AFCAT 2025 Recruitment: Complete Guide to Vacancies, Eligibility & Application Process

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2025 recruitment for courses commencing in January 2026. This is a significant opportunity for unmarried Indian male and female candidates aspiring to serve as officers in the IAF. Below is a comprehensive overview of the AFCAT 2025 vacancies, eligibility criteria, application process, and selection procedure.

AFCAT 2025 Vacancy Overview

The AFCAT 2025 recruitment offers a total of 336 vacancies across various branches.

1. Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry)

• Total Vacancies: 30 (21 for men, 9 for women)
• Course Number: 219/26F/SSC/M & W

2. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch

• Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics):
  • Total Vacancies: 122 (95 for men, 27 for women)
  • Course Number: 218/26T/SSC/108AEC/M & W
• Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical):
  • Total Vacancies: 67 (53 for men, 14 for women)
  • Course Number: 218/26T/SSC/108AEC/M & W

3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch

• Weapon Systems (WS):
  • Total Vacancies: 17 (14 for men, 3 for women)
  • Course Number: 218/26G/SSC/M & W
• Administration:
  • Total Vacancies: 53 (42 for men, 11 for women)
  • Course Number: 218/26G/SSC/M & W
• Logistics:
  • Total Vacancies: 16 (13 for men, 3 for women)
  • Course Number: 218/26G/SSC/M & W
• Accounts:
  • Total Vacancies: 13 (11 for men, 2 for women)
  • Course Number: 218/26G/SSC/M & W
• Education:
  • Total Vacancies: 9 (7 for men, 2 for women)
  • Course Number: 218/26G/SSC/M & W
• Meteorology:
  • Total Vacancies: 9 (7 for men, 2 for women)
  • Course Number: 218/26G/SSC/M &

4. NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch)

• Total Vacancies: 10% of AFCAT vacancies
  • Course Numbers: 219/26F/PC/M and 219/26F/SSC/M &

Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit (as of 1st January 2026)

• Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry):
  • Minimum Age: 20 years
  • Maximum Age: 24 years
  • Born Between: 2nd January 2002 to 1st January 2006
• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches:
  • Minimum Age: 20 years
  • Maximum Age: 26 years
  • Born Between: 2nd January 2000 to 1st January

Educational Qualifications

• Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry):
  • Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks and 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. Alternatively, a BE/BTech degree with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:
  • Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics): 12th passed with Physics and Mathematics (50% marks), and a 4-year degree in Engineering/Technology in Electronics or equivalent.
  • Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical): 12th passed with Physics and Mathematics (50% marks), and a 4-year degree in Engineering/Technology in Mechanical or equivalent.
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches:
  • Weapon Systems (WS): 12th passed with Physics and Mathematics (50% marks), and a Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% marks.
  • Administration & Logistics: Bachelor’s degree with a minimum of 60% marks.
  • Accounts: Bachelor’s degree in Commerce with a minimum of 60% marks.
  • Education: Postgraduate degree in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks.
  • Meteorology: B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics with a minimum of 60% marks.

Application Proces

• Start Date: 2nd December 2024
• End Date: 31st December 2024
• Application Fee:
  • AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + GST
  • NCC Special Entry: Nil
• Mode of Application: Online through the official AFCAT portal:

Selection Process

1. Written Examination: The AFCAT exam comprises objective-type multiple-choice questions covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude. For Technical branch candidates, an Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is also conducted.
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview: Shortlisted candidates from the written examination are called for the AFSB interview, which includes:
   • Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Picture Perception Test, and Discussion Test.
   • Stage II: Psychological Test, Group Tests, and Interview.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the AFSB interview undergo a medical examination to assess their fitness for service.

Salary and Benefits

• Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Flying Officer)
• Allowances: Dearness Allowance, Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, and other benefits as per IAF norms.
• Other Benefits: Medical facilities, housing, canteen facilities, and pension benefit.

Important Dates

• Notification Release Date: 21st November 2024
• Application Start Date: 2nd December 2024
• Application End Date: 31st December 2024
• Exam Date: February 2025

Final Thoughts

The AFCAT 2025 recruitment offers a prestigious opportunity to serve in the Indian Air Force. Aspirants are encouraged to thoroughly review the official notification, ensure they meet the eligibility criteria, and complete the application process within the stipulated time frame. For detailed information and to apply, visit the official AFCAT portal:

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