AFCAT 2025 Exam - Notification (Soon), Exam Date, Registration, Pattern, Syllabus, Sample Papers, Cutoff, Previous Year Papers

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to release the AFCAT 1 notification 2025 in December 2024. In May 2025, the AFCAT 2 2025 notification will be released. The AFCAT 2025 application link will also be activated along with the notification. The examination authority releases a brief notification prior to the final notification.

Check the major highlights of the AFCAT 2025 exam from the table provided below:

AFCAT, Air Force Common Admission Test is organized by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to recruit Class-I Gazetted Officers for Flying and Ground Duties, both Technical and Non-Technical. This exam takes place twice a year, specifically in February and again in August or September. AFCAT is a highly competitive exam, attracting thousands of candidates aspiring to join the Air Force Academy.

To succeed in AFCAT, candidates should thoroughly familiarise themselves with the exam pattern and syllabus. Reviewing previous years' question papers and taking mock tests are also crucial steps in the preparation process. To understand significant details about joining the Indian Air Force as an officer in the Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches, quickly review the video below.

AFCAT serves as an entry point for both men and women aiming for a career in the Indian Air Force. Opportunities are available for Short Service Commission in the Flying Branch as well as Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission in Ground Duties, covering both Technical and Non-Technical roles.

The selection process includes an online examination followed by an interview with the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). Those applying for Ground Duty (Technical) branches need to clear both the AFCAT and the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).

Candidates can check the AFCAT 2025 important dates in the table given below:  

You can find the schedule for the AFCAT 2025 exam below:

Check the AFCAT 2025 application process for AFACT 1 and AFCAT 2 here.

AFCAT 1 2025 Application Form

The AFCAT application form 2025 link will be made available online at careerindianairforce.cdac.in or afcat.cdac.in, according to the Indian Air Force. The AFCAT 2025 Notification PDF will be used to publicise the dates for online applications. As a result, before submitting your online application, you must first read the AFCAT Notification 2025 PDF. According to the AFCAT Notification 2025, the AFCAT 2025 Apply Online link will go live in December 2024 for AFCAT 1 and May 2025 for AFCAT 2. The deadline for the AFCAT Application Form will be announced shortly.

Candidates must complete the AFCAT application form if they meet the eligibility requirements. You can pay the application fee online. For all categories, there is an application fee of Rs 250. The following are the steps to fill out the application:

• Check out the official website.
• Go to the homepage and select the "Apply Now" link.
• Register for the test by providing the necessary information.
• Following registration, applicants must provide their contact details, educational background, preferred course, upload documents, sign a declaration, and choose the exam location.
• Applicants must pay the application fees.

AFCAT 2 2025 Application Form

Candidates can follow these steps while filling out the AFCAT 2 2025 exam application form:

• Log in with the email ID and password that has been registered.
• Select the type of entry, AFCAT, NCC Special entry for the flying branch- depending on the choice of the candidate.
• Make sure to read the instructions carefully before clicking the proceed button. 
• Next, click on the application form filling tab and add the details given below:

Personal Information 

• Candidates need to fill in their parents’ name, email address, secondary email address, nationality, phone number, CPSS/PABT status, date of passing  CPSS/PABT, chest no for CPSS/PABT, selecting IAF rank, gender, date of birth, marital status. 

Educational Qualification

• Details such as 10+2, graduation, post-graduation or diploma, course duration, name and details of college and university, etc. 
• After confirming these details, candidates can move on to part 3 to enter the details.
• The choice of course and examination cities (up to 5 cities can be chosen from the list of exam cities). 

For being eligible to appear in the AFCAT 2025 exam, there are certain criteria set by the IAF on the basis of nationality, age limit, academic qualification, as well as physical standards. Check AFCAT 2025 eligibility here:

Nationality

Candidates who are applying for the AFCAT exam must be citizens of India

Age limit

The age limit for appearing in the AFCAT exam varies from branch to branch. Here is the table containing the age limit of various branches in IAF.

Marital Status

There are certain rules and regulations regarding the marital status of candidates:

• Candidates must be below the age of 25 years and should be unmarried during the commencement of the course.
• Divorces and widowers/widows below the age of 25 are also considered ineligible.
• Candidates who are married and are above 25 years of age can apply but they will not be able to reside with family or be provided with family accommodation when they are training.

