The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 01/2025 notification, inviting applications from eligible Indian citizens—both men and women—for 336 vacancies across various branches.
This recruitment drive offers opportunities in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, and through NCC Special Entry, with courses commencing in January 2026.
Contents
Overview of AFCAT 01/2025
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a national-level examination conducted by the IAF to select candidates for commissioning as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers.
The application window opens on December 2, 2024, and closes on December 31, 2024. The online AFCAT examination is scheduled for February 22 and 23, 2025.
| Exam Name | AFCAT 01/2025 |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical), NCC Special Entry |
| Vacancies | 336 |
| Application Dates | December 2, 2024 – December 31, 2024 |
| Exam Dates | February 22 and 23, 2025 |
| Course Start | January 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Vacancy Breakdown
The 336 vacancies are distributed as follows:
| Branch | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 21 | 09 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 148 | 41 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 94 | 23 |
| NCC Special Entry (Flying) | 10% of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific educational qualifications and age limits to be eligible for AFCAT 01/2025.
Educational Qualifications
- Flying Branch:
- Minimum 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level.
- Graduation (any discipline) with at least 60% marks or equivalent.
- BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) with at least 60% marks or equivalent.
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:
- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/Technology.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches:
- Administration & Logistics: Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks.
- Accounts: B.Com degree with a minimum of 60% marks.
- Education: MBA/MCA or MA/MSc degree in relevant fields with a minimum of 50% marks.
Age Limit (as of January 1, 2026)
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2006). Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years.
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches: 20 to 26 years (born between January 2, 2000, and January 1, 2006).
Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 01/2025 comprises three stages:
- Online Written Examination:
- Subjects: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude.
- Duration: 2 hours.
- Number of Questions: 100.
- Marks: 300.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and Discussion Test.
- Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Tests, and Personal Interview.
- Medical Examination:
- Comprehensive medical assessment to ensure candidates meet the IAF’s health and fitness standards.
Application Fee
- AFCAT Entry: ₹550 plus GST (non-refundable).
- NCC Special Entry: No fee.
How to Apply
- Registration:
- Visit the official AFCAT website: afcat.cdac.in.
- Click on the “AFCAT 01/2025” link and complete the registration process by providing a valid email address and mobile number.
- Application Form:
- Log in with the provided credentials.
- Fill in personal, educational, and other required details accurately.
- Upload scanned copies of recent passport-sized photograph, signature, and thumb impression as per the specified format.
- Payment of Application Fee:
- Pay the applicable fee online through debit/credit card or net banking.
- Submission:
- Review the application form carefully.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: December 2, 2024 (11:00 HRS).
- Application End Date: December 31, 2024 (23:30 HRS).
- AFCAT Examination Dates: February 22 and 23, 2025.
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2025?
The last date to submit the online application for AFCAT 01/2025 is December 31, 2024, by 11:30 PM.
What is the application fee for AFCAT 01/2025?
The application fee for AFCAT Entry is ₹550 plus GST, which is non-refundable. Candidates applying under NCC Special Entry are exempt from the application fee.
Can final-year students apply for AFCAT 01/2025?
Yes, final-year students can apply, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria and can produce the final degree certificate by the specified date during document verification.
