The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty Branches. Both male and female candidates can apply, depending on the vacancies mentioned in the official notification.
General AFCAT Eligibility
Candidates must:
- Be citizens of India.
- Meet the required age and educational criteria.
- Fulfil Indian Air Force medical standards.
Have no current backlog if applying in the final year of graduation.
Flying Branch Qualification
Candidates must have:
- At least 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
A three-year graduation degree in any discipline with at least 60% marks.
OR
- A BE/BTech degree with at least 60% marks.
Students from Arts or Commerce backgrounds can apply if they studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 and meet the required marks.
Ground Duty Technical Branch
Candidates must have:
- At least 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
- A four-year engineering or technology degree in an eligible discipline.
- At least 60% marks in the qualifying degree.
Accepted disciplines may include Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Aeronautical, Aerospace and other notified engineering branches.
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch
- Administration and Logistics
Candidates need a minimum three-year graduation degree in any discipline with at least 60% marks.
Weapon Systems Branch
Candidates require:
- At least 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
- Graduation or BE/BTech with at least 60% marks.
Accounts Branch
Candidates may require a degree such as BCom, BBA Finance, BMS Finance or another notified finance-related qualification.
Education Branch
Candidates generally require a postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks and graduation with at least 60% marks.
Meteorology Branch
Candidates may need a BSc with Physics and Mathematics or an eligible engineering degree with at least 60% marks.
AFCAT Age Limit
- Flying Branch: Usually 20 to 24 years.
- Ground Duty Branches: Usually 20 to 26 years.
- Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence may receive relaxation for the Flying Branch.
The exact date-of-birth range changes with every AFCAT cycle.
Can Final-Year Students Apply?
Yes, final-year students can apply if they have no current backlog and can submit their degree certificate by the deadline mentioned in the notification.
AFCAT Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- AFCAT written examination
- AFSB interview
- Pilot aptitude test for eligible Flying Branch candidates
- Medical examination
- Final merit list
Prepare for AFCAT with The Lakshya Academy
The Lakshya Academy provides structured AFCAT preparation, previous-year questions, mock tests, current affairs guidance and AFSB interview training.
Candidates should always verify their eligibility through the latest official Indian Air Force AFCAT notification before applying.
