Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
The AFCAT exam is conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) twice a year to recruit Class-1 Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duties for both Technical and Non-Technical Branches. The conducting authority will soon release the AFCAT 2023 notification, which comprises all details related to the exam, such as the AFCAT exam date, selection process, syllabus, exam pattern, vacancies, etc.
Being one of the most sought-after exams, millions of students appear for it to enter a reputed Air Force Academy and receive a commission as an Indian Air Force Officer. However, only a few can ace it. If you are also planning to appear for the upcoming AFCAT exam, you must know everything about it to pass it with flying colours. Read this post further to know all the latest updates and information on the AFCAT 2023.
.AFCAT 2023:
AFCAT 2023 exam is expected to take place in February 2023, for which the admit card will also be issued on the official IAF website. Both men and women can apply for this exam as per the latest update if they satisfy the eligibility criteria. Vacancies have been released for different posts, such as Flying, Ground Duty, Meteorology, etc., separately for men and women. Candidates can check all relevant information on the AFCAT exam, such as exam date, pattern, syllabus, selection process, vacancies, etc., below. Candidates will also get the direct link to download AFCAT 1 notification 2023 PDF in the subsequent sections. Tabulated below are the key highlights of the AFCAT exam.
| Particulars | Details |
| Name of the Exam | Air Force Common Admission Test |
| Conducted by | Indian Air Force |
| Exam level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Job Post | Ground Duty (Non-Technical and Technical) and Gazetted Officers in Flying Branches |
| Exam Date | February 2023 (Expected) |
| Application/Exam Fees | INR 250/- |
.AFCAT Exam Latest Updates:
.23 September 2022: AFCAT 2 2022 Result out.
.26 to 28 August 2022: AFCAT 2 2022 Exam took place all over the country.
.10 August 2022: Admit card was released.
.30 June 2022: Last date to Apply Online
.01 June 2022: AFCAT 2 Notification 2022 was released along with the commencement of the application process.
.AFCAT 2023 Exam Date:
Candidates who successfully fill out the application form can appear for the AFCAT exam on the dates below. The exact date and center of the examination will be notified with the release of admit card. All the exam dates for AFCAT 1 and 2 2023 are mentioned here and will be updated as soon as they are available on the official website.
.AFCAT 1 Exam Dates 2023:
The important dates for AFCAT 1 2023 exam are as follows:
| Events | Important Dates |
| AFCAT 1 Notification 2023 Release Date | December 2022 |
| Application Process Start Date | December 2022 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 2022 |
| Admit Card Release Date | February 2023 |
| AFCAT 1 2023 exam date | February 2023 |
| Result Date | March 2022 |
.AFCAT 2 Exam Dates 2023:
The following dates are essential for the AFCAT 2 exam 2023:
| Events | Important Dates |
| AFCAT 2 Notification 2023 Release Date | May 2023 |
| Application Process Start Date | June 2023 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | June 2023 |
| Admit Card Release Date | July 2023 |
| AFCAT 2 2023 exam date | August 2023 |
| Result Date | September 2023 |
.AFCAT Notification 2023:
Tentatively, in December 2022, AFCAT 1 notification 2023 will be made available, and in February 2023, the exam for AFCAT 1 2023 will be conducted. In June 2023, AFCAT 2 notification 2023 will be made public, and the AFCAT 2 2023 exam will be conducted in August 2023.
For the last session, the AFCAT notification was released by the Indian Air Force on 01 June 2022, carrying all the essential details such as vacancies, exam date, eligibility, syllabus, selection process, exam pattern, and many more. You can click on the direct link to download the AFCAT notification for the 2022 session for the Phase 1 and 2 recruitment cycles.
.AFCAT Vacancy:
AFCAT 2023 vacancy will be released along with the notification PDF. The appropriate knowledge of the vacancies will assist the candidates in getting detailed knowledge about the exam and strategizing their preparations effectively. Details regarding various Flying and Ground Duties for Technical and Non-Technical vacancies under AFCAT 2023 will be shared here once the officials release them.
