4 AFSB — Balancing Data Engineering and Dreams
TL;DR
Imagine this: juggling a full-time job as a Data Engineer while diving headfirst into the adventure of the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). With zero preparation, I took a leap of faith into the written exam, relying purely on my instincts and experience. Miraculously, I managed to scrape through, just above the cut-off!
Choosing Varanasi AFSB was a game-changer. The journey was filled with new faces and unforgettable moments. One of the biggest challenges? Conquering my fear of the tiger leap. Despite a minor injury, I pushed through, feeling more alive than ever.
This AFSB experience was a breeze compared to my first attempt. It made me reflect deeply on my true motivation to join the Indian Air Force. Perhaps it’s time to revisit and reignite that passion.
Batch: V-AFCAT(M)/682 12 Aug-16 Aug.
Reporting: 189
Screen-in: 69
Recommended: 12
0 Day : The AFCAT 1 2024 Adventure Begins
Day 0 marked the start of my AFCAT 1 2024 journey. Compared to the daunting CDS exams (which I had failed thrice😥), this paper felt more manageable. Leveraging my engineering background, I zeroed in on the maths and English questions with laser focus.
After finishing the exam, a wave of confidence washed over me. I had a strong feeling that I had cleared it. And guess what? I did! I cleared the exam with a score of 145/300.
I won’t bog you down with the nitty-gritty details of the day-wise tests and schedules (though if you’re curious, you can always check out the details here: Link ). Instead, let me take you through the whirlwind of emotions and experiences that defined my five days at the AFSB.
Ingredients to Crack Screen-in: tried and tested
After my first AFSB experience, I had a clear understanding of what it takes to crack the screening phase. Here’s what you need:
- A calm and composed demeanor
- Good speaking skills (not necessarily like Shashi Tharoor, but more like the relatable and engaging Sudha Murty)
- A unique story (movies can be a great source of inspiration)
During the PP&DT (Picture Perception and Discussion Test), while many were nervous or hesitant, I decided to take a different approach. I began my storytelling with a warm smile and a friendly greeting, which immediately helped me capture the audience’s attention. My story was distinct from the others, which sometimes works in your favor and can even get you nominated as the group’s storyteller.
Unfortunately, things didn’t end there, but this strategy certainly gave me an edge during the screening phase.
Navigating the AFSB Interview: Key Insights and Tips
At the AFSB, your interview will be conducted by a Wing Commander. Knowing that these personal interviews (PIs) are typically 90% about your personal life and only 10% about general knowledge, I made the mistake of not brushing up on my Defence GK. A quick refresher on this would have been beneficial.
Here are some key tips for the interview:
- Stay calm and composed: This is crucial. Your demeanor can make a significant difference.
- Be mindful of what you share: Avoid discussing topics you haven’t fully figured out yourself, such as your girlfriend, finances, or relationships with your parents.
- Showcase your sports achievements: If you don’t have any sports certificates, start participating in marathons. It’s one of the easiest ways to earn a sports certificate.
- Prioritize duty to the nation: Make it clear that your commitment to serving the nation is paramount and should not be mixed with family responsibilities.
Some demo questions:
- Tell me the ranks in IAF below officer rank
- Since you are staying in Sukhoi (Room Name) can you tell me number of hard points in Sukhoi
- What are the qualities that you want to inculcate from your siblings and why?
- Who do you seek help in case of emotional crisis describe two of the incidences.
The G in GT stands for Group
This is an area where I need significant improvement. Competing in a group setting and making a strong impact so that others listen to you is a crucial officer-like quality that shapes future leaders. During the Group Discussion (GD) and Group Planning Exercise (GP), I struggled to assert my points.
In my professional life, I’m used to raising my hand in virtual meetings, where everyone respectfully waits for their turn to speak. However, the AFSB environment was entirely different. Everyone was speaking non-stop, often simultaneously, and I found it challenging to interject without feeling like I was interrupting.
Cracking this stage is now my top priority. I believe that engaging more with your group from day one, right after the screening, can be incredibly beneficial. Don’t be a silent observer. Start speaking up and building rapport with your peers. Taking people into your confidence and actively participating in conversations will help you stand out and demonstrate your leadership potential.
Individual Obstacles
In the obstacle course, you have 10 challenges and just 3 minutes to earn points. Last time, the sight of the tiger leap was enough to deter me from even attempting it. But this time, I was determined to conquer my fear.
The platform stood a daunting 6–7 meters high, with a gap of about 1–2 meters to the rope. The task was to leap from the platform, grab the rope, and descend slowly. With no prior experience in rope climbing and weaker shoulders, I knew this would be a true test of my courage.
Summoning all my bravery, I climbed the platform. My heart pounded as I prepared to jump. With a deep breath, I launched myself towards the rope. I managed to grab it, but immediately felt myself sliding down. My grip weakened, and I couldn’t hold on, resulting in my palms getting painfully brushed.
As I landed at the bottom, my palms were bleeding, but a wave of happiness washed over me. I had dared to try, and that made all the difference.
Boys will be Boys: Sex Sux ki bate
When you put a group of boys in an air-conditioned room with access to world-class sports facilities, it’s no surprise that the conversation often takes a turn towards the more colorful aspects of life ‘wahi SEX-SUX ki bate’. If you happen to know a few risqué jokes (NCR boys I’m looking at you) or have some interesting stories to share, the night can quickly become a laughter-filled marathon. After all, boys will be boys, and sitting around studying isn’t always the most appealing option!
Special Mentions
- Suraj hails from the picturesque state of Uttarakhand and comes from a proud defense background. As a Gorkha, he embodies the calm and composed demeanor typical of his heritage. Friendly and approachable, Suraj often finds himself in deep thought, questioning his journey and striving to reach his goals.
Though he’s not quite where he wants to be yet, I have no doubt that with his determination and hard work, Suraj is destined for greatness. Keep pushing forward, man — your big moment is just around the corner! - Anubhav: The chosen, Rajasthani, truly lives up to his name, embodying the principle of learning from the past and applying those lessons to shape a brighter future. He has a clear sense of direction and knows exactly what he’s doing at this pivotal stage of his life.
Congratulations to him on getting recommended! Keep soaring high, Anubhav, and touch the sky with glory. Your journey is just beginning, and the future holds great promise for you. - Balaji: The chosen, an NCC cadet from Bangalore, already holds an SSC Navy recommendation and is now aiming for a Permanent Commission. Despite being underweight, he approached the SSBs with unwavering determination and achieved a 100% success rate — not by luck, but through relentless hard work and dedication from his early days.
For Balaji, the recommendation is a testament to his commitment and honor. Keep it up, Balaji! Your perseverance and dedication are inspiring, and I have no doubt you’ll uplift any team you’re a part of. Touch the sky with glory!
Dear Gaurav, Ramendra, Vinay, Aniket, and Rishabh, Thank you for being so welcoming and supportive. Your camaraderie has meant a lot to me. I wish you all the very best in your future endeavors.
Closing Remarks
The AFSB process evaluates you on various aspects of life. Even if you don’t clear it on a particular attempt, you leave with a clearer mind and a valuable opportunity to introspect on your past and present, and to plan for your future.
Keep working hard, but also take the time to understand yourself better, appreciate your friends and family, and recognize your duties. This journey is as much about personal growth as it is about achieving your goals.
With this signing off for now! Jai Hind
