What Is CPSS Test For AFCAT Flying Branch Candidates?
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ADE has designed and developed a cutting-edge embedded microcontroller-based CPSS with built-in security measures in response to an IAF-approved project. The system is used to assess applicants’ psychomotor capabilities (speed and accuracy), coordination, vision, time-sharing, and cognitive information-processing skills. by requiring a large number of applicants to do several tasks at the same time. The system, which consists of 20 Psychomotor systems and 100 Cognitive systems, has been supplied and installed at the three Air Force Selection Boards in Mysore, Varanasi, and Dehradun. It has superseded the previous British selection procedure known as the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT).
The Computerized Pilot Selection System Test (CPSS) superseded the well-known PABT test in selecting the top applicants for the Indian Air Force flying branch. The original PABT exam and instruments were replaced with the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS). Though there is no definite assurance as to when the CPSS test will totally replace the PABT test. Let’s go through the CPSS test for the Indian Air Force flying branch and what the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) entails.
What is CPSS Test Computerised Pilot Selection System?
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) launched the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) at the No. 2 Air Force Selection Board Mysore to choose rock-solid pilots to fly the Indian Air Force’s modern aircraft such as the Su-30, Tejas, and others. It will take the place of the pilot aptitude battery exam, which has been in use for decades.
- The CPSS exam was developed by APJ Abdul Kalam, who served as the prime minister’s scientific adviser in 1997. Mr Kalam proposed creating an intelligent tool for pilot aptitude testing that is compatible with modern IAF aircraft.
- It also tries to reduce the IAF’s worrisome incidence of flying accidents caused by pilot mistakes.
- After dedicating the new system to the country, Air Chief Marshal Arup Raha stated that CPSS will soon be implemented in the other IAF selection boards in Dehradun and Varanasi.
Who Developed CPSS Test?
It was created in collaboration with the Defence Institute of Psychological Research and the Air Defence Establishment, both of which are premier organisations under the Defence Research and Development Organization.
Why Do We Need CPSS Test?
“Only the finest of the best can fully use the potential of the ultra-modern technology being introduced into IAF to establish it as a power to reckon with in South East Asia,” stated the IAF head.
Fifth-generation fighter planes would put a huge physical and mental strain on pilots and system operators, and only the finest would be permitted to sit in these cockpits. CPSS is a tangible step in the correct path toward achieving these goals.
The CPSS was designed to answer the IAF’s long-standing need for a scientific selection system on par with sophisticated nations, capable of screening pilot candidates to match the needs of the most modern aircraft.
Only One Chance is Given for CPSS Test
Like the PABT test, the applicant will only have one shot to pass the CPSS test; if failed, the candidate will never be allowed to fly in the armed services, whether it is the Air Force, Army, Navy, or Coast Guard. Under the Computerized Pilot Selection System, candidates will only have one opportunity to take the test. The CPSS provides a significant focus on candidates’ psychomotor skills and cognitive ability. It guarantees that the results are objective. The technology will be utilised to screen pilot candidates for the IAF, Army, Navy, and Coast Guard.
It is divided into two sections.
1. The first step will be an MCQ test. They will first teach you how to read the six different types of dials used in an aeroplane, and then you will take a series of MCQ examinations that will contain dial reading questions as well as IQ, pattern matching, basic math, and other tasks (around 15 small quizzes in total). It is pretty straightforward, and anyone with minimal high school physics understanding will be able to pass it.
2. Following the first exam, you will be required to sit in a CPSS machine that resembles a cockpit, complete with a joystick, pedals, and a lever (like in an aeroplane) and a screen in front of you. You will be required to play a series of games comparable to video games using a joystick, and you must get a particular score in all games combined to pass this exam. Anyone who has driven or played video games may easily pass this one. All you need is hand-leg coordination. Each game gives you three opportunities, and your highest score is selected from the three, so if you mess up on the first try, you may make up for it on the second.
The CPSS exam is straightforward. To avoid misunderstanding, detailed instructions are provided prior to the start of both of these tests. So, don’t worry, you should concentrate more on the SSB section because it is the primary problem.
Brief Details of Computerised Pilot Selection System
A new Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) was developed by the Aeronautical Development Establishment (ADE), Bangalore, and Defence Institute of Psychological Research (DIPR), Delhi, with ADE developing the entire hardware and software for Psychomotor and Cognitive Systems and DIPR developing the software for Psychomotor and Cognitive tests. CPSS assesses applicants’ flying ability in terms of cognitive and psychomotor skills when they apply for Pilot Selection in the Indian Armed Forces by requiring them to do many activities concurrently. The CPSS has superseded the previously existing Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT), which comprises Instrument Comprehension tests (INSB) in the form of manual objective-type exams and introductory PC-based Machine Tests.
The limited series production generated was reviewed by the IAF, and an agreement was made in August 2010 between the IAF and the DRDO (DIPR) to commission 20 psychomotor cockpit systems and 100 cognitive systems, each with entire related infrastructure, at Mysore, Dehradun, and Varanasi.
CPSS System Details
The system has been broken down into two key subsystems:
The Cognitive Testing sub-system is made up of 100 PC-based cognitive terminals that are grouped in a hall and are fully networked to the server. Each cognitive terminal includes a unique membrane keyboard with an OLED display.
Psychomotor testing sub-system – Candidates are put through a series of tests in an aviation simulator cockpit. Candidates must be able to use aircraft controls such as the control stick, rudder, throttle, and different aural and visual warning systems.
The Instructor Station with a projection system oversees the entire test operation, monitors the status of all cognitive terminals, and displays instructive movies. The instructions are projected to the applicants using the projection system.
Database servers and networking infrastructure are linked to cognitive and psychomotor systems.
For carrying out the briefing for the applicants taking the examinations, multimedia projection systems and DSP-based audio solutions are supplied.
The system was successfully installed and commissioned, and the Chief of Air Staff inaugurated it on November 28, 2014, at 2AFSB Mysore. ADE provided warranty maintenance service for CPSS for two years till February 4, 2017.
Main Characteristics of CPSS
The whole hardware, which includes cutting-edge embedded systems, a fibreglass cockpit, sensors, and controls, was created in-house utilising Commercial Off Shelf components, making the entire system totally self-sufficient for extended product support.
ADE has created a cutting-edge USB-based membrane keyboard, a microcontroller-based main controller unit, and device driver software. The security mechanisms have been designed to prevent unwanted system access.
Comprehensive diagnostic software for simple problem detection and calibration is included.
For ease of maintenance, a modular system with plug-in modules at the sub-assembly level was designed.
Servers, networking infrastructure, and power supply all feature high-reliability redundancies.
The systems were designed with long-term operational maintenance in mind, avoiding technological obsolescence.
