AFCAT

AFCAT Exam 2023: Latest News, Eligibility, Salary & Vacancies

June 5, 2023

Table of Contents

Table of Contents

What is AFCAT Exam?

The Air Force common admission test (AFCAT) is a defence exam conducted by the Indian Air force for the selection of Class-1 Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical). The AFCAT exam is held twice a year, in February and August/September. Its applications are available in June and December. Candidates can apply for all three branches of the IAF through AFCAT, which are the Flying Branch, the Technical Branch, and the Ground Duty Branch. Although, different branches have different eligibility requirements.

AFCAT

The Indian Air Force holds the AFCAT exam to recruit qualified candidates for:

  • Short Service Commission
  • Permanent Commission

*Except for NDA and CDS candidates, all other recruitment in the Indian Air Force is done through the AFCAT exam.

About AFCAT Exam

AFCAT Full FormAir Force Common Admission Test
Managing BodyIndian Air Force 
Exam LevelNational level
PurposeRecruitment of Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch for short service commission only and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) for both Permanent and Short Service Commission
FrequencyTwice a year
Mode of ExamOnline
Exam DurationAFCAT: Two hours
EKT: 45 minutes
Language of ExamEnglish
Head QuartersNew Delhi
The current chief of IAFMarshal Vivek Ram Chaudhari

Important Details About AFCAT Exam

  • Both men and women are eligible to apply for all three branches.
  • While there is only a short service commission for women in all three branches, men have both a permanent and a short service commission.
  • However, AFCAT only offers Short Service Commission for the Flying Branch. Thus, if you pass both the written test and the AFSB, you will be eligible to join the Air Force Academy.
  • Candidates are chosen based on their performance in the online test and attendance at the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) meeting. Newcomers settling in Ground Duty (Technical) branches must take both the AFCAT and the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).

AFCAT Selection Process:

  1. Online Exam
  2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview.
  3. Clinical Examination
  4. Merit List

Indian Air Force (IAF) prepares the list of candidates who qualify in the online AFCAT exam by obtaining the minimum qualifying score and are called to one of the Air Force Selection Boards for the interview located at Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar, and Mysuru. This phase is followed by a medical test and then the final merit list is made.

In the AFCAT entrance exam, candidates will be tested on topics such as general awareness, verbal ability in English, numerical ability and reasoning, and military aptitude tests. However, when it comes to the difficulty level of the questions that will be asked in this exam, the questions of Numerical Ability will be of class 10th level, while the questions of other subjects will be of graduation level. The Detailed Notification contains everything such as vacancies, eligibility criteria, Type of Commission (Short service commission and Permanent Commission), Exam Pattern, Selection Process, and Application Process.

AFCAT Notification 2022

IAF has released the AFCAT 2 2022 exam date along with the notification on 01st June 2022. The first stage of the recruitment process will be held across India from 26th-28th August 2022, with the application process closing on 30th June 2022.

AFCAT 2022: Important Dates

EventsDates 
AFCAT 2 Notification 2022 (Official)19th May 2022
Start of AFCAT Online Application1st June 2022
Last Date to Apply Online30th June 2022
AFCAT Admit Card 2022 10th August 2022
AFCAT 2022 Exam Date26th-28th August 2022
AFCAT 2022 Cut offTo be notified
AFCAT 2022 ResultSeptember 2022 (Tentative)

Important Notification: AFCAT 2022

AFCAT (first) was conducted in February 2021. While the AFCAT (2) notification was released on 19th May 2022, for the recruitment of 304 vacancies. Indian Air Force has announced the official notification to select the Indian citizens (both Male and Females) in the elite force as Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical).

AFCAT 1 & 2 Exam Notification 2022: Overview

The dates for AFCAT 1 and 2 in 2022 are listed in the table below.

EventsAFCAT 1 DatesAFCAT 2 Dates
Release of AFCAT  Notification 202201st December 202119th May 2022
Online Registration Starts01st December 202101st June 2022
Online Application Ends on30th December 202130th June 2022
AFCAT 2022 Admit Card28th January 202210th August 2022
AFCAT 2022 Exam Date12th February 2022   13th February 2022   14th February 202226th August 2022   27th August 2022   28th August 2022
Declaration of Result09th March 2022September 2022

The deadline for applying for the exam was 30th June 2022 (5 pm). On 15th July 2022, the online correction window got opened. Candidates had to log in with their credentials and do the corrections in case of any mistakes. The AFCAT application fee is INR 250, which can be paid online.

