The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the notification for AFCAT 2 2024, inviting both men and women to join as commissioned officers in various branches. This article provides a detailed overview of the AFCAT 2 2024 notification, including important dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus, and application process. Aspiring candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and seek a challenging and rewarding career in the IAF should read on for all the necessary information.
Overview of AFCAT 2 2024
AFCAT, or Air Force Common Admission Test, is a national-level examination conducted twice a year to recruit officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches of the IAF. The AFCAT 2 2024 notification was released on May 20, 2024, and the application process will begin on May 30, 2024.
Key Highlights
- 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)
- Total Number of Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Exam Rounds: 3 Stages (Written, AFSB, DV)
- Expected Candidates: Approximately 2 lakhs
- Official Website: afcat.cdac.in
Important Dates
The following table provides the important dates for the AFCAT 2 2024 application process:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Date of Official Notification | May 20, 2024 |
| Application Form Start Date | May 30, 2024 |
| End Date of Application Form | June 28, 2024 |
Candidates can access the application form on careerindianairforce.cdac.in or afcat.cdac.in.
Eligibility Criteria
To apply for AFCAT 2 2024, candidates must meet the following eligibility criteria:
For Flying Branch
- Age: 20 to 24 years (maximum age limit for candidates holding a CPL is 26 years).
- Educational Qualification:
- Mandatory Math and Physics in 12th class with a minimum of 50%.
- Graduation in any discipline with 60% marks OR BE/B Tech with 60% marks OR Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with 60% marks.
For Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches
- Age: 20 to 26 years.
- Educational Qualification:
- Technical Branch:
- Mandatory Math and Physics in 12th class with a minimum of 50%.
- A minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university OR Cleared Sections A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks.
- Non-Technical Branch:
- Weapon System: Mandatory Math and Physics in 12th class with minimum 50% marks. Graduation degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks OR BE/B Tech degree with 60% marks.
- Meteorology Branch: Mandatory Math and Physics in 12th Class with minimum 60% marks. BSc with Physics and Mathematics with 60% marks OR Graduation in Engineering/Technology with 60% marks.
- Administration & Logistics Branch: Passed 10+2 in any stream. Graduate degree in any discipline with 60% marks.
- Accounts Branch: Passed 10+2 in any stream. Any of the following: BCom, BBA (Finance), BMS (Finance), BBS (Finance), BSc (Finance), Qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA.
- Education Branch: Passed 10+2 in any stream. Post-graduation degree with 50% and graduation in any discipline with 60% marks.
- Technical Branch:
Application Fee
The application fee for AFCAT 2 2024 is Rs. 550/- plus GST, which is non-refundable. This fee does not apply to NCC special entry candidates.
| Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | Rs. 550/- |
| NCC Special Entry | Rs. 0/- |
AFCAT Syllabus 2024 and Exam Pattern for AFCAT 1 2024 and AFCAT 2 2024
AFCAT 2 2024 Vacancy Details
The IAF has announced a total of 304 vacancies for the AFCAT 2 2024 exam for the course starting in July 2025. The vacancies are available for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches (Technical and Non-Technical).
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown
| Entry | Branch | Men SSC | Women SSC |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 18 | 11 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | |||
| AE(L) | 88 | 23 | |
| AE(M) | 36 | 9 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | |||
| Weapons Systems (WS) Branch | 14 | 3 | |
| Admin | 43 | 11 | |
| LGS | 13 | 4 | |
| Accts | 10 | 2 | |
| Edn | 7 | 2 | |
| Met | 8 | 2 | |
| 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
Candidates should be familiar with the exam pattern for AFCAT 2 2024 to prepare effectively. The exam pattern is as follows:
- Total Number of Questions: 100
- Maximum Marks: 300
- Positive Marks per Right Question: +3
- Negative Marks per Wrong Question: -1
- Exam Duration: 2 Hours
Section-wise Distribution
| Subject | No of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 30 | 90 |
| General Knowledge | 25 | 75 |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | 25 | 75 |
| Mathematics | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
AFCAT 2 2024 Notification – Syllabus, Age Limits, Eligibility Criteria & Exam Date
AFCAT 2 2024 Syllabus
The AFCAT 2 2024 exam comprises four sections: English, General Knowledge, Reasoning and Military Aptitude, and Mathematics. A detailed syllabus for each section is provided below:
English
- Comprehension
- Cloze Test
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- Error Spotting
General Knowledge
- Indian History
- Polity
- Economics
- Geography
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Biology
- Current Affairs
Reasoning and Military Aptitude
- Series
- Venn Diagrams
- Syllogism
- Blood Relations
- Non-verbal and Verbal Reasoning
- Military Aptitude
Mathematics
- 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
AFCAT 2024 Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 2 2024 involves two main stages: the written examination and the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview. Candidates who clear these stages undergo a medical examination before the final selection.
Stage 1: Written Examination
The written examination is an objective type paper conducted online. Candidates need to clear the cut-off marks to be eligible for the next stage.
Stage 2: AFSB Interview
The AFSB interview is a comprehensive 5-day process designed to assess candidates’ officer-like qualities. It includes:
- Day 1: Screening Test
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT)
- Day 2-5:
- Psychological Tests: Written tests conducted by professional psychologists.
- Group Tests: Activities to assess candidates mentally and physically.
- AFSB Interview: Personal interviews with interviewing officers.
- Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) Test: Mandatory for Flying Branch applicants.
Medical Test
Candidates recommended after the AFSB Testing undergo a medical examination at the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Bengaluru or the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME).
Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s scores in the written exam and AFSB interviews. Shortlisted candidates receive joining letters for the respective training academies they applied to.
Steps to Apply for AFCAT 2 2024
Candidates can follow these steps to apply for AFCAT 2 2024:
- Visit the Official Website.
- Registration:
- Click on “New User Register” if you are a first-time user.
- Enter your mobile number and email address to register.
- An OTP (One-Time Password) will be sent to your mobile number and email. Enter the OTP and click on “Submit.”
- You will receive your Login ID and Password via SMS and email.
- Login:
- Log in using your Registration Number and Password.
- Select the post you are applying for.
- Fill Application Form:
- Fill in the required details, including educational qualifications.
- Pay the examination fee online using a Credit/Debit Card or Internet Banking.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph and signature.
- Upload all the required certificates.
- Submit the application.
- Print Acknowledgment:
- Print out the acknowledgment for your records.
Conclusion
The AFCAT 2 2024 notification is an excellent opportunity for young men and women to join the prestigious Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. With 304 vacancies available, candidates should not miss this chance to pursue a fulfilling and adventurous career. Make sure to check the eligibility criteria, understand the exam pattern, and prepare thoroughly to succeed in this highly competitive examination. Good luck to all aspirants!
FAQs
1. What is AFCAT?
AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test. It is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) twice a year for the recruitment of officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
2. What are the key dates for AFCAT 2 2024?
Date of Official Notification: May 20, 2024
Application Form Start Date: May 30, 2024
End Date of Application Form: June 28, 2024
3. How many vacancies are announced in AFCAT 2 2024?
A total of 304 vacancies have been announced for the AFCAT 2 2024 exam.
4. What is the application fee for AFCAT 2 2024?
The application fee for AFCAT 2 2024 is Rs. 550/- plus GST, which is non-refundable. This fee does not apply to NCC special entry candidates.
5. What is the age limit for applying to AFCAT 2 2024?
Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (maximum age limit for candidates holding a CPL is 26 years).
Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches: 20 to 26 years.
May I know What are the medical qualifications for non technical department ?