The Indian Air Force (IAF) organizes the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year to recruit officers for both Flying Duty and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical branches). This article delves into the selection process of AFCAT 2024, providing detailed insights into each stage, including the AFSB testing and medical examinations.
Overview of AFCAT Selection Process 2024
The AFCAT 2024 selection process is a multi-step procedure designed to evaluate candidates thoroughly. It commences with a written exam and progresses through AFSB testing, document verification, and a medical examination. A final conference assesses the overall performance of candidates, and a merit list is created to rank them for final selection.
Key Stages of the AFCAT Selection Process
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | Qualify the AFCAT written exam covering various subjects. |
| Stage 2 | Successful candidates undergo AFSB testing at the Air Force Selection Board. |
| Document Verification | Verify essential documents such as educational certificates, NCC certificate, and employment NOC. |
| Medical Examination | Undergo a comprehensive medical examination to assess fitness for a career in the Air Force. |
| Conference | A final conference conducted by assessors to determine the candidate’s overall performance. |
| Merit List | Preparation of a Merit List based on performance in all stages, ranking candidates for final selection. |
AFCAT Exam Summary
The AFCAT Exam consists of three stages: the Written Examination, AFSB Interview round, and Medical Round. This article will explore each step in detail, focusing particularly on the AFSB and medical evaluations.
AFCAT Selection Process 2024 Overview
- Name of Exam: Air Force Common Admission Test
- Conducting Body: Indian Air Force
- Exam Level: National
- Mode of Exam: Online (CBT)
- Exam Rounds: 3 Stages (Written + AFSB + Document Verification)
- Expected Candidates: Approximately 2 lakhs
- Job Location: Across India
- Official Website: afcat.cdac.in
AFCAT Written Exam
The AFCAT Exam follows a computer-based format and includes four main sections: General Awareness, Numerical Ability and Reasoning, Verbal Ability in English, and Military Aptitude Test.
Exam Pattern
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration | Language | Type of Questions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 120 minutes | English | Objective Type |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 75 | 120 minutes | English | Objective Type |
| Numerical Ability | 25 | 75 | 120 minutes | English | Objective Type |
| Military Reasoning and Aptitude Test | 25 | 75 | 120 minutes | English | Objective Type |
| Total | 100 | 300 | 120 minutes | English | Objective Type |
AFSB (Air Force Selection Board)
AFSB is the second phase of the AFCAT selection process. Candidates who clear the written exam will receive call letters for the AFSB Interview round, which is conducted at one of the designated Air Force Selection Boards.
AFSB Testing Details
AFSB testing lasts for five days, during which candidates undergo a variety of intellectual and mental tasks, culminating in a final interview. Evaluation is based on performance across all tasks.
AFSB Testing Locations
Candidates who successfully clear the written examination will report to any one of the following Air Force Selection Boards:
- Dehradun
- Varanasi
- Gandhinagar
- Mysuru
Stage I Testing
Stage I is a screening test. Candidates who qualify in Stage I are eligible to undergo Stage II testing. Those disqualified at this stage are routed back after the announcement of results.
Stage I Tests
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test: Assesses cognitive abilities.
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT): Evaluates perception and communication skills.
- Document Verification: Confirms eligibility for the applied positions.
Stage II Testing
All candidates who qualify Stage I undergo the following tests as part of Stage II, conducted over the next four to five days.
Stage II Tests
- Psychological Tests: Written tests conducted by a psychologist to assess mental health and stability.
- Group Tests: Interactive indoor and outdoor activities that combine mental and physical tasks.
- Interview: A personal conversation with an Interviewing Officer to evaluate personality and suitability.
- CPSS Test: Candidates for the Flying branch must undergo the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test on the fifth day.
Medical Examination
After passing the online exam and AFSB Testing, candidates must undergo a comprehensive medical examination to ensure they are fit for the job. Recommended candidates will visit either the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in New Delhi or the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Bengaluru for the check-up.
Medical Examination Requirements
- Physical Fitness: Candidates should be able to run 1 mile (1.6 km) in 10 minutes, perform 10 push-ups, and 3 chin-ups.
- Tattoos: Permitted only on the inner face of the forearm and the reverse side of the palm.
- Narcotics: Use or possession of narcotics is strictly prohibited and candidates may be tested for drugs.
Required Documents for AFCAT 2024 Interview
Candidates must bring the following documents to the interview session:
- Original certificates and mark sheets for 10th and 12th grades
- Two photocopies of certificates and mark sheets for 10th and 12th grades
- Copies of recent color passport photographs
- Valid Commercial Pilots’ License (if applicable)
- Tickets for inbound trains/buses
- Original NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- Original and two photocopies of certificates and mark sheets for provisional graduation and postgraduate degrees
- Original and two photocopies of NOC from Central/State Government Employers or AFCAT Admit Card from the Public Sector
Final Merit List
Once the AFSB Interviews are over for all the candidates, the IAF prepares the final merit list of students who will be inducted as Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The merit list is based on the candidate’s performance in the online test and the AFSB Interview.
AFCAT Training
Training for selected candidates is scheduled to commence in the first week of July 2024 at the Air Force Academy Dundigal, Hyderabad. The duration of the training varies by branch:
- Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches: Approximately 74 weeks
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches: Approximately 52 weeks
Mandatory Requirements
Candidates must have:
- PAN Card
- Aadhaar card
- Account in SBI or a Nationalised Bank
Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration at the Air Force Academy.
Conclusion
The AFCAT selection process is a rigorous and multi-faceted evaluation designed to identify the most suitable candidates for various roles in the Indian Air Force. From the written examination to the AFSB testing and medical examinations, each stage is crucial in determining the final selection of candidates. Aspiring candidates should prepare thoroughly for each phase and ensure they meet all the necessary requirements to succeed in the AFCAT 2024 selection process.
For the latest updates and detailed information, candidates are advised to regularly check the official AFCAT website.
FAQs
1. When is the AFCAT exam conducted?
AFCAT is conducted twice a year, typically in February and August.
2. How can I apply for AFCAT 2024?
Candidates can apply for AFCAT 2024 through the official AFCAT website. The application form, along with detailed instructions, will be available on the website during the application window.
3. How many questions are there in the AFCAT exam, and what is the duration?
There are a total of 100 multiple-choice questions in the AFCAT exam, and the duration is 120 minutes.
4. Is there any negative marking in the AFCAT written exam?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.
5. What happens if a candidate fails Stage I of AFSB testing?
Candidates who fail Stage I of AFSB testing are routed back after the announcement of results.
