The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced its recruitment process for commissioned officers in 2024 through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
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This recruitment drive covers both the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Here are the key details:
NCC Special Entry (Flying): 10% of CDSE vacancies for Permanent Commission (PC) and 10% of AFCAT vacancies for Short Service Commission (SSC)​ .
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Only Indian citizens are eligible.
Age Limit (as of 01 July 2025)
Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2005). Relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License.
Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 1999 to 01 Jan 2005)​.
Educational Qualifications
Flying Branch:
Minimum 50% in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
A three-year graduation degree or BE/B Tech with at least 60%.
Ground Duty (Technical):
Minimum 50% in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
A four-year graduation/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/Technology.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
A three-year graduation degree in any discipline or BE/B Tech degree​ ​​.
Application Process
Start Date: 30 May 2024 (1100 hrs)
Last Date: 28 June 2024 (2330 hrs)
Application Fee: ₹550 + GST for AFCAT entry (not applicable for NCC Special Entry)
Applications are to be submitted online through the official AFCAT website​
Selection Process of IAF Recruitment 2024
The selection process for commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) through the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) includes several stage. Each designed to assess different aspects of the candidates’ abilities and suitability for a career in the IAF. Here is an overview of the interview and selection process:
1. Online Examination
The first step in the selection process is the AFCAT online examination. This exam is common for all branches (Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical).
Exam Pattern:
Number of Questions: 100
Maximum Marks: 300
Duration: 2 hours
Sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude Test
Negative Marking: 1 mark deducted for each incorrect answer​.
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
Candidates who qualify in the online examination are called for the AFSB Interview, which is a comprehensive evaluation conducted over several days at one of the AFSB centers.
AFSB Interview Process:
The AFSB Interview is divided into several stages:
Stage I:
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test: This includes verbal and non-verbal tests to assess the intelligence of the candidates.
Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT): Candidates are shown a picture and are required to write a story and discuss it in a group.
Stage II: Candidates who clear Stage I undergo further tests which include:
Psychological Tests: These are written tests conducted by a psychologist to assess the candidate’s personality.
Group Tests: These involve group discussions, group planning exercises, progressive group tasks, half group tasks, command tasks, and final group tasks. These tests are designed to evaluate leadership, teamwork, and physical and mental stamina.
Personal Interview: A one-on-one interview with the Interviewing Officer to assess the candidate’s suitability for a career in the Air Force.
Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS): This is specifically for candidates opting for the Flying Branch. It tests the candidate’s psychomotor skills and cognitive abilities required for flying​.
3. Medical Examination
Candidates who successfully clear the AFSB interview are then subjected to a rigorous medical examination to ensure they meet the medical standards required for various branches of the IAF.
Medical Centers: The medical examination is conducted at the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) in Bengaluru or Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) in New Delhi.
Standards: The medical standards vary based on the branch applied for (Flying, Technical, Non-Technical). This examination includes a general health check-up, vision tests, hearing tests, and various other physical health assessments.
Final Selection
The final selection is based on the combined performance of the candidates in the AFCAT online exam, AFSB interview, and medical examination. A merit list is prepared, and candidates are allocated branches based on their preferences and performance.
Training and Salary
Training: Selected candidates undergo one year of training, starting in July 2025.
Stipend: ₹56,100 per month during training.
Post-Training Salary: Starting pay for a Flying Officer is between ₹56,100 and ₹1,77,500 per month, with additional allowances as per IAF rules​
Exam Syllabus
The Indian Air Force recruitment for commissioned officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical Branch) for 2024 involves a detailed examination process through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). The syllabus is comprehensive, covering a variety of topics across different sections.
Exam Syllabus Overview
1. AFCAT Exam Pattern:
Duration: 2 hours
Sections: English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude
2. Detailed Subject-wise Syllabus:
English:
Vocabulary: Synonyms, Antonyms
Grammar: Error Spotting, Sentence Completion
Comprehension: Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks
General Awareness:
History and Culture: Indian History, Art, and Culture
Geography: Physical and Political Geography
General Science: Basic Science Concepts, Current Affairs, Sports, Awards
Numerical Ability:
Decimal Fraction: Calculations and Conversions
Time and Work: Problems related to Work and Time
Average/Percentage: Calculations and Interpretations
Profit & Loss: Business Transactions
Ratio & Proportion: Applications and Problems
Simple and Compound Interest: Calculations and Analysis
Time & Distance and Races: Problems involving Speed, Distance, and Time
Area and Perimeter: Geometric Calculations
Probability: Basic Probability Concepts
Number System & Number Series: Number Manipulations
Study Material: Candidates are advised to refer to previous years’ question papers, mock tests, and subject-specific books to thoroughly prepare for the exam​.
