Air Force Common Admission Test
AFCAT is the IAF's own entry for short service commission in Flying branch and permanent/short service in Ground Duty branches.
| Age limit | 20 – 26 years |
|---|---|
| Gender | Men & Women |
| Qualification | Graduate 60% (Physics & Maths at 12th for Flying); BE/BTech for Technical |
| Selection process | Online AFCAT (100 Q, 300 marks) + EKT for Technical → AFSB → Medical |
| Notification | December / June |
| Pay / stipend | Flying Officer — Level 10 + MSP + Flying allowance |
| Official website | afcat.cdac.in |
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Preparation tips
- Flying branch age is 20-24; Ground duty 20-26 at course commencement.
- EKT is additional for technical branch — engineering fundamentals.
- AFSB is conducted at Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar and Varanasi.
Frequently asked
What is the age limit for AFCAT?
20 to 26 years, calculated as on the date specified in the notification (usually the first day of the month the course commences).
Is there negative marking?
Most UPSC and service-conducted objective papers carry one-third negative marking; check the specific notification.
How many attempts are allowed?
There is no attempt limit — only the age band applies.
Dates shown are indicative based on past cycles. Always confirm with the official notification before applying.