Selection Process

STEP 1 – RESPOND TO ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOWED BY WRITTEN TEST

1. For NDA and CDSE

• The advertisement for NDA is released twice a year in the months of May and December and for CDSE in the months of June and October by UPSC.
• Duly filled applications are to be sent to UPSC as given in advt.
• The written tests are conducted by UPSC only. For details visit www.upsc.gov.in

2. AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test.

• For all entries other than NDA and CDSE and for all branches, candidates have to undergo the AFCAT.
• The test is conducted twice a year in February and September
• Advertisements inviting applications for AFCAT are out in June and December. Candidates are to apply as per the advertisement.
• The test is conducted all across India by the Indian Air Force

3. NCC entry

• Air Sqn NCC Senior division ‘C’ certificate holders are to apply through DG NCC/ respective NCC Air Squadron
• They would then appear for AFCAT

STEP 2 - SSB (Services Selection Board) TESTING

If you have successfully cleared Step 1, you will receive a Call letter to report to any one of the Air Force Selection Boards located at Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar and Mysore. At the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), you undergo following tests in order to ascertain your suitability and gauge your potential as an Officer in the Indian Air Force.

1. Stage I Testing

o Officer Intelligence rating Test

o Picture perception and Discussion Test

Stage I is a screening test. Those who qualify Stage-I are eligible to undergo Stage II testing. Stage I disqualified candidates are routed back after announcement of results

2. Stage II Testing
All Stage I qualified candidates undergo following tests as part of Stage II testing during next three to four days

• Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist.
• Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor activities which are a combination of mental and physical work.
• Interview involves a personal conversation with an Interviewing Officer.

These tests will be explained to you in detail before they are conducted at the Selection Board.

The following is the schedule for OLQ Tests:

	FLYING	TECHNICAL	GROUND DUTY
Day 1	Phase I testing – Officers Intelligence Rating Test & Picture Perception and Discussion test
Day 2	Group tests	Group tests	Group tests
Day 3	Group tests	Group tests	Group tests
Day 4	Interview	Interview	Interview
Day 5	Conference	Conference	Conference
Day 6	PABT*

* Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) is a unique test. It is aimed at assessing a candidate’s aptitude to be trained as a pilot. PABT is being used as an independent selection device to induct potential officers into Flying Branch of Indian Air Force. PABT comprises three tests viz Instrument Battery Test (INSB), Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMA) and Control Velocity Test (CVT). Instrument Battery Test (INSB) is a paper pencil test and other two are machine tests. The Instruments Battery Test (INSB) comprises two parts. This test assesses assimilation of the briefing and the ability of an individual to read and interpret the dials of an instrument panel of an aircraft. The candidates who score the minimum laid down criteria are subjected to the machine test. The machine test includes Sensory Motor Apparatus Test (SMA) and Control Velocity Test (CVT). These tests measure the psychomotor co-ordination skill of the individual. These tests are conducted on a single day and administered only once in life time.

At the Conference held on the last day, all the Assessors i.e. the Psychologist, Ground Testing Officer and the Interviewing Officer, discuss your personality and decide on whether to recommend you or not. Those recommended by the AFSBs will be required to fill up certain documents at the Boards and subsequently move to the next step.

STEP 3 - CONDUCT OF MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS

If you are recommended by the Selection Board, you will be sent for the medical examination either at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru.

STEP 4 - PREPARING ALL INDIA MERIT LIST

An All India Merit List is compiled on the basis of your performance in the written test and AFSB interview, subject to being medically fit. Based on the vacancies available in various branches / sub branches, joining instructions are issued to join one of the Training establishments.