All You Need to Know – Eligibility, Exam Dates, Syllabus & Selection Process

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for AFCAT 02/2025, inviting applications from eligible Indian men and women to join as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. This blog provides a complete overview of the notification, covering eligibility criteria, important dates, the selection process, syllabus, and how to apply.

Entry Types and Vacancies

Download AFCAT 2 2025 Notification PDF

Short Service Commission (SSC)

• Flying Branch: 14 years
• Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech): 10 years initially + extension up to 4 years

Note: SSC officers are not entitled to pension.

Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

• Must be a citizen of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.

Age Limit (As of 01 July 2026)

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (Born between 02 July 2002 – 01 July 2006)
  The upper age limit for CPL holders is 26 years.
• Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech): 20 to 26 years (Born between 02 July 2000 – 01 July 2006)

Marital Status

• Unmarried candidates only. Marriage during training is not allowed.

Educational Qualifications

Flying Branch

• 10+2: 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics
• Graduation: Any 3-year degree with 60% marks OR
• BE/B Tech (4 years) with 60% marks OR
• Section A & B of AMIE or Aeronautical Society of India with 60% marks

Ground Duty (Technical)

AE (L) – Electronics

• 10+2: 50% marks in Physics & Math
• Degree: 4-year Engineering/Tech degree in disciplines like Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Electrical, AI/ML, etc.

AE (M) – Mechanical

• 10+2: 50% marks in Physics & Math
• Degree: 4-year Engineering/Tech degree in disciplines like Mechanical, Aeronautical, Mechatronics, Robotics, etc.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

• Weapon Systems: Same as Flying Branch
• Admin & Logistics: 3-year Graduation with 60% marks
• Accounts: B.Com or related finance degrees with 60%
• Education: Postgraduate with 50% marks and 60% in Graduation
• Meteorology: B.Sc. with Physics & Math OR Engineering degree with 60% marks

NCC Special Entry

• NCC ‘C’ Certificate in Air Wing (Senior Division)

Selection Process

Stage 1: Online AFCAT Exam

• Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Total Questions: 100
• Total Marks: 300
• Subjects:
  • General Awareness
  • Verbal Ability in English
  • Numerical Ability
  • Reasoning and Military Aptitude

Marking Scheme

• +3 for every correct answer
• -1 for every wrong answer
• 0 for unattempted questions

Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB)

• Only qualified AFCAT candidates proceed to AFSB
• NCC Special Entry candidates are directly called for AFSB

AFSB Testing Includes:

1. Stage I:
   • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR)
   • Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
   • Document Verification
2. Stage II:
   • Psychological Tests
   • Group Tests
   • Personal Interview
3. CPSS (Flying Branch only):
   • Computerized Pilot Selection System

Candidates who failed in CPSS earlier are ineligible for the Flying Branch.

How to Apply

• Visit: https://afcat.cdac.in
• Aadhaar is mandatory
• Upload scanned photo, signature, thumb impression (each 10–50 KB)
• Pay exam fee: ₹550 + GST (for AFCAT only)

NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from paying fees.

Final Merit List

• Prepared based on marks in Written Test + AFSB
• Allocation of branches based on merit, eligibility, and vacancies

AFCAT 02/2025 offers a prestigious opportunity for both men and women to serve the nation by joining the Indian Air Force as officers. The selection process is competitive but transparent. Aspirants must prepare strategically for the written exam and develop strong communication and leadership skills for the SSB interview.

Start your preparation early, focus on concept clarity, and keep an eye on current affairs. With the right strategy and discipline, your dream of donning the blue uniform can turn into reality.

BEST AFCAT COACHING IN INDIA

Centurion Defence Academy has officially opened admissions for its AFCAT 2025 Offline and Online Batch, designed specifically for aspirants aiming to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers.

With a legacy of producing top defence officers, Centurion Defence Academy offers the best AFCAT course in India. AFCAT course featuring 5 hours of daily expert-led classes, comprehensive course coverage, and strategic study material tailored to match the latest AFCAT syllabus and exam pattern. Weekly mock tests are conducted to continuously assess and sharpen the candidate’s preparation level.

In addition to classroom excellence, Centurion provides exclusive SSB training facilities, offering 21 days of SSB coaching at its Lucknow center and 14 days of SSB training at its Dehradun center.

These facilities are aimed at giving candidates complete exposure to the SSB process under expert guidance. With both offline and online options available, aspirants from across India can benefit from the academy’s expertise, making Centurion Defence Academy the one-stop solution for success in AFCAT 2025.

Contact: 9795977776/ 9795977779.

For more info, watch this video: