AFCAT 02/2025 Notification: Golden Opportunity to Join Indian Air Force as an Officer – Apply Now for 284 Vacancy!

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"indian air force jets flying in formation, representing opportunities in afcat 02/2025 notification.

Embark on a Prestigious Career: AFCAT 02/2025 Notification Overview

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2025 notification, inviting dynamic and dedicated Indian men and women to join its ranks as Commissioned Officers. This is a gateway to a challenging and rewarding career in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Applications are also invited for the NCC Special Entry Scheme for the Flying Branch. The courses are set to commence in July 2026. Online registration opens on June 2, 2025, and closes on July 1, 2025. 

Hiring Body: Join the Elite Indian Air Force

The recruitment drive is conducted by the Indian Air Force, offering candidates the chance to serve the nation and be a part of one of the world’s most formidable air forces. This notification is for granting Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. For NCC Special Entry, there are provisions for Permanent Commission (PC) for men and SSC for men and women in the Flying Branch. 

AFCAT 02/2025: Vacancy Distribution

The Indian Air Force has announced numerous vacancies across its various branches. The vacancies indicated are tentative and subject to change without notice. 

BranchVacancies (Men SSC)Vacancies (Women SSC)
Flying12
Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L)8523
Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(M)3810
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Weapon Systems (WS) Branch1905
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Admin4612
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Lgs1104
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accts0902
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Edn0702
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Met0602
NCC Special Entry (Flying)10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC

Are You Eligible? AFCAT 02/2025 Criteria

Aspiring candidates must meet the specified eligibility criteria concerning nationality, age, education, and marital status.

  • Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen as per the Citizenship Act 1955. 
  • Age Limit (as on 01 July 2026):
    • Flying Branch:
      • 20 to 24 years. Born between 02 July 2002 and 01 July 2006 (both dates inclusive). 
      • Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India). Born between 02 July 2000 and 01 July 2006 (both dates inclusive). 
    • Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branches:
      • 20 to 26 years. Born between 02 July 2000 and 01 July 2006 (both dates inclusive). 
  • Educational Qualifications:
    • Detailed educational qualifications for each branch are available in the comprehensive notification on the official Indian Air Force career websites. Candidates are strongly advised to read and understand these details before registering. Summerized brief details are provided below:

Branch-Specific Educational Qualifications for AFCAT 02/2025:

1. Flying Branch:

  • Candidates must have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level.
  • And
    • A graduation degree with a minimum of three years course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
    • OR
    • A BE/B.Tech degree (four years course) from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
    • OR
    • Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.

2. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:

  • Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE(L)}:
    • Candidates must have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
    • And
    • A minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognized University.
    • OR
    • Cleared Sections A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India or Graduate membership examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in specified disciplines. (The list of specified disciplines is extensive and candidates should refer to the official AFCAT website for details.)
  • Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE(M)}:
    • Candidates must have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
    • And
    • A minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognized University.
    • OR
    • Cleared Sections A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in specified disciplines. (The list of specified disciplines is extensive and candidates should refer to the official AFCAT website for details.)

3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches:

  • Weapon Systems (WS) Branch:
    • Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level.
    • And
      • Graduation with a minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
      • OR
      • BE/B.Tech degree (four years course) from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
  • Administration & Logistics:
    • Passed 10+2 and a graduate degree (minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
    • OR
    • Cleared section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
  • Accounts Branch:
    • Passed 10+2 and completed graduation in any of the following streams with 60% marks or equivalent from a recognized university:
      • B.Com Degree (minimum three years course).
      • Bachelor of Business Administration (with specialization in Finance)/ Bachelor of Management Studies (with specialization in Finance)/ Bachelor of Business Studies (with specialization in Finance).
      • Qualified CA/ CMA/ CS/ CFA.
      • B.Sc. with specialization in Finance.
  • Education Branch:
    • Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation with 50% marks in any discipline, including integrated courses offering PG (single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry) and with 60% marks in Graduation in any discipline.
  • Meteorology Branch:
    • Passed 10+2 and B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
    • OR
    • A four-year graduation degree in Engineering/Technology discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in specified streams (e.g., Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering/Technology, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, etc. Candidates should refer to the official AFCAT notification for the detailed list of streams).

Mark Your Calendars: AFCAT 02/2025 Important Dates

Keeping track of crucial dates is essential for a seamless application process.

  • Online Application Registration Opens: 02 June 2025 (1100 HRS) 
  • Online Application Registration Closes: 01 July 2025 (2330 HRS) 
  • AFCAT Examination Date: To be notified. Online testing will be conducted at various centers. 
  • Course Commences: First week of July 2026. 

Salary, Perks, and Privileges: What IAF Offers

A career in the Indian Air Force comes with a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and a life of discipline and adventure.

