Join Indian Air Force through AFCAT 2025 – Complete Notification Overview

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) recruitment drive, inviting applications from eligible Indian citizens for commissioning as officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. This opportunity is open to both men and women under the Short Service Commission (SSC). Additionally, applications are invited for the NCC Special Entry Scheme (Flying Branch only). The courses are scheduled to commence in July 2026.

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: 27th May 2025
• Application Start Date: 2nd June 2025 (11:00 AM)
• Application End Date: 1st July 2025 (11:30 PM)
• Admit Card Release: To be announced
• AFCAT( Air Force Common Admission Test) 2025: will be conducted on 23rd, 24th, and 25th August 2025.
• Course Commencement: July 2026

Application Fee

• AFCAT Entry: ₹550 plus applicable GST
• NCC Special Entry: No fee required

Note: The application fee is non-refundable and must be paid online.

Vacancy Details (Total: 284 Posts)

Eligibility Criteria

1. Nationality

• Must be a citizen of India as defined by the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955

2. Age Limit (as on 1st July 2026)

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as of commissioning date (Born between 2nd July 2002 – 1st July 2006).
  Relaxable up to 26 years for CPL holders (Born between 2nd July 2000 – 1st July 2006).
• Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech): 20 to 26 years (Born between 2nd July 2000 – 1st July 2006).

3. Marital Status

• Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried.
  Marriage not allowed during training.

4. Educational Qualifications

Flying Branch:

• 10+2 examination with:
  • Minimum 50% marks in Physics
  • Minimum 50% marks in Mathematics
• Candidates must possess a three-year bachelor’s degree in any discipline with minimum 60% aggregate marks from a recognized university.
  OR BE/B.Tech (4 years) with 60% marks
  OR AMIE or Aeronautical Society of India with 60% marks.

Ground Duty (Technical):

• 10+2 examination with:
  • Minimum 50% marks in Physics
  • Minimum 50% marks in Mathematics
• 4-year Engineering/Technology degree from a recognized university.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical):

• Administration & Logistics: Graduate (3 years) with 60% marks.
• Accounts: B.Com (3 years) with 60% marks.
• Education: PG (MBA/MCA/MA/M.Sc) with 50% marks; Graduation with 60% marks.
• Meteorology: PG in relevant Science fields with 50% marks (Math & Physics in Graduation with 55% marks each).

NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch):

• NCC Air Wing ‘C’ Certificate acquired on or after 1st June 2017.
• Must meet Flying Branch educational qualifications.

Pay Scale

• Rank: Flying Officer
• Pay Level: 10
• Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
• Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500

Selection Process

1. AFCAT 2025 Exam Structure:
   • Total Questions: 100
   • Marks per Question: +3
   • Negative Marking: -1 for incorrect answers
   • Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
2. Sections & Syllabus
   • General Awareness
     (Current Affairs, History, Geography, Science, Defense)
   • Verbal Ability in English
     (Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension)
   • Numerical Ability
     (Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics)
   • Reasoning & Military Aptitude
     (Logical Thinking, Spatial Ability, Situational Judgment)
   • Candidates applying for Ground Duty (Technical) branches will also need to appear for the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT), which consists of 50 questions and is conducted for 45 minutes
3. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing:
   • Candidates who qualify in the written exam will be called for AFSB testing, which includes:
     • Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test followed by the Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT) to assess cognitive and communication skills.
     • Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Tests, and Interview.
     • For Flying Branch: The Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test is mandatory to evaluate aptitude for pilot training.
4. Medical Examination:
   • Candidates recommended by the AFSB will undergo a medical examination conducted by the Air Force Medical Authorities.
5. Final Merit List:
   • The final selection will be determined by a composite score of the written examination and AFSB interview performance, contingent upon medical clearance and vacancy position.

How to Apply

1. Visit the official AFCAT website.
2. Click on the “Candidate Login” section and select “AFCAT 02/2025 Cycle.”
3. Sign up as a new user by entering the necessary information.
4. Log into your profile with your verified email and passcode.
5. Fill out all sections of the application, including personal and educational information.
6. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression as per the specified format.
7. Pay any applicable fees through the platform’s authorized payment options.
8. Review the application form and submit it.
9. Download and print your form to maintain a tangible backup.