AFCAT 2 Exam Dates 2022

AFCAT 02 2022: Important Dates

EventsDates 
AFCAT Notification 2022 (Official)19th May 2022
Commencement of Application Form01st June 2022
Last Date to Apply Online30th June 2022
AFCAT Admit Card 2022 10th August 2022
AFCAT 2022 Exam Date26th-28th August 2022
AFCAT 2022 Cut offTo be notified
AFCAT 2022 ResultSeptember 2022 (Tentative)

AFCAT Application Fee

Candidates who fill out the application form for AFCAT 2022 have to pay the registration fee online through a Credit card/Debit card/Net banking after filling out the form. Fees/Intimation charges are not refundable and cannot be held in reserve for any other examination or selection. The Registration Fee to be paid is discussed below.

CategoryApplication Fee
General/ST/SC/OBC/PWDINR 250

*The fee is the same for all the categories

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

AFCAT Eligibility: Nationality

The candidate must hold the citizenship of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. 

AFCAT Eligibility: Age Limit

Age Limit differs according to the branch:

  • For Flying Branch: The age of the candidates should be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2023 i.e. born between 02nd July 1999 and 01st July 2003 (both dates inclusive).
  • For Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical Branch): 20-26 years as of 01st January 2023. They should be born between 02nd January 1997 and 01st January 2003.

AFCAT Eligibility: Marital Status

  • Candidates must be unmarried.
  • Widow/Widowers and Divorcees below 25 years of age are not eligible.
  • Married candidates over the age of 25 are eligible to apply, but they will not be provided with married housing or allowed to live with family during their training period.

AFCAT Eligibility: Educational Qualification

Flying Branch:

It is mandatory to opt for Maths and Physics in 12th Std. and obtain a minimum of 50% marks each in both of them and Graduation with a minimum three years degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or a 4-year BE/B.Tech with minimum 60% marks from a recognized university or the Candidates who have passed Sections A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with minimum 60% marks from a recognized university.

Ground Duty (Technical Branch):

  1. Candidates having the degree of Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) AE (L) and have obtained 50% marks each in Physics and Maths in their 12th STD. And have completed a minimum of four years degree graduation/Integrated Post graduation in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university.
  2. Passed Sections A and B  by Actual Studies of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India or Graduate membership examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers with 60 percent in the relevant disciplines notified by the examination authority.
  3. Candidates having the degree of Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) AE (M) and have attained 50% marks each in Physics and Maths in 10+2 Level and a four years degree graduation/Integrated Post graduation in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university.
  4. Cleared Sections A & B examination by actual studies of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks in the relevant disciplines notified by IAF authority.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch)

Administration and Logistics: Passed in 12th STD and have completed graduation with a minimum 3 years degree course in any discipline from a recognized university and have attained a minimum of 60% marks.

Education Department: Completed MBA/MCA or MA/MSc in English/Physics/Mathematics/Chemistry/Statistics/International Relations/International Studies/Psychology/Defence Studies/IT/Management/Journalism/Computer Science/Mass Communication with a minimum 50% marks in their degree.

Accounts: B.Com Graduate with minimum 60% marks.

*The candidates need to be physically and mentally fit.

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AFCAT Vacancies 2022

Indian Air Force has announced a total of 304 vacancies for AFCAT (ll) 2022 along with the notification. There are 248 vacancies for men and 56 vacancies for women candidates. And there is no intake of women in Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch). 

Also, 10% of seats out of the Combined Defense Service Exam (CDSE) are reserved for Permanent Commission (PC) and 10% of seats out of AFCAT vacancies for Short Service Commission (SSC) are reserved for the NCC Special Entry Flying Branch. Candidates can check below AFCAT 2 2022 vacancy break-up given below:

EntryBranchVacancies
  MenWomen
 FlyingSSC-02SSC-10
 Ground Duty (Technical)AE(L): PC-23,SSC-80AE(L): SSC-11
AFCAT EntryAE (M): PC-07,SSC-26AE (M): SSC-04NA
 Ground Duty (Non-Technical)Admin: PC-11, SSC-43           LGS: PC-05, SSC-16                   Accts: PC-03, SSC-11            Edn: PC-02, SSC-08Admin: SSC-02           LGS: SSC-02                  Accts: SSC-02             Edn: SSC-02
Meteorology EntryMeteorologyMet: PC-03, SSC-08Met: SSC-02
NCC Special EntryFlying10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSCNA

AFCAT Salary (2022)

During the period of training, candidates will be given a stipend of Rs. 56,100 with a training tenure of 1 year. After the successful completion of training the payment will be according to the following method:

Salary fixed in level 10 pay matrix: 7th Pay Commission- 56,100-1,77,500

RankLevelSalary (in Rs.)
Flying OfficerLevel 1056,100 – 1,77,500
Flight LieutenantLevel 10 B 6,13,00-1,93,900
Squadron LeaderLevel 116,94,00 – 2,07,200
Wing CommanderLevel 12A1,21,200 – 2,12400
Group CaptainLevel 131,30,600-2, 15,900
Air CommodoreLevel 13A1,39,600-2,17,600
Air Vice MarshalLevel 141,44,200-2,18,200

In addition to the above Military Service Pay of Rs.15, 500 per month is also included.  The officers also receive other allowances such as TA, DA, Children Education Allowance, etc.

