The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 02/2025 notification, inviting applications for the July 2026 course intake. This includes opportunities for both Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) under various branches including Flying, Technical, and Non-Technical streams. Below is a complete breakdown of the official notification in a simplified and accessible format.
📅 Important Dates
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Online Application Start Date: 2 June 2025 (from 1100 hours)
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Last Date to Apply: 1 July 2025 (up to 2330 hours)
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Admit Card Release: Around 7 August 2025
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Exam Dates: 23 and 24 August 2025 (25 August reserved if needed)
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Training Commencement: July 2026 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad)
🔢 Branch-Wise Vacancies (Tentative)
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Flying Branch (SSC – Course 220/26F):
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Men: 1 post
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Women: 2 posts
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Ground Duty (Technical – Course 219/26T):
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AE (L): Men 85, Women 23
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AE (M): Men 38, Women 10
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Ground Duty (Non-Technical – Course 219/26G):
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Weapon Systems: Men 19, Women 5
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Administration: Men 46, Women 12
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Logistics: Men 11, Women 4
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Accounts: Men 9, Women 2
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Education: Men 7, Women 2
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Meteorology: Men 6, Women 2
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NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch):
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10% of PC and SSC Flying vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders
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🧭 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as on 1 July 2026):
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Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (i.e., born between 2 July 2002 and 1 July 2006). CPL holders can apply up to 26 years.
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Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech): 20 to 26 years
Educational Qualifications:
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Flying Branch:
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10+2 with at least 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics
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Graduation (any discipline) with a minimum 60% marks OR BE/B.Tech with a minimum 60% marks
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Ground Duty (Technical):
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10+2 with 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics
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Four-year engineering/technology degree in relevant disciplines
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Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
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Graduation with a minimum 60% marks
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For Education branch: Postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks
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📝 Selection Process
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Written Examination (AFCAT)
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EKT (for Technical candidates only)
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AFSB Interview
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Medical Examination
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Final Merit List
📘 Exam Pattern
AFCAT Exam:
Section | Questions | Marks |
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General Awareness | 20 | 60 |
Verbal Ability (English) | 30 | 90 |
Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 |
Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 35 | 105 |
Total | 100 | 300 |
Duration: 2 hours
EKT (only for Technical Branch):
Section | Questions | Marks |
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Engineering Subject | 50 | 150 |
Duration: 45 minutes
🧪 AFSB Interview Stages
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Stage 1:
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Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR)
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Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
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Stage 2:
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Psychological Tests
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Group Testing Officer Tasks
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Personal Interview
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Stage 3 (Flying Branch):
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Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
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💵 Application Fee
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₹550 + GST (non-refundable)
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Payment can be made via debit/credit cards, UPI, or net banking