For the last session, AFCAT Vacancy was disclosed along with the official notification on 01 June 2022. A total of 263 vacancies were announced, of which 228 were for men and 35 for women. However, in 2021, 317 vacancies were rolled out by the Indian Air Force under the AFCAT 1 notification PDF and 334 vacancies for AFCAT 2. Check out the category-wise AFCAT 2 2022 vacancy in the table below.
.AFCAT 2 2022 Vacancy:
| Entry | Branch | AFCAT Vacancy (Men) | AFCAT Vacancy (Women) |
| Flying | SSC- 02 | SSC - 10 | |
| Ground-Duty(Technical) | AE(L): PC – 23, SSC – 80 AE(M): PC – 07, SSC – 26 |
AE(L): SSC – 11 AE(M): SSC – 04 |
|
| AFCAT Entry | |||
| Ground-Duty(Non- Technical) | Admin: PC – 11, SSC – 43 Accts: PC – 05, SSC – 16 Lgs: PC – 02, SSC – 08 |
Admin: SSC – 02 |
|
| Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | Met: PC - 03, SSC - 02 | Met: SSC - 02 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC. | |
.AFCAT 1 Vacancy 2022:
| Entry | Branch | Vacancies |
| Flying | SSC - 77 | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | AE(L) : PC –19, SSC - 78 AE(M) : PC - 07, SSC - 27 |
|
| AFCAT | ||
| Ground Duty (Non- Technical) |
Admin : PC - 10, SSC - 41 Accts : PC - 04, SSC - 17 Lgs: PC - 08, SSC - 31 |
|
| NCC Flying |
10% seats out of CDSE (Combined Defence Services Exam) vacancies for PC and10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
|
| Total Vacancies | 317 (Vacancies) | |
.AFCAT Eligibility:
All the candidates are advised to check the AFCAT 2023 eligibility before applying for the posts. The Indian Air Force has set different eligibility criteria for technical and non-technical posts. Candidates must ensure that they meet all the eligibility parameters such as age limit, nationality, marital status, etc, failing so, can disqualify their candidature at any stage of the examination. Check out the detailed AFCAT Eligibility below:
Nationality: The candidate opting to apply for the exam must be a citizen of India as per the Indian citizenship act, 1955.
Marital Status: Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. Widows/ Widowers and divorcees (with or without encumbrances) below 25 years of age are also not eligible.
Educational Qualification: All the candidates who wish to appear for AFCAT 2023 must hold a bachelor's degree in their respective discipline. The AFCAT qualification criteria vary from post to post. Take a look at the detailed criteria set by IAF for flying branch and ground duty below.
| Category | AFCAT Qualification |
| Flying Branch |
50% marks in each maths & physics of Class 12 along with a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university. B. Tech degree from a recognized university with 60% marks or equivalent. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) Branch | Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/ Technology from a recognized University. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches | 10+2 and Graduate Degree (Minimum 3 years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks. |
.AFCAT Age Limit:
The age limit prescribed for AFCAT 2023 exam is 20 and 24 years for the flying branch and 20 to 26 years for the Ground Duty posts. Relaxation in age limit is given to the candidates belonging to reserved categories. During this period, a candidate can attempt 16 times and can clear the AFCAT exam.
| Category | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
| Flying Branch through AFCAT & NCC Special Entry | 20 years | 24 years` |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch | 26 years |
.AFCAT 2023 Apply Online:
The application process for AFCAT 1 2023 is expected to start in December 2022. Applicants must be completely aware of all the steps that are to be followed to successfully submit the AFCAT 2023 Application Form. The steps have been enlisted herewith. Ensure entering the right credentials and affixing the documents at the designated places. Failing this would lead to the cancellation of the candidature.
