Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial
AFCAT Salary: Indian Air Force (IAF) prescribes AFCAT salary in the official notification. The pay scale of candidates joining through the AFCAT exam is INR 56,100. Apart from the basic pay of AFCAT 2025, candidates are also entitled to various benefits. The benefit related to the Indian Air Force pay scale starts with the beginning of the training period itself.
AFCAT exam is conducted to recruit eligible male and female candidates to the post of Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
AFCAT selection process comprises the online test and AFSB interview. The AFCAT exam is conducted online. AFCAT test comprises questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English . Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. The total marks allotted to the test are 300.
The AFSB interview is conducted in several stages. The stage 1 of AFSB interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and discussion test. The Stage 2 of AFSB interview comprises Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interview and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test (conducted for candidates who opts for flying branch). In this article, we have discussed in detail AFCAT salary, allowances, perks, promotions, and many more.
Q: What is AFCAT salary?
Q: Which one is better - AFCAT or CDS?
AFCAT exam means Air Force Common Admission Test. This exam is taken to select candidates for admission in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches in Indian Air Force. AFCAT exam is conducted by Indian Air Force. CDS exam is conducted for candidates who wish to make their career in the Defence Forces- Army, Navy, and Air Force. Selected candidates undergo training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA). The selection process of CDS comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The AFCAT selection process comprises online test and AFSB interview.
Q: What are the allowances offered to AFCAT salary?
In addition to AFCAT salary, Air Force Officers are entitled to various allowances based on the nature of duty/place of posting. The allowances that Air Force Officers are entitled to include Flying Allowance offered to Flying Branch Officers, Technical Allowance given to Technical Branch Officers. Candidates are also entitled to allowances such as Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer, Field Area Allowance, Special Force, Siachen, Special Compensatory (Hill area), Island Special Duty, Area, and Remote Locality Allowance.
Q: What are the types of Commissions offered through AFCAT exam?
Q: What are the admission in AFA?
AFCAT Salary Structure
The salary given to the Flying Officer on commissioning as per the seventh CPC is given below.
Rank |
Flying Officer |
Level |
10 |
Pay as per defence matrix |
INR 56,100-1,77,500 |
Military Service Pay (MSP) |
INR 15,500 per month |
AFCAT Salary for Flying Branch
AFCAT salary for Flying Branch is given below.
Salary Details | Amount (INR) |
---|---|
Basic Pay |
56,100 |
MSP |
15,500 |
DA (28%) |
15,708 |
Flying Pay |
25,000 |
TA ( For X Class Cities) |
7,200 |
DA on TA (28%) |
2,016 |
Kit Maintenance |
600 |
Gross Salary |
1,22,024 |
Also Read:
AFCAT Salary for Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
The salary structure of AFCAT Ground Duty (Technica) branch is given below.
Salary Details | Amount (INR) |
---|---|
Basic Pay |
56,100 |
MSP |
15,500 |
DA (28%) |
15,708 |
Technical Pay |
10,000 |
TA ( For X Class Cities) |
7,200 |
DA on TA (28%) |
2,016 |
Gross Salary |
1,06,524 |
AFCAT Salary for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
The table below shows AFCAT salary for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch.
Salary Details | Amount (INR) |
---|---|
Basic Pay |
56,100 |
MSP |
15,500 |
DA (28%) |
15,708 |
TA ( For X Class Cities) |
7,200 |
DA on TA (28%) |
2,016 |
Gross Salary |
96,524 |
AFCAT Salary Per Month
AFCAT salary per month consists of base pay, and some additional allowances and benefits. There is a fixed amount of increment given to every candidate on the basis of their service period. AFCAT salary differs from rank to rank and during training candidates are offered a stipend of INR 56,100.
AFCAT Allowances
Apart from the AFCAT salary and allowances, IAF officers are also entitled to various perks and privileges. The privileges given to candidates are given below.
- Furnished accommodation
- Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
- Canteen, Officers’ Mess
- Loans at subsidised rates, LTC
- Leave Travel Concession. Officers in the Air Force are entitled to leave (60 days annual and 20 days casual) subject to service exigencies
AFCAT Salary: Insurance Cover
Candidates are given insurance cover of INR 1 crore. This is applicable to serving officers. An additional cover of INR 12 Lakh (on contribution) is applicable to Flying Branch Officers.
Q: What is the rank wise salary of AFCAT Officers?
