Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2025 Officers Selection

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) – 01/2025 and NCC Special Entry
For Courses Commencing in January 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) invites dynamic and passionate Indian men and women to join as Commissioned Officers in various branches, offering an opportunity to serve the nation with honor and pride. The selection process is open for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches, and NCC Special Entry.

Important Dates

  • Start Date for Online Applications: 2 December 2024 (11:00 AM)
  • Last Date for Online Applications: 31 December 2024 (11:30 PM)

Apply Online Through:

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit (as of 01 January 2026)

  • Flying Branch:

    • 20 to 24 years (Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2006).
    • For candidates with a valid and current DGCA (India) Commercial Pilot License: 26 years (Born between 02 Jan 2000 and 01 Jan 2006).

  • Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical):

    • 20 to 26 years (Born between 02 Jan 2000 and 01 Jan 2006).

Educational Qualifications

Flying Branch (Through AFCAT/NCC Special Entry):

  • Mandatory Qualification: Minimum of 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level.
  • Graduate Degree: A three-year degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent, or BE/B.Tech degree (four years) from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
  • For NCC Special Entry: A valid NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate.

Ground Duty (Technical Branch):

  • Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics): Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum of 4 years of graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology (specified fields).
  • Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical): Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and hold a minimum of 4 years of graduation/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/Technology (Mechanical, Industrial, Production, etc.).

Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch):

  • Administration/Logistics: Graduate degree with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
  • Accounts: B.Com degree with at least 60% marks or equivalent.
  • Education: Postgraduate degree with a minimum of 50% marks in specific subjects (e.g., MBA, MCA, MA).
  • Meteorology: Postgraduate degree in Science/Maths/Statistics/Geography/CS or equivalent with at least 50% marks.

For detailed educational qualifications, refer to the official notification on the recruitment portal.

Branches and Vacancies

AFCAT Entry

  1. Flying Branch:

    • Men: 21 | Women: 09

  2. Ground Duty (Technical):

    • Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics):
      • Men: 95 | Women: 27
    • Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical):
      • Men: 53 | Women: 14

  3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical):

    • Weapon Systems (WS): Men: 14 | Women: 03
    • Administration: Men: 42 | Women: 11
    • Logistics: Men: 13 | Women: 03
    • Accounts: Men: 11 | Women: 02
    • Education: Men: 07 | Women: 02
    • Meteorology: Men: 07 | Women: 02

NCC Special Entry

  • 10% of AFCAT Flying Branch seats for both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC).

Disclaimer: The number of vacancies is tentative and may change.

Pay and Benefits

  • Training Stipend: ₹56,100/month during training.
  • Pay Scale (Flying Officer): ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 (Level 10 as per the 7th CPC).
  • Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500.
  • Allowances: Flying, Technical, Siachen, Field Area, Hill Area, Special Compensatory, Remote Locality, and more.

Additional Privileges:

  • Fully furnished accommodation
  • Comprehensive medical coverage for self and dependents
  • Subsidized loans and access to canteen facilities
  • 60 days of annual leave and 20 days of casual leave (subject to service requirements)

Selection Process

  • AFCAT Examination:

    • Conducted online at designated centers across India.
    • Fee: ₹550 + GST (non-refundable).
    • No fee for NCC Special Entry candidates.

  • SSB Interview:

    • For shortlisted candidates based on AFCAT results.

  • Medical Examination:

    • Rigorous physical and medical standards as per IAF guidelines.

    • Training Details

    • Start Date: January 2026.
    • Location: Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad).
    • Duration:
      • Flying and Ground Duty (Technical): 62 weeks
      • Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 52 weeks

    Mandatory: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, and an account with SBI or a Nationalized Bank at the time of joining.

    How to Apply

    Candidates must register online via the official recruitment portals:

    Separate registrations are required for AFCAT Entry and NCC Special Entry.

    For Queries:

  • AFCAT Examination & Registration:
  • Eligibility & Selection:
    • Toll-Free: 1800-11-2448

    • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. What is AFCAT, and who can apply?

    AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is an entry-level examination conducted by the Indian Air Force for recruiting Commissioned Officers in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Both men and women who meet the eligibility criteria, as per the AFCAT advertisement, can apply.

    2. What is the age limit for AFCAT 01/2025?

    • Flying Branch:

      • 20–24 years as of 1 January 2026 (Born between 2 Jan 2002 and 1 Jan 2006).
      • Candidates holding a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License can apply up to 26 years.

    • Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical):

      • 20–26 years as of 1 January 2026 (Born between 2 Jan 2000 and 1 Jan 2006).

    3. What are the educational qualifications required?

    • Flying Branch:

      • Minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level.
      • A graduate degree (3-year course) in any discipline with 60% marks OR a BE/B.Tech degree (4-year course) with 60% marks.

    • Ground Duty (Technical Branch):

      • Minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2.
      • Graduation in engineering or technology in the specified disciplines (e.g., Electronics, Mechanical).

    • Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch):

      • Administration/Logistics: Graduate degree with 60% marks.
      • Accounts: B.Com with 60% marks.
      • Education/Meteorology: Postgraduate degree in a relevant field with 50% marks.

    4. How do I apply for AFCAT 01/2025?

    Eligible candidates can apply online through:

    Applications are open from 2 December 2024 (11:00 AM) to 31 December 2024 (11:30 PM).

    5. Is there any application fee for AFCAT?

    • Yes, candidates applying through the AFCAT Entry are required to pay ₹550 + GST as an examination fee.
    • Candidates applying under the NCC Special Entry are exempted from this fee.

    6. What is the selection process for AFCAT 01/2025?

    The selection process includes:

    1. AFCAT Online Examination.
    2. SSB Interview for shortlisted candidates.
    3. Medical Examination based on IAF standards.

    7. What is the duration and location of training?

    Training for all selected candidates begins in January 2026 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad).

    • Flying and Ground Duty (Technical): 62 weeks.
    • Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 52 weeks.

    8. What are the pay and allowances for Air Force Officers?

    • Pay During Training: ₹56,100/month.
    • Pay Scale After Commissioning (Flying Officer): ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 per month.
    • Additional allowances like Flying, Technical, Field Area, Siachen, etc., depending on posting.

    9. Can married candidates apply for AFCAT?

    Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply.

    • Marriage is not permitted during the training period.
    • Candidates who marry during training will be discharged and required to refund all expenses incurred by the Government.

    10. Can candidates with tattoos apply?

    • Tattoos are allowed only on the inner forearm or the back of the palm.
    • Tattoos of religious symbols or names of close family members are permitted.
    • Tribal candidates with customary tattoos may also be considered on a case-by-case basis.

    11. Are there any physical fitness requirements?

    Yes, candidates must meet IAF’s physical and medical standards. It is recommended to prepare for:

    • Running: 1.6 km in 10 minutes.
    • Push-ups: 10 repetitions.
    • Chin-ups: 3 repetitions.

    12. Is there any reservation for NCC candidates?

    Yes, NCC candidates with a valid ‘C’ Certificate from the Air Wing Senior Division are eligible for NCC Special Entry.

    • 10% of the vacancies are reserved for NCC candidates under both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC).

    13. What is the stipend during training?

    All trainees will receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month during the training period.

    14. How can I contact the authorities for more information?

    • For queries related to online registration or admit cards:

    • For queries related to eligibility, SSB centers, or interviews:

      • Toll-free: 1800-11-2448

    Click here: for more details at official website

    https://afcat.cdac.in/afcatreg/candidate/login