Along with the salary and allowances, there are other additional benefits given to IAF officers.

  • Fully Furnished accommodation
  • Leave Travel Concessions
  • Loans at subsidized rates
  • Medical cover
  • Recreational and Sports Facilities
  • Leave Travel Concessions

AFCAT Syllabus (2022)

The AFCAT exam includes four sections, and the EKT (for ground duty technical branch only) includes mechanical, computer science, and electrical and electronics.

English 

There will be questions from comprehension, cloze test, synonym and antonym, idioms and phrases, and error spotting. This section is consist of at least 20 questions.

General Awareness

There will be questions from history, geography, biology, chemistry, political science, current affairs, defense-related questions, general science, and others.

Reasoning and Military Aptitude

This subject will comprise questions from Series, Venn Diagrams, Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning, spatial ability, Syllogism, Blood Relations, etc.

Numerical Ability

This subject can ask questions about Time and Work, Profit and Loss, Average, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Speed Distance and Time, Simple Interest and Compound Interest, HCF and LCM, etc.

EKT

It is for the candidates applying for the Ground duty Technical Branch, there will be questions from Fundamental, Specialized, and Allied Engineering Topics in all three sections of the Exam.

Read in-depth information about AFCAT Syllabus

AFCAT Previous Year Papers – PDF Download

AFCAT Exam Pattern

  • The exam will be the objective type where a Total of 100 MCQ questions will be asked. If applying for Technical Branch EKT, there will be a Total of 50 MCQ questions.
  • There will be four sections- Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude Test, Verbal Ability, and General Awareness.
  • For EKT, Three sections will be there- Mechanical, Electronics, and Computer Science.
  • Total marks for AFCAT will be 300 and for EKT, it will be 150.
  • There will be a penalty of 1 mark for each wrong answer and three marks will be given for the correct answer
  • The total duration of the exam will be 2 hours for AFCAT and 45 minutes for EKT.

Structure of AFCAT and EKT Exam Pattern

SpecificationsAFCATEKT(For Technical)
Exam ModeOnlineOnline
Exam LanguageEnglishEnglish
Exam Time2 Hours45 minutes
Total Questions10050
Total Marks300150
Marking Scheme+3 will be rewarded for each correct answer -1 will be deducted for every wrong answer No marks are allotted to the un-attempted question+3 will be rewarded for each correct answer -1 will be deducted for every wrong answer No marks are allotted to the un-attempted question
Number of SectionsVerbal Ability Numerical Ability General Awareness Reasoning and Military AptitudeMechanical Computer Science Electronics

Candidates qualifying in the online exam of AFCAT will be called AFSB Interview which is organized in the following stages:

Stage-1

Officer Intelligence Test along with  Picture Perception and Discussion Test. All the candidates qualifying in this stage have to subsequently go for the documentation check to ensure that they are eligible for the branch they have applied for.

Stage-2

After the monitoring of documents, there will be Psychological tests along with Group Tests and Interviews.

Stage-3

There will be a computerized pilot selection system CPSS for the recommended candidates in the Flying Branch only.

AFCAT Admit Card

The admit card for AFCAT 2 2022 will be available in August. To access the AFCAT admit card, registered candidates must log in using their email address, password, and captcha code. The admit card in hard copy is not mailed to candidates. The following steps need to be followed for downloading the admit card:

  • Go to the official website www.afcat.cdac.in, and there on the homepage you will find the link of AFCAT 2 admit card 2022.
  • Click on the link and the login page will appear, put your login credential there.
  • Click on Submit.
  • A new page will arise, giving the AFCAT admit card 2022.
  • Save and Download the admit card.

AFCAT Result

For the academic session 2022, the result date has yet not been announced. The AFCAT 2 result 2022 is expected in September. Candidates must log in to their accounts by entering their email address, password, and captcha code. The outcome shows the qualifying status, section-by-section marks, overall marks, and cut-off marks.

  • Candidates need to visit the official website to access the result. 
  • To see the result, you need to enter the registration number and password.
  • There will be a particular cut-off for the online exam, candidates who will clear the cut-off will be considered as qualified in the online exam and will be called for Air Force Selection Board Interview (AFSB).
  • Then the final merit list will be made according to the marks achieved in the online exam as well as the Interview.

