The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the notification for AFCAT 2 2024, inviting applications from men and women who aspire to join the prestigious ranks of the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. This article provides a comprehensive guide to AFCAT 2 2024, including eligibility criteria, application process, exam details, selection process, and much more.
Overview of AFCAT 2 2024
AFCAT, or Air Force Common Admission Test, is a national-level entrance examination conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force. It serves as a gateway for recruitment into the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches of the IAF. The AFCAT 2 2024 notification announces 304 vacancies, with the application process open from 30 May 2024 to 28 June 2024. The online examination is scheduled for 9th, 10th, and 11th August 2024.
Key Details of AFCAT 2 2024
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
|---|---|
| Periodicity | Twice a year |
| Exam Level | National |
| Vacancies 2024 | 304 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
| Application Start Date | 30 May 2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | 28 June 2024 |
| Date of Examination | 9th, 10th, 11th August 2024 |
| Total Number of Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Exam Rounds | 3 Stages (Written + AFSB + DV) |
| Expected Candidates | 2 lakhs approx. |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Detailed Notification
The AFCAT 2 2024 notification provides all the necessary information about the recruitment process. It includes details about application dates, eligibility criteria, number of vacancies, salary structure, and more. Prospective candidates are advised to thoroughly read the notification PDF available on the official website before applying.
AFCAT 2 2024 Application Process
The application process for AFCAT 2 2024 is entirely online. Interested candidates must visit the official website and follow the instructions to complete their application.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Official Notification | 20th May 2024 |
| Application Form Start Date | 30th May 2024 |
| End Date of Application Form | 28th June 2024 |
| Date of Examination | 9th, 10th, 11th August 2024 |
Steps to Apply
- Visit the Official Website: Go to afcat.cdac.in.
- New User Registration: Click on “New User Register” if you are a first-time user.
- Register: Enter your mobile number and email address. An OTP will be sent for verification.
- Login: Use the received Registration Number and Password to log in.
- Select Post: Choose the post you are applying for.
- Fill Details: Enter personal, educational, and other required details.
- Pay Fee: Pay the examination fee online via Credit/Debit Card or Internet Banking.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required certificates.
- Submit Application: Review the details and submit the application.
- Print Acknowledgment: Print the acknowledgment for future reference.
Eligibility Criteria
Aspirants must meet the eligibility criteria specified in the AFCAT 2 2024 notification to apply for the exam. The criteria vary for different branches and roles.
For Flying Branch
- Age: 20 to 24 years (as of 1st July 2025).
- Educational Qualification:
- Minimum 60% in Graduation (any discipline) with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- OR BE/B Tech with 60%.
- OR Cleared Section A & B examination of AMIE or Aeronautical Society of India with 60%.
For Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
- Age: 20 to 26 years (as of 1st July 2025).
- Educational Qualification:
- Mechanical and Electrical Branch: Minimum 60% in 4 years degree in Engineering/Technology.
- OR Cleared Sections A & B examination of AMIE or Aeronautical Society of India with 60%.
For Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
- Age: 20 to 26 years (as of 1st July 2025).
- Educational Qualification:
- Weapons Systems (WS) Branch: Minimum 60% in Graduation (any discipline).
- Meteorology Branch: Minimum 60% in BSc with Physics and Mathematics or Graduation in Engineering/Technology.
- Administration & Logistics Branch: Minimum 60% in Graduation (any discipline).
- Accounts Branch: Minimum 60% in B Com, BBA (Finance), BMS (Finance), BBS (Finance), BSc (Finance), or qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA.
- Education Branch: Post-graduation degree with 50% and Graduation with 60%.
Application Fee
The application fee for AFCAT 2 2024 is Rs. 550/- plus GST. This fee is non-refundable and is applicable to all candidates except NCC special entry candidates.
| Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | Rs. 550/- |
| NCC Special Entry | Rs. 0/- |
| Mode of Payment | Online |
Vacancy Details
The AFCAT 2 2024 notification announces vacancies for the course commencing in July 2025. Positions are available for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches (Technical & Non-Technical).