  • Pay on Commissioning (As per 7th CPC):
    • Rank: Flying Officer
    • Pay as per Defence Matrix: Rs. 56100 – 177500 
    • Level: 10 
    • Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15500 
  • Stipend during Training: Flight Cadets shall receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month during one year of training. 
  • Allowances: Upon commissioning, officers are entitled to various allowances based on branch, nature of duty, and place of posting. These include Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, etc. 
  • Privileges:
    • Furnished accommodation. 
    • Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents. 
    • Access to Canteen and Officers’ Mess facilities. 
    • Loans at subsidized rates. 
    • Leave Travel Concession (LTC). 
    • Leave: 60 days annual and 20 days casual leave, subject to service exigencies. 
  • Insurance: A Rs. 1.25 crore Insurance Cover (on contribution) is applicable to serving officers from the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS). 
  • Sports and Adventure: The IAF provides state-of-the-art facilities for various sports and adventure activities like skydiving, microlight flying, mountaineering, water rafting, etc. 

Type of Commission:

  • Short Service Commission (SSC) for Men & Women:
    • Flying Branch SSC officers: Engagement period is fourteen years from the date of Commissioning. 
    • Ground Duty (Tech and Non-Tech) SSC officers: Initial tenure of ten years. An extension of four years may be granted subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability, and merit. 
  • Permanent Commission (PC): Grant of PC (at a later date) for SSC officers would be considered based on service requirements, vacancy availability, willingness, suitability, merit, and prevailing policies. 
  • Pension: SSC officers are not entitled to a grant of pension. 

Path to the Cockpit & Ground: The Selection Process

The selection procedure for AFCAT involves multiple stages. For detailed information on physical/medical standards, educational qualifications, and the selection procedure, candidates must refer to the detailed notification available on the IAF career website. 

The general stages include:

  1. Online AFCAT Examination: Online testing will be conducted for AFCAT entry at various centers. 
  2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview: Candidates who qualify in the online test will be called for AFSB testing.
    • Physical Conditioning for AFSB: Candidates are advised to be physically fit. Aim to achieve an ability to run 01 mile (1.6 kms) in 10 minutes, do 10 push-ups, and 03 chin-ups. 
  3. Medical Examination: Conducted after AFSB.
  4. Final Merit List: Based on performance in the AFCAT exam and AFSB interview.

Training:

Training for all courses will commence in the first week of July 2026 at Air Force Academy Dundigal (Hyderabad). The duration of training for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches is 62 weeks, and for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches2 is 52 weeks at Air Force Training Establishments. 

Mandatory Documents for Joining AFA: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, and a rationalised Bank Account are mandatory at the time of joining Air Force Academy. 

How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

Eligible and interested candidates must apply online through the official IAF career portals.

  1. Visit the Official Website: Go to IAF Careers Website or AFCAT Website 
  2. Register: Eligible candidates are to register online through separate tabs available for AFCAT Entry/ NCC Special Entry. Candidates eligible for more than one entry must register separately for each entry. 
    • Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration. 
  3. Fill the Application Form: Provide accurate details. Information filled up by candidates in the online application form will be considered final, and no amendments will be allowed subsequently. Exercise due care while entering your date of birth. 
  4. Upload Documents: As per the prescribed format and size.
  5. Pay Examination Fee: (Refer to the Application Fees section below).
  6. Submit Application: Ensure all details are correct before final submission.
  7. Maintain Communication Details: Candidates are required to maintain their unique registered E-Mail ID and mobile phone number active throughout the selection process. 

AFCAT 02/2025: Application Fee Details

  • AFCAT Entry: Candidates registering for AFCAT entry will have to pay an amount of Rs. 550/- + GST (non-refundable) as examination fee. 
  • NCC Special Entry: Candidates registering for NCC Special entry are not required to pay any fee. 
  • Details regarding the mode of payment are available in the official notification. 

Travel Allowance (TA) for AFSB

  • To and fro travelling fare by the shortest route of AC-III Tier/AC Chair Car or actual normal bus fare will be reimbursed to candidates appearing in Air Force Selection Board for the first time. 
  • For other modes of travel, TA will be admissible as per Government authorized rules. 
  • No TA is admissible if you have already appeared for the same type of entry at any of the Selection Boards. 
  • Candidates must furnish the correct and active Saving Bank Account in their name for TA claims. Delays in furnishing required documents may lead to non-payment of TA. 

Queries and Contact Information

  • For queries related to the conduct of online examination, registration process, and admit cards:Email [email protected] or contact 020-25503105 or 020-25503106. 
  • For queries regarding eligibility, allotment of AFSB centers, date of AFSB Interview, merit list, and Joining Instructions: Contact 011-23010231 Extn 7610 or Toll-free number 1800-11-2448. 

Official Notification & Application Links for AFCAT 02/2025

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