AFCAT eligibility and exam details
The AFCAT exam is different from NDA and CDS: AFCAT is primarily a graduate-level entry route into the Indian Air Force. It offers Flying, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches. Both men and women can apply for eligible branches.
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1. AFCAT exam pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Included in total | — |
| Verbal Ability in English | Included in total | — |
| Numerical Ability | Included in total | — |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | Included in total | — |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
- Duration: 2 hours
- Mode: Online, objective-type questions in English
- Correct answer: +3 marks
- Incorrect answer: −1 mark
- Unattempted question: 0 marks.
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2. Age limit and educational qualification
Flying Branch
- Age: 20–24 years under the applicable course-date rules.
- Graduation with at least 60%, with the required Class 12 Mathematics and Physics marks; or an eligible engineering degree.
- Commercial Pilot Licence holders may qualify for an upper-age relaxation under the notification.
Ground Duty — Technical
- Age: 20–26 years under the applicable course-date rules.
- Requires specified engineering or technology qualifications, with the prescribed marks and Class 12 subject requirements.
Ground Duty — Non-Technical
- Age: 20–26 years under the applicable course-date rules.
- Many branches require a recognised bachelor’s degree with at least 60%; Accounts and other specialist branches have additional qualification rules.
Source: Official Indian Air Force AFCAT eligibility. Always verify the specific branch criteria in the relevant notification.
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3. AFCAT selection process
- Online AFCAT exam — qualify according to the applicable cut-off.
- AFSB interview — includes officer intelligence tests, picture perception and discussion, psychological tests, group tasks and interview.
- Medical examination — meet the relevant Air Force medical standards.
- Final merit list — based on performance and eligibility, subject to vacancies.
