AFCAT Complete Guide | Guidease

Quick Facts

AFCAT is conducted twice a year in February and August cycles.

Both men and women can apply for all branches.

Technical Branch requires EKT in addition to AFCAT.

1. Introduction to AFCAT

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to select officers for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches.

AFCAT offers young aspirants an opportunity to join the Indian Air Force as Group 'A' Gazetted Officers, serving the nation in one of the most prestigious defense forces in the world.

The exam is conducted twice every year:

  • AFCAT 1: February cycle
  • AFCAT 2: August cycle

2. Branches Through AFCAT

Flying Branch

Become Fighter Pilots, Transport Pilots, or Helicopter Pilots.

Technical Branch

Handle technical operations, maintenance, and engineering support.

Non-Technical Branch

Administrative, logistics, accounts, education, and meteorology roles.

3. Types of Entries Through AFCAT

Entry Type Exam Required
Flying Branch AFCAT
Ground Duty (Non-Tech) AFCAT
Ground Duty (Tech) AFCAT + Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)
NCC Special Entry (Flying) No AFCAT (Direct SSB)

4. Eligibility Criteria

A. Nationality

Must be an Indian citizen as per Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.

B. Age Limit

Branch Age
Flying Branch 20–24 years (up to 26 for CPL holders)
Ground Duty 20–26 years

C. Educational Qualification

Flying Branch

Graduation (any discipline) with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 OR BE/B.Tech (any discipline)

Ground Duty (Technical)

BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering disciplines with minimum 60% aggregate

Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

Graduation with minimum 60%. Specific degrees required for Accounts, Education, Meteorology roles.

D. Physical & Medical Standards

  • Minimum Height: Male: 157.5 cm (Flying: 162.5 cm), Female: 152 cm
  • Vision Standards: Strict for Flying Branch
  • No permanent tattoos except permitted areas
  • Must be medically fit as per IAF standards

5. AFCAT Exam Pattern

AFCAT Written Exam

Section Questions Marks
General Awareness 25 75
Verbal Ability in English 30 90
Numerical Ability 15 45
Reasoning & Military Aptitude 30 90
Total 100 300

Duration: 2 hours

Marking Scheme: +3 for correct, −1 for incorrect

Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)

For Technical Branch only

Details Value
Questions 50
Marks 150
Duration 45 minutes

6. SSB Interview Process

Candidates clearing AFCAT are called for SSB (Services Selection Board), a 5-day personality assessment.

SSB Stages

Stage I (Screening)

  • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
  • Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)

Stage II

  • Psychological Tests
  • Group Tasks (GTO)
  • Personal Interview
  • Conference

Recommended candidates undergo a thorough medical examination.

7. Training After Selection

Training Academies

  • Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal
  • Technical officers may attend specialized institutions

Training Duration

  • Flying Branch: ~74 weeks
  • Ground Duty: ~52 weeks

Commission Type

  • Short Service Commission (SSC): 10 years (extendable to 14)
  • Permanent Commission (PC): for selected Ground Duty roles

8. Salary, Rank & Allowances

Pay Structure (7th Pay Commission)

Rank Pay Level
Flying Officer Level 10 (₹56,100)
Flight Lieutenant Level 10B
Squadron Leader Level 11

Additional Allowances

  • Flying Allowance
  • Technical Allowance
  • HRA / Field Area Allowance
  • Transport & Uniform Allowance

9. Career Growth in Indian Air Force

Ranks Progression

Flying Officer → Flight Lieutenant → Squadron Leader → Wing Commander → Group Captain → Air Commodore → Air Vice Marshal (and above)

Additional Opportunities

AFCAT officers can also:

  • Pursue higher education
  • Get foreign training
  • Opt for civil aviation, management, or PSU roles after service

10. AFCAT Preparation Strategy

Key Subjects to Focus On

  • Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
  • English grammar & comprehension
  • Basic mathematics (Class 10 level)
  • Logical & military-based reasoning

Recommended Resources

  • NCERT Maths (Class 9–10)
  • Previous Year AFCAT Question Papers
  • Daily newspaper (The Hindu / Indian Express)
  • Mock tests and time-based practice

11. Why Choose AFCAT?

  • Prestigious officer-level career
  • Leadership & discipline development
  • Excellent salary and benefits
  • Adventure, honor, and service to the nation
  • Strong post-retirement opportunities

12. Conclusion

AFCAT is not just an exam—it is a gateway to leadership, responsibility, and national service. With the right preparation, discipline, and mindset, aspirants can transform their ambition of wearing the Indian Air Force uniform into reality.

For students preparing for AFCAT, CDS, NDA, or defense careers, AFCAT remains one of the most balanced and rewarding entry routes.