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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the AFCAT 1 2025 Notification, inviting applications for 336 vacancies across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. The online application process has begun from 02 December and will continue till 31 December 2024. This recruitment drive presents a remarkable opportunity for aspiring candidates to join the prestigious Indian Air Force, with training set to commence in the first week of January 2026 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
AFCAT 1 2025 Notification Out
AFCAT 1 2025 opens the gateway to an exciting and prestigious career in the Indian Air Force. With 336 vacancies on offer and structured training programs for all branches, candidates are advised to seize this opportunity. Online applications are invited for Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches, commencing in January 2026.
AFCAT 2025 Apply Online
Candidates interested in joining AFCAT 1 2025 can apply until 31 December 2024. To access their portal on the official website, candidates need to log in using their Email ID, Password, and Captcha. A direct link to apply online for the AFCAT 1 2025 exam is provided below:
Click here to apply AFCAT 1 2025
How to Apply for AFCAT 1 2025
Here is a detailed guide for the AFCAT 1 application process:
- Step 1: Visit the official website of AFCAT at careerindianairforce.cdac.in or afcat.cdac.in.
- Step 2: On the homepage, click on the “Candidate Login” button.
- Step 3: If you have not registered yet, click on the “Not Registered Yet? Sign Up” option.
- Step 4: Provide the required details like your full name, email address and phone number to create a login ID. A password will be sent to your registered email.
- Step 5: Log in using your email ID and the system-generated password.
- Step 6: After logging in, you will be asked to reset your password. Next, log out.
- Step 7: Log in again with the new password, enter the captcha code and click on “Sign In” to proceed.
AFCAT 1 Application Process 2025
Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official Indian Air Force recruitment portal from 02 December 2024 to 31 December 2024. To continue a smooth application process, candidates must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and have all the necessary documents. The application fee for AFCAT 1 2025 is ₹550 + GST, which must be paid online while submitting the application form.
AFCAT 1 Notification 2025-Click Here To Apply
AFCAT 1 2025 Vacancy
A total of 336 vacant posts will be filled through this process. This recruitment is also eligible for the NCC Special Entry Scheme (for the Flying Branch)- 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% sects out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC. The branch-wise men’s & women’s vacancies breakdown is tabulated below.
AFCAT 1 2025 Vacancy | |||||
Branch | Course | Post | Men’s | Women’s | Total |
Flying | 219/26F/SSC/ M & W | – | 21 | 09 | 30 |
Ground Duty (Technical) | 218/26T/SSC/108AEC/ M & W | AE(L) | 95 | 27 | 122 |
AE(M) | 53 | 14 | 67 | ||
Ground Duty (Non- Technical) | 218/26G/SSC/ M & W | Weapon Systems | 14 | 03 | 17 |
Admin | 42 | 11 | 53 | ||
LGS | 13 | 03 | 16 | ||
Accts | 11 | 02 | 13 | ||
Edn | 07 | 02 | 09 | ||
Met | 07 | 02 | 09 | ||
Total | 263 | 73 | 336 |
AFCAT 1 Training Details
The training duration varies based on the branch:
- Flying & Ground Duty (Technical): 62 weeks
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 52 weeks
AFCAT 1 2025 Age Limit
The candidates applying for the AFCAT 1 2025 must fall under the following age limit set, to be eligible for the course and training.
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as of the commencement of the course.
- Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years.
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of the course’s commencement.
AFCAT 1 2025 Educational Qualification
The educational qualification for AFCAT 1 2025 varies based on the branch a candidate is applying for. For the Flying Branch, a minimum of 60% marks in 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and a graduate degree (with at least 60% marks) or a BE/B.Tech degree is required. For Ground Duty (Technical), candidates must have a degree in Engineering or Technology with specific subjects. For Ground Duty (Non-Technical), a graduate degree in any discipline with 60% marks is essential. Aspirants should carefully verify the eligibility criteria as per their desired branch before applying.
AFCAT 1 2025 Selection Process
The AFCAT 2025 selection process consists of multiple stages to assess candidates for the Indian Air Force. After clearing AFCAT 1 2025, candidates will receive call letters to appear for the AFSB Testing. The first stage, called the Screening Test includes two assessments: the Officer Intelligence Rating Test, which tests reasoning skills and the Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT), which checks how candidates interpret and discuss images. Those who do not clear Stage 1 will be disqualified and will not proceed to the next stage.
