20 AFSB Interview Questions with Answers for Flying Branch (2026 Guide)

The Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview is a decisive milestone for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force Flying Branch. Unlike written examinations that test academic knowledge, the AFSB process evaluates the complete personality of a candidate—mental agility, leadership potential, technical awareness, emotional stability, and officer-like qualities. For Flying Branch aspirants, this assessment becomes even more critical due to the demanding nature of flying operations, where precision, calmness, and decision-making under pressure are essential.

This guide presents 20 frequently asked AFSB interview questions with detailed, practical answers, designed to help aspirants prepare confidently for the interview stage in 2026 and beyond.

Why the AFSB Interview Matters for Flying Branch Aspirants

The Flying Branch is one of the most prestigious and responsibility-intensive branches of the Indian Air Force. Pilots are entrusted with advanced aircraft, national security, and human lives. Therefore, the AFSB interview is designed to:

Assess psychological suitability for flying duties
Evaluate leadership, teamwork, and stress tolerance
Judge technical understanding of aviation concepts
Identify long-term officer potential

The board is not looking for perfect answers, but for clarity of thought, honesty, and maturity in responses.

Understanding the Structure of the AFSB Interview

Stage 1: Screening Tests

Stage 1 acts as an elimination round and consists of:

Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test: Logical reasoning, numerical ability, and spatial understanding
Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT): Observation skills, imagination, communication, and confidence

Only candidates who show basic officer potential proceed to Stage 2.

Stage 2: Psychological Tests

This stage evaluates subconscious personality traits through:

TAT: Story writing based on pictures to assess attitude, initiative, and optimism
WAT: Immediate word responses showing natural thought patterns
SRT: Practical responses to real-life situations
SDT: Self-awareness and consistency

Psychologists focus on natural behavior, not memorized responses.

Stage 3: Group Tasks and Personal Interview

This stage includes:

Group discussions and planning exercises
Outdoor group tasks and command tasks
Individual obstacles
Personal interview

It evaluates leadership, cooperation, problem-solving ability, and communication skills in both group and individual settings.

Stage 4: CPSS for Flying Branch

The Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) is mandatory for Flying Branch aspirants. It tests:

Hand-eye coordination
Multi-tasking ability
Cognitive processing speed

Once qualified, CPSS results are valid for a lifetime.

AFSB Interview Questions with Detailed Answers

Question 1: What principle allows aircraft to fly?

Aircraft fly due to the combined effect of Bernoulli’s Principle and Newton’s Third Law of Motion. The curved shape of the wing causes air to move faster over the top surface, reducing pressure, while higher pressure beneath pushes the aircraft upward. Simultaneously, wings deflect air downward, producing an equal and opposite upward force known as lift.

Question 2: Explain Bernoulli’s principle with an example.

Bernoulli’s principle states that when the speed of a fluid increases, its pressure decreases. In an aircraft wing, air flows faster over the curved upper surface than the lower surface, creating a pressure difference that generates lift. A common example is a sheet of paper lifting when air is blown over it.

Question 3: How is buoyancy related to aircraft flight?

Buoyancy plays a minimal role in fixed-wing aircraft. It is significant in lighter-than-air vehicles like balloons and airships. Aircraft primarily rely on aerodynamic lift rather than buoyant force.

Question 4: What is a streamlined shape and why is it important?

A streamlined shape minimizes air resistance by allowing smooth airflow, reducing drag. This improves speed, fuel efficiency, stability, and overall aircraft performance.

Question 5: Difference between knots, nautical miles, and Mach?

Knots: Speed measured in nautical miles per hour
Nautical miles: Distance used in navigation (1.852 km)
Mach: Ratio of aircraft speed to the speed of sound

Question 6: What are the three sub-branches of the Flying Branch?

Fighter Pilot
Transport Pilot
Helicopter Pilot

Each role has distinct missions, aircraft types, and operational responsibilities.

Question 7: Name three helicopters used by the IAF.

Mi-17 V5
Apache AH-64E
Chinook CH-47F

Question 8: Which is the largest aircraft in the IAF?

The C-17 Globemaster III is the largest aircraft operated by the Indian Air Force, used for strategic airlift and humanitarian missions.

Question 9: Name five transport aircraft of the IAF.

C-17 Globemaster III
C-130J Super Hercules
IL-76
AN-32
Dornier Do-228

Question 10: Name five fighter aircraft of the IAF.

Rafale
Su-30 MKI
Tejas
Mirage 2000
MiG-29

Question 11: What is the most recent aircraft inducted into the IAF?

Tejas Mk-1A is the near-term inductee being accepted into IAF squadrons in 2024–2026 as HAL completes trials; additional Rafale squadrons were also inducted recently. Use specific, verifiable dates if asked — e.g., HAL/Ministry updates and news reports through 2025–2026 document Tejas Mk-1A test/induction milestones.

Question 12: Which aircraft are part of the IAF vintage fleet?

Certain classic types (e.g., Dakota/DC-3 and other historic types) are preserved or designated vintage for heritage/ceremonial roles; emphasize these are not combat squadrons but heritage displays and training aids. If a board asks specifics, state where and when they were moved to heritage status (cite museum/IAF heritage pages if required).

