The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is led by the Indian Air Force. AFCAT Exam is conducted by Indian Air Force twice a year for the recruitment of candidates in Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying Branch and Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches.
This exam is the opportunity for both male and female candidates who aspire to be a part of the Indian Air Force for serving the Short Service Commission in the Flying Branch and Ground Branch for both the Short Service Commission and Permanent Commission. IAF also recruit candidates for the grant of PC/SSC for the NCC Special Entry Scheme (Flying Branch) and for Meteorological Entry.
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) Highlights
Name of Exam |
Air Force Common Admission Test (2024) |
Conducting Body |
Indian Air Force |
Periodicity |
Twice a year |
Exam Level |
National |
Mode of Application |
Online |
Mode of Exam |
Online (CBT) |
Exam Rounds |
3 Stages (Written + AFSB + DV) |
Job Location |
Across India |
Official Website |
afcat.cdac.in |
Eligibility Criteria for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
1. Candidate must be a citizen of India as per the Indian citizenship act, 1955.
2. Age – Flying Branch for 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2023 i.e. born between 02 July 1999 to 01 July 2003(both dates inclusive). The upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years i.e. born between 02 July 1997 to 01 July 2003 (both dates inclusive).
3. Ground Duty (Technical/ Non-Technical) Branches. 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2023 i.e. born between 02 July 1997 to 01 July 2003 (both dates inclusive).
Category |
AFCAT Qualification |
Flying Branch |
50% marks in each maths & physics of Class 12 along with a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. OR B. Tech degree from a recognized university with 60% marks or equivalent. OR Candidates who have cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. |
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch |
Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/ Technology from a recognized University. |
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches |
10+2 and Graduate Degree (Minimum 3 years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks. |
AFCAT Age Limit
The age limit prescribed for AFCAT 2023 exam is 20 and 24 years for the flying branch and 20 to 26 years for the Ground Duty posts. Relaxation in age limit is given to the candidates belonging to reserved categories. During this period, a candidate can attempt 16 times and can clear the AFCAT exam.
Category |
Minimum Age |
Maximum Age |
Flying Branch through AFCAT & NCC Special Entry |
20 years |
24 years |
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch |
26 years |
How to Fill AFCAT Application Form?
The steps to fill out the AFCAT application form are as follows:
1. Interested and eligible candidates must visit the official website of the Indian Air Force.
2. On the home page, click on the link that displays, “AFCAT Apply Online”.
3. Now, fill up the application form and upload all the scanned documents.
4. Pay the application fee as per your category and submit the form.
5. Take a printout of your application form for future reference.
AFCAT Application Fee
AFCAT application fee will be paid online either by Credit/Debit or Net Banking, etc. It is mandatory to submit the application fee to get clearance with the application form.
After filling in all the relevant and mandatory information, candidates had to pay the application fee. After making the online payment they can also check ‘Payment Status. If the registration number is displayed in the ‘Payment Status’ then their application is successfully submitted.
Category |
Application Fee |
All Categories |
₹250/- |
AFCAT Exam Pattern
1. There are two sections.
2. Each question carries 3 marks with a negative marking of -1 for every incorrect answer marked
3. The maximum mark allotted to the AFCAT examination is 300.
4. The question paper of EKT will be of a total of 150 marks.
5. Candidates must sit for the Online CBT AFCAT in person. Under no circumstance, another candidate is allowed to assist/appear in the exam.
Exam |
AFCAT |
EKT |
Section |
General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Reasoning, and Numerical Ability and Military Aptitude Test |
Fundamental Engineering, Specialization Topics, Allied Engineering |
Exam Duration |
02 Hours |
45 mins |
Number of Questions |
100 |
50 |
Marks |
300 |
150 |
AFCAT Result
AFCAT Written Exam will be conducted in the month of August or September. AFCAT results will be announced 15 days after completing the written examination. After the declaration of the written exam result, AFSB will conduct the SSB process for all the shortlisted candidates. Candidates will be called to different AFSB centres.