How to Prepare for AFCAT AFSB Interview: Preparation Strategy and Important Tips

How to Prepare for AFCAT AFSB Interview: The Indian Air Force Selection Board, alongside the Service Selection Board (SSB), oversees the AFCAT AFSB interview process. Known for its rigour, it stands as one of the toughest interviews in the country. Candidates who pass the AFCAT 2024 exam qualify for the AFSB interview for roles in Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) and Flying branches. This interview assesses both mental and physical strengths, focusing on identifying "officer-like qualities" through various psychological tests and group activities.

The AFSB Interview represents the second phase of the AFCAT 2024 selection process. Candidates who pass this stage undergo a thorough medical examination. Success in both the written test and AFSB interview leads to enlistment as an officer in the Indian Air Force, based on the All-India AFCAT 2024 merit list. Candidates who clear the AFCAT 2 2024 written exam, set for August 9, 10 and 11, 2024, will be called for the AFSB interview or AFSB at different Air Force Selection Board centres across India, spanning five days. For more details on preparing for the AFCAT AFSB interview, interview dates, questions, recommended books, and additional information, continue reading this article.

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AFCAT AFSB 2024 Interview: Overview

Candidates aspiring to join the esteemed Indian Air Force (IAF) in branches like Flying, and Ground Duty (Technical/Non-technical) need to pass the AFCAT 2 2024. Upon successfully clearing the AFCAT online exam, candidates become eligible for the AFSB interview round, also known as Air Force Selection Board Testing. The AFCAT AFSB interview process spans two stages, following a structure similar to the Service Selection Board interview, conducted over 5-6 days. Take a detailed look at the day-wise AFCAT AFSB interview process outlined below:

AFCAT AFSB Interview Important Dates

Before stepping into the AFCAT AFSB interview process, it is important for candidates to be familiar with the interview dates and the schedule for selecting seats. Below are the official AFCAT2 2024 exam dates for the interview and other related events:

AFCAT AFSB Interview Centres 2024

Candidates qualifying for the AFCAT 2 2024 exam will proceed to the AFSB seat selection process. During this stage, candidates need to choose a venue and date from the official list of AFSB testing centres to generate their call letter. Opting for an AFSB interview centre that is convenient and closer to your current location is recommended. The AFCAT 2024 exam centres where the AFSB interviews will take place include:

• AFSB Dehradun, Uttarakhand
• AFSB Mysore, Karnataka
• AFSB Gandhinagar, Gujarat
• AFSB Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh
• AFSB Guwahati, Assam

AFCAT AFSB Interview 2024: Preparation Tips

Check some of the preparation tips for the AFCAT AFSB interview mentioned below

• You should start reading the newspaper daily. It will help you improve your communication skills as well as current affairs. Besides this, reading newspapers will also help you stay updated with the latest news in the defence sector especially in the Indian Air Force
• You need to exercise daily to increase your stamina as your physical strength will be tested in the AFCAT AFSB Interview. Some outdoor sports like cricket and football will surely help you stay active as well as develop a sense of team spirit
• You should try to learn some basic things about the Indian Air Force such as ranks, missiles, commands and aircraft
• Since the OIR (Officer Intelligence Rank) test will comprise a Non-Verbal/ Verbal reasoning skills test, you should try to solve the maximum number of questions from figure embedded, series completion and odd figure-out
• You should practise writing stories as you are expected to write a story of at least 70 words in just 4 minutes during the Picture Perception Test. You can prepare for this test by conducting a demo group discussion with your friends or speaking in front of the mirror
• You should try to solve the maximum number of confidence-building exercises to perform well in the AFCAT AFSB interview.
• Get involved in group discussions about topics like international relations, defence budgets, and current events. Be confident, listen well, and express your ideas clearly to make a good impression.
• Make it a habit to read the newspaper every day. Keeping up with current affairs will boost your knowledge and improve your reading, writing, and comprehension skills.
• Effective communication is key. Practice giving clear and concise answers, maintain eye contact, and learn to summarize information quickly. Regular practice will improve your clarity of thought and expression.
• When engaging in discussions, be careful to avoid arguments. Share your thoughts thoughtfully, stay neutral, and avoid criticizing others. If you make a mistake, admit it gracefully and provide sound reasons for your conclusions.
• Highlight positive leadership qualities in your responses. Share examples of when you demonstrated leadership, teamwork, courage, and determination. Ensure your story reflects the values important to the Air Force.
• Keep your composure during the interview process. Stay calm under pressure, think before you respond, and show resilience. Handling pressure well will positively impact your evaluation.

