AFCAT 2024 Selection Process: Dates, Procedure, Selection Criteria, AFSB Interview

AFCAT Selection Process 2024

The AFCAT 2024 selection process is a series of stages that eligible candidates need to undergo. This process is how the Indian Air Force identifies the right individuals for the job, emphasizing skills and merit to select suitable candidates for commissioned officer roles. The selection process involves three main stages: an online exam, an Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, and a medical examination.

The AFCAT 2024 exam assesses candidates on general awareness, verbal ability, numerical ability, and reasoning skills. Successful candidates from the online exam progress to the AFSB interview, evaluating their personality, mental fitness, and suitability for an Indian Air Force career. Those who pass the AFSB interview undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the IAF's medical standards.

Candidates can choose from three branches: Flying Branch (Pilot), Ground Duty Technical (Electrical, Mechanical), and Ground Duty Non-Technical (Administration, Logistics). To secure their desired position, candidates must successfully navigate all three stages of the selection process.

What's New in AFCAT Selection Process 2024?

Here are the changes to the AFCAT selection process 2024: 

• Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS): Candidates applying for the Flying branch will be required to take a Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test. The CPSS exam is a computer-based evaluation of a candidate's aptitude for flying.
• Increased Emphasis on Psychological Tests: Psychological tests will be given additional weightage in the SSB interview. This is done to guarantee that individuals chosen for the Indian Air Force are intellectually and emotionally prepared to bear the demands of the job.
• Introduction of a New Personality Test: In the SSB interview, a new personality test will be presented. This exam will evaluate the candidate's personality qualities as well as how well they will integrate into the Indian Air Force.

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AFCAT 2024 Selection Dates

Given below are some of the important events and dates of the AFCAT Selection Process 2024. 

Stages of AFCAT 2024 Selection Process

AFCAT aspirants are advised to go through the AFCAT 2024 selection processes before they register for the exam and start their exam preparation. Only those applicants who pass each round are considered for the next. We have included information about the various steps of the AFCAT selection process 2024 in the table below to help you understand it better:

Steps of AFCAT 2024 Selection Process

Are you planning to apply for AFCAT 2024? Before diving into the registration process, it's crucial to understand how the selection process works. Only those who pass each round are considered for the next stage. Here's a breakdown of the AFCAT 2024 selection process:

• Step 1: Fill out the AFCAT 2024 Application Form.
• Step 2: Take the Online AFCAT Written Examination, which consists of two stages:
  • Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT).
  • Stage II: Psychological Test, Group Test, Interview, and Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
• Step 3: After the written exam, undergo a Medical Examination as part of the AFCAT interview process.
• Step 4: The All India Merit List is prepared based on performance.

Note: Understanding each of these steps and the tests involved will help you navigate the AFCAT 2024 selection process effectively. Keep reading to learn more about each stage and test.

AFCAT 2024 Detailed Selection Process

As discussed above, the AFCAT 2024 selection process takes place in multiple stages starting from the release of the exam notification to the preparation of the AFCAT merit list. Joining instructions are sent to the candidates who are selected based on their overall merit. Each of the steps in the AFCAT selection process 2024 has been discussed below.

Step 1: Release of Exam Notification

The official notice of the exam information and the AFCAT selection process is released by the Indian Air Force. Before the deadline, interested candidates must complete the application form. Before applying, it is also crucial to confirm your AFCAT eligibility. You should be aware of the following information regarding the application:

• Candidates must pass the AFCAT for all entries – all branches, except NDA and CDSE.
• The months of June and December see the issuance of AFCAT notifications.
• The AFCAT exam is given all across the country.

Step 2: Appearing for AFCAT 2024 (Written Test) 

The written test is the first step in the AFCAT selection process. Candidates must respond to questions on topics including English, general awareness, numerical ability, and reasoning & military aptitude. Candidates who are eyeing positions in the IAF's technical branch will also need to take another Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).