Staying Updated: Keeping up with current affairs through newspapers or reliable online sources is essential for the General Awareness section.
How to Apply for Indian air force recruitment 2024 for commissioned officers in Flying and Group Duty ( Technical and Non-Technical Branch)
1. Check Eligibility
Before applying, ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria in terms of age, nationality, and educational qualifications:
Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
Age Limit:
Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2005). Upper age limit relaxed up to 26 years for candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License.
Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 1999 to 01 Jan 2005).
Educational Qualifications:
Flying Branch: Minimum 50% in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a three-year graduation degree or BE/B Tech with at least 60%.
Ground Duty (Technical): Minimum 50% in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a four-year graduation/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/Technology.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical): A three-year graduation degree in any discipline or BE/B Tech degree.
2. Visit the Official AFCAT Website
Go to the official AFCAT website: AFCAT CDAC.
3. Register and Fill the Application Form
Step 1: Registration
Click on the “Candidates Login” section.
Register as a new user by providing basic details such as name, email, and mobile number.
Once registered, log in using the provided credentials.
Step 2: Application Form
After logging in, fill out the application form with personal details, educational qualifications, and preferences for branch (Flying, Technical, Non-Technical).
Upload scanned copies of required documents, such as photograph, signature, and educational certificates.
4. Pay the Application Fee
The application fee for AFCAT entry is ₹550 + GST.
Payment can be made online through net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
Note: There is no fee for NCC Special Entry applicants.
5. Submit the Application
Review all the details filled in the application form.
Submit the application form.
After submission, take a printout of the application form for future reference.
6. Download Admit Card
Once the application is processed, candidates will receive notifications regarding the admit card release.
Download the admit card from the AFCAT website using your login credentials.
Important Dates
Start Date for Application: 30 May 2024 (1100 hrs)
Last Date for Application: 28 June 2024 (2330 hrs)​.
FAQ
1. Who can apply for AFCAT?
Both male and female candidates can apply for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test).
2. What is the eligibility criteria for the Flying Branch?
Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a B.E/B.Tech degree with a minimum of 60% marks. Age should be between 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2025​.
3. What are the eligibility criteria for Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches?
Technical Branch: Candidates must have a degree in engineering/technology with at least 60% marks and must have scored a minimum of 60% in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. Age should be between 20 to 26 years as of January 1, 2025.
Non-Technical Branch: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 60% marks. Age should be between 20 to 26 years as of January 1, 2025​.
4. Is there a fee for the AFCAT application? Yes, the examination fee is INR 550 plus GST, which is non-refundable. This fee can be paid online using credit/debit cards or net banking. The fee is not applicable for NCC special entry.
5. Can candidates with engineering backgrounds apply for non-technical branches?
Yes, candidates with an engineering background can apply for non-technical branches provided they meet the eligibility criteria​.
6. What is the syllabus for the AFCAT exam?
The syllabus includes:
General Awareness: History, Geography, Sports, Politics, etc.
Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, etc.
Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Simplification, Average, Profit & Loss, etc.
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test: Verbal Skills and Spatial Ability​.
7. What does the selection process involve?
The selection process consists of:
Written Test (AFCAT and EKT for Technical Branches): AFCAT includes sections on General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude. EKT includes technical subjects.
Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview: For candidates who qualify the written test.
Medical Examination: Conducted at designated medical centers.
8. Are there any physical fitness requirements?
Yes, candidates must meet the physical and medical standards as prescribed by the Indian Air Force. Detailed guidelines are provided in the official notification.
9. What are the career prospects after clearing AFCAT?
Successful candidates are commissioned as officers in various branches of the Indian Air Force, with opportunities to advance through ranks such as Flying Officer, Flight Lieutenant, Squadron Leader, and higher positions based on performance and experience​.
10. What is the training period and stipend for selected candidates?
Selected candidates undergo a training period of one year, during which they receive a stipend of INR 56,100 per month. Upon successful completion, they are commissioned with a starting pay in Level 10​ .