Along with the release of the official recruitment notification of AFCAT 2023, the Indian Air Force will also activated the apply online link on its website. The conducting authority kept the application window open till the last date to apply. The documents needed to fill the form are a Photograph, Signature, and Left-thumb impression of the candidate. Some important points related to the AFCAT 2023 apply online process are listed below:
.Don’t procrastinate filling in the form till the last moment, it might lead to hassle.
.Ensure entering the accurate credentials as the wrongly filled information can lead to the cancellation of the candidature.
.The option of edit will not be validated after advancing to the payment tab or the select courses tab.
.In case of multiple applications submission, the latest would be considered, and the rest will be forfeited. The fee submitted for the rest of the applications will be forfeited.
.Ensure fitting in the prescribed eligibility criteria before filling in the application form.
.How to Fill AFCAT Application Form 2023?
The steps to fill out the AFCAT 2023 application form are as follows:
.Interested and eligible candidates must visit the official website of the Indian Air Force.
.On the home page, click on the link that displays, “AFCAT 2023 Apply Online”.
.Now, fill up the application form and upload all the scanned documents.
.Pay the application fee as per your category and submit the form.
.Take a printout of your application form for future references.
.AFCAT Application Fee:
AFCAT application fee will be paid online either by Credit/Debit or Net Banking, etc. It is mandatory to submit the application fee to get clearance with the application form. Below we have shared the AFCAT exam application fee to be submitted at the end of the application form.
| Category | Application Fee |
| All Categories | ₹250/- |
.AFCAT Exam Pattern:
Get in touch with the AFCAT 2023 paper pattern to fuel your preparations. It is of paramount importance to be well versed with the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2023 to perform well in the exam. Jot down the duration, total marks and the subjects of the online exam. For all applicants applying for technical / non-technical posts, the Air Force Common Admission Test is mandatory. There will be 100 questions each carrying 3 marks. So the total marks are 300. There is also a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer marked by the candidate.
Both Papers, AFCAT & EKT are of objective type. The details are shared below:
| Exam | Type | Subjects | Questions | Marks | Time |
| AFCAT | Compulsory |
General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test, Numerical Ability |
100 | 300 | 2 hr |
| EKT | If Applying for Technical Branch |
Mechanical, Electronics, Computer Science |
50 | 150 | 45 Min |
.AFCAT 2023 Syllabus:
Clearing the AFCAT exam is not at all a cakewalk. It requires continuous efforts and dedication to clear it, and the first thing that you must do is to acquaint yourself with AFCAT Syllabus to perform well in the exam. The IAF AFCAT syllabus consists of 4 subjects - General Knowledge, Mathematics, Reasoning & Military Aptitude, and English. The standard of questions of Numerical ability will be equivalent to matriculation level. The level of other subjects will be of graduation level. The detailed syllabus of AFCAT 2023 for each subject is as follows:
| Subject | AFCAT Syllabus Topics |
| English |
Error Detection, Reading Comprehension, Sentence Completion, Synonym/Antonym, Vocabulary, Idioms & Phrases |
| General Awareness |
History, Geography, Political Science, General Science, Environment, Defence, Art & Culture, Current Affairs, Sports |
| Numerical Ability |
Decimal, Fractions, Time & Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Simple Interest, Speed, Time & Distance, etc |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | Verbal Skills, Spatial Ability |
.AFCAT EKT Syllabus:
Those who wish to appear for Ground Duty Technical Branch need to appear for EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test). The elucidated details of the important topics and subjects of the Engineering Knowledge Test [EKT] have been presented here. Ensure capturing all the topics that will aid in moulding the strategy for the AFCAT 2023 exam. The syllabus of the EKT is elaborated herewith. Some topics are common for every branch, which include Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Drawing & Physics. The Detailed AFCAT syllabus is shown below:
.Engineering Mathematics: Matrix Algebra, Eigenvalues and Eigenvectors, Partial derivatives, Maxima and minima, Multiple integrals, Stokes, Theorems of integral calculus, Gauss and Green’s theorems. Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations, First order differential equation (linear and nonlinear),
Complex variables, Taylor’s and Laurent’s series, Sampling theorems, Random variables, Mean, Median, Mode and Standard deviation, Discrete and Continuous Distributions, Fourier transform, Laplace transforms, Z-transform.