Candidates who pass Stage 1 move on to AFSB Testing Stage 2, which includes Psychological Tests conducted by professional psychologists, Group Tests to evaluate mental and physical abilities, and the AFSB Interview, where candidates have a personal interview with an officer. For candidates applying for the Flying Branch, a Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test is also required.
Finally, recommended candidates will undergo a Medical Examination at either the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Bengaluru or the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME). Based on their performance in all stages, a final merit list will be created, and shortlisted candidates will receive a joining letter for their respective training academies.
AFCAT 1 2025 Subject Wise Weightage
The AFCAT 1 2025 exam consists of four subjects: English, General Awareness, Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test, and Numerical Ability. In the English section, there are 30 questions, which total 90 marks. The General Awareness section includes 25 questions for 75 marks. Similarly, the Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test section has 25 questions, which total 75 marks. The Numerical Ability section has 20 questions, which contribute 60 marks to the total score. In total, the exam includes 100 questions, which total 300 marks.
Subjects | No. of Questions | Marks |
English | 30 | 90 |
General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | 25 | 75 |
Numerical Ability | 20 | 60 |
Total | 100 | 300 |
AFCAT 1 Exam Pattern 2025
The AFCAT 1 Exam Pattern 2024 is designed to test candidates’ aptitude and suitability for various branches of the Indian Air Force. The exam comprises 100 questions for 300 marks, with a duration of 2 hours. The paper includes sections on General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test. Each question carries 3 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
AFCAT 1 2025 Exam Pattern | |
Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
No. of Questions | 100 Questions |
Total Marks | 300 Marks |
Exam duration | 2 Hours |
Total sections | 4 |
Positive Marks | +3 Marks |
Negative Marks | -1 Marks |
Mode of Examination | Only English |
AFCAT 1 Syllabus 2025
The AFCAT 1 2025 syllabus is divided into four major sections. The English section tests candidates’ proficiency in the language, including topics such as comprehension, vocabulary, and grammar. General Awareness includes questions related to current affairs, history, geography, politics, and science. The Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test assesses logical reasoning, spatial ability, and military-related problem-solving skills. The Numerical Ability section covers basic arithmetic, data interpretation, and quantitative reasoning.
- General Awareness
- English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning, Military Aptitude Test
General Awareness
- Current Affairs: This is one of the most important sections, which focuses on national and international news, political developments, defence-related events, and major global events. Staying updated with recent events is the key to scoring well in this section.
- Indian Politics and Economy: This section requires knowledge of the Indian political system, structure of government, major economic theories, and current economic policies. It helps assess the candidate’s understanding of India’s governance and economic scenario.
- History and Geography: Candidates must be familiar with important historical events, milestones of the freedom struggle, and geographical facts about both India and the world. This includes major landmarks, rivers, and major physical features.
- Science and Technology: A solid understanding of basic scientific concepts and technological advancements is required. This section tests the candidate’s awareness about innovations and their impact on society.
- Sports: This section also tests knowledge of major sporting events, tournaments, and achievements at the national and international level, including records and milestones.
- National and International Organizations: It is important to be familiar with major organizations such as the United Nations (UN), World Health Organization (WHO) and others, as these bodies play a vital role in global affairs.
- Arts and Culture: This section focuses on India’s cultural heritage, famous personalities and classical arts, which are an integral part of the nation’s identity.
- Environment and Ecology: Basic knowledge of environmental science, ecological concerns and sustainability practices is the key to understanding current global challenges related to the environment.
Numerical Ability
- Decimal Fraction: Understanding the concept of fractions and performing operations with decimals.
- Time and Work: Solving problems related to work efficiency, rates, and time taken by individuals or groups.
- Average / Percentage: Calculating averages and percentages, and applying them to real-life situations.
- Profit & Loss: Solving problems involving profit, loss, and cost price.
- Ratio & Proportion: Understanding and solving problems based on ratios and proportions.
- Simple and Compound Interest: Calculating interest on investments or loans using simple and compound interest formulas.
