AFSB Interview Process 2026 – Stage I & II Explained in Detail

The Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview is one of the most prestigious and comprehensive personality assessments in India. It’s not an exam — it’s a complete evaluation of your Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs). Conducted after clearing the AFCAT Online Test, the AFSB process decides whether you are fit to become a commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force.

If you’re preparing for AFCAT 2026, this post explains the AFSB Interview Process (Stage I & II) in simple, detailed language — including the day-by-day schedule, test types, evaluation criteria, and practical preparation tips.

Overview of AFSB Interview 2026

The AFSB Interview lasts for 5 days and is divided into two major stages:

Stage	Duration	Purpose
Stage I	Day 1	Screening Test (OIR + PPDT)
Stage II	Day 2–5	Psychology, GTO, and Personal Interview

AFSB Centres in India

After clearing the AFCAT written exam, candidates can choose their AFSB centre from the following options:

1 AFSB – Dehradun (Uttarakhand)
2 AFSB – Mysuru (Karnataka)
3 AFSB – Gandhinagar (Gujarat)
4 AFSB – Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh)

Stage I – Screening Test (Day 1)

Day 1 is the most crucial stage because only around 40–50% of candidates qualify to stay for the remaining 4 days. The screening tests your intelligence, imagination, and communication skills.

1️⃣ Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test

This is a written test designed to check your logical and verbal reasoning ability. It includes:

Verbal Reasoning – analogies, synonyms, coding-decoding, etc.
Non-Verbal Reasoning – pattern completion, series, mirror image, etc.

Duration: 30 minutes | Questions: 40–50 | Tip: Accuracy matters more than number of attempts.

2️⃣ Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)

This is the most interesting and decisive part of Stage I. Here’s how it happens:

A blurred picture is shown for 30 seconds.
You must write a story around the image within 4 minutes, including characters, mood, and action.
After writing, you join a group of 10–15 candidates for discussion and narration.

How to Perform Well in PPDT:

Observe the picture carefully — note down the number of characters, age, and mood.
Write a positive, realistic, and action-oriented story.
Speak confidently during group discussion — don’t shout or interrupt others.
Try to build consensus in the group rather than dominating it.

After PPDT, results are announced by noon. Selected candidates stay for the rest of the process, others go home the same day.

Stage II – Psychological & Group Testing (Day 2–5)

Stage II focuses on assessing your Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) such as leadership, initiative, teamwork, and problem-solving. This stage includes Psychological Tests, Group Testing (GTO), and Personal Interview.

Day 2 – Psychological Tests

Conducted by psychologists to evaluate your subconscious mind and personality traits. Four main tests are held:

Thematic Apperception Test (TAT): You’ll see 12 pictures (including 1 blank) and must write a story in 4 minutes each. Focus on optimism, leadership, and logical flow.
Word Association Test (WAT): You’ll get 60 words; write a meaningful sentence for each within 15 seconds. Avoid negative or fake statements.
Situation Reaction Test (SRT): You’ll face 60 real-life situations. Write practical, quick, and responsible reactions for each.
Self Description Test (SDT): You’ll describe yourself as seen by parents, friends, teachers, and your own opinion.

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

The GTO evaluates your behaviour in a group and your ability to lead and cooperate. It includes 9 activities conducted over two days:

GTO Task	Purpose
Group Discussion (GD)	To check communication and reasoning skills.
Group Planning Exercise (GPE)	Problem-solving and team coordination.
Progressive Group Task (PGT)	Teamwork under practical situations.
Half Group Task (HGT)	Leadership and cooperation in smaller teams.
Lecturette	Public speaking and confidence test.
Individual Obstacles	Physical stamina and confidence test (10 obstacles).
Command Task	Leadership under pressure – you act as a commander.
Final Group Task (FGT)	Final teamwork evaluation by GTO.

Tip: Don’t act fake during GTO. Be natural, cooperative, and logical. Leadership is about actions, not volume.

Day 4 or 5 – Personal Interview

The Personal Interview is conducted by the Interviewing Officer (IO) and usually lasts 30–40 minutes. The purpose is to test your personality, honesty, and decision-making.

Common Interview Questions:

Tell me about yourself and your family background.
Why do you want to join the Indian Air Force?
What are your strengths and weaknesses?
How do you spend your free time?
What will you do if not selected?

Interview Tips:

Be honest — the IO can easily detect fake answers.
Maintain eye contact and confidence.
Prepare current affairs, defence news, and your personal details well.

Day 5 – Conference Day

All assessors (Psychologist, GTO, IO) sit together and discuss each candidate’s performance. You’ll be called one by one for a short closing interview. The result is announced after the conference — selected candidates proceed for medical examination.

How Candidates Are Assessed

AFSB officers evaluate 15 Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs) including:

Effective Intelligence
Reasoning Ability
Social Adaptability
Courage and Confidence
Leadership and Responsibility
Decision-Making and Stamina

Tips to Crack AFSB Interview 2026

Stay informed about defence-related current affairs.
Practice story writing (TAT/PPDT) daily for 15 minutes.
Maintain physical fitness — do basic workouts regularly.
Be confident while speaking — communication is key.
Never try to fake your personality; be authentic.

FAQs on AFSB Interview 2026

Q1. How many days does the AFSB interview last?

The AFSB process lasts 5 days, including screening, psychology, GTO, interview, and conference.

Q2. What is the hardest part of the AFSB interview?

Stage I (PPDT) is considered the toughest because it eliminates almost half the candidates on Day 1.

Q3. Can I choose my AFSB centre?

Yes, you can select your preferred centre after the AFCAT written result.

Q4. How can I prepare for AFSB at home?

Practice PPDT, read daily current affairs, work on communication skills, and take mock interviews online.

Q5. Is AFSB different from SSB?

The pattern is similar, but AFSB is exclusive to Indian Air Force entries through AFCAT.

Conclusion

The AFSB Interview Process 2026 is designed to identify future leaders who can uphold the values of the Indian Air Force. It’s not about rote knowledge but about attitude, awareness, and personality. If you stay confident, disciplined, and genuine, success is guaranteed. Remember — AFSB doesn’t select the best; it selects the most suitable. So start preparing today, improve your mindset, and walk into the AFSB with the belief that you already belong there.