AFSB Picture Perception and Description Test (PP & DT)
PP & DT can be categorised into two divisions of the same test. Let’s understand the Picture
Perception and Description Test in detail below.
o In Picture Perception (PP), an image is shown on the screen for 30 seconds, then applicants
are given 1 minute to fill in the minute details from the image such as mood, sex, age,
activities, context, etc. Then they are given 4 minutes to write a 70-word story about it.
o Candidates are divided into small groups of 10-15 and asked to sit in a semi-circle for
the Discussion Test (DT). Then each candidate is given one minute to present their story
before the group. Following that, the group is asked to discuss and create a collective story
that incorporates aspects from each candidate's story. This round is also known as Story
Narration and Discussion Test
AFSB Phase 1 Elimination
After the three screening tests are conducted, post-lunch results are announced. Shortlisted
candidates move to the AFSB Interview phase 2. For that, they are required to fill up the Personal
Information Questionnaire (PIQ) for document verification. A new chest number is also allotted for
the next phase. Remaining candidates who are rejected are given Travel Allowance to leave the
centre. Two points to note for AFSB Interview screening elimination are -
o TA is provided only to freshers and not reappearing candidates.
o The elimination is applicable only on this 1st day and on the 5th day.
DAY 2: Psychology Test
In the 2nd of the AFSB interview process, a total of four psychological tests are conducted to assess
aspirants’ mental stability, perception, personality traits, and unconscious stigmas and strengths to
work properly in defence forces. Candidates are asked to respond to questions based on how they
perceive each of the psychological test batteries. There are no correct or incorrect answers to the
questions.
1. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
The SSB Thematic Apperception Test tests candidates’ both realistic and imaginative skills to
understand how as an officer he/she draws conclusions to a burning situation. Here, they are
displayed 12 pictures out of which 11 are hazy while the last picture is a blank placard. Each picture is
displayed for only 30 seconds after which they are given 4 minutes to write a story. After 12 pictures
are shown sequentially, each story is checked to test candidates’ unique representation of facts,
ideas, and assumptions for selection.
2. Word Association Test (WAT)
In the SSB Word Association Test round, candidates are shown 60 words on the screen for 15
seconds each. After each word, they are asked to write a sentence of their own; making a total of 60
sentences.
3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
In the AFSB interview process, the SSB Situation Reaction Test round is one of the most crucial stages
where candidates’ strong mindset and decision making skills as an officer are tested. Candidates are
handed a booklet containing 60 different scenarios, and are asked to write their responses to them in
30 minutes. The answers must be unique and display their strong picture of conscious &
subconscious mind while reacting as an Officer to those very situations.
4. Self-Description Test (SDT)
Candidates must write a few paragraphs describing themselves in the SSB Self-Description Test.
They’re asked to write the opinions of their parents, teachers, friends, and others. Types of self-
assessment questions relating to how candidates want to develop their skills, show of strengths and
flaws in front of others, and so on. This SDT exercise has a time limit of 15 minutes.
DAY 3: Group Test-I
In Day 3, the Group Test 1 is conducted which is one of the GTO Tasks in SSB. Here, candidates are
divided into small groups and their ability to perform outdoor tests in groups are tested by a Group
Testing Officer. All of the Group Task-I activities are given below.
1. Group Discussion (GD)
In this round, candidates are given two GD topics from socio-political issues and Current Affairs.
Then, they are asked to present their personal views within those two group-discussions back to
back for around 20-30 minutes each. Social-cooperation and self-confidence are two OLQs that are
tested in this round as well as their communication, speaking and authoritative skills are tested.
2. Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
Military Planning Exercise is another name for Group Planning Exercise. Candidates are separated
into small groups of 8-12 people for this task. They are given a problem with a 2D or 3D structure
and asked to come up with a common solution and explain it using a map. The AFSB Interview GPE
round is divided between individual and group planning activities to assess candidates' individual
leadership and mental abilities, as well as their team-leadership skills to solve tasks in real-time with
a group of officers.
3. Progressive Group Task (PGT)
In this third GTO task of the AFSB interview process, candidates will need to cross a total of 4
obstacles or hurdles using some helping material weight like wooden plank, rope, etc. As an efficient
group, candidates must use those materials carefully to cross various levels of obstacles in the
shortest possible time.
4. Half Group Task (HGT)
The HGT round is similar to the previous PGT round. However, the only difference here is that now
the group is divided into two halves and are asked to compete against each other in terms of
tackling hurdles.
5. Group Obstacle Race (GOR) or Snake Race
As GOR is a group task, candidates will have to tackle a total of 6 obstacles by sticking to a rope like
a snake. Candidates’ individual sportsman spirit, fitness and team management skills are tested. Thus,
the whole group is punished if one aspirant commits any mistake.