Educational Qualification

Check the required educational qualification for various branches in the table below:

Physical and Medical Standards

For being eligible to work for IAF, candidates must be medically as well as physically fit for carrying out their duties and responsibilities perfectly.

Candidates can follow the steps stated below for applying for the AFCAT 2025 exam:

Registration process

• Candidates need to visit the official website for AFCAT i.e. afcat.cdac.in
• When the new page appears, new users will be required to register themselves by clicking on the ‘new user register’ tab.
• Once the new page appears, a mobile number and email ID are required to register oneself.
• The registered mobile number and email must be active as candidates will be receiving an OTP.
• After the OTP is submitted, students will receive the login credentials in the form of a login ID and password.

Logging In

• After receiving the login credentials, candidates will be able to log in with the help of the registration number and password for selecting the post.
• Other necessary details must be filled up as well such as educational qualifications.
• Candidates need to pay the examination fee as required which can be done either with the help of internet banking or by using a credit/debit card.
• A scanned copy of the coloured photo and a signature (either in English or Hindi) also need to be uploaded in JPEG format.
• Upload all other necessary certificates and double-check all information before clicking on submit.
• Always keep a printed copy of the application form as an acknowledgement.

Once all the personal details are filled out, the next step involves uploading passport-size photographs, signatures, and right thumb impressions in the format specified. 

• An application fee of Rs 550 needs to be paid via a debit or credit card, or net banking. 
• After the payment of the application fee, make sure to double-check all the details filled out in the application form and click on ‘submit’. 
• Always keep a printout of the application form for your reference. 

Note: The application fees once paid, will NOT be reimbursed or put in reserve for any future test or selection.

AFCAT 2025 admit card will be announced on the official website. Using the login credentials provided upon registration, applicants can get the AFCAT 2025 Admit Card 2025. The AFCAT 2025 admit card is an important piece of document that ensures a candidate's entry into the exam hall. Failure to produce the AFCAT 2025 admit card at the exam centre will lead to the candidature being disqualified. Moreover, aspirants need to adhere to all the guidelines mentioned on the AFCAT admit card 2025. Below mentioned are the important details mentioned on the AFCAT admit card:

• Name of the Candidate
• Roll Number 
• Father’s Name
• Date of Birth
• Candidate’s Signature
• Date of Examination
• Candidate’s Photograph
• Time of Examination
• Reporting Time
• Examination Center Address
• Other Important Examination Instructions

Steps to Download AFCAT Admit Card 2025

Following the processes outlined below, candidates can simply download their AFCAT 2025 admit card for the exam.

• Visit the AFCAT examination's official website at: afcat.cdac.in.
• Select AFCAT 2025 from the Candidate Login drop-down menu.
• Enter your registered email address and password, then click the login button.
• Take the AFCAT 2025 Hall Ticket printout.

Documents to Carry with AFCAT Admit Card 

Along with the AFCAT 2025 admit card, candidates need to carry at least 1 government-approved ID proof to the exam hall. The approved government documents needed for AFCAT 2025 are:

• Aadhar card
• Pan card
• Voter ID
• Passport

AFCAT Syllabus 2025 will be released soon by the exam authority. The syllabus provides candidates with two opportunities to pass the exam and advance to the SSB for commissions in the Flying, Technical, Administrative, and Logistics branches. It evaluates knowledge, skills, and aptitude across both technical and non-technical domains. Understanding the syllabus helps to align efforts, improve strengths, and address weaknesses, thereby increasing chances of success in the exam.

The AFCAT syllabus includes several sections, including Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude, and General Awareness. It helps candidates allocate their preparation time based on the weightage and importance of different sections. The AFCAT Syllabus also helps candidates track their progress by allowing them to assess their proficiency in various topics and determine their level of preparation for the exam.

Here is a comprehensive view of the AFCAT 2025 syllabus:

Note: Click here to check out a detailed AFCAT 2025 syllabus for the AFCAT Technical and Non-Technical (subject-wise).

AFCAT exam pattern is important for students to know as it outlines the exam's general format, including the marking system, total score, exam duration, negative marking, etc. Exam sections like General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude Test are included in the online AFCAT test, as per the exam pattern. The test will be given 300 total marks. The format of the exam's questions follows the AFCAT syllabus. 