- Time & Distance and Races (Trains/Boats & Streams): Problems related to relative motion, speed, distance, and race timings.
- Area and Perimeter: Finding the area and perimeter of various geometrical shapes.
- Probability: Understanding basic probability concepts and solving related problems.
- Number System & Number Series: Identifying patterns in number series and solving problems on number systems.
- Mixture & Allegation Rules: Solving problems involving mixtures and alligation, particularly in terms of cost or concentration.
- Clocks: Solving problems related to time calculation, angles formed by clock hands, and time intervals.
English
- Comprehension: Understanding and answering questions based on a given passage or text.
- Detect Error in Sentence: Identifying grammatical errors and correcting them in sentences.
- Sentence Completion / Filling in the Correct Word: Completing sentences by selecting the most appropriate word or phrase.
- Synonym / Antonym: Identifying words with similar or opposite meanings.
- Cloze Test or Fill in the Gaps in a Paragraph: Completing a paragraph by filling in the missing words to maintain the meaning and structure.
- Idioms and Phrases: Understanding and applying common idiomatic expressions and phrases.
- Analogy: Solving problems based on relationships between pairs of words.
- Sentence Rearranging: Rearranging jumbled sentences to form a coherent, grammatically correct sentence.
- Substitution in a Sentence / One Word Substitution: Replacing a group of words with a single word that conveys the same meaning.
Reasoning Military Aptitude Test
Verbal Reasoning
Series Completion: Identifying patterns in number or letter series and completing them.
Coding-Decoding: Solving problems based on the coding and decoding of words or numbers.
Analogy: Finding relationships between pairs of words and applying the same relationship to other pairs.
Classification: Identifying the odd one out in a group of items based on common characteristics.
Blood Relations: Solving problems related to family relationships and their connections.
Puzzle Test: Solving logical puzzles that require reasoning and deduction.
Logical Venn Diagrams: Interpreting and solving problems using Venn diagrams to represent relationships.
Alphabet Test: Solving problems related to the arrangement and sequence of alphabets.
Ranking: Determining positions or ranks based on given conditions or criteria.
Time Sequence Test: Solving problems that require ordering events or activities in chronological order.
Non-Verbal Reasoning
Series: Identifying and completing patterns in a series of shapes or figures.
Analogy: Finding relationships between figures and applying the same pattern to another set.
Classification: Identifying the odd figure out based on a common characteristic.
Mirror Images: Determining the mirror image of a given figure or pattern.
Water Images: Finding the water image of a given figure or pattern.
Embedded Figures: Identifying the hidden figure within a larger figure.
Completion of Incomplete Pattern: Completing a partially given figure or pattern based on the existing structure.
Figure Matrix: Solving problems using a matrix of figures to find the next figure in the sequence.
Paper Folding: Solving problems based on how a paper is folded and the shapes or patterns formed.
AFCAT 1 Salary 2025
Candidates selected through the AFCAT 1 2025 exam will be entitled to a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (Level 10). Additional allowances, perks, and benefits will further enhance the compensation, making it an attractive career opportunity. However, during the training period, flight cadets will receive a fixed stipend of ₹56100 p.m.
AFCAT Previous Year Cut-Off
AFCAT previous year cut-offs provide valuable information about the minimum qualifying marks required to pass the exam, helping candidates understand the level of competition and set realistic preparation goals. The table below shows all the previous year cut-offs.
Year | AFCAT Cutoff |
---|---|
AFCAT 2 2024 | 139 |
AFCAT 1 2024 | 137 |
AFCAT 2 2023 | 151 |
AFCAT 1 2023 | 155 |
AFCAT 2 2022 | 157 |
AFCAT 1 2022 | 157 |
AFCAT 1 2021 | 165 |
AFCAT 2 2020 | 155 |
AFCAT 1 2019 | 133 |
AFCAT 2 2018 | 140 |
AFCAT 1 2018 | 155 |
AFCAT 2 2017 | 160 |
AFCAT 1 2017 | 150 |
AFCAT (2) 2016 | 148 |
AFCAT (1) 2016 | 132 |
AFCAT (2) 2015 | 144 |
AFCAT (1) 2015 | 126 |
AFCAT (2) 2014 | 123 |