Indian Air Force: How to become an officer in the Indian Air Force, what is the exam, how much salary is given?

AFCAT 2 2025, Air Force officer vacancy 2025: The Indian Air Force has released the admit card for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 2 2025). This exam will be held on 23, 24, and 25 August 2025. Candidates who are going to appear in this exam can download their admit card by visiting the official website of the Indian Air Force,afcat.cdac.in. Through this recruitment, 284 posts will be filled in the Indian Air Force, which includes the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical). Let us know about AFCAT, what it is, and what you can become after passing it. What qualification is required for this?

AFCAT 2 Exam 2025: What is the AFCAT exam?

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year (February and August/September). Its purpose is to recruit as commissioned officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical). This exam is for both male and female candidates who want to make an exciting career in the Indian Air Force. Candidates selected through AFCAT are appointed as Class-1 Gazetted Officers and play an important role in serving the country.

What can you become after passing the AFCAT?

Candidates who pass AFCAT can become commissioned officers in different branches of the Indian Air Force. If they go to the Flying Branch, then they get a chance to work as a fighter pilot, transport pilot, or helicopter pilot. This is for the Short Service Commission (SSC), which is up to 14 years.

Ground Duty (Technical): The role of the candidates selected in this role is in engineering-related works like aircraft maintenance, management of weapon systems, and electronics systems, etc. This can be for Permanent Commission (PC) or Short Service Commission (SSC).

Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Officers posted in ground duty work in areas like administration, logistics, accounting, education, and meteorology. This can also be under Permanent or Short Service Commission.

Candidates who pass the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) are given training at the Air Force Academy. After this, they are appointed at various stations of the Indian Air Force. During this, officers are given attractive salaries, i.e., Level-10: ₹ 56,100-₹ 1,77,500, allowances, health facilities, etc.

What is the age required for AFCAT 2 2025?

Some eligibility criteria have been set for applying to AFCAT. The first condition is that he should be a citizen of India. Talking about age, the age of the candidate applying for the flying branch should be between 20 and 24 years (born between 2 July 2002 and 1 July 2006). The age limit can be relaxed up to 26 years for holders of a valid commercial pilot license issued by DGCA (India). Similarly, for ground duty (technical/non-technical), the age should be between 20 and 26 years (born between 2 July 2000 and 1 July 2006). Another condition is that candidates below 25 years of age should be unmarried. Married candidates above 25 years of age can apply, but will not be allowed to stay with the family during training.

What should be the eligibility criteria?

Flying Branch: 10+2 with minimum 50% marks in Mathematics and Physics. 60% marks in Graduation (minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized University, or 60% marks in BE/B.Tech (4 years). Or 60% marks in the Section A and B examination of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India.

Ground Duty (Technical): 10+2 with minimum 50% marks in Mathematics and Physics.

60% marks in Graduation or Integrated Post-Graduation in Engineering/Technology or 60% marks in Section A and B examination of Institution of Engineers (India) in relevant engineering field (such as Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electronics).

Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation (in any subject) from a recognized university with 60% marks or 50% marks in post-graduation (including integrated course) and 60% marks in graduation.

NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch): NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate holders can also apply.

Physical Test

Candidates must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards of the Indian Air Force.

Minimum height: 157.5 cm for ground duty, 162.5 cm for the flying branch.

Vision and other medical standards are mandatory.

These will not be eligible.

Candidates who have been suspended from any defense academy, like NDA, IMA, or AFA, will not be eligible for AFCAT. Candidates convicted of any crime will be ineligible.

AFCAT 2 2025: When is the exam?

The AFCAT 2 2025 exam will be held on 23rd, 24th, and 25th August 2025 in two shifts. The first shift will be from 10 am to 12 noon, and the second shift will be from 3 pm to 5 pm.

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