.Engineering Physics: Description of Motion in One, Two and Three Dimensions, Units for measurement, Work, Energy and Power, Rotational Motion, Gravitation, Electrostatics, Electric Current, Heat and Thermodynamics, Magnetic Effect of Currents, Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents and Electromagnetic Waves, Magnetism, Ray Optics, and Optical Instruments, Laws of Motion
.Engineering Drawing: Introduction to Computer-Aided Drafting, Projection of straight line, planes and solids, Isometric Projection, Sectional Views of solids, Full section, Intersection of surfaces
The AFCAT Syllabus for each branch is given below:
| Branch | Subject |
| Computer Science Engineering | Analog and Digital Electronics, Electronic Devices, Computer Networks, Switching Theory, Information Technology, Electrical Engineering, Control Engineering, Telecommunication Systems, Microwave Engineering, Antenna and Wave Propagation, Radar Theory, Instrumentation, etc |
| Electronic Engineering | Analog and Digital Electronics, Electrical Engineering, Electronic Devices, Control Engineering, Telecommunication Systems, Microwave Engineering, Antenna and Wave Propagation, Instrumentation, Computer Networks, Network Theory Design, Switching Theory, Information Technology |
| Mechanical Engineering | Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Aircraft Structures, Theory of Machines, Fluid mechanics/Hydraulic Machines, Manufacturing Science, Materials Science, Automotive Engineering, Power Plant Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Flight Mechanics, Aerodynamics |
Along with the knowledge of the syllabus, candidates are required to follow the detailed AFCAT Study Plan and some important AFCAT Maths Formulae for effective preparation.
.AFCAT 2023 Selection Process:
The selection process for AFCAT 2023 includes three stages which are a computer-based test, AFSB, and Medical Exam.
.Computer Based Test: This is the first stage of the selection process. An online examination is conducted, and the candidates performing extremely well and meeting the cutoff will proceed to the subsequent stage of the AFCAT selection process.
.AFSB Test: The shortlisted applicants will be called for the interview or the personality test. This round will screen the candidates on their persona and intellect.
.Medical Examination: The applicants must be medically fit to be eligible for the job. The officials have further divided the AFSB, also known as the Air Force Selection Board, into two tiers which are mentioned below:
.AFSB Testing Stage 1: Intelligence Test, Picture Perception, and Discussion
.AFSB Testing Stage 2: Psychological test, Group discussion, AFSB Interview, Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test
.AFCAT Salary and Job Profile:
The final year cadets will get a stipend of Rs. 56,100. Post completing the job training, the candidates will be paid based on pay level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix which means their salary will range between Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,10,700. In addition, the candidates will also be entitled to several allowances like TA, DA, Children Education Allowance, Ration Money Allowance, etc. Check out the post-wise AFCAT Salary structure here.
Below you can have a look at the detailed job profile and salary of Indian Air Force Officer under each branch allotted after clearing the AFCAT exam. Also, get acquainted with the career growth of the Indian Air Force Officers.
.Job Profile of Indian Air Force Officer:
| Branch | Departments |
| Flying | - Helicopter - Fighter - Transport |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | - Mechanical - Electrical |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | - Administration - Logistics - Education - Meteorology - Accounts |
.AFCAT Officer Salary:
The lucrative salary and the plethora of perks are bestowed to the officers in the Indian Air Force. The handsome salary package and the highly reputable job profile attract the aspirants to the job. Get all the details of the AFCAT 2023 salary, in-hand salary, and pay scale here. During training, a stipend of Rs. 52,600 will be paid to trainees of the Indian Air Force. The total duration of the training for AFCAT is 1 year. This is the latest breakdown of AFCAT salary for a commissioned officer (Per Month):
.Pay Band (all Branches) – ₹56,100 per month
.Level 10 in the Pay Matrix: VIIth CPC – ₹56,100 - ₹1,10,700
.Military Service Pay - ₹15,500 per month
.Flying Branch: ₹11,250 per month
.Technical Branch Officers: ₹ 2,500 per month
.In addition to these, officers are also entitled to other allowances such as Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, etc.