How to Prepare for AFCAT AFSB Interview in 10 Days?

With only 10 days at hand, though it's not ample for a complete overhaul, it provides a substantial opportunity to enhance your AFSB preparation and leave a positive impression on the selection board. A strategic plan, based on expert advice and reliable resources, can be your guide:

Step 1: Prioritize Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs)

• Understand the 15 OLQs: These are fundamental traits evaluated by AFSB, such as communication, reasoning, initiative, and teamwork. Identify examples from your life that exemplify each OLQ.
• Practice Self-awareness: Reflect on your strengths and weaknesses truthfully. The interview might delve into these aspects.

Step 2: Refine Communication Skills

• Group Discussion (GD): Practice current affairs and hypothetical situations. Emphasize initiating discussions, active participation, and maintaining eye contact.
• Personal Interview (PI): Prepare for common questions about motivation, career goals, and current affairs. Speak confidently, and concisely, and eliminate fillers like "um" and "uh."
• Storytelling: Master the Situation, Task, Action, Result (STAR) method for narrating personal anecdotes showcasing your OLQs.

Step 3: Update Essential Knowledge

• Current Affairs: Stay informed about national and international news, especially related to the IAF and defence sector. Read newspapers, and online articles, and watch credible news channels.
• General Knowledge: Revise basic science, history, and geography. Brush up on Indian political and economic systems.
• Technical Knowledge (for Technical Branches): Briefly review core concepts related to your chosen branch.

Step 4: Utilize the 10 Days Effectively

• Mock Tests and Group Discussions: Participate in online or offline mock sessions to simulate the AFSB environment. Seek feedback for improvement.
• Practice PI Questions: Record yourself answering common PI questions. Analyze your body language, voice modulation, and overall presentation.
• Physical Fitness: Maintain a basic fitness regime with running, push-ups, and sit-ups. Ensure you stay sharp and energetic throughout the assessment.

How to Prepare for AFCAT AFSB Interview: OIR Test

The Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR Test) is a component of the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview for the AFCAT exam. The purpose of the OIR Test is to examine a candidate's intelligence and aptitude for a career in the Indian Air Force. Here are some tips to help you prepare for the OIR Test:

• An applicant's fluid intelligence, or their capacity to reason and solve issues, is assessed on the OIR Test, a cognitive assessment.
• You need to brush up on your maths knowledge and practise answering problems rapidly to be ready for the OIR. Online resources for practice exams and preparation advice are available. To properly manage your time during the defence exam, it is also important to be familiar with the examination structure.
• You will be given a series of questions during the OIR that you must respond to within a set amount of time. Before going on to the next question, you must choose the right response from a list of four options for each question.
• Since there is no penalty for guessing, it is important to attempt to answer each question even if you are unsure of the proper answer.
• The OIR is only one component of the AFCAT, thus while performance on this test is essential, other aspects will be considered when making selection decisions.

How to Prepare for AFCAT AFSB Interview: PPDT Test

During your AFCAT interview, you will be examined on the Picture Perception and Description Test (PPDT). This exam assesses your ability to recognise and remember items in photographs. You will be given a series of photographs and asked to name specific things in each one. The things in each image will be unique. Here are some tips that will help you with how to prepare for the AFCAT AFSB interview's PPDT test.

• Familiarise yourself with the various types of images that will be displayed to you. The AFCAT website contains example images that you may use to become acquainted with the test format.
• Experiment with identifying items in photos. Examine ordinary things from various angles and distances and try to recognise them. This will assist teach your brain to distinguish items in images faster.
• When practising, keep track of your time. You will be under time constraints when taking the actual test, so practice working swiftly. When practising, set a timer and observe how long it takes to properly identify all of the things in an image.
• Maintain your calm and concentrate during the exam. Take a deep breath and remind yourself that you have done this before if you start to feel overwhelmed. Maintain your confidence and concentrate on accurately recognising the things in each image.

