are computer-based multiple-choice exams. The breakdown of the way these test are taken at initial tests and at ISSB is as under:-

Initial Tests (Recruitment Center:

• Acts as a strict eliminator. You must pass test to move on to the medical and physical rounds.
• Number of Questions: 84 to 90 questions.
• Time Allowed: 30 minutes.
• Average Time Per Question: ~20 seconds.
• Question Types:Analogy: Relationship matching (e.g., Light : Blind :: Sound : ____). Series Completion: Number and letter patterns (e.g., 2, 4, 8, 16, ____).Classification / Odd One Out: Spotting the word that does not fit the group.Coding/Decoding: Deciphering secret word-to-number or letter-shift codes.Direction Sense: Mapping out movement (e.g., Walking north, turning left...).

ISSB (Day 1 - Screening) The ISSB verbal test is faster and features more complex, mixed logic to test your performance under high pressure.

• Number of Questions: 100 to 105 questions.
• Time Allowed: 30 minutes.
• Average Time Per Question: ~17 seconds.
• Question Types:Jumbled Words: Unscrambling letters to name an animal, city, or object.Blood Relations: Solving complex family tree riddles.Calendar & Time: Calculating days (e.g., If yesterday was Sunday, what is the day after tomorrow?).Arithmetic Logic: Quick mental math, percentages, and fractional word problems.Synonyms & Antonyms: Advanced vocabulary and word meanings.

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Verbal aptitude tests can include questions on: - Grammar, Comprehension, Verbal analogies, Spelling, Sentence completion, Comprehension, Word groups, Critical reasoning

ANALOGY
Dimmed: Light as is
A - Muffled: Sound
B - Garish: Color
C - bleached: Texture
D - Measured: Weight

SPELLINGS
Which of the following words are incorrectly spelled?
A) separate
B) ordnance
C) obviously
D) sucess
E) none of these

BLOOD RELATIONSHIP
A and B are children of C. C is the father of A but is not the daughter of C. What is B to C?
Answer: Son

INTELLIGENCE/ COMMON SENSE
It takes 3 minutes to boil an egg. How much time will it take to boil 6 eggs together
A. 18
B. 6
C. 3

Islamabad is famous because:
A. It is a very clear city
B. Numerous foreigners live in it
C. The President lives in it
D. It is the capital of Pakistan

If 5th of the month falls two days after Monday, what day of the week will fall on 19th of the month?
Answer:Wednesday

SIMILARITIES / DIFFERENCE
Which is dissimilar from the other subjects:
A. Wrong and right
B. Long and short
C. Please and happy
D. Carved and straight

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Are intelligence tests computer-based?

Yes, these intelligence tests at ISSB abd during initial tests are entirely computer based. You will have an inidividaul computer/ monitor, and select your answers using a mouse or keyboard.

What's passing percentage of these tests?

The intellignce test are screening test, the grading is in the form of pass / fail and 4 different levels for passed candiates. Generally, candidate obtaining 60% makes shall be safe.

Is there negative marking verbal tests?

No, there is no negative marking. If you are running out of time, it is highly recommended to guess and fill in all remaining answers rather than leaving them blank.

What if I fail the intelligence test?

The intelligence tests act as a screening round. If you fail to meet the required cut-off score on Day 1, or during inital tests, you will be boarded out (sent home) on the very same day. Further tests will not be held for you.

Can I skip aand come back to a question laterr?

The time limit is extremely tight, candidates are advised to mark an answer immediately and move forward, as you rarely get time to review skipped questions.

Whats difference between Verbal and Non-Verbal tests?

• Verbal Tests: Text-based questions assessing language, arithmetic, logic, and vocabulary.
• Non-Verbal Tests: Picture, pattern, and shape-based matrix questions assessing spatial reasoning and abstract thinking without relying on words.

Are calculators allowed during the exam?

Calculators are strictly forbidden. You must perform all mathematical calculations mentally. However, you are usually provided with a small piece of rough paper and a pencil at your desk for quick drafting.

Does score in these tests affect final ISSB recommendation?

Yes, it does, in many ways, but to limited extent, within the issb other tests, and after the issb tests as well. Your intelligence test scores helps the slectors and the army in many ways to decide about your professional combinitions and possibilities.

Does Preparation for Verbal Test helps?

You can absolutely prepare for these and it does help. While your base intelligence is relatively stable, practicing helps your brain recognize patterns instantly, teaches you shortcut tricks, and drastically increases your solving speed under strict time pressure.

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After Reading these Notes: -Static Verbal Test - 100 + Questions
After the Static Test : Take Free Live Verbal Intelligence Practice Test

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The examples and the Sample verbal test here apply to initial tests of PMA, TCC, GDP, CAE, Air Defense, Lady Cadet Course, Direct Short Service Commission (DSSC) and Short Service Commission Courses, ICTO and all other graduate based courses.