.Other Benefits: There are several benefits and allowances that the Air Force Officers are entitled to. The list of the benefits received along with the AFCAT salary 2023 is mentioned below.
.Accommodation
.Leave travel concessions
.Leave- An annual leave of 60 days & casual leave of 20 days per year
.Secured camp life
.Institute and Messes membership
.School facilities
.Recreational and sports facilities
.Rail concessions
.CSD facilities
.Allowances: Dearness Allowance, Ration Money, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, Special Duty Allowance, Dress Allowance, Medical Allowance, and Hardship Allowance.
.AFCAT Career Growth:
A career in the Indian Air Force is full of possibilities for defence aspirants as it includes both technical and non-technical branches. Trained in diverse areas and settings, you are prepared to meet all the difficulties you face in the fast-paced lives of the Air Force.
Being an Officer in the Indian Air Force, the sky is the limit for you. You start your career as a Flying Officer and can rise to the rank of Air Marshal. The chosen one from the Flying Branch becomes the head of the family, i.e. The Chief of the Air Staff. The rank structure for commissioned officers is stated below which must be checked by the aspirants of the AFCAT 2023 exam.
.Junior Level:
1. Flying Officer (FG OFFR): Flying Officer is the first rank in the Indian Air Force, which is worn after successful completion of training.
2. Flight Lieutenant (FLT LT): Flight Lieutenant is the next rank in the Indian Air Force hierarchy, where you play an important role as a member of a cohesive team.
.Executive Level:
1. Squadron Leader (SQN LDR): The Squadron Leader undertakes many duties to take on greater duties under your wings. You are now a supervisor at the senior level.
2. Wing Commander (WG CDR): The Wing Commander, the next greater rank, assumes extra duties for the greater grounds.
3. Group Captain (GP CPT): Taking charge of men and management, you as a Group Captain may command a medium-sized Air Force Station or be an important link in the decision- making mechanism at various IAF formations.
.Director Level:
1. Air Commodore (AIR CMDE): An Air Commodore is the next rank and as a Principal Director, you may command a large Air Force Station, or hold Staff Appointments (Senior Level) at Air HQ/Command HQ.
2. Air Vice-Marshal (AIR VICE MSHL): Only the daring few climb this high in the Air Force hierarchy. An Air Vice Marshal is responsible for taking strategic decisions.
3. Air Marshal (AIR MSHL): It is one step below the top of the ladder, the Air Marshal commands a lot of power.
Air Cheif Marshal: Being an Officer in the Indian Air Force, the sky is the limit for you. You startyour career as a Flying Officer and can rise to the rank of Air Marshal. The chosen one from the Flying Branch becomes the head of the family, i.e. The Chief of the Air Staff.
.AFCAT Admit Card 2023:
AFCAT 2023 admit card will be released by the officials for the Stage 1 online exam. Those who have successfully submitted the application form can download the hall ticket from the official website or the direct link provided above. Candidates can download their hall tickets by entering their registration number and password. Here are the essential details centring on the AFCAT 2023 admit card:
.The hall ticket will issued on the official website.
.The admit card will be dropped on the registered mail ID of the candidates and they can also download them from the official website.
.The aspirants must possess essential credentials such as a username and password for downloading the AFCAT 2023 admit card.
.The applicants without hall tickets will be denied entry into the exam hall.
.Ensure the personal credentials mentioned in the call letter are accurate. In case of discrepancy, the concerned authorities are to be contacted and informed.
.How to Download AFCAT 2023 Admit Card?:
The steps to download the AFCAT exam admit card are listed below:
.Visit the official website of the Indian Air Force.
