Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a part of recently introduced Unified Selection System to provide adequate opportunities to the candidates eligible for multiple branches of the IAF to apply through single application.  AFCAT is conducted for the following non UPSC entries for induction into Officers’ cadre of the IAF.

Flying branch

Short Service Commission (Men / Women)

Technical branch

Permanent Commission (Men) / Short Service Commission (Men / Women)

Ground Duty branches

Permanent Commission (Men) / Short Service Commission (Men / Women)

2.         AFCAT has been introduced with effect from courses commencing in Jan 2012.  The first AFCAT was held on 27 Mar 2011.  Earlier, a candidate had to fill up separate application forms for induction into Flying, Technical and Ground Duty branches and participate in the selection process by appearing in different tests.  Through AFCAT, the candidates can apply for different branches by filling up one single application form as per eligibility and choice. A common entrance test i.e. AFCAT is conducted for all the branches.  Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is of two hours duration and contains multiple choice questions on verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, general awareness and aptitude.  Click here to view scheme of syllabus and sample questions of AFCAT. Candidates short-listed on the basis of AFCAT are called for further testing at one of the Air Force Selection Boards. Candidates recommended after Phase – II of SSB interview are administered the following branch specific tests based on their eligibility / choice of branches:-

(a) Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) for Flying branch.
(b) Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)

3.         Medical Examination is conducted at AFCME, New Delhi or IAM, Bengaluru based on the eligibility of the candidate and recommendations at Air Force Selection Board (AFSB).

4.         Candidates recommended by the AFSBs and declared medically fit are detailed for training in order of All India Merit List depending on the number of vacancies available in various branches / sub branches.  

Advertisement schedule for AFCAT is Dec & Jun every year.