Exam prep·India· 5 min read

AFCAT Exam Guide

A neutral, factual overview of the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) — what it is, the broad selection stages, and the entry branches — with all specifics deferred to the official Indian Air Force source.

Key facts

Conducting body: Indian Air Force
Mode: Online (computer-based test)
Frequency: Twice a year (Cycle 01 and Cycle 02)
Leads to: Flying branch, Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Official site: careerairforce.gov.in

What AFCAT is

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year. It is the primary route to join the Indian Air Force as a commissioned officer in the Flying Branch or the Ground Duty branches — Technical and Non-Technical.

It is a computer-based online examination, and candidates who qualify are called for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) process.

Flying Branch — pilot entry
Ground Duty (Technical) — engineering and allied branches
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) — administration, logistics, accounts, education, and meteorology branches

Selection stages

The broad selection process involves a written AFCAT online test, followed by a multi-day Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview for those who qualify. Medical standards are assessed separately. The exact structure, question types, and marks allocation are set in the official IAF notification each cycle.

AFCAT written test (online, computer-based)
Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) — multi-day assessment
Medical examination

Broad eligibility

Eligibility varies by branch. The Flying Branch broadly requires Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level with a minimum marks norm. Ground Duty branches generally require a relevant degree. Age limits differ by branch and are set officially each cycle.

Always check the current AFCAT notification on careerairforce.gov.in for exact eligibility — rules can change.

Use official information

Age limits, minimum-marks norms, vacancy counts, and syllabus details are set by the Indian Air Force each cycle and are subject to change. This guide does not quote those figures. Confirm all current details in the official AFCAT notification before applying. No preparation guarantees selection.

Frequently asked questions

Who conducts AFCAT?

AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force, generally twice a year. Registration and notifications are available on careerairforce.gov.in and afcat.cdac.in.

Can I join the Flying Branch through AFCAT?

Yes. AFCAT is one route to the Flying Branch. Eligibility for Flying includes Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, among other requirements. Confirm exact criteria in the current official notification.

What happens after clearing the AFCAT written test?

Candidates who qualify the written test are called for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), a multi-day assessment process that includes a variety of tests and an interview. Medical standards are also assessed.

Official sources

This guide explains the process and is for guidance only. Eligibility, dates, fees and rules change every year — always confirm the current details on the official site before you act.

Verified against: Indian Air Force — careerairforce.gov.in (official); AFCAT portal — afcat.cdac.in (official).

Last verified: 2026-06-06.