Some candidates who have applied for Indian Air Force entries might get confused between AFSB and SSB interview procedures. Although there isn’t much difference in the overall process, there are certain things one must know about AFSB and SSB interview processes.
AFSB stands for Air Force Selection Board, and its main function is to conduct interviews for candidates and recommend potential candidates to become officers in the Indian Air Force. There are a total of four AFSBs across India: 1 AFSB in Dehradun, 2 AFSB in Mysore, 3 AFSB in Gandhinagar, and 4 AFSB in Varanasi. Candidates can attend AFSB interviews through CDSE and AFCAT entries. Sometimes, the Indian Air Force also conducts FTS (Fast Track Selection), which is another pathway to enter the Indian Air Force.
On the other hand, SSB stands for Services Selection Board. This term is mostly used by the Indian Army and Indian Navy in their call letters. The Army has Services Selection Boards in Allahabad, Bhopal, and Bangalore, which are responsible for recommending potential candidates to become Army officers. The Indian Navy has Naval Services Selection Boards in Bhopal, Bangalore, and Coimbatore, and they will soon open a new Naval Selection Board in Bengal.
| AFSB Interview – Air Force | SSB Interview – Indian Army & Navy |
| Term used for Air Force SSB Interview | Term Used for Army and Navy SSB Interview |
| AFSB at 1 AFSB Dehradun,2 AFSB Mysore,3 AFSB Gandhinagar and 4 AFSB Varanasi | SSB at Allahabad, Bhopal, Bangalore, Coimbatore |
| Reporting time 7:00 AM | Reporting time mostly 2:30 PM ( early morning for few entries |
| Documentation, Screening and Psychological tests on the day of reporting | Documentation on the day of reporting, screening process on the next day. |
| Screened In ratio 60/100 | Screened In ratio 40/100 |
| Recommendation percentage more | Recommendation percentage average(army), less(navy) |
| Mode of Entry: NDA, CDSE, AFCAT, FTS etc | Mode of Entry: NDA, CDSE, UES, TES, TGC, SSC-tech etc |
| Call up process: Good | Call up process: Average |
| Call and Email Support: Good | Call and Email Support: Average |
Though there are a few minor differences, the overall process is the same. Whether preparing for SSB or AFSB, candidates can follow the same preparation methods as both follow similar test procedures and expect the same level of performance. It’s advisable for candidates to refer to their call-up letter for accurate details and instructions specific to SSB or AFSB. Any clarifications needed should be directed to the concerned board as mentioned in the call-up letter.
Frequently Asked Questions :-
Sure, here are five frequently asked questions about the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) and SSB (Services Selection Board) interviews along with their answers:
- What is the main difference between AFSB and SSB interviews?
- AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interviews are specifically conducted for candidates applying to join the Indian Air Force, while SSB (Services Selection Board) interviews are conducted for candidates applying to join the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force.
2. Are the selection processes similar for AFSB and SSB interviews?
- While both AFSB and SSB interviews aim to assess candidates’ suitability for a career in the armed forces, there are some differences in the selection processes. AFSB interviews may include additional tests or assessments tailored specifically for the Air Force, such as Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) for those applying for pilot positions.
3. What are the common selection stages in AFSB and SSB interviews?
- Both AFSB and SSB interviews typically consist of a series of stages including screening tests, psychological tests, group discussions, personal interviews, and medical examinations. However, the specific tests and assessments may vary slightly between the two.
4. Do AFSB and SSB interviews have different criteria for assessment?
- While the core competencies and qualities sought in candidates remain largely similar, the emphasis on certain attributes may vary between AFSB and SSB interviews based on the requirements of the respective branches of the armed forces. For example, AFSB interviews may place greater emphasis on qualities related to aviation and air warfare.
5. Are the recommended preparation strategies different for AFSB and SSB interviews?
- While many preparation strategies overlap between AFSB and SSB interviews, candidates applying for AFSB interviews may benefit from familiarizing themselves with the specific requirements and expectations of the Indian Air Force. This may include understanding the roles and responsibilities of different Air Force branches and staying updated on current affairs related to aviation and defense. Additionally, practicing for tests like PABT (for pilot aspirants) may be necessary for AFSB candidates.
