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Are you dreaming of donning the Indian Air Force uniform? The Indian Air Force (IAF) has rolled out the notification for AFCAT 02/2025 Batch (July 2026 Intake), offering a thrilling opportunity to join as a Commissioned Officer in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches, and through NCC Special Entry.
With a total of 284 posts, this recruitment drive is your chance to serve the nation with pride and honor. Read on for complete details — eligibility, key dates, how to apply, selection procedure, and more.
✈️ What is AFCAT?
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the IAF to recruit officers for various branches. It’s held twice a year and is considered one of the most prestigious opportunities to enter India’s defense services.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 2nd June 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 1st July 2025 (till 11:30 PM) |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 1st July 2025 |
| Exam Date | As per official schedule |
| Admit Card Availability | Prior to the exam |
💼 Total Vacancies: 284 Posts
The vacancies are distributed across different branches:
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- NCC Special Entry (Flying)
Note: For a detailed breakdown of vacancies by branch and category, please refer to the official notification.
💰 Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee (INR) |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 |
| NCC Special Entry | ₹0 |
Payment Mode: Online – Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / E-Challan
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
🔹 Educational Qualification
- Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Entry):
- Graduate (any discipline) with Physics and Math at 10+2 level and at least 60% marks, OR
- BE/BTech with at least 60% marks
- Ground Duty (Technical):
- Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics/Mechanical) with required aggregate
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
- Graduation or post-graduation in relevant fields with minimum 60% marks
Note: Detailed eligibility including stream-specific requirements is available in the official notification.
🔹 Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026)
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT/NCC) | 20 to 24 years |
| Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years |
Candidates with valid and current Commercial Pilot License (issued by DGCA) are eligible for age relaxation (up to 26 years for Flying Branch).
📄 Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 02/2025 involves the following steps:
- AFCAT Written Examination (for all except NCC)
- AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board) – Personality and psychological assessment
- Medical Examination
- Merit List & Final Selection
NCC Special Entry candidates are directly called for AFSB without written test.
✍️ How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2025
Here’s a step-by-step guide to apply online:
- Visit the official Indian Air Force AFCAT portal: https://afcat.cdac.in
- Click on “Candidate Login” for AFCAT 02/2025 Cycle.
- Register with basic details and verify via OTP/email.
- Fill out the online application form carefully.
- Upload scanned documents (photo, signature, ID proof, etc.)
- Pay the application fee (₹550 for AFCAT entry).
- Review your form thoroughly and submit.
- Print the final submitted form for future reference.
Ensure all information is correct before submission. Incomplete or incorrect forms may lead to rejection.
Exam Pattern (AFCAT Written Test)
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability (English) | 25 | 75 |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 32 | 96 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: -1 mark for each wrong answer
Pro Tips for Aspirants
- Start early with a clear study plan covering all four AFCAT subjects.
- Focus on current affairs, defense knowledge, and basic math.
- Practice mock tests and previous year papers.
- Improve your communication and confidence for AFSB interviews.
Final Thoughts
Joining the Indian Air Force is not just a job — it’s a lifetime of honor, discipline, and pride. The AFCAT 02/2025 recruitment offers you a chance to fly high and contribute to the nation’s defense. Whether you dream of being a fighter pilot or managing ground operations, now is the time to take the first step.
So buckle up, check your eligibility, and apply before 1st July 2025. Aim for the skies — the IAF is calling!
| Apply Online | Click Here | ||||||||
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Website |
