The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the notification for AFCAT 1 2025, inviting applications from eligible candidates for Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. The notification was released on November 22, 2024, and the detailed notification along with the application form was made available on December 2, 2024.
AFCAT 1 2025 Overview
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a highly competitive examination conducted bi-annually by the Indian Air Force. Every year, millions of aspiring candidates compete for a limited number of positions, seeking to join the esteemed ranks of the Indian Air Force. This prestigious exam offers an exceptional opportunity for both men and women to embark on a rewarding career as commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT 1 2025 Notification Highlights
| Highlight | Details |
| Notification Release | 21st November 2024 |
| Detailed Notification | Available on the official website by 2nd December 2024 |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Vacancies | 336 (Flying and Ground Duty Technical/Non-Technical Branches) |
| Registration Dates | 2nd December 2024 to 31st December 2024 |
| Exam Date | February 2025 |
| Course Commencement | January 2026 |
| Official Website | www.afcat.cdac.in |
AFCAT 1 2025 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 21st November 2024 |
| Start of Online Registration | 2nd December 2024 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 31st December 2024 (11:30 PM) |
| AFCAT Exam Date | February 2025 |
| Course Commencement | January 2026 |
AFCAT 1 2025 Vacancies
A total of 336 vacancies have been announced for recruitment through AFCAT 1 2025, across various branches of the Indian Air Force. The breakdown of vacancies is as follows:
1. Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry):
- Men: 21 vacancies
- Women: 9 vacancies
2. Ground Duty (Technical):
- AE (L): Men – 95 vacancies, Women – 27 vacancies
- AE (M): Men – 53 vacancies, Women – 14 vacancies
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
- Various branches including Weapon Systems, Admin, Accounts, Logistics, and Education with vacancies for both men and women
4. NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch):
- 10% of vacancies for Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC)
| Entry | Branch | AFCAT 2024 Vacancies (Men – SSC) | AFCAT 2024 Vacancies (Women – SSC) |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 21 | 9 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Weapon Systems (WS) Branch | 14 | 2 |
| Admin | 42 | 11 | |
| LGS | 13 | 3 | |
| Accts | 11 | 2 | |
| Edn | 7 | 2 | |
| Met | 7 | 2 | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | AE(L) | 95 | 27 |
| AE(M) | 36 | 9 | |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC | 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
AFCAT 1 2025 Application Form
The online application process for AFCAT 1 2025 is scheduled to commence on 2nd December 2024. Interested candidates can submit their applications through the official Indian Air Force websites:
A non-refundable application fee of Rs. 550 (excluding GST) is applicable for all candidates.
AFCAT 1 2025 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria for AFCAT 1 2025 vary depending on the branch applied for:
Flying Branch:
- Age: 20 to 24 years (upper age limit relaxed to 26 years for candidates holding a Commercial Pilot License)
Educational Qualification:
- Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks
- BE/BTech degree with a minimum of 60% marks and 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level
Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical):
- Age: 20 to 26 years
- Educational Qualification: Varies depending on the technical or non-technical branch applied for
Marital Status:
- Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried
- Divorced or widowed candidates below 25 years are not eligible
AFCAT 1 2025 Exam Pattern
The AFCAT 1 2025 exam is a computer-based test consisting of 100 questions. The exam is divided into the following sections:
- Verbal Ability
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning
- General Awareness
- Military Aptitude
Exam Duration: 2 hours
Marking Scheme:
- +3 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each incorrect answer
Also Read: Best Books for AFCAT 2024 Preparation
AFCAT 1 2025 Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 1 2025 involves a series of stages designed to assess a candidate’s suitability for a career in the Indian Air Force. The stages are:
- Written Test: Candidates will appear for the AFCAT and EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) exams.
- AFSB Interview: The AFSB interview is a two-stage process:
- Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT)
- Stage 2: Psychological Tests, Group Tests, AFSB Interview, and CPSS (Computerized Pilot Selection System) for Flying Branch candidates
- Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the AFSB interview will undergo a medical examination to assess their physical fitness for service in the Indian Air Force.
The AFSB Interview is a two-stage process:
Stage 1: Screening Tests
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test: Assesses verbal and non-verbal intelligence
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT): Evaluates observation, communication, and interpersonal skills
Stage 2: Comprehensive Evaluation
- Psychological Tests: Assess personality, motivation, and emotional stability
- Group Tests: Evaluate leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
- AFSB Interview: A personal interview with a panel of officers
- Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS): For Flying Branch candidates only, assessing pilot aptitude and skills.
AFCAT 1 2025 Cut-Off
The AFCAT 1 2025 cut-off marks will be finalized after the exam, taking into account several factors:
- Exam difficulty level
- Number of candidates
- Available vacancies
The Indian Air Force typically announces the AFCAT cut-off after the exam results are declared. Note that cut-off marks may vary:
- Across different branches (Flying and Ground Duty)
- For various categories (male, female, etc.)
AFCAT 1 2025 Salary & Benefits
After successful completion of training, candidates will be commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force, receiving a competitive salary and benefits package as per the 7th Pay Commission.
Key Benefits:
- Basic Pay: Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500
- Additional Allowances: Flying allowance, technical allowance (for technical branches), and more
- Comprehensive Benefits: Medical, pension, and other perks
This attractive salary and benefits package makes a career in the Indian Air Force an exciting and rewarding opportunity.
AFCAT 1 2025 Admit Card
The admit cards for AFCAT 1 2025 will be available for download closer to the exam date. It is essential for candidates to:
- Download their admit card from the official website
- Carry the admit card and a valid ID proof to the exam center
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Conclusion
The AFCAT 1 2025 exam offers a prestigious opportunity for aspiring candidates to join the Indian Air Force and serve the nation with honor. Stay updated by regularly checking the official website for the latest information on application details, exam patterns, and other important notifications.