The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the entry point for candidates who want to become commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF). After clearing the AFCAT written exam, candidates must go through the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, which is a multi-stage evaluation process.

For those preparing for AFSB, coaching institutes like Karangal Institute provide structured guidance and training to improve performance in psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.

This blog will provide a step-by-step breakdown of the AFSB interview process, including its different stages, preparation tips, required documents, and what to expect.

<!-- [if gte vml 1]> <![endif]--><!-- [if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->

Step 1: AFCAT Written Exam Result & AFSB Call Letter

? Check Your AFCAT 1 2025 Result

• After the AFCAT exam (conducted on 22nd and 23rd February 2025), IAF will release the results on its official website (https://afcat.cdac.in).
• Candidates who qualify for the written exam can download their AFSB call letter from the AFCAT portal.

? Choosing Your AFSB Center and Date

• Candidates can select their AFSB interview date and venue from the available options.
• It is advisable to choose a date that gives you enough time to prepare.

? AFSB Centers in India

There are five AFSB centers where interviews are conducted:

1. AFSB Dehradun (1 AFSB)
2. AFSB Mysuru (2 AFSB)
3. AFSB Gandhinagar (3 AFSB)
4. AFSB Varanasi (4 AFSB)
5. AFSB Guwahati (5 AFSB)

Step 2: Reporting at the AFSB Center

• Candidates must report at the designated railway station or the AFSB center as per the instructions in their call letter.
• IAF provides free travel allowance (TA) for candidates traveling by train (sleeper class for first-time candidates).
• Candidates are given a briefing about the selection process upon arrival.

At Karangal Institute, candidates can enroll in mock interview sessions and personality development programs to improve their confidence and communication skills before the AFSB interview.

Step 3: Stage 1 – Screening Test (Day 1)

The first step in the AFSB selection is the Screening Test, which consists of:

1. Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test

• Type: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Format: Multiple-choice questions (MCQs)
• Duration: 20-30 minutes
• Preparation Tips: Practice logical reasoning, number series, coding-decoding, analogies, etc.

2. Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)

• Candidates are shown a blurred image for 30 seconds.
• They have to write a short story (within 4 minutes) based on their interpretation.
• A group discussion follows, where candidates discuss their stories and try to form a common story as a group.

Result of Stage 1

• Candidates who do not pass Stage 1 are sent home the same day.
• Those who clear Stage 1 proceed to Stage 2 and stay at the AFSB center for the next 4-5 days.

Step 4: Stage 2 – Psychological & Group Testing (Day 2 to Day 4)

Day 2 – Psychological Tests

Conducted by a psychologist, these tests assess a candidate’s personality and mindset.

1. Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)

• Candidates are shown 12 pictures, including 1 blank slide.
• They must write a story for each image within 4 minutes.

2. Word Association Test (WAT)

• 60 words are shown, each for 15 seconds.
• Candidates must write the first thought that comes to mind for each word.

3. Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

• Candidates are given 60 real-life situations and must respond in short, logical answers.

4.Self-Description Test (SDT)

• Candidates must write about themselves, covering:
• Parents' opinion
• Teachers’ opinion
• Friends' opinion
• Their own strengths & weaknesses
• Future goals

At Karangal Institute, students practice TAT, WAT, SRT, and SDT under expert guidance, receiving personalized feedback to improve responses.

Day 3 & Day 4 – Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

1.Group Discussion (GD)

• Candidates discuss two topics (current affairs & social issues).

2. Group Planning Exercise (GPE)

• A situation with a problem & resources is given.
• Candidates must plan a solution and discuss it.

3.Progressive Group Task (PGT)

• Teams solve obstacle-based puzzles using wooden planks, ropes, etc.

4.Command Task

• Each candidate is made a leader and must give instructions to the team to solve a task.

5.Individual Obstacles (IO)

• Candidates complete 10 physical obstacles in a set time.

Step 5: Personal Interview (Day 4 or 5)

A one-on-one interview is conducted with an IAF officer. Questions focus on:

• Personal life, education, and career goals
• General awareness & defense-related topics
• Hobbies, interests, and achievements

At Karangal Institute, experienced mentors conduct mock interviews to help candidates refine their answers and improve communication skills.

Step 6: Conference (Day 5)

• All officers review the candidate’s performance.
• Candidates who are borderline cases may be asked additional questions.
• Final selection is announced the same day.

Step 7: Medical Examination

• Candidates recommended by the AFSB undergo a medical test at an IAF hospital.
• The process takes about 7-10 days.
• Candidates must meet the medical & physical fitness standards.

Step 8: Final Merit List & Selection

• A final merit list is released based on AFCAT written exam + AFSB interview + Medical fitness.
• Selected candidates are sent for training at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad.

Conclusion

The AFSB interview is a challenging yet rewarding process for those aspiring to join the Indian Air Force as officers. The key to success lies in:
?Thorough preparation
? Physical & mental fitness
?Confidence & clear communication
?Teamwork & leadership skills