DAY 4: Group Test-II
In Day 4, the five remaining GTO tasks out of total 9 tasks are conducted. All the group tests for the
AFSB interview conducted on this day are given below.
1. Lecturette
This Lecturette round is similar to an impromptu speech competition. Candidates are asked to speak
for 3 minutes on any one of the 4 given topics. All aspirants must go through the top Lecturette
Topics for SSB AFSB Interview as here their officier-like speaking and interactive skills will be tested.
2. Individual Obstacles (IO)
In the IO task, candidates are required to overcome 10 obstacles in 3 minutes. Each hurdle task is
marked in the range of 1-10 (1 being the lowest difficulty task and 10 the highest difficulty task).
Some of the AFSB interview IO tasks are as follows -
o Jumping over a slide
o Long jump
o High jump
o Zig-zag balance
o Walking on a wooden log
o High-screen jumping on platforms like Burma bridge, Tarzan swing, etc.
o Jumping through a tyre.
3. Command Task (CT)
In the CT AFSB interview group task, one candidate is chosen as the commander. Then he/she is
asked to select their own team. The commander instructs the team members helpful ways to clear
the obstacles. Candidates’ leadership and observation qualities as an officer are tested.
4. Final Group Task (FGT)
Just like the PGT round of the earlier AFSB Interview group test 1, candidates are grouped into
bigger units and are required to solve more difficult tasks than HGT and PGT in the shortest possible
time.
Personal Interview
The Personal Interview round can be called one of the most crucial parts of the AFSB interview
process. Candidates have to appear for one-to-one daily interviews with the Interviewing Officer (IO).
It usually takes place from 2nd to 4th day after respective daily tasks are completed. Candidates are
questioned on daily activities, work, education and personal experiences, individual performance
levels, and on general awareness topics too.
During this AFSB interview procedure, the IO will assess candidates’ body language, facial
expressions, alertness, creativity and speaking skills. Thus, you are recommended to supercharge
your preparation and ensure selection in the AFSB interview with the best SSB Interview Coaching in
India.
Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
The Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) was earlier known as Pilot Aptitude Battery Test
(PABT). It is conducted for only those candidates who take up in the flying branch of Indian Air Force.
The CPSS is an once-in-a-lifetime test that is conducted after Day 4 of the AFSB Interview process. To
check the hand, leg movements, vision and sensory skills of candidates, the CPSS test batteries
include the following -
o Instrument Battery Test
o Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMAT)
o Control Velocity Test (CVT)
DAY 5: Conference
Day 5 is the last day of the AFSB Interview process and is also the judgement day. The Board
Conference day starts with the ‘closing address’ of the assessor and then the main conference starts
between the candidates and the Board.
o All the AFSB officers who took part in the evaluation process earlier will discuss the
performance of aspirants in the psychological and group tests.
o Later, candidates are called to face a panel of officers who assess each pupil on various
parameters, such as personality, individual strengths & weaknesses, team equation, presence
of mind, performance in the AFSB testing, etc
o Each candidate then appears before the board individually, where their overall evaluation
takes place through Board recommendations.
o Before a collective decision is made, candidates who are chosen to work on the border-line
will be given certain situations.
o After the AFSB Interview result is announced, candidates who are shortlisted get retained for
a further AFCAT Physical Standard Test while others leave the centre immediately.
Note - Based on the candidates’ performance in the Written Test and AFCAT AFSB Interview, and
subject to fulfilling all the physical and medical standards, an all-India merit list will be prepared. This
merit list will also take into account the no. of vacancies available for various branches and sub-
branches.
Check AFCAT Merit List for final selection in detail here!
Documents Required for AFCAT AFSB Interview
Process
Candidates who are appearing for the AFSB Interview procedure must carry the following list of
documents. As officially mentioned, aspirants who cannot produce these documents or cannot meet
the official AFCAT Eligibility Criteria will not be allowed to appear for the AFSB interview process and
will be sent back without providing any TA. The list of documents required for verification are as
follows -
o AFCAT Admit Card
o Original Matriculation/ Secondary School & 10+2 certificates and marksheets and two
attested photocopies for date of birth verification.
o Original or Provision Graduation & Post-graduation degree certificate and marksheets and
two attested photocopies.
o Provisional degree certificate issued by the University is only acceptable.
o Final-year aspirants can submit certificates issued by College Principal with official seal &
stamp of the Institution.
o Original NCC Certificate (if applicable)
o Twenty photocopies of recent passport size photographs (coloured) in white background.
o Inbound railway tickets & bus tickets (for TA reimbursement)
o Original valid Commercial Pilots’ License, issued by DGCA (if applicable)
o Employer-NOC of Central/ State Govt. or PSUs.
