AFCAT 2025: Eligibility, Exam Pattern, Syllabus & Career Prospects

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Air Force to select officers for various branches, including the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). 

The exam is held twice a year (AFCAT 01 and AFCAT 02) and is open to both male and female candidates who meet the eligibility criteria. Tentatively, the AFCAT 1 2025 exam is scheduled for February 2025, while the AFCAT 2 2025 exam will take place in August 2025.

AFCAT Eligibility

The candidate must be a citizen of India.

Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years.

Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years.

Flying Branch:

• Minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level.
• Graduation (minimum 3 years degree course) in any discipline with at least 60% marks.
• OR BE/B Tech (4 years) with at least 60% marks.

Ground Duty (Technical):

• Minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Maths at 10+2 level.
• Four-year degree in Engineering/Technology.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical):

• Graduation in any discipline with at least 60% marks.

AFCAT Exam Structure 

AFCAT Exam Syllabus & Marking Pattern 

Salary & Career Prospects On Course Completion 

The salary of successful candidates who join the Indian Air Force includes several components such as basic pay, allowances, and other benefits. Here's a detailed breakdown of the salary and benefits for officers in different branches of the Indian Air Force:

Flying Branch

Rank on Commissioning: Flying Officer

Basic Pay: INR 56,100 per month (Level 10 in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix)

Military Service Pay (MSP): INR  15,500 per month

Flying Allowance: INR  25,000 per month

Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches:

Rank on Commissioning: Flying Officer

Basic Pay: INR  56,100 per month (Level 10 in the 7th CPC Pay Matrix)

Military Service Pay (MSP): INR  15,500 per month

Technical Allowance: INR  5,500 - INR 17,500 per month (for technical officers)

Total Monthly Salary (approximate):

Flying Branch: INR  96,100 (basic pay + MSP + flying allowance)

Technical Branch: INR  77,100 (basic pay + MSP + minimum technical allowance)

Non-Technical Branch: INR  71,600 (basic pay + MSP)

Promotions

Promotions in the Indian Air Force are based on time scale and selection, subject to the vacancies available. Here are the time scales for promotion:

Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant: 2 years

Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader: 6 years

Squadron Leader to Wing Commander: 13 years

Wing Commander to Group Captain: 26 years (selection)

Group Captain to Air Commodore: Selection

Air Commodore to Air Vice Marshal: Selection

Air Vice Marshal to Air Marshal: Selection

Conclusion