The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 1 2025, inviting applications for various positions across multiple branches. This guide provides a detailed overview of the AFCAT 2025 recruitment process, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, exam patterns, and frequently asked questions (FAQs).
AFCAT 2025 🗓️
The AFCAT 1 2025 exam is scheduled for February 22 and 23, 2025. The online application window was open from December 2 to December 31, 2024. A total of 336 vacancies are available across different branches, with courses commencing in January 2026.
Vacancy Details 📊
The vacancies are distributed across various branches as follows:
| Branch | Vacancies (Men) | Vacancies (Women) | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 21 | 9 | 30 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | |||
| – Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) | 95 | 27 | 122 |
| – Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) | 53 | 14 | 67 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | |||
| – Administration | 42 | 11 | 53 |
| – Logistics | 13 | 3 | 16 |
| – Accounts | 11 | 2 | 13 |
| – Education | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| – Weapon Systems (WS) Branch | 14 | 3 | 17 |
| Meteorology Entry | 7 | 2 | 9 |
| NCC Special Entry (Flying) | 10% of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% of AFCAT vacancies for SSC | – | – |
Eligibility Criteria 📝
Flying Branch:
- Age Limit: 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2026.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Minimum 60% marks in Graduation (any discipline) with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- OR BE/B.Tech degree with a minimum of 60% marks.
- OR Candidates who have cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Technical):
- Age Limit: 20 to 26 years as of January 1, 2026.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics):
- Minimum 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Four-year degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university.
- Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical):
- Minimum 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Four-year degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university.
- Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics):
Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
- Age Limit: 20 to 26 years as of January 1, 2026.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Administration and Logistics:
- Minimum 60% marks in Graduation (any discipline).
- Accounts:
- Minimum 60% marks in B.Com.
- Education:
- Minimum 60% marks in Graduation and Post Graduation in any discipline.
- Weapon Systems (WS) Branch:
- Minimum 60% marks in Graduation (any discipline)
- Administration and Logistics:
Meteorology Entry:
- Age Limit: 20 to 26 years as of January 1, 2026.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Postgraduate degree in any of the specified streams with a minimum of 50% marks.
Application Process 🖥️
- Registration: Visit the official AFCAT website and register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Application Form: Log in to complete the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
- Payment: Pay the examination fee of ₹550/- through online modes.
- Document Upload: Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature as per the specified guidelines.
- Submission: Review all details and submit the application form.
Exam Pattern 📋
- AFCAT Exam:
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude
- Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT):
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Total Questions: 50
- Total Marks: 150
- Applicable only for candidates applying for Ground Duty (Technical) Branches
Selection Process 🏆
- Written Examination: 📚
- The AFCAT exam will test your general knowledge, reasoning, and verbal ability. If you are applying for a technical branch, you will also need to appear for the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview: ✈️
- Candidates who qualify in the written exam will be called for the AFSB interview, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
- Medical Examination: 💉
- After passing the AFSB interview, you will undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure you meet the necessary health and fitness standards set by the Indian Air Force.
- Final Merit List: 📋
- Based on your performance in the written test, AFSB interview, and medical examination, a final merit list will be prepared. Candidates in the merit list will be offered a position based on the available vacancies.
Training and Commission 🎓
- Selected candidates will undergo training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
- For Flying Branch: Training will last for approximately 74 weeks.
- For Ground Duty Branches (Technical and Non-Technical): Training will vary, but generally lasts between 52 to 74 weeks.
- After completing the training, candidates will be commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force.
Salary and Perks 💰
- Pay Scale:
- The salary for AFCAT recruits will vary according to the branch. The starting pay for Flying Branch Officers is ₹56,100 per month, while for Ground Duty Officers, it is ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500.
- Other Benefits:
- Accommodation, medical facilities, canteen facilities, and leave travel concessions are some of the perks.
- You will also receive allowances like Flying Allowance, High Altitude Allowance, and Field Area Allowance.
Important Dates to Remember 📅
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | December 2, 2024 |
| Online Application Last Date | December 31, 2024 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | February 22-23, 2025 |
| AFCAT Result Declaration | March 2025 |
| AFSB Interview (Tentative) | April to June 2025 |
| Training Commencement (Tentative) | January 2026 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) ❓
What is the minimum age to apply for AFCAT 2025?
For Flying Branch: You must be between 20 and 24 years old as of January 1, 2026.
For Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches: You must be between 20 and 26 years old.
Can women apply for AFCAT?
Yes, women can apply for both Flying and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. Women are eligible for Ground Duty (Technical) positions only for specific roles like Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics).
Is there any physical fitness requirement?
Yes, candidates must meet specific physical standards outlined by the Indian Air Force. These include height, weight, vision, and overall fitness criteria.
What is the application fee for AFCAT 2025?
The application fee for AFCAT is ₹550/-, which can be paid through online payment modes.
Conclusion 🚀
AFCAT 2025 offers an excellent opportunity for individuals aspiring to serve in the Indian Air Force as officers in various branches. The recruitment process is competitive, requiring candidates to excel in the written exam, interview, and medical assessments. If you meet the eligibility criteria and are determined to succeed, this is your chance to begin an exciting and rewarding career in the Indian Air Force. Good luck with your AFCAT preparation! ✈️