The rank-wise salary of AFCAT Officers is given below:
Rank | Level | Pay Scale (In INR) |
---|---|---|
Flying Officer | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
Flight Lieutenant | Level 10 B | 6,13,00-1,93,900 |
Squadron Leader | Level 11 | 6,94,00 – 2,07,200 |
Wing Commander | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12400 |
Group Captain | Level 13 | 1,30,600-2, 15,900 |
Air Commodore | Level 13A | 1,39,600-2,17,600 |
Air Vice Marshal | Level 14 | 1,44,200-2,18,200 |
Air Marshal HAG Scale | Level 15 | 1, 82, 200-2,24,100 |
HAG+Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
VACS/Airforce Cdr/ Air Marshal (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000/- (fixed) |
CAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000/- (fixed) |
Q: What is the stipend offered to AFCAT officers during training?
The stipend offered to men and women cadets during the entire duration of training at any of the Air Force Training Institutions is INR 56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10). On successful completion of the training, the AFCAT salary of candidates in the pay matrix of Commissioned Officers will be fixed in the first cell of Level 10.
Q: What is the in-hand salary of AFCAT Officers?
In the table below, we have provided the branch-wise AFCAT salary.
Branch | Salary (In INR) |
---|---|
Flying Branch | 85,372 |
Ground Duty (Tech) Branch | 74,872 |
Ground Duty (Non-tech) Branch Salary | 71,872 |
Q: What is the annual package offered to AFCAT Officers?
AFCAT salary is different for different branches. The annual AFCAT salary package is given below.
Branch | Annual package (In INR) |
Flying Branch | 8-10 LPA |
Ground Duty (Tech) | 7-9 LPA |
Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 7-9 LPA |
AFCAT Promotions and Growth
Promotions are offered to candidates on the basis of their performance and years of service. Candidates who have served for three years as Flying Officers are promoted to Flight Lieutenant. To qualify for promotions, candidates need to undergo departmental tests. If an employee completes six years of service, they are ranked as the Squadron leader. Technical Officers who are engineers are given the seniority of two years. It is mandatory for all officers to attend the C examination which comprises General Knowledge and post concerning topics for departmental promotion and to seek promotion in ranks.
The level and ranks given to the officers are given below.
Post | Level |
---|---|
Flying Officer Flying Lieutenant |
Junior Level |
Squadron Leader Wing Commander Group Captain |
Executive Level |
Air Comrade Air Vice-Marshal Air Marshal |
Director Level |
Air Chief Marshal |
Chief |
Important Points:
- Promotions for AFCAT are applicable to the first three ranks on the basis of the timeline
- On completion of training in flight cadet, candidates are commissioned as Flying Officers
- On completion of three years of service, the Flying Officers are promoted to Flying Lieutenant after passing the department test
- On completing six years of service, candidates are promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader
- Promotions for other posts are done based on the job and vacancies
- All Officers are required to attend the 'C' examination that consists of General Knowledge and post-related topics for departmental promotion and ranks
AFCAT Job Profile
The job profile for the various branches is given below.
AFCAT Flying Branch |
|
AFCAT Ground Duty (Tech) |
|
AFCAT Ground Duty (Non-Tech) |
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Training of AFCAT Officers
After candidates clear the selection procedure, they are sent to one of the Air Force training establishments. Here they have to undergo scientifically planned rigorous physical and academic training that is aimed to gear them for life in the Indian Air Force. All Air Force training establishments are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and best of the facilities including institutes, swimming pools, squash courts etc. Once they join these training establishments, the IAF takes care of all their requirements like messing, lodging etc. and also gives them a monthly stipend during the last year of training.
Q: What are the career opportunities after the AFCAT?
Q: What are the ground duty positions in AFCAT?
Q: What is the procedure of training of newly appointed Officers through AFCAT exam?
Training of newly appointed officers is conducted at Air Force Academy Dundigal (Hyderabad). The duration of training for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches is 74 weeks and that of Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches is 52 weeks at Air Force Training Establishments. Candidates are advised to keep themselves in good physical condition to adapt to physical training at AFA that encompasses running, swimming, rope climbing and other forms of physical training in which they are required to undergo mandatory tests during the training. Candidates should keep themselves fit by following the below-mentioned routine: Running upto 4 kms in 5 minutes Skipping Push-ups & Sit-ups minimum 20 each Chin ups: 8 Rope Climbing: 3 to 4 meters Swimming (25 m).