Question 13: Role of aircraft in peacetime operations?

Short, specific roles: humanitarian assistance & disaster relief (HADR), medical evacuation (CASEVAC), logistics & airlift, maritime reconnaissance, surveillance, training, and international goodwill missions. Use a recent example (e.g., IL-76/C-17 HADR missions) if asked for evidence.

Question 14: What is the function of the black box?

The “black box” comprises the Cockpit Voice Recorder (CVR) and Flight Data Recorder (FDR). It records flight parameters and cockpit audio to allow investigators to reconstruct incidents and prevent future accidents. Mention survivability features (heat, impact protection) for credibility.

Question 15: Role of flaps during takeoff and landing?

Flaps increase wing camber and surface area at low speeds to produce more lift and also increase drag — enabling shorter takeoff rolls and slower, controlled approaches during landing. Explain tradeoff: more lift vs added drag.

Question 16: Define service ceiling of an aircraft.

Service ceiling = altitude at which the aircraft can maintain a specified minimum rate of climb (usually 100 ft/min or 500 ft/min depending on definition). Above service ceiling, sustained climb is not practical. Mention difference from absolute ceiling if asked.

Question 17: What is an Auxiliary Power Unit (APU)?

An APU is a small gas turbine on the aircraft that provides electrical power and bleed air for engine start and air conditioning while main engines are off. It enables ground operations independent of ground equipment.

Question 18: Significance of winglets?

Winglets reduce wingtip vortices and induced drag, improving fuel efficiency and climb performance. Short answer plus one line on how they improve range and lower fuel burn.

Question 19: Difference between turboprop and jet engine?

Turboprop: Gas turbine drives a propeller; efficient at low–medium speeds and shorter fields.
Turbojet/Turbofan (jet): Produces thrust by accelerating mass of air; better for high-speed, high-altitude flight. Offer one line on operational selection (transport/utility vs fast fighters/airliners).

Question 20: Three basic motions of an aircraft?

Pitch (lateral axis) — nose up / down; controlled by elevator.
Roll (longitudinal axis) — rotation about fuselage axis; controlled by ailerons.
Yaw (vertical axis) — nose left / right; controlled by rudder.
Give a one-sentence example of when each is used (takeoff/turn/crosswind correction).

How to Prepare for AFSB Interview Questions

Be honest and calm

AFSB panels value authenticity — contradictory or exaggerated answers are penalized. Practice authentic narratives about your background, motivations, and weaknesses.

Practice speaking clearly

Use mock personal interviews and group tasks to improve crispness, tempo, and confident tone. Record yourself and refine. Short, structured answers are better than long digressions.

Stay updated with IAF news

Read credible defence news, official MoD/HAL press releases, and IAF statements. Show awareness of recent inductions, major exercises, HADR missions and indigenous developments (example: Tejas Mk-1A program updates). Cite specifics if asked.

Doon Defence Dreamers: A Track Record of Success

Overview of the academy

Doon Defence Dreamers is an academy in Dehradun offering NDA/SSB/AFSB/AFCAT coaching, focused on personality development, mock SSB/AFSB environments, and written exam coaching. Their public pages highlight structured courses, mentors with defence backgrounds, and regular mock interviews and group tasks. The academy markets results and selection statistics on its site.

Proven Results

Results remain the strongest indicator of any defence academy’s effectiveness. Doon Defence Dreamers has consistently demonstrated its credibility through documented milestones published across its official website, selection announcements, and social media platforms.

Some of the academy’s notable achievements include:

710+ written selections, achieved cumulatively across multiple cycles for NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and other defence entries.
21 final selections in just 12 days, highlighting strong performance in SSB and AFSB boards.
14 final selections in a single day, a standout achievement reflecting focused batch preparation and peak performance.

Why aspirants trust Doon Defence Dreamers

Mock AFSB environment : Frequent, realistic practice.
Personal interview coaching: Focused one-on-one feedback.
Psychological test training: TAT/WAT/SRT templates and timed practice.
Selection tracking & alumni testimonials: Public success stories build trust; they frequently post selection results as proof of methodology.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is CPSS compulsory for Flying Branch?

Yes, CPSS qualification is mandatory for all Flying Branch aspirants.

Can I reattempt CPSS if I fail once?

No, CPSS can be attempted only once in a lifetime.

Is technical knowledge mandatory for AFSB interview?

Basic aviation and IAF awareness is essential, not deep engineering knowledge.

Does confidence matter more than correct answers?

Yes. Calmness, clarity, and honesty are more important than memorized facts.

How long should answers be in the AFSB interview?

Answers should be short, structured, and relevant, usually 30–60 seconds.

Conclusion

Success in the AFSB interview for the Flying Branch depends on balanced preparation—technical understanding, psychological readiness, and confident communication. With disciplined self-practice and expert guidance from Doon Defence Dreamers, aspirants can significantly enhance their chances of recommendation and move closer to serving the nation as Indian Air Force pilots.