Here are some key updates in the AFCAT notification:

No Permanent Commission

This year, there are no vacancies for Permanent Commission, which were previously available for male candidates. For SSC Officers in the Flying Branch (both men and women), the engagement period is 14 years from the date of commissioning. Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) SSC Officers have an initial tenure of 10 years, with a possible extension of 4 years based on service needs, vacancy availability, willingness, suitability, and merit. The possibility of granting a Permanent Commission at a later date will depend on similar factors and prevailing policies. It is important to note that SSC officers are not eligible for a pension.

New Branch Added

A new branch has been introduced in the AFCAT exam: the Weapon System Branch. There are 2 vacancies for women and 15 for men in this branch.

Meteorology Branch Now Included in AFCAT Online Test

Candidates applying for the Meteorology branch must now take the AFCAT online exam. Previously, this was part of a special entry process.

No EKT Exam

The EKT exam, which was previously part of the AFCAT exam for the Technical branch, is no longer conducted.

The AFCAT exam offers two types of commissions:

Permanent Commission (PC) for Men

• Service Duration: Men who join as PC officers will serve until they reach the retirement age specific to their rank and branch.

Short Service Commission (SSC) for Men & Women

• Flying Branch (Men and Women): SSC officers in the Flying Branch have a service period of 14 years from the date of commissioning. This period is non-extendable.
• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): The initial term for SSC officers in Ground Duty roles is ten years. This term can be extended by four years based on service needs, availability of vacancies, and the officer's willingness, suitability, and merit.
• Permanent Commission (PC): During the final year of service, SSC officers may be considered for Permanent Commission, depending on service requirements, vacancy availability, and the officer's willingness, suitability, and merit.

Take a look at the AFCAT 2025 selection process below:

• Release of the Application Form: Once the application form is released, interested candidates need to fill out the form and complete the online fee payment of Rs 250 (for all categories).
• Issue of Admit Card: Candidates can find the admit card released online from the official website. The admit card needs to be downloaded with the help of a login credential.
• Appearing in the Examination: The AFCAT exam is conducted in online mode and includes questions about topics namely General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, as well as Military Aptitude Test. The exam duration is 2 hours and the total marks of the exam are 300.
• Result Declaration: The AFCAT results are released online which can be checked by candidates with the help of required login credentials. On the basis of the online test result, candidates go through the process of selection for the AFSB test.
• Appearing for the AFSB Test: There are three stages in the AFSB test:
  • Stage 1- Comprises the Officer Intelligence Rating Test with the help of Picture Perception and discussion test.
  • Stage 2- Comprises the psychological test, group tests as well as interviews. For the Flying Branch candidates, a Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) will be used.
• Final Selection for AFCAT: Candidates undergo the Final Selection round on the basis of their performance in the online test and the AFSB test. 

Aspirants should start preparing beforehand because there will be a lot of competition for the AFCAT 2025 exam. Applicants must have a reliable and well-thought-out study plan for their entrance exam. Studying for the test should involve completing practice questions and question papers from prior years. It is also highly recommended to double-check the most updated AFCAT syllabus and exam format. Regarding how to be ready for the AFCAT or plan their schedule appropriately, students sometimes get stuck. For exemplary exam preparation, students may refer to the following strategies and AFCAT preparation tips 2025:

• Examine the syllabus with sincerity: Exam syllabus reviewing is one of the most crucial preparation tips for the AFCAT entrance exam after it is released officially by the IAF. Make certain you arrange your timetable precisely after carefully reviewing the AFCAT syllabus.

• Understand the exam pattern in detail: You will be able to choose the best study techniques and study schedule if you have an excellent grasp of the exam format.

• Make reading a daily habit: Establishing strong reading habits, such as reading periodicals and newspapers, is crucial to achieving high scores in the General Awareness section. Maintain up-to-date apps on your smartphone to be informed about global events.

• Recall mathematical formulae: Using formulas will help you do well on your math test. By your bed or study table, keep a chart with all the necessary formulas readily available. In this manner, you will be able to retain them before bed and be able to recall them for an extended duration of time.

• Solve mock tests and previous year question papers: To prepare for the AFCAT, revisit the question papers from prior years and continue doing practice exams. This is essential to help you better comprehend the types of questions that will be posed to you. Additionally, you will learn how to solve them quickly and simply. Additionally, you can better prepare for computer-based exams by making use of online mock exams to focus on your preciseness and quickness.