.On the home page itself, you will find AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2023.
.Click on the link provided.
.Now, enter the required credentials such as registration number & password.
.Click on the submit button.
.A new tab will open, showing your admit card document.
.Save and download AFCAT 2023 admit card for future reference and use.
.AFCAT 2023 Preparation:
It is of paramount importance that the applicants must mould an apt strategy to ace the AFCAT exam. Here are the preparation tips that are shared by the experts. Candidates need to move in the right direction to achieve the desired results.
.Be conversant with the AFCAT 2023 syllabus and exam pattern.
.Analyze your strengths and weaknesses, hone your strengths and work on your weaknesses.
.Solve previous years’ question papers and test series. Try to solve the question papers in the defined time frame. This will aid you in getting acclimatised to the exam hall’s environment.
.Don’t miss out on practising and revising the concepts.
.The concepts should be braced and the foundations ought to be built.
.Make sure you maintain the accuracy along with the pace to complete the exam well in time.
.Books to Prepare for AFCAT 2023:
The syllabus of the AFCAT exam is vast, especially for those who are appearing for Ground Duty Technical Branch, as they have to appear for both AFCAT & EKT. Here is a list of AFCAT Books which will cover your syllabus and boost your preparation:
| Subject | AFCAT 2023 Books |
| Reasoning | Manohar Pandey, RS Aggarwal |
| General Science | Lucent |
| Political Science | Laxmikant |
| Modern History | Spectrum |
| Ancient History & Medival History | Old NCERT (Ancient History by RS Sharma; Medieval History -Satish Chandra) |
| Economics | Shankar Ganesh |
| Geography | New NCERT |
| English (for Paper-II) | Objective English - RS Aggarwal |
| Quantitative Aptitude | Arun Sharma |
| Current Affairs` | Last 10 months |
Apart from this, for English, you need to practice at least one essay daily and check for grammatical errors, the relevance of the content, etc.
.AFCAT Exam Analysis:
Candidates who are preparing for the next year's exam must check the AFCAT Exam Analysis to get an idea of the type of questions asked, section-wise difficulty level, important topics, etc. Based on the feedback received from the test takers’, the Numerical Ability section was moderate and carried questions based on complex calculations. The other three sections were comparatively easier to attempt. For the last session, the exam was conducted in two shifts at more than 90 exam centres across India. Overall, it was easy to moderate in the difficulty level.
.AFCAT Result:
AFCAT 2023 result will be released after the conduction of the exam with the names of candidates shortlisted for the next round. The conducting authority releases the result for each tier separately, along with the final cut-off and answer key.
AFCAT 2023 result will contain the details about the candidates' cut-offs, names, and roll numbers. Ensure you have the registration number and password to access the result page. We will provide you with the direct link to download the result as soon as it is officially available. Aspirants can click on the link below to check their AFCAT exam result for the last session:
☛ AFCAT Result 2022 - Direct Link
AFCAT Cut Off AFCAT 2022 cut-off was released on 09 March along with the result. Check the information about the previous year AFCAT Exam Cut Off tabulated below.
| Year | AFCAT 1 Cut Off | AFCAT 2 Cut Off |
| 2022 | 157 | 155 - 165 (expected) |
| 2021 | 165 | 157 |
| 2020 | 153 | 155 |
| 2019 | 133 | 142 |
| 2018 | 155 | 140 |
| 2017 | 160 | 150 |
| 2016 | 132 | 148 |
| 2015 | 126 | 144 |
.AFCAT Mock Test:
Preparing through AFCAT Mock Test will help candidates to get a real-time experience of attempting the paper. Also, they can get to know the trending topics, and the type of questions asked in the exam as questions in the mock test series are set based on the current events and previous years’ trends and analysis.
Solving the test series will help you work on your weak areas and improve them subsequently. Moreover, you will be able to improve your speed and accuracy level to beat the competition in the AFCAT 2023 exam.