How to Apply for AFCAT?

AFCAT (2nd) Application Form Correction window was opened from 15th to 18th July 2022 at the official website of the Indian Air Force. The Registration was started on June 01 and the last date was 30th June 2022. The following steps need to be followed for filling out the online application form.

Step 1: AFCAT 2022 Registration

  • Visit the website of IAF
  • Click on ‘Candidate login’ on the home page.
  • The new page appears.
  • Fill in your name, parents name, email id, mobile no. etc on the registration page.
  • After filling in all the details, click on submit.
  • The new AFCAT registration ID will be created and also, will provide you with the password via email id.

Step 2: Online Application Form Filling

  • Candidates have to log in now with their registration ID and password.
  • Fill in the details according to the directions given.
  • Give the preferences for the type of Entry AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, preference for AFCAT branch, exam center, etc.
  • Upload the photo and signature (according to the size dimensions as instructed).
  • Click on submit.

Step 3: Payment of Application Fee

  • After filling out the application form, pay the exam fee of 250 Rs by clicking on the ‘Make Payment’ step in the menu.
  • The system of fee payment is only through the online method.
  • After doing the successful payment, candidates will receive the confirmation of payment on their registered mail Id and mobile number.

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Frequently Asked Questions About AFCAT Exam (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the full form of AFCAT?

Ans. The full form of AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). It is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to select officers for all of its branches except the medical and dental branches. This exam is held twice a year to select the best among the best. It is usually held in February and again in August. Candidates must prepare thoroughly for the AFCAT exam by reviewing the exam pattern, syllabus, previous year’s question papers, and mock tests.

Q.2 Can girls apply for AFCAT 2022 exam?

Ans. Yes, girls can also apply for the AFCAT exam. The IAF’s AFCAT eligibility criteria include educational requirements, age limits, physical standards, and so on. It should be noted that AFCAT eligibility differs for men and women. Unmarried candidates between the ages of 20 and 24 are eligible to apply.

Q.3 How many times I can appear for the AFCAT exam?3

Ans. The AFCAT exam allows for an unlimited number of attempts. Candidates who meet the prescribed age limit are eligible to take the exam. According to previous year’s trends, a score of 150-180 is sufficient to be considered for an interview. The test is conducted twice a year in February and August.

Q.4 How many times AFCAT is conducted in a year?

The examination is held twice a year, in February and August. AFCAT application notices are published in June and December. Candidates must apply in accordance with the advertisement. A candidate can apply for the Indian Air Force through one of two commissions: the Permanent Commission or the Short Service Commission (SSC).

Q.5 What is the eligibility for the AFCAT exam?

To be eligible for the exam, candidates must have a three-year graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university, whereas, for the non-technical branch, a three-year graduation degree with a minimum of 60 percent marks is required. Candidates with a 10th Pass can apply for the Indian Air Force Group C Civilian Recruitment 2022. Candidates must be Indian citizens as defined by the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955.

Q.6 What is the exam date for AFCAT 2022?

The AFCAT 2022 exam, according to the official notice, will be held for courses beginning in July 2023. The AFCAT 2022 exam will be administered online from 26th to 28th August 2022. The deadline for applying for the exam was 30th June 2022 (5 pm). On 15th July 2022, the online correction window will open.

Q.7 How to register for AFCAT 2022?

The registration for AFCAT 2022 can be done by the following steps:

  1. Go to the Indian Air Force’s official website.
  2. Go to the ‘Career’ tab now and select the ‘Candidates Login’ section.
  3. On the screen, a new web page will appear. Fill out the registration form, including your e-mail address and phone number.
  4. Click the ‘Submit’ button at the bottom.

Q.8 What is the age limit for AFCAT exam?

Candidates must be between the ages of 20 and 24. Candidates must have been born between 02nd January 1999 and 01st January 2003. Candidates with a valid and current commercial pilot license issued by the DGCA have an upper age limit of 26 years, i.e., they must have been born between 02nd January 1997 and 01st January 2003. Candidates for the Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch must be between the ages of 20 and 26 on 01st January 2023. Candidates must have been born between the 2nd January 1997 and the 1st January 2003.

Q.9 What is the exam time for AFCAT 2022?

The AFCAT exam is given in two shifts. The first shift exam is held from 9.45 a.m. to 11.45 a.m. The exam for the second shift is held from 2.15 to 4.15 p.m. The exam is administered via an online computer-based test, and the language of instruction is English only. The time duration is of 2hrs.