AFCAT selection process
AFCAT selection process comprises online test and AFSB interview. The online test is conducted for 300 marks and carries questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. Candidates qualifying the online test are called for AFSB interview. The medical fitness of candidates is judged at the time of document verification.
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for the AFCAT exam?
Q: Why AFCAT exam is conducted?
Q: What is AFCAT selection process?
AFCAT Salary FAQs
Candidates can check below AFCAT salary FAQs.
Q: How difficult is AFCAT exam?
Q: What is the difference between AFCAT and EKT?
Q: What is the difference between NDA and AFCAT?
Q: What are the admission in AFA?
News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
AFCAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered 5 days ago
To be eligible for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), you need to meet specific academic criteria based on the branch you are applying for:
For Flying Branch:
- You must have scored at least 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics in 10+2.
- You should also have a bachelor's degree (minimum 3 y
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a week ago
Candidates can calculate the probable scores using the AFCAT answer key in the following way:
- For correct answers, candidates score three marks
- One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer
- No marks are allotted to unattempted questions
R
Beginner-Level 2
Answered a week ago
Candidates can choose the best books for AFCAT exam in the following way:
- Check the publishing year of the AFCAT books. Students must select the latest edition of books
- Choose books that are easy to read
- Select AFCAT books that are written in a simple language where students can understand the concept
B
Beginner-Level 2
Answered 2 weeks ago
The minimum visual acuity required for the AFCAT exam is 6/9 each eye which can be corrected to 6/6 in each eye if the usual acuity below6/ 6 classic must be worn the corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the letter I and 6/18 in the worse side
K
Contributor-Level 8
Answered 3 weeks ago
AFCAT 1 2024 vacancy break-up is given below.
Entry Type | Post Code | Male | Female | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
AFCAT | Flying | 28 | 10 | 38 |
AFCAT Ground Duty Technical | AE (L) | 104 | 11 | 125 |
AE (M) | 45 | 05 | 50 | |
AFCAT Ground Duty Non Technical | Admin | 44 | 06 | 50 |
LGS | 11 | 02 | 13 | |
Accounts | 11 | 02 | 13 | |
Ground Duty Non Technical | Education | 08 | 02 | 10 |
Ground Duty Non Technical | Weapon Systems WS Branch | 15 | 02 | 17 |
Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | 09 | 02 | 11 |
NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC. |
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
AFCAT 2 2024 vacancy break-up is given below.
Entry Type | Post Code | Male | Female | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFCAT | Flying | 18 | 12 | |||||
AFCAT Ground Duty Technical | AE (L) | 88 | 23 | |||||
AE (M) | 36 | 09 | ||||||
AFCAT Ground Duty Non Technical | Admin | 43 | 03 | |||||
LGS | 13 | 14 | ||||||
Accounts | 10 | 11 | ||||||
Ground Duty Non Technical | Education | 07 | 02 | |||||
Ground Duty Non Technical | Weapon Systems WS Branch | 14 | 02 | |||||
Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | 08 | 02 | |||||
NCC Special Entry | Flying |
|
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
AFCAT 1 vacancy break-up is given below:
Entry Type | Post Code | Male | Female | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFCAT | Flying | 21 | 9 | |||||
AFCAT Ground Duty Technical | AE (L) | 95 | 27 | |||||
AE (M) | 53 | 14 | ||||||
AFCAT Ground Duty Non Technical | Admin | 42 | 11 | |||||
LGS | 13 | 3 | ||||||
Accounts | 11 | 2 | ||||||
Ground Duty Non Technical | Education | 07 | 02 | |||||
Ground Duty Non Technical | Weapon Systems WS Branch | 14 | 03 | |||||
Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | 07 | 02 | |||||
NCC Special Entry | Flying |
|
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 3 weeks ago
Few important points related to AFCAT vacancies are given below:
- AFCAT vacancies announced by IAF are tentative and subject to change without notice
- Candidates are selected based on requirements, various cadre control mechanisms, availability of training slots, and the actual number of vacancies
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
AFCAT admit ard can be downloaded by logging with email ID, password, and captcha code. The admit card is released online only. There is no facility to download the admit card offline. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging with the required credentials.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
AFCAT admit card download link is made available on the official website. However, the direct link to download the admit card is provided on this page. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging with the required credentials. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by pos
A
Contributor-Level 10
I got 43 in 12th maths and 56 in physics and overall percentage is 70% im eligible for afcat?Now im currently pursuing BE Aerospace engineer