AFCAT

The Indian Air Force conducts AFCAT through the CDAC-managed portal (afcat.cdac.in). The cycle includes a written test, AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interview, and a medical examination before the final merit list.

Educational Qualification

• Flying Branch: Graduation in any stream with 60% marks, and Mathematics + Physics at 10+2 level
• Ground Duty (Technical): B.E./B.Tech in a notified discipline
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Any graduate (60% marks)

Age Limit

• Flying Branch: 20–24 years
• Ground Duty branches: 20–26 years

(Upper limits relaxed for reserved categories and certain entries as per notification.)

Nationality

• Indian citizen.

Medical Fitness

• Must clear the IAF medical standards after AFSB recommendation.

As per Government of India rules:

• Horizontal reservation for PwBD and Ex-servicemen as applicable.

Selection Stages

1. Online Written Exam (AFCAT)

2. AFSB Interview (5 days — psychology, group tasks, interview)

3. Medical Examination (IAF standards)

Written Exam Pattern

• Duration: 2 hours (no sectional timing)
• Marking: +3 per correct, −1 per wrong answer
• EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) discontinued since AFCAT 1 2023

AFSB & Medical

• AFSB is a 5-day selection process (psychological tests, group discussion, interview, task-based assessment).
• Recommended candidates undergo medical examination per IAF standards.

General Awareness

Current affairs, history, geography, polity, defence awareness, Indian economy, science & technology.

Verbal Ability (English)

Reading comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction, synonyms/antonyms, error spotting, fill-in-the-blanks.

Numerical Ability

Arithmetic, algebra, trigonometry, geometry, mensuration, probability, statistics, time-work, speed-distance, percentage, profit-loss.

Reasoning & Military Aptitude

Verbal & non-verbal reasoning, series, coding-decoding, blood relations, directions, syllogism, analogies, spatial/military-style logic.

1. Visit https://afcat.cdac.in

2. Complete new registration

3. Log in and fill the application form (personal, academic, branch preference)

4. Upload documents, photograph, signature

5. Pay the application fee

6. Submit and save the confirmation page

Avoid mismatched name/DOB, unclear photo, wrong branch choice, and missing fee confirmation.

• Paid online through the official portal.

*Counts are publicly reported cycle figures; confirm the latest on afcat.cdac.in.*

Pay (Flying Officer)

• Basic Pay: ₹56,100 (Level 10, 7th CPC)
• Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500
• Approx. gross: ₹70,000–₹85,000 per month

Allowances

• Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, HRA
• Flying-related allowances (where applicable)
• Other service allowances per posting

• Build GK + Mathematics first (high-scoring).
• Revise NCERT-level math and basic science.
• Read daily current affairs and defence updates.
• Practice English grammar and comprehension.
• Solve full-length timed mocks.
• Prepare separately for AFSB: communication, confidence, officer-like qualities.

Officer progression: Flying Officer → Flight Lieutenant → Squadron Leader → Wing Commander and higher command/strategic roles. Opportunities in unit leadership, training, operations, and staff appointments.

1. What is AFCAT?

The Air Force Common Admission Test — IAF's officer-selection exam for Flying, GD Technical, and GD Non-Technical branches.

2. Who conducts AFCAT?

The Indian Air Force, through the CDAC portal (afcat.cdac.in).

3. How often is it held?

Twice a year — AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2.

4. What is the official website?

https://afcat.cdac.in

5. Flying Branch eligibility?

Graduation with 60% marks + Mathematics and Physics at 10+2.

6. GD Technical eligibility?

B.E./B.Tech in a notified discipline.

7. GD Non-Technical eligibility?

Any graduate with 60% marks.

8. Age limit for Flying Branch?

20–24 years.

9. Age limit for Ground Duty?

20–26 years.

10. Exam pattern?

100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours — GA, English, Numerical, Reasoning & Military Aptitude.

11. Negative marking?

Yes — +3 correct, −1 wrong.

12. Selection stages?

Written exam → AFSB interview (5 days) → Medical → Merit list.

13. Syllabus subjects?

General Awareness, Verbal English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude.

14. Application fee?

₹550 for all except SC/ST/Women (exempted).

15. Salary of a Flying Officer?

₹56,100 basic + ₹15,500 MSP + allowances; gross ~₹70k–85k.

16. What is AFSB?

The 5-day Air Force Selection Board interview and assessment after the written exam.

17. How is final merit prepared?

Combined written score + AFSB performance + medical fitness + branch vacancy.

18. All-India eligibility?

Yes — candidates from any Indian state can apply if eligible.

19. Short Service or Permanent Commission?

AFCAT is for Short Service Commission.

20. Where to find latest dates/vacancies?

On the official portal https://afcat.cdac.in and the current notification.

• Indian Air Force (AFCAT): https://afcat.cdac.in
• AFCAT apply portal: https://afcat.cdac.in
• National Career Service: https://www.ncs.gov.in