• Build reading habits: Become proficient readers by reading several books and reputable magazines daily. You will benefit from online newspaper subscriptions, Reader's Digests, and newspaper editorials for your reading habits and the English section. Synonyms and antonyms should be emphasised in English language preparation as well.

• Military aptitude: One of the most challenging sections of the AFCAT exam is probably the military aptitude section. To prepare for this portion, aspirants should concentrate on their attention span and practice consistently. Vocabulary and spatial awareness and abilities deserve more attention.

Solving AFCAT previous years’question papers is an important component of preparing for the AFCAT test. It can assist you in:

• Being acquainted with the test format and the sorts of questions that will be asked.
• Determining your own talents and shortcomings.
• Practising answering questions in a timed environment.
• Getting a sense of the exam's difficulty level.

Furthermore, by solving previous years' question papers, you can increase your chances of passing the AFCAT exam.

AFCAT 2025 sample paper helps candidates bolster their preparation strategy. It allows aspirants to solve mock papers and gauge an understanding of what the final AFCAT 2025 exam will look like. Aspirants can time themselves while solving the AFCAT 2025 sample paper and improve their overall efficiency. Click here to access AFCAT 2025 sample paper and prepare for your exam better.

IAF has already released the AFCAT 2025 mock test and candidates have to enter their hall ticket number along with their email id to access it. Mock tests are extremely helpful to students in order to get familiar with exam patterns and structure.

Here are the benefits of the AFCAT mock test 2025:

• With the help of mock tests, students can have a first-hand experience of the exam which will in turn be beneficial during the final exam.
• Aspirants will also understand the syllabus as well as the exam pattern for the AFCAT exam. 
• AFCAT mock tests will also make candidates familiar with the AFCAT question papers. 
• The best and most effective way of getting rid of exam phobia is to appear for mock tests. Students will be well-acquainted with the exam centre pressure even before appearing for the final exam. 

The AFCAT exam is highly competitive primarily because candidates across India appear for the examination. It is necessary for aspirants to not only meet the minimum cutoff requirements but also aim to obtain a much better score. To get high marks, candidates need to refer to the best books for AFCAT 2025 and study well. While there are tons of books available for the preparation for the AFCAT exam and with such a huge volume of study material available, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. Hence, here are some of the best books for the AFCAT 2025 exam that will help you prepare better:

• AFCAT- The First Step - DDE

• High School English Grammar and Composition

• Popular Master Guide, AFCAT by R. Gupta

• Word Power Made Easy by Norman Lewis

• AFCAT for Flying, Technical & Ground Duty Branch with Solved Papers (English, Paperback ) by Arihant Experts

• AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Self Study Guide-cum-Practice Work Book - 1810 by Kiran Prakashan

• SSB Interview: The Complete Guide by Dr. N.K. Natarajan

• Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by R. S. Aggarwal

• Verbal Reasoning by Bhupendra Kumar Singh

• Manorama Yearbook 2019 by Philip Mathew

The following table shows the list of AFCAT 2025 exam centres:

Here are the important guidelines that students need to follow for appearing in the AFCAT 2025 exam. List of items that are not allowed inside the AFCAT examination centre:

• Textbooks or any textual material
• Calculators
• Log tables, electronic watches, slide rulers
• Mobile phones
• Bluetooth
• Paper
• List of items that are allowed in the exam hall
• Admit card
• Aadhaar Card
• PAN card/ passport/driving licence/ voter ID card/college ID card
• Two passport size coloured photos
• Blue or black ballpoint pens

Candidates need to adhere to the below-mentioned dress code to enter the AFCAT 2025 exam centre:

• AFCAT candidates must wear slippers or sandals with flat heels for footwear on the day of the exam.

• Closed footwear like shoes and other closed-toed footwear are not permitted inside exam centres.

• Large buttoned clothing is also prohibited.

• Simple top or kurta for females and a shirt for males candidates is best dress code for exam day.

• Candidates are advised to avoid dresses extra pockets or frills or zips as it is not allowed.

• People who dress in a certain way for religious reasons must attend to the exam room for compulsory frisking.

• Avoid wearing sunglasses, hair bands, clips, etc.

• All jewellery, including rings, earrings, nose pins, chains, pendants, badges, and brooches, is prohibited during the inspection.

• Consumption of any alcoholic products or tobacco is strictly prohibited inside the AFCAT 2025 exam center premises.

