SSB vs AFSB – All You Need to Know

Each year thousands of people across the country try their luck at joining the three parts of the Indian Defence Service. However, due to the fierce competition today government jobs have become very difficult to qualify for. One of the main reasons for a disappointing result is the lack of proper knowledge regarding the exam procedure. While most applicants know about SSBs and AFSBs, very few are aware of the crucial difference between the two. Therefore, if you are looking to apply this year, you need to know about the difference between the two. Read along the article, SSB vs AFSB, to know about the major differences:

SSB v/s AFSB: The name

This is the simplest difference to remember. SSB stands for Service Selection Board, whereas, AFSB stands for Air Force Selection Board.

SSB v/s AFSB: Function

The SSB branch is in charge of conducting the interviews of applicants for the Army and the Navy. Therefore, if you want to join either the Army or the Navy, you will need to undergo this testing procedure. On the other hand, the AFSBs are in charge of screening applicants for the Air Force. Candidates looking to join the Air Force as pilots, ground staff, or engineers will need to go through the AFSBs.

SSB v/s AFSB: Locations

There are four SSB centres across India. If you undergo SSB interviews, you would need to attend one of these centres located in Bangalore, Bhopal, Allahabad and Coimbatore. Similarly, for AFSB aspirants, the four centres for the interviews are AFSB Gandhinagar, AFSB Mysore, AFSB Dehradun and AFSB Varanasi.

SSB vs AFSB: Reporting time

For the Service Selection Board, the reporting time for candidates is 7.00 AM. Keep this time in mind. Even though this would be clearly mentioned in your call letters, make a point to not be late. Similarly, for AFSB candidates, the reporting time is usually 2.30 PM. However, in some cases, the reporting time may be in the morning. Refer to your call letter regarding your reporting time.

SSB vs AFSB: Duration of stay

Candidates will need to spend a few days at the SSB or AFSB centres for the entire interview procedure. In the case of SSB interview, this duration is always 5 days from the day of reporting. However, in the case of AFSB, the duration may differ between 5 and 6 days. If your reporting time is in the afternoon, the testing will begin from the next day and you would need to stay for 6 days. If you report in the morning, the testing will start from the same day and you would need to stay for 5 days.

SSB vs AFSB: Batches

SSB conducts testing on multiple batches at the same time. Therefore, when you are undergoing the interview process, other batches may be present at the centre. However, AFSB conducts testing on only one batch at a time.

SSB v/s AFSB: Mode of Entry

If you want to apply for the SSB interviews, you need to be from one of the following academies- CDSE, UES, NDA, TES, SSC-tech, TGC etc. For AFSBs, you need to be a candidate of NDA, CDSE, FTS, and AFCAT etc.

Aside from these differences, the mode of testing is almost the same. However, for candidates aspiring to become a pilot, AFSBs conduct an additional test using computer simulation. This test is not conducted in SSB since the board recruits for Army and Navy only. Learning these differences will help you secure government jobs for graduates in the country’s defence network.