AFCAT 2 2024 Vacancies
| Entry | Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | Men: 18, Women: 11 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | AE(L): Men: 88, Women: 23 | |
| AE(M): Men: 36, Women: 09 | ||
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | WS Branch: Men: 14, Women: 03 | |
| Admin: Men: 43, Women: 11 | ||
| LGS: Men: 13, Women: 04 | ||
| Accts: Men: 10, Women: 02 | ||
| Edn: Men: 07, Women: 02 | ||
| Met: Men: 08, Women: 02 | ||
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
AFCAT 2 2024 Exam Pattern
Understanding the exam pattern is crucial for effective preparation. The AFCAT 2 2024 exam pattern is as follows:
| Total Number of Questions | 100 |
|---|---|
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Positive Marks per Question | +3 |
| Negative Marks per Question | -1 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
Subject-wise Distribution
| Subject | No of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 30 | 90 |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 75 |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | 25 | 75 |
| Math | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 100 Questions | 300 Marks |
Syllabus
AFCAT 2 2024 has a detailed syllabus covering four main sections: English, General Knowledge, Reasoning and Military Aptitude, and Quantitative Aptitude.
English Section
- Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Error Spotting
General Knowledge
- Indian History
- Polity
- Economics
- Geography
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Current Affairs
Reasoning Section
- Series
- Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Non-verbal and Verbal Reasoning
- Military Aptitude
Quantitative Aptitude Section
- Number System
- HCF and LCM
- Time, Distance, and Speed
- Time and Work
- Ratio and Proportion
- Percentage
- Average
- Simple Interest and Compound Interest
- Pipes and Cisterns
Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 2 2024 involves multiple stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
Candidates must first clear the written examination conducted online.
Stage 2: AFSB Testing
Candidates who pass the written exam are invited to the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing, which is divided into two stages.
AFSB Testing Stage 1
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT)
AFSB Testing Stage 2
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tests
- Personal Interview
- Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) Test (for Flying Branch candidates)
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the AFSB Testing proceed to a thorough Medical Examination at designated centers.
Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on the candidates’ performance in the written exam and AFSB interviews. Successful candidates receive joining letters for their respective training academies.
Salary Structure
The salary structure for newly commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force is attractive and competitive. Below is the revised salary structure as per the 7th Pay Commission.
| Rank | Level | Pay in Rs. |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Flight Lieutenant | Level 10B | 6,13,00 – 1,93,900 |
| Squadron Leader | Level 11 | 6,94,00 – 2,07,200 |
| Wing Commander | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 |
| Group Captain | Level 13 | 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 |
| Air Commodore | Level 13A | 1,39,600 – 2,17,600 |
| Air Vice Marshal | Level 14 | 1,44,200 – 2,18,200 |
| Air Marshal HAG Scale | Level 15 | 1,82,200 – 2,24,100 |
| HAG+ Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VACS/Airforce Cdr/Air Marshal (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000 (fixed) |
| CAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000 (fixed) |
In addition to the basic pay, officers in the Flying and Technical Branches receive allowances:
- Flying Allowance: Rs 11,250 per month
- Technical Allowance: Rs 2,500 per month
Conclusion
AFCAT 2 2024 presents an excellent opportunity for young men and women to serve their country as part of the Indian Air Force. With 304 vacancies and a well-structured recruitment process, aspiring candidates should prepare diligently to meet the eligibility criteria and succeed in the selection stages. The attractive salary and benefits make it a desirable career choice. Interested candidates must ensure they apply within the stipulated dates and follow the application process meticulously. For more information and updates, visit the official website.
FAQs
1. What is AFCAT?
AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test. It is a national-level entrance exam conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
2. When has the AFCAT 2 2024 notification been released?
The AFCAT 2 2024 notification was released on 20th May 2024.
3. How many vacancies are there in AFCAT 2 2024?
There are 304 vacancies in AFCAT 2 2024 for various positions in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
4. How can I apply for AFCAT 2 2024?
You can apply for AFCAT 2 2024 by visiting the official website and following the registration and application process outlined there.
5. What is the application fee for AFCAT 2 2024?
The application fee for AFCAT 2 2024 is Rs. 550/- plus GST. This fee is non-refundable. NCC special entry candidates are exempt from this fee.