AFCAT answer keys are made available after a few hours of the exam getting over and it is constructed on the basis of questions that are provided by candidates who already appeared in the exam. It is available online, in PDF version as well as videos. These answer keys are released by various coaching institutes and centres but IAF is yet to release the official AFCAT 2025 answer key.

Ways to calculate tentative scores by using AFCAT answer keys:

• Before checking the tentative scores for AFCAT, students have to familiarise themselves with the marking scheme of the AFCAT exam. 
• Every correct answer fetches +3 marks and every incorrect answer gets a -1 mark. Unattempted questions are not given any marks.
• Here are the steps to calculate tentative marks for the AFCAT exam:
• Download the answer key for the AFCAT exam and EKT exam.
• Go back to the marking scheme mentioned above.

Add or deduct marks by following the formula stated below:

AFCAT tentative marks = (3 marks x total number of questions answered correctly) - (total number of incorrect answers)

AFCAT 2025 result will be announced by IAF shortly after the exam. Candidates can download their scorecards by logging in with their valid login credentials. The scorecard of IAF AFCAT 2 2025 contains detailed information as follows:

• Name of the candidate
• registration number of candidate
• Cutoff marks 2025
• Marks scored by the candidate
• Qualifying status

How to Check 2025 AFCAT Results?

• Go to the Indian Air Force website at afcat.cdac.in
• On the homepage, look for the "What's New" section.
• Click on the link for the AFCAT result.
• On the next page, enter your email ID and password.
• Your AFCAT result will be displayed on the screen.
• Download and print a copy of your result for future reference.

AFCAT 2025 Cut off will be released by the IAF soon after the result is released. The AFCAT cutoff varies each year and is dependent on several factors such as the total number of candidates appearing in the exam, and the total number of vacancies that are to be filled by AFCAT 2025. The AFCAT 2 2024 cutoff was 139 out of 300. Candidates can also check previous year cutoff list mentioned in the table below:

Check out the expected AFCAT Vacancy 2025 details in the table below:

Below is a tabulated breakdown of the AFCAT 1 2025 vacancy details for both male and female candidates.

Also Read: Which is the best NDA, CDS or AFCAT?

AFCAT Salary is as good as the hard work they put into their profession. Those who are selected through the AFCAT entrance exam get a month stipend of Rs 56,100 during the training period. After the successful completion of the training period, an IAF Officer will get a salary as per the seventh pay commission in the pay scale of Rs 56,100 - 1,10,700.

AFCAT 2025 Salary Structure

The most recent notice states that a flying officer's base salary is Rs 56,100. The 7th Pay Commission-revised AFCAT salary structure is shown below:

In addition, freshly commissioned officers in the flying and technical branches are eligible for the following allowances.

• Flying Branch Officers get a monthly flying allowance of Rs 11,250.
• Technical Branch Officers receive a technical allowance of Rs 2,500 per month.

Perks & Benefits of AFCAT Salary

 The perks and benefits offered to the air force officers after successful completion of the AFCAT course and training period are given below:

• Accommodation
• School facilities
• Recreational and sports facilities
• Rail concessions
• CSD facilities
• Leave travel concessions
• Leave- An annual leave of 60 days & casual leave of 20 days per year
• Secured camp life
• Institute and Messes membership
• Allowances: Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, Ration Money, Special Duty Allowance, Dress Allowance, Medical Allowance, and Hardship Allowance.

AFCAT Allowance

Aspirants of AFCAT 2025 can check the detailed information about AFCAT Pay & Allowance here. The rules and regulations pertaining to the same are as follows -

• Even before the eligible candidates are commissioned as Air Force Officers, he/she shall be paid a monthly stipend of Rs 56,100. However, the monthly stipend is applicable during the last year of training only.
• The allowance applicable on the grant of Commission to Flying Officers is Rs 56,100 - 1,10,000 per month. For Military Service, the pay is Rs 15,500 per month. 

Some of the common profiles that the candidates are assigned after completing their course and training period are mentioned below in the given table. The candidates are assigned different profiles under different branches and the same can be referred by the candidates for their reference. 

Director of Education, West Block - VI, Air HQs(RKP), RK Puram, New Delhi – 110066

Tele: 011 – 23010231 Extn:2112- 6245, 6246, 020 - 25503105 / 106

Tele: 020 – 25503105, 06

Toll-Free no. 1800-11-2448

E-Mail: afcatcell@gmail.com, afcatcell@cdac.in