AFCAT AFSB Interview Prep Tips: Group Discussion

The AFSB interview for the AFCAT test includes a group discussion (GD). The GD is intended to test the candidate's communication skills, collaboration abilities, and aptitude for leadership. The GD is held in groups of 6-8 applicants. The officers' panel will present a topic to the group and invite them to discuss it. 

• Candidates should not wait for an opportunity to speak. 
• When feasible, candidates are encouraged to speak up. When feasible, candidates are encouraged to speak up.
• However, this does not exclude them from allowing others to speak! 
• It is also essential to be a good listener.
• Here are some of the recent GD topics to practice:
  • India's Relations with other countries in the news, such as France, the United States, etc.
  • India’s take on the Russia vs. Ukraine war
  • Defence Budget
  • International Organizations like BRICS, SCO, QUAD, etc.
  • CAA, NRC, etc.

Grooming Tips for AFCAT AFSB Interview 2024

• Consider your attire for the situation. It is best to dress in a dark suit, such as one in black. Make sure the handcuffs are not frayed at the ends, and that your shirt collar is neat, well-ironed, and crisp. You must put on socks, pull them up over your shoes, and shine your shoes.
• Additionally, women should wear a salwar suit or saree in a dark tone as appropriate traditional formal attire. It is best to keep your makeup simple and choose accessories that go with your outfit. Keep your hair well-styled and clipped; this will make you appear well-groomed.
• Based on how you present yourself and how you dress, you make a first impression. The rest of the interview will be unsuccessful if your attire leaves a bad impression. 
• Put your best foot forward and dress appropriately for the interview in order to make a good impression. Additionally, look for a defence haircut.

Best Books to Prepare for AFCAT AFSB Interview 2024

There are many best books for AFCAT 2024 AFSB Interview preparation. Some of the recommended books for the AFCAT AFSB interview are provided below.

• Let's Crack SSB Interview: This book offers an in-depth look into the SSB interview process. It covers the entire interview process, from the OIR test to the personal interview.
• SSB Interview - A Complete Guide for All Wings by D.P. Singh: This book is intended exclusively for individuals applying for the flying branch of the Indian Air Force. It covers all areas of the SSB interview as well as the flying branch's particular criteria.
• SSB Interview - The Air Force Way by Air Commodore (Retd.) M.L. Kak: The author is a former Air Force officer with substantial familiarity with the SSB interview procedure. It offers a fresh viewpoint on the interview and important tips on how to succeed.
• SSB Guide by Arihant: This book is yet another detailed guide to the SSB interview process. It also covers the entire interview process, from the OIR test to the personal interview.
• SSB Interview - The Ultimate Guide by Dr. Rahul Verma: The Ultimate Guide: This book delves deeper into the SSB interview process. It goes into great length into the psychological aspects of the interview.

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Important Instructions for AFCAT AFSB Interview 

Some of the important instructions for the AFCAT AFSB interview are given below:

• Since you will not be allowed to appear for the AFSB interview without the admit card and required documents, you will have to ensure that you are carrying all the documents and the AFCAT 2024 admit card while going for the interview
• You should wear shoes while appearing for the AFCAT AFSB interview as slippers are not allowed. Besides this, you should be dressed in formal attire
• You should reach the railway station of the city before the time allotted since latecomers will not be allowed for the interview
• Don’t carry too many clothes and a phone with you while going to the AFCAT AFSB Interview
• You should carry one pair of White Shirts or a T-shirt, Socks with a pair of white sports shoes, a Track Suit or Shorts or Trousers or a salwar-kameez.

We hope that the preparation strategy provided by CollegeDekho will help you with the interview preparation. You can also prepare your strategy to prepare for the AFCAT AFSB Interview. However, if you have further queries related to the AFCAT exam, you can ask questions on the QnA zone. For admissions-related inquiries, fill out our Common Application Form (CAF) or call 18005729877 to talk to the experts.