AFSB Interview Questions
As mentioned earlier, in the AFSB Interview process of personal interview, candidates are asked
several personal as well as professional questions by the GTO. Thus, it is important to prepare for the
questions asked in the AFSB interview. Oūr expērṭs have pr̥ ōviḍed sōme ōf the mōśt frequently
asked AFSB Interview questions and answers below fōr your reference.
1. Which company manufactures the Chinook helicopter?
Ans: It is developed by an American rotorcraft company called Vertol and manufactured by Boeing
Vertol.
2. Who is the current Chief of Air Staff of India?
Ans: Air Marshal Isiaka Oladayo Amao.
3. Which is the fastest fighter jet of the Indian Air Force?
Ans: Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-25 that runs at a speed of 3,000 km/h
4. On which day is Indian Air Force Day celebrated?
Ans: 8th October.
5. Who is the first woman Air Marshal of the Indian Air Force?
Ans: Air Marshal Padma Bandopadhyay
6. Where is the Training command of the Indian Army located?
Ans: The Army Training Command (ARTRAC) is located in Shimla.
7. The Strait of Otranto connects the Adriatic Sea with the Ionian Sea and separates ________ from
Albania.
Ans: Italy.
8. What was the name of the IAF operation during the Kargil conflict of 1999?
Ans: Operation Safed Sagar or White Sea.
9. Which company manufactures the Rafale jet?
Ans: Dassault Aviation and Airbus Defence and Space.
Learn more about Rafale Fighter Jets here!
10. Which is the largest transport aircraft of the Indian Air Force?
Ans: C-17 Globemaster.
Download AFSB Interview Questions and Answers PDF
Best Books for AFSB Interview Preparation
Apart from the AFSB interview questions, all candidates must refer to the expert-recommended
study materials to level up their preparation. Check out suggested books given below to best know
how to prepare for AFSB interview.
Must-Read Books for AFSB Interview
Book Name Author/
Publication
SSB Interview: The Complete Guide Dr. N.K. Natarajan
Manorama Yearbook Mammen Mathew
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Exam Guide: For Flying and R.Gupta
Technical Branch (Popular Master Guide)
General Knowledge Arihant
The Power of Your Subconscious Mind Dr. Joseph Murphy
How to Prepare for AFCAT AFSB Interview Process?
The AFCAT AFSB Interview round is tough in terms of types of questions asked on candidates’
educational, professional, and management experience. Aspirants’ both leadership as well as mental
& analytical qualities will be tested in the 5-day AFSB interview process. So, let’s check out the tips to
crack below.
o Start reading newspapers on a daily basis to be updated on trending news and current affairs
on Govt. affairs, especially on the Indian Air Force developments.
o Since the OIR test round will comprise verbal & non-verbal reasoning skill test questions,
aspirants must practise questions related to odd & embedded figures, series, mirror & water
images, etc.
o All candidates must work on their verbal & communication skills to ace the group test rounds
as it requires one-on-one coordination with other team members.
o Make a habit of reading & writing unique stories for the PP & DT round as it’s crucial to
qualify for moving further into the AFSB Interview process.
o Start practising a good number of WATs & SRTs to improve on your time-management skills
during the actual exam.
o Fix a daily timetable of physical exercises, yoga and meditation to improve on your physical
as well as mental strength to ace both individual and group outdoor activities.
o Stay updated on the Indian Air Force-related details such as ranks, insignias, officer names,
missiles & aircrafts, etc.
o Lastly, all aspirants are recommended to refer to the GK & Current Affairs blog to be
acquainted with all current events related to Indian economy, defence, and parliament and
Air Force wing.
What Next After AFSB Interview?
Candidates who have cleared the AFCAT AFSB Interview process will be called for the
AFCAT Physical Standard Test, followed by a medical exam. The medical round will be taken to assess
height, weight and vision specificatīons, holding them physically and mentally eligible for final
recruitment. Some of the important points are given below.
o Candidates need to complete 1.6 km running in 10 minutes, followed by 10 pushups and 3
chinups.
o Candidates must also be physically fit by adhering to height, weight and chest
measurements.
o At AFSB training centres, aspirants will be able to undergo physical training activīties such as
swimming, rope climbing, running, etc.
o Candidates shortlisted by the Air Force Selection Board will have to report to Air Force
Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi, or Institute of Aviation Medicine,
Bengaluru for medical examination.
Thus, candidates who qualify all the three stages, namely online examination, AFSB interview, and
medical exam will be displayed on the AFCAT final merit list.
