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Individual Obstacles

Try Interactive Obstacles Simulation

The Individual Obstacles task is a physical challenge that tests your personal determination, problem-solving abilities, physical fitness, and mental toughness as you navigate through a series of obstacles independently.

What are Individual Obstacles?

This is one of the most important GTO Tasks in Nepal Army and checks out the basic ability, stamina and physical fitness of the candidates to perform different sets of situations or tasks allotted to them by the authorities. This round also checks the decision-making ability of the candidates and the speed with which the candidates can make a decision.

In this task, candidates must complete a series of 10 obstacles within a specified time limit. Each obstacle is designed to test different aspects of physical ability, problem-solving, and determination.

Skills Evaluated

Individual Obstacles test your:

  • Physical fitness
  • Mental toughness
  • Problem-solving abilities
  • Time management
  • Individual determination
  • Decision-making under pressure
  • Adaptability to challenges
  • Perseverance and grit

The 10 Individual Obstacles

Single Ramp obstacle

1. Single Ramp

5 points

A ramp that candidates must run over and land on a sand pit.

Double Barrel Jump obstacle

2. Double Barrel Jump

5 points

A long jump over drums buried in the ground lengthwise.

Balancing Beam obstacle

3. Balancing Beam

8 points

Three wooden beams placed one after another that candidates must cross.

Screen Jump obstacle

4. Screen Jump

6 points

A ramp similar to obstacle #1 with a red screen in front that candidates must jump over.

Parallel Ropes obstacle

5. Parallel Ropes

10 points

Two parallel ropes at approximately 15 feet height from the ground.

Tarzan's Swing obstacle

6. Tarzan's Swing

12 points

A platform with a ladder at approximately 8 feet height with a rope for swinging.

Double Platform obstacle

7. Double Platform

8 points

Two platforms, one at 10 feet and another at 5 feet, with sand pits in front.

Double Ditch obstacle

8. Double Ditch

10 points

Two ditches - one long and one short - separated by a flat surface.

Commando Walk obstacle

9. Commando Walk

10 points

A narrow plank with a victory stand in the middle, fixed at a height of approximately 10 feet.

Tiger's Leap obstacle

10. Tiger's Leap

12 points

A platform with a ladder at a height of 10 feet with a rope in front.

Recommended Sequence for Maximum Points

The recommended sequence to maximize your points is:

10
6
8
9
4
3
5
1
2
7
10

Note: If running out of time, leave obstacles 1 & 2 and do 7 & 10 to get at least 52 points.

Points to Remember

  • Obstacles are arranged in clusters
  • Object is to score maximum points by repeating high value obstacles
  • Start with high value obstacles and do others before repeating
  • Don't follow sequence 1 to 10 because criss-cross wastes time
  • Obstacles 3 and 5 take maximum time
  • Plan to take maximum points
  • If running out of time, leave obstacles 1 & 2 and do 7 & 10 to get at least 52 points

Approach Strategy

  • Have a definite plan
  • Choose the correct sequence
  • Show a sense of urgency - don't walk on the ground
  • Don't break rules or touch red portions of obstacles
  • Remain composed when attempting high-rise obstacles or ditches
  • Don't keep looking at the GTO
  • Don't give up or exceed time

The Course Format

  1. Course Layout: A series of 10 obstacles arranged in clusters.
  2. Objective: Score maximum points by completing obstacles and repeating high-value ones.
  3. Strategy: Don't follow sequence 1 to 10 as criss-crossing wastes time.
  4. Time Management: Obstacles 3 and 5 take maximum time, plan accordingly.
  5. Approach: Have a definite plan and choose the correct sequence.
  6. Composure: Remain composed when attempting high-rise obstacles or ditches.

Preparation Tips

  • Physical conditioning: Focus on building upper body strength, core stability, and cardiovascular endurance.
  • Specific exercises: Practice pull-ups, push-ups, rope climbing, and running to build relevant strength.
  • Balance training: Work on your balance through activities like walking on narrow surfaces or yoga.
  • Agility drills: Practice quick direction changes, ladder drills, and zig-zag running patterns.
  • Obstacle practice: If possible, find obstacle courses or playgrounds where you can practice similar challenges.
  • Mental preparation: Develop strategies for approaching different types of obstacles efficiently.
  • Endurance building: Train for sustained effort over the full course, not just individual obstacles.
  • Recovery techniques: Learn to control your breathing and recover quickly between obstacles.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Starting too fast and burning out quickly
  • Attempting obstacles without proper technique
  • Giving up after a single failed attempt
  • Focusing too much on speed at the expense of proper completion
  • Not pacing yourself throughout the course
  • Becoming visibly frustrated or negative when facing difficulties
  • Ignoring safety guidelines in pursuit of faster completion
  • Failing to adapt your approach after an unsuccessful attempt

Key Takeaways

The Individual Obstacles task is a comprehensive assessment of your physical abilities, mental toughness, and problem-solving skills under pressure. Success in this task demonstrates your potential to overcome physical challenges independently—a crucial quality for military officers.

Remember that assessors are looking not just at your physical performance, but at your approach, determination, and attitude when facing challenges. Even if you struggle with certain obstacles, showing perseverance and a positive attitude can make a strong impression.