The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level exam conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to recruit Class-I Gazetted Officers in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. AFCAT is held twice a year, typically in February and August/September. It serves as a gateway for both men and women to join the prestigious Indian Air Force, with options for Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) roles.
The AFCAT 1 2025 notification will be released on December 1, 2024, while AFCAT 2 2025 notification will be published in May 2025. This article covers detailed information on AFCAT 2025, including important dates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, application process, and preparation tips.
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What is AFCAT?
The AFCAT exam is an entrance test designed for candidates who aspire to join the Indian Air Force. It selects officers for various roles across Flying and Ground Duty branches (Technical and Non-Technical). The selection process comprises an online exam followed by an Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview. For candidates applying for Ground Duty (Technical) roles, an additional Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is required.
AFCAT provides an opportunity to serve in the Flying branch for 14 years (SSC) and Ground Duty branches with both SSC and PC options, based on service requirements and performance.
AFCAT 2025: Key Exam Dates
| Event | AFCAT 1 2025 | AFCAT 2 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | December 1, 2024 | May 2025 |
| Application Start Date | December 2024 | June 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2025 | July 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | February 2025 | August 2025 |
| Exam Date | February 2025 | August 2025 |
| Result Declaration | March 2025 | September 2025 |
AFCAT 2025 Exam Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Level | National |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Stages | Written Exam + AFSB Interview |
| Duration | 2 Hours (AFCAT), 45 mins (EKT) |
| Exam Fees | INR 250 |
| Negative Marking | 1 mark deduction for wrong answers |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Types of Commissions Offered via AFCAT
1. Permanent Commission (PC)
- For male candidates only.
- Officers serve till the age of superannuation based on their rank.
2. Short Service Commission (SSC)
- Open to both men and women.
- Flying Branch: 14 years from the date of commissioning (non-extendable).
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): Initial tenure of 10 years, extendable up to 4 years based on merit and service needs.
AFCAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Candidates must be citizens of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years (26 years for CPL holders) |
| Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years |
Marital Status
- Unmarried candidates below 25 years can apply.
- Married candidates above 25 years can apply but cannot live with their family during training.
Educational Qualification
| Branch | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 12th pass with 60% in Physics & Maths + Graduation/BE/BTech with 60% |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 12th pass with Physics & Maths + Engineering degree (specific fields) |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Graduation in any discipline with at least 60% |
AFCAT 2025 Exam Pattern
AFCAT Exam Pattern
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability | 25 | 75 |
| Numerical Ability | 20 | 60 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 30 | 90 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer, -1 for incorrect answers
EKT Exam Pattern (For Technical Branch Candidates)
| Section | Number of Questions | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical/CS/Electronics | 50 | 150 |
- Duration: 45 minutes
Also Read | How to Join IAF in 2025: Top Routes Explained
AFCAT 2025 Syllabus
General Awareness
- Current Affairs, History, Geography, Politics, Sports, and Science.
Verbal Ability
- Comprehension, Error Detection, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Vocabulary.
Numerical Ability
- Time & Work, Simple Interest, Ratio & Proportion, Average, and Profit & Loss.
Reasoning and Military Aptitude
- Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Coding-Decoding, Pattern Recognition.
How to Apply for AFCAT 2025?
- Visit the Official Website: afcat.cdac.in.
- Register using an email ID and phone number.
- Complete Part 1: Basic details and course preferences.
- Complete Part 2: Detailed application form and upload documents.
- Pay the Application Fee: INR 250 for all categories.
- Submit the application and print the confirmation page.
AFCAT Application Correction Window
- After the application deadline, candidates can make corrections in limited fields such as name, photo, and signature.
AFCAT Admit Card 2025
- Admit cards will be released online.
- Candidates must log in using their email ID and password to download the admit card.
- Carry a valid ID proof along with the admit card to the exam center.
Valid ID Proofs
- PAN Card
- Passport
- Driving License
- Aadhaar Card
AFCAT 2025 Selection Process
- Online Exam: AFCAT + EKT (for technical candidates).
- AFSB Interview: Includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
- Medical Test: Conducted for candidates recommended by AFSB.
AFCAT 2025 Result & Merit List
- Results will be declared on the official website.
- A final merit list will be prepared based on performance in both the online exam and AFSB interview.
AFCAT Exam Centres 2025
The AFCAT exam will be held in over 100 cities across India. Candidates can select five preferred cities during the application process.
Preparation Tips for AFCAT 2025
- Understand the Syllabus: Focus on the sections with higher weightage.
- Practice Mock Tests: Improve speed and accuracy.
- Review Previous Year Papers: Get familiar with the exam pattern.
- Stay Updated: Follow current affairs and defense-related news.
Also Read | The Aircraft Used by Indian Air Force to Train its Pilots
Conclusion
The AFCAT 2025 exam offers a golden opportunity to join the prestigious Indian Air Force. With careful preparation and a strategic study plan, candidates can excel in both the online exam and AFSB interview. Stay updated with notifications, follow a disciplined schedule, and prepare thoroughly to achieve success in AFCAT 2025.
FAQs
1. What is AFCAT 1 2025?
AFCAT 1 2025 is the first edition of the AFCAT exam conducted by the Indian Air Force in 2025 to recruit officers for flying and ground duty roles.
2. When will the AFCAT 1 2025 notification be released?
The official notification for AFCAT 1 2025 is expected to be released in December 2024.
3. What is the exam date for AFCAT 1 2025?
The AFCAT 1 2025 exam will likely be held in February 2025.
4. Who is eligible for AFCAT 1 2025?
Candidates aged 20 to 24 years for flying roles and 20 to 26 years for ground duties, with the required educational qualifications, can apply.
5. What is the syllabus for AFCAT 1 2025?
The syllabus includes General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude. For technical branches, the EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) is also included.
Plz update your information only date has been changed but focus on your syllabus criteria n fee which has also been changed. Misinformation leads to lot of self doubt too .