Indian Air Force SSB Personal Interview — AFSB Questions & Preparation (2026)
Air Force candidates attend Air Force Selection Boards (AFSB) at Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar or Varanasi. The Personal Interview heavily tests aviation passion, aircraft awareness, medical fitness realism for Flying branch, and why you chose IAF over Army or Navy. AFCAT, CDS-AFA and NDA-Air Force entries share the same AFSB battery.
Flying branch — depth expected
Flying aspirants face the strictest factual and medical scrutiny.
- Why Flying? — specific, not “I like speed”. Mention flying exposure (NCC Air Wing, gliding, aeromodelling).
- Name 5 IAF aircraft — fighters, transport, helicopters with one role each.
- PABT: one lifetime attempt for most — confirm you understand stakes.
- Eyesight: know your numbers; do not claim 6/6 if you wear glasses incorrectly on PIQ.
Ground Duty & Technical branches
Still need air-force-specific motivation — not generic defence answers.
- Admin, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology — pick your branch and cite one duty example.
- Technical (Aeronautical Engineering): link degree subjects to aircraft systems.
- Why IAF Ground Duty vs Army/Navy equivalent branch?
IAF organisation snapshot
Link facts to your PIQ hobbies — aeromodelling, NCC Air Wing, visits to air shows.
- Commands: Western, Eastern, Central, Southern, Training, Maintenance.
- AFA Dundigal (Hyderabad) — pre-commission training for AFSB candidates.
- Ranks: Flying Officer → Flt Lt → Sqn Ldr → Wg Cdr → Gp Capt → Air Cmde → Air Vice Marshal → Air Marshal → Air Chief Marshal.
- Squadrons: know one famous squadron (e.g. Tigers, Thunderbolts) if claiming aviation interest.
AFCAT vs CDS-AFA in the PI
IO may ask which entry you used and why.
- AFCAT opens Flying, Technical and Ground Duty — broader branch choice.
- CDS-AFA is Flying-focused Permanent Commission for engineers.
- Never criticise another service entry — explain your path positively.
Frequently asked questions
Is AFSB harder than Army SSB?
Same tasks and OLQs. Recommendation rate depends on vacancies. Flying branch adds PABT and stricter medicals — prepare accordingly.
I failed PABT once — can I still join Ground Duty?
PABT failure bars Flying branch permanently for most candidates. Ground Duty may still be open depending on entry and notification — verify current rules.
How many aircraft should I memorise?
Five with roles is enough if you can discuss one in depth (e.g. Su-30MKI, Tejas, C-17, Apache, Mi-17).