Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial
AFCAT Selection Process: The Indian Air Force (IAF) decides AFCAT selection process. The selection process comprises online test and AFSB Interview. The online test of AFCAT exam General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. The total marks allotted to the test are 300. Candidates qualifying the online test are called for AFSB interview. AFCAT exam is conducted to select candidates for Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Read below for more details on AFCAT selection process..
Q: What is AFCAT selection process?
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Q: What is AFCAT salary?
Upvote Q: What are the types of Commissions offered through AFCAT exam?
Upvote Q: Why AFCAT exam is conducted?
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AFCAT Selection Process 2025
The recruitment process begins with the release of notification. Interested candidates need to fill the application form against the notification. Candidates can check below the complete AFCAT selection process.
Release of AFCAT notification
IAF first releases a short notification. The detailed AFCAT notification along with the application form is released later. The notification contains details such as exam dates, process to fill the application form, number of vacancies, eligibility criteria, details about the admit card, selection process, etc.
Release of AFCAT application form
AFCAT application form needs to be filled online. The application fee is INR 250 for all categories and can be paid online. While filling the AFCAT application form, candidates are required to enter the Aadhaar Card number. While, Aadhaar Card is optional for candidates belonging to Jammu and Kashmir, Assam and Meghalaya. The application process comprises the following steps:
- Registration for the exam
- Entering personal information
- Entering the educational qualification
- Applicants need to give preference for the courses
- Uploading of the scanned photograph, signature, and Left Thumb Impression (LTI)
- Select the preferred exam city
- Candidates need to pay the application fees
- Submit the application form
Issue of AFCAT admit card
AFCAT admit card is made available online for all the registered candidates. The admit card is released one or two weeks before the exam. To download AFCAT admit card, candidates need to enter email ID and password. AFCAT admit card contains details such as exam date, exam centre, exam timings, etc. The steps to download the admit card are given below:
- Visit the official website of IAF
- Click the 'AFCAT admit card link'
- Enter the required details
- AFCAT admit card appears on the screen
- Download the admit card and save it
Appearing in the online test
All registered candidates are required to appear in the online test of AFCAT. Candidates who opt for Ground Duty (Technical) branch are required to appear in both AFCAT and Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). The online test of AFCAT comprises General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning and Aptitude test. The maximum marks allotted to AFCAT is 300. EKT comprises questions from Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics. The EKT carries 150 marks. The structure of online test is given below.
| Subject | Exam Duration | No of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 02 hours | 100 | 300 |
| Verbal Ability in English | |||
| Numerical Ability | |||
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
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Declaration of AFCAT result
AFCAT result is announced online on the official website. Candidates need to login with the required credentials to check the result. AFCAT cut off is released along with the result.
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AFCAT AFSB Interview Details
The AFSB Interview comprises two stages. The details of each stage are given below.
Stage-I: This stage comprises the Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and discussion test. This stage is to screen candidates for the subsequent rounds. Candidates qualifying Stage-I are required to undergo document verification.
Stage-II: This stage comprises Psychological test, Group Tests and Interview. This stage continues for five days.
Q: How is AFCAT merit list prepared?
Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in the written exam and AFSB test. Candidates are placed in the order of merit on the basis of the total marks secured by them in the written examination and in the AFSB tests. 10 per cent of the vacancies are reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division C Certificate holders in Ground Duty (Technical and Nontechnical) Branches. Allotment of branch is based on number of vacancies, performance in the selection process, medical fitness and the choice given by the candidates. Candidates need to secure the section-wise and overall cut off marks inorder to qualify the online test of AFCAT.
Upvote Q: What are the career opportunities after the AFCAT?
Upvote 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).
Upvote AFCAT Selection Process: Types of commission
The types of commission offered to candidates are given below:
Permanent Commission (PC) for Men
Candidates joining as officers in Permanent Commission continue to serve till the age of superannuation in their respective branches as per their rank.
Short Service Commission (SSC) for Men & Women
The Flying Branch (Men and Women) SSC Officers serve for fourteen years from the date of commissioning. The initial tenure for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) SSC Officers is ten years. Their service is extended for four years subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, merit, etc.
Q: What is the eligibility criteria for the AFCAT exam?
Upvote Q: How is AFCAT merit list prepared?
Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in the written exam and AFSB test. Candidates are placed in the order of merit on the basis of the total marks secured by them in the written examination and in the AFSB tests. 10 per cent of the vacancies are reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division C Certificate holders in Ground Duty (Technical and Nontechnical) Branches. Allotment of branch is based on number of vacancies, performance in the selection process, medical fitness and the choice given by the candidates. Candidates need to secure the section-wise and overall cut off marks inorder to qualify the online test of AFCAT.
Upvote Q: What are the documents required for AFCAT AFSB?
While appearing for AFSB, candidates need to carry the following documents: AFCAT Admit Card Original Matriculation/ Secondary School Certificate and Mark sheets issued by CBSE/ ICSE/ State Board No Other Certificate will be accepted for verification of Date of Birth Original Marks Sheet & Certificate of 10+2 (issued by the relevant Board) Original/ Provisional Graduation Degree/ Post Graduation Degree Certificates and Marksheet of each year/ semester issued by University. Provisional Certificate issued by college principal is not acceptable. However, Provisional Degree Certificate issued by the University is acceptable In case of final year/ semester students, a Certificate from the College Principal with proper stamp is required Two attested photocopies of certificates Original NCC Certificate (if applicable) NOC from employers for candidates working in Central/ State government. Or Public Sector Undertakings Original valid Commercial Pilots' License, issued by DGCA, if applicable Inbound Railway Ticket/ Bus Tickets. (For refund of Travelling Allowance) 20 copies of passport-size photographs.
Upvote AFCAT Salary
AFCAT salary during training is INR 56,100. The post-wise salary of AFCAT Officers is given below.
| Branch | Salary (In INR) |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch |
85,372 |
| Ground Duty (Tech) Branch |
74,872 |
| Ground Duty (Non-tech) Branch Salary |
71,872 |
The following allowances are offered to candidates:
- 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
The annual package of AFCAT Officers is given below.
| Branch | Salary (per month) |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | INR 8-10 lakhs |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch | INR 7-9 lakhs |
| Ground Duty Technical Branch | INR 7-9 lakhs |
Q: What is AFCAT salary?
Upvote 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.
Upvote AFCAT Selection Process FAQs
Candidates can check below AFCAT selection process FAQs.
Q: How difficult is AFCAT exam?
Upvote Q: How many attempts are in AFCAT?
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Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a week ago
Scoring above the cut off is esstential as it qualifies you for the next stage of the selection process, which is the AFSB interview. However, merely clearing the cutoff does not guarantee selection; a higher score can improve your chances of advancing in the merit list.
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a week ago
AFCAT score is a crucial initial screening criterion. Alongside the AFCAT score, factors like performance in the AFSB interview, medical fitness, educational qualifications, and available vacancies determine your final position in the merit list.
I
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a week ago
Achieving a good score in AFCAT is important because it increases your chances of qualifying for the AFSB interview. The scores enhances your position in the merit list. This improves the likelihood of selection. This boosts your confidence for subsequent selection stages.
C
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 3 weeks 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 3 weeks 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 4
Answered 3 weeks 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 concep
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered a month 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 9
Answered a month 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 a month 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 a month 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
What is the significance of scoring above the cutoff in AFCAT?