The candidates for the AFCAT selection process will have two hours to complete object-type questions (MCQs) for the written exam. Below is information on the AFCAT written exam's marking scheme for 2024:

• +3 marks will be given to the applicant for each accurate response.
• -1 mark will be subtracted for each incorrect response.
• No mark will be given for any untried answers.

Step 3: Interview Round (AFSB interview) 

Candidates who fail to select the date and exam venue for the AFSB interview within the deadline will be allotted the same on a random basis and no requests for any change will be entertained. The AFSB test is conducted only for the qualified candidates of the online exam. Only such candidates can select the interview date and venue.

Step 4: Medical Examination

Candidates should be mentally as well as physically fit while going for any selection round in the Indian Air Force. A medical examination is conducted by the conducting body of AFACT 2024 to examine the physical and medical health of the candidate.

AFCAT Medical Examination Centres

There are two centres where the medical examination of candidates recommended by the AFSB takes place. These are:

• Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi

• Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru

Step 5: Preparation of the All India Final Merit List

The final merit list in the AFCAT selection process 2024 will be prepared by the IAF based on the overall performance of the exam. The following factors are considered when preparing the merit list.

• AFCAT Score of the candidate

• Performance of the Candidate in the AFSB Interview

Whether a candidate would be included in the AFCAT 2024 final merit list or not also depends on their being declared medically fit in their Medical Examination. Joining instructions will be issued based on the availability of various branches and sub-branches.

AFCAT Selection Process: Types of Commission

To candidates who pass the AFCAT selection procedure, the Indian Air Force (IAF) provides two types of commissions:

Permanent Commission (PC) for Men

• Candidates who are commissioned as officers in the Permanent Commission (PC) serve in their respective branches until the age of superannuation, based on their rank.
• All advantages and privileges offered to regular officers, including pension, medical benefits, and leave, are accessible to PC officers.
• PC officers can also advance to higher positions based on their performance and seniority.

Short Service Commission (SSC) for Men and Women

• SSC officials are appointed for a set length of time, usually 10-14 years.
• SSC officers are not eligible for pensions or other benefits that PC officers are.
• SSC officers can be extended for four years, according to service criteria, vacancy availability, desire, and merit.
• SSC officers who are not extended beyond their first period of duty are discharged.

The type of commission granted to a candidate is determined by their performance during the screening process, as well as the availability of openings.

AFCAT 2024 Vacancies

IAF has released the number of vacancies for AFCAT 2024 in the official notification for the exam. As per the notification of the IAF selection process 2024, there are 334 vacancies. Given below are the branch-wise details of vacancies for the AFCAT selection process 2024.

AFSB Interview in AFCAT 2024

The Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) conducts a 4 to 5-day interview of the candidates for recruitment in the IAF as per the IAF selection process 2024. Only candidates who qualify for AFCAT 2024 are called to the interview centres available at the selected locations of the country. Candidates are informed about the date and location of their AFSB interview via a Call Letter, which can be downloaded from the AFCAT official website. The available centres for the AFSB interview in the AFCAT interview process are:

Candidates who opt for the Meteorology Branch and NCC Special Entry will be directly invited to any of the available centres for testing. Other candidates who have applied for the flying branch may choose between Dehradun, Mysore and Varanasi for their interview session.

AFSB Interview Schedule

In the process of the AFCAT 2024 selection process, the AFSB Interview is conducted in 2 stages over 4 to 5 days, depending on which branch has been chosen by the candidate. Candidates applying for the Flying Branch have to appear for a 5-day interview while it lasts 4 days for Ground Duty applicants.

AFSB Interview Day-Wise Schedule

Different Stages in an AFSB Interview

Following are the details of the different stages in an AFSB interview.

AFSB Interview Stage I

Stage I of an AFSB Interview is a screening test in the AFCAT selection process. It takes place on the first day of candidates arriving at the AFSB centre and includes two tests. These are:

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test

• Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)

Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test - In the OIR Test, candidates are required to demonstrate their Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning Skills in a test taken at the AFSB centre.

Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT) - The PPDT includes two parts - a) Picture Perception and b) Discussion. Candidates are shown a picture on the screen for a limited time and then asked to identify the main characters and form a short story based on the picture. In the 2nd part, candidates have to discuss their story and reach a conclusion in a group discussion.

The results of Stage I are declared soon after both of the tests have been conducted. Candidates who qualify in Stage I are required to stay behind and appear for Stage II of the AFSB Interview. Candidates who do not qualify or are 'Screened Out' have to return from the centres.

AFSB Interview Stage II

Stage II of an AFSB interview is a prolonged process that is conducted over the next 4 to 5 days. The following 4 tests are conducted during the Stage II of the interview.

• Psychological Test (PT)

• Group Test (GT)

• Personal Interview (PI)

• Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)

Psychological Test (PT) - Candidates who qualify for the screening of an AFSB interview are required to appear for their Psychological Test post-lunch in the afternoon. A series of tests are conducted for a psychological evaluation of the candidates. After the test is completed, the document verification is conducted.

Group Test (GT) - Candidates are divided into different groups and each group is assigned a Group Task Office (GTO). The GTO takes the group through various tests in which the group is placed in various tactical situations and they are required to work together and come up with solutions.

Interview - Candidates are required to appear for a Personal Interview with an Interviewing Officer at the AFSB centre. The interview can take place on any of the following days after the PT. Candidates are pre-informed of their AFCAT interview process schedule.

Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) - CPSS is conducted on Day 5 and only candidates applying for the Flying branch are required to appear for this test.

Note: Permanent body tattoos will only be allowed on the inner face of the forearm (from the inside of the elbow to the wrist) and on the reverse side of the palm. Candidates shouldn't use narcotics.

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AFCAT Salary 2024

After passing the AFCAT 2024 exam, the beginning salary is around INR 56,100 per month. This is the pay scale for an Indian Air Force Flying Officer. The officer's remuneration will rise in line with his or her rank and seniority.  An Air Force officer's salary includes additional benefits/perks such as:

• House allowance
• Medical allowance
• Transport allowance
• Leave travel allowance
• Gratuity
• Pension

In-Hand Salary

Rank-Wise Salary

What After the AFCAT Selection Process?

Candidates who surpass the qualifying score and secure a spot in the final selection are hired.  The shortlisting is done after the AFCAT screening process and candidates go through a rigorous onboarding training procedure with the Indian Air Force. Applicants are advised to arrive at the training location on time. Students from technical and non-technical branches have different training schedules. Check the specifications below.

• For the technical and flying branches, a 74-week training programme is part of the AFCAT Ground Duty selection process.  
• Candidates who train for the Ground Duty (Non-technical) Branch will have a training which will last for 52 weeks.

The selection process is solely based on the Air Force officials and exam authorities, so students must try to do their best in every round. 

Documents Required for AFCAT 2024 Interview

Following documents will be required by the candidates at the time of the AFCAT selection process: 

• 10/10+2 Certificate and Mark sheets (Original and 2 photocopies).

• Copies of recent passport size colour photographs 

• Original valid Commercial Pilots’ License, issued by DGCA, if applicable. 

• Inbound Railway Ticket/ Bus Tickets. (For refund of Travelling Allowance) .

• Original NCC Certificate(if applicable) 

• Copies of recent passport size colour photographs 

• Provisional Graduation Degree/ Post Graduation Degree Certificates and Mark Sheet (Original and 2 photocopies)

• NOC from employers from Central/ State Govt. or Public Sector 

• AFCAT Admit Card (Original and 2 photocopies)

Note: For the candidates who are in the final year/ semester have to attach documents including Aggregate Percentage, Discipline in Graduation/ Post Graduation, Certificate from the College Principal, Declaration of Final Result (in DD/MM/YYYY Format). (Original and 2 photocopies)