DETAILS ABOUT AFCAT EXAM
âī¸ Unlock Your Wings: The Ultimate AFCAT Prep Kit
đ Conquer the Written Exam
Dominate every section of the AFCAT test. This comprehensive guide is your first and most crucial step to securing a top score and earning your call for the AFSB interview.
Get the AFCAT Guide
đī¸ Ace Your AFSB/SSB Interview
The written test is just the beginning. Master the art of the 5-day interview process, from psychological tests to group tasks, and prove you have what it takes to be an officer.
Master the SSB Interview
âšī¸Full Form
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
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Eligibility
- Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
- Flying Branch: Graduates (any discipline) with 60% marks, and must have Physics and Maths at 10+2 level. OR BE/B.Tech with 60% marks.
- Ground Duty (Technical): BE/B.Tech degree with a minimum of 60% marks in relevant engineering disciplines.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduate degree (any discipline) with 60% marks. Specific requirements for Accounts and Education branches.
đAge Limit
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years.
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years.
đDetailed Syllabus
- General Awareness: History, Geography, Civics, Politics, Current Affairs, Environment, Basic Science, Defence, Art, Culture, Sports.
- Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Vocabulary.
- Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, and Simple Interest.
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test: Verbal Skills and Spatial Ability.
- EKT (for Technical Branch): Additional test with questions from your specific engineering discipline (Mechanical, Computer Science, or Electrical & Electronics).
âī¸Selection Process
The selection process is a multi-stage procedure:
- Step 1: AFCAT Written Examination. Candidates who opt for Ground Duty (Technical) also have to pass the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).
- Step 2: AFSB Testing. Shortlisted candidates are called for Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing at one of the AFSB centers (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, or Varanasi).
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and Discussion Test. This is a screening test.
- Stage II: Successful candidates from Stage I undergo Psychological Tests, Group Tests, and an Interview over a period of 5 days.
- Step 3: Medical Examination. Candidates recommended by the AFSB will undergo a thorough medical examination.
- Step 4: Final Merit List. An All-India Merit List is compiled based on the total marks in the written test and the AFSB interview.
đ°Starting Salary Potential
After successful commissioning, a Flying Officer is placed in Pay Level 10. The starting salary (including Basic Pay, Military Service Pay, and other allowances) is approximately âš85,000 - âš95,000 per month.
âī¸Starting Post & Department
The starting rank for all commissioned officers is Flying Officer. The department depends on the branch selected:
- Flying Branch: Fighter Pilot, Helicopter Pilot, Transport Pilot.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics or Mechanical).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology.
đJob Profile
The job profile is dynamic and prestigious. As an officer, you are a leader responsible for managing personnel and resources. The role varies by branch, from commanding a fighter squadron to managing the logistics of an entire airbase or maintaining advanced aircraft.
đFacilities After Selection
Officers in the Indian Air Force are entitled to numerous facilities, including:
- Furnished accommodation.
- Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents.
- Generous leave policies (60 days annual leave, 20 days casual leave).
- Life insurance cover at a subsidized rate.
- Access to world-class sports facilities and clubs.
- Travel concessions and subsidized rail/air travel.
đ¯Scope
The scope for an Air Force officer is immense. It offers a path of continuous learning, leadership development, and the honor of serving the nation. There is a clear and structured path for promotion to higher ranks, from Flying Officer to Air Marshal, based on performance and service length.
đī¸Exam Dates & Frequency
- Frequency: The AFCAT exam is conducted twice a year.
- Exam Months: Typically in February and August/September.
đHow to Apply
Applications are to be filled online only through the official career website of the Indian Air Force. Candidates need to register, fill out the application form, upload necessary documents, and pay the examination fee.
đExam Structure & Score Pattern
| Paper |
Subject |
No. of Questions |
Max Marks |
Duration |
| AFCAT |
General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude |
100 |
300 |
2 Hours |
| EKT (Technical Only) |
Mechanical, CS, or EE |
50 |
150 |
45 Minutes |
Scoring Pattern: +3 marks for every correct answer, -1 mark for every incorrect answer. No marks for unattempted questions.
đ¸Fees
The examination fee for AFCAT is a fixed amount, typically âš250 (plus taxes) for all categories of candidates. This is subject to change as per the official notification.
đOfficial Website
For the latest notifications, application forms, and information, always refer to the official career website: afcat.cdac.in
