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AFCAT Full form, Everything You Need to Know About AFCAT

AFCAT is an exam conducted to recruit officers in Indian Airforce twice a Year, in feb and Aug. Read this article to know AFCAT Full form, AFCAT Eligibility, AFCAT Selection Process, AFCAT Exam and more.
authorImageNigam Sharma18 Feb, 2026
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AFCAT Full form, Everything You Need to Know About AFCAT


AFCAT Full form: AFCAT is one of the most sought-after examinations that paves the way to a fulfilling career in the Indian Air Force. Conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF), AFCAT is designed to select candidates for various branches, including Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical).

Let's get down to the nitty-gritty of AFCAT through this article, providing essential insights into AFCAT full form significance, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and the broader opportunities it presents.

AFCAT Overview

Here is the overview of the AFCAT 2026 Exam shared below for the reference of the candidates.

AFCAT  Overview
Exam Conducting Body Indian Air Force
AFCAT Full Form Air Force Common Admission Test
Post Name Flying Branch Ground Duty (Technical) Branch Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
Frequency Twice a Year
AFCAT 1 2026 Vacancy 340
AFCAT 2026 Notification Status Out
AFCAT Exam Date 31 January 2026
Exam Level National
Application Mode Online
Exam Mode Online
Selection Process Written Exam AFSB Interview Medical Exam
Official Website careerindianairforce.cdac.in/ afcat.cdac.in

AFCAT Full Form

The full form of AFCAT is AFCAT Air Force Common Admission Test. AFCAT is a prominent entrance examination conducted by the Indian Air Force for the recruitment of officers in various branches of the Indian Air Force, including the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. This highly competitive test assesses candidates' aptitude in verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, general awareness, and military aptitude. Successful candidates move forward to the subsequent stages of the selection process, which involve AFSB interviews, medical examinations, and further evaluations. AFCAT plays a crucial role in identifying and selecting skilled individuals to join the prestigious Indian Air Force as commissioned officers, contributing to the nation's air defense capabilities.

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test and candidates aspiring to make their career through AFCAT 2026 must go through AFCAT Eligibility Criteria. All registered aspirants should understand the AFCAT Age limit and Eligibility criteria mentioned on the official AFCAT Notification PDF to avoid rejection of their applications. Here are the key highlights of the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 shared below for the convenience of the aspirants.

AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
AFCAT Age Limit 2026 Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry: 20 to 24 years ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch: 20 to 26 years
AFCAT Educational Qualification 2026 Flying Branch: 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and Graduation with at least three years of a degree course with a minimum of 60% marks or BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) with at least 60% marks. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and at least four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/ Technology. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch : 10+2 and Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline with at least 60% marks
Nationality Citizen of India

AFCAT Selection Process

The AFCAT Selection Process is released through the official AFCAT Notification. Candidates must score passing marks in all the selection stages mentioned in the AFCAT Notification to be eligible for the appointment to the post.

To crack the AFCAT 2026 Exam in one attempt, enroll in the PW AFCAT Online Coaching. With experienced teachers, interactive online classes, the finest study material, and regular practice sessions, this course will strengthen the AFCAT preparation. The AFCAT selection process consists of the following stages, such as:

AFCAT Selection Process
Online Written Exam
  • Question Type: Objective Type
  • Number of Questions: 100
  • Maximum Mark: 300
  • Subject: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test
  • Marking Scheme: +3 marks for each correct answer and -1 mark for every incorrect answer.
AFSB Testing
  • Stage I: The Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with the Picture Perception and Discussion test, will be conducted on the first day.
  • Stage II: A psychological test will be conducted on Day 1(Evening), and the Group Tests and Interviews will commence after the document check for the next five days.
  • For the Flying Branch: A Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) would be administered to recommended candidates only.
Final Merit List Candidates will be featured in the merit list based on the total marks obtained by them in the written examination and AFSB tests.
Medical Examination -

AFCAT Full Form Salary

Individuals selected for the Flying Officer position via the AFCAT Examination will receive a salary within the pay scale of Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 in pay level 10, with an additional MSP of Rs. 15,500. Additionally, flight cadets will receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month during their one-year training period. In addition to the basic AFCAT salary, candidates will be entitled to various allowances based on the nature of duty and place of posting.
AFCAT Salary Per Month
Monthly Pay Band for All Branches Rs. 56,100
Pay Matrix Level 10
VIIth CPC Rs. 56,100 - 1,10,700

How to Prepare for AFCAT?

Follow this strategy to prepare for AFCAT Exam:-
  1. Obtain a comprehensive study guide and formulate a well-organized study plan to maximize your AFCAT preparation.
  2. Start your study routine early to cover a broad range of material, ensuring thorough understanding and readiness for the exam.
  3. Incorporate practice and mock tests into your study regimen to identify strengths, weaknesses, and areas requiring more attention.
  4. Prioritize your well-being by maintaining a healthy lifestyle with sufficient rest and regular exercise to sustain focus and energy during study sessions.
  5. Break down the AFCAT syllabus into easy and manageable goals, ensuring steady progress without feeling overwhelmed.
  6. Develop a study timetable that allocates dedicated time for each subject, promoting effective organization and time management.
  7. Identify and allocate extra time to improve understanding in weaker subjects or topics, ensuring a well-rounded preparation.
  8. Stay informed about current affairs through newspapers, magazines, and online sources, as the AFCAT often includes questions related to contemporary events.
  9. Collaborate with fellow aspirants for group study sessions to gain diverse perspectives, clarify doubts, and deepen your understanding of various topics.
  10. Take help from reliable online resources, forums, and educational websites for additional study materials, practice quizzes, and interactive learning tools to enhance your overall preparation.

AFCAT 2026 Other Related Links
AFCAT 2026 AFCAT Application Form 2026
AFCAT Admit Card 2026 AFCAT Exam Date 2026
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 AFCAT Notification 2026
AFCAT Vacancy 2026 AFCAT Cut Off
AFCAT Syllabus 2026 AFCAT Result 2026
AFCAT Salary AFCAT Selection Process 2026
AFCAT Exam Analysis AFCAT Previous Year Papers
AFCAT Preparation Tips

AFCAT Full Form FAQ

Q1. What does AFCAT stand for?

Ans. AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test

Q2. What is the purpose of AFCAT?

Ans. AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force to select candidates for various branches, including Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches.

Q3. Who is eligible to appear for AFCAT?

Ans. Graduates and postgraduates in specified disciplines are eligible to appear for AFCAT, depending on the branch they wish to apply for.

Q4. How often is AFCAT conducted?

Ans. AFCAT is conducted twice a year, generally in February and August, by the Indian Air Force.

Q5. What are the different branches for which one can apply through AFCAT?

Ans. Candidates can apply for the Flying Branch, Technical Branch, and Ground Duty Branches (both Non-Technical and Technical) through AFCAT.
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