The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) stands as a prestigious examination for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) as commissioned officers in various branches. The AFCAT Recruitment 2025 cycle offers a golden opportunity for both men and women to embark on a rewarding career in the IAF. This comprehensive guide delves into the essential aspects of AFCAT 2025, including eligibility criteria, application process, selection procedure, and preparation strategies.
Overview of AFCAT 2025
AFCAT is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year to select officers for its Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. The AFCAT 2025 recruitment drive encompasses a total of 336 vacancies distributed across various branches, including the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches, which consist of both Technical and Non-Technical roles. Additionally, special entry programs such as the NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Entry are also part of this recruitment cycle.
Eligibility Criteria
Understanding the eligibility criteria is crucial for aspirants to ensure they meet the necessary requirements before applying.
1. Nationality
- Candidates must be citizens of India.
2. Age Limit
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Flying Branch: Candidates should be between 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2026. Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years.
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Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches: Candidates should be between 20 to 26 years as of January 1, 2026.
3. Educational Qualifications
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Flying Branch:
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Minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
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Graduation with a minimum three-year degree course in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 60% marks or equivalent.
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OR BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognized university with at least 60% marks or equivalent.
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Ground Duty (Technical) Branches:
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Minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
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Four-year degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from recognized university.
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Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches:
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Administration and Logistics: Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
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Accounts: B.Com degree with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
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Education: MBA/MCA or MA/M.Sc degree in relevant subjects with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate.
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Application Process
The application process for AFCAT 2025 is conducted online through the official AFCAT website. Candidates are required to register, fill in personal and educational details, upload necessary documents, and pay the examination fee.
Application Fee
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AFCAT Entry: ₹550 for all candidates.
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NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Entry: No fee.
Important Dates
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AFCAT 1 2025:
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Notification Release: December 2, 2024.
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Application Window: December 2 to December 31, 2024.
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Exam Dates: February 22 and 23, 2025.
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AFCAT 2 2025:
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Notification Release: June 1, 2025.
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Application Window: June 1 to June 30, 2025.
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Exam Dates: August 2025 (Exact dates to be announced).
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Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 2025 comprises the following stages:
1. Online Examination
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AFCAT Exam: Consists of 100 questions covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude. The duration is 2 hours.
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Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT): Applicable for candidates applying for Ground Duty (Technical) branches. It consists of 50 questions with a duration of 45 minutes.
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing
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Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and Discussion Test.
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Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Tests, and Interview.
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Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS): For Flying Branch candidates to assess psychomotor skills and cognitive abilities.
3. Medical Examination
- Conducted to ensure candidates meet the medical standards required for the respective branches.
4. Final Merit List
- Prepared based on performance in the online examination and AFSB testing, subject to medical fitness and availability of vacancies.
Preparation Strategies
Achieving success in AFCAT requires a well-structured preparation plan:
1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Syllabus
- Familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and detailed syllabus to focus on relevant topics.
2. Create a Study Schedule
- Develop a realistic study plan allocating sufficient time to each subject and regular revisions.
3. Practice Regularly
- Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve speed and accuracy.
4. Enhance General Awareness
- Stay updated with current affairs, especially related to defense, national and international events.
5. Improve Physical Fitness
- Engage in regular physical activities to meet the physical fitness standards required for AFSB testing.