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AFCAT Selection Process 2025, Check Written Test, SSB & Medical Details

AFCAT Selection Process 2025 comprises of Written Test, SSB, and Medical to recruit Ground Staff (Tech & Non Tech) and Flying Staff in IAF. Students who want to join IAF through AFCAT should qualify all the selection rounds.
authorImageNigam Sharma20 May, 2025
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AFCAT Selection Process 2025

AFCAT Selection Process 2025: The Air Force Common Admission Test is conducted to recruit candidates for the Indian Air Force (AFCAT). The AFCAT is conducted twice a year. Candidates must clear stage 1 (written test), and those who pass will be invited to the subsequent stages at AFSB centres in Dehradun, Mysuru, Varanasi, Gandhinagar, and Guwahati.

The four stages of the AFCAT applicant selection process are the written Test, AFSB interview, medical exam, and final selection. Candidates who pass the  AFCAT 2025 Exam will receive an interview invitation. The AFCAT 2025 Selection Process is used by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to recruit officers for its Flying Duty and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical branches).

AFCAT is used to select candidates twice a year, with AFCAT 1 held in February and AFCAT 2 held in August. Qualify for all AFCAT Selection Rounds to join the Indian Air Force. IAF authorities have designed the selection stages to identify the capable candidates who can serve in different posts in the Air Force. 

AFCAT Selection Process 2025 Overview

The AFCAT 2025 Selection Process comprises a written exam, AFSB testing, document verification, and a thorough medical examination. Following these stages, a final conference assesses candidates' overall performance. The merit list is then prepared, ranking candidates based on their performance across all stages, with top performers considered for final selection. For detailed and accurate information, candidates should refer to the official AFCAT notification.

Stage Description
Stage 1: AFCAT Written Exam Qualify for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) written exam, which includes various subjects.
Stage 2: AFSB Testing Successful candidates from the written exam undergo testing at the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB).
Document Verification Verify essential documents such as educational certificates, NCC certificate, and employment NOC.
Conference A final conference is conducted by assessors (Psychologist, Ground Testing Officer, Interviewing Officer) to determine the candidate's overall performance. Qualified candidates complete necessary documents provided by the Board.
Medical Examination Undergo a thorough medical examination to assess fitness and suitability for a career in the Air Force.
Merit List A Merit List is prepared based on the candidate's performance in all stages of the selection process. Candidates are ranked, and those with the highest scores are considered for final selection.

AFCAT Selection Process 2025

The AFCAT selection process mainly consists of three distinct phases, and candidates must successfully clear each stage to secure their desired post within different departments. Aspiring candidates have the option to select from the Flying Branch (Pilot), Ground Duty Technical (Electrical, Mechanical), and Ground Duty Non-Technical (Administration, Logistics) branches. Further details regarding the AFCAT selection process for both ground duty and flying branches are provided below.
  • The AFCAT selection procedure involve an online examination followed by an interview with the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). Candidates who pass the AFCAT Exam receive an invitation for AFSB Interview.
  • Applicants who are recommended by the AFSB interview must submit to a medical examination. Following that, the IAF prepares a merit list for the AFCAT Selection Procedure, and candidates are invited to train at the Air Force Academy.
  • Candidates are chosen solely based on merit through the AFCAT. Candidates must not only demonstrate Officer-Like-Qualities (OLQs), but they must also meet the Indian Air Force's medical standards.
  • The AFCAT selection process examines all aspects of a participant's aptitude, psychology, personality, and knowledge. Only candidates who meet the IAF's standards and perform exceptionally well in the tests are chosen.

AFCAT Selection Process Stages

Candidates must go through several selection rounds before being selected for the Indian Air Force. Only those candidates who pass each round are considered for the next. We have discussed details on the various stages of the AFCAT Selection Process in the table below to help you understand it better:
Stages Name of Stages
Stage 1 AFCAT Written Exam
Stage 2 AFSB Interview
Stage 3 Medical Test
Stage 4 Final Merit List

AFCAT Written Exam 2025 

The online computer-based AFCAT Exam Pattern is divided into four sections: General Awareness, Numerical Ability and Reasoning, Verbal Ability in English, and Military Aptitude Test. Further information on the subject is provided below:
  1. It includes 100 multiple-choice questions worth 300 Marks.
  2. It consists of 50 multiple-choice questions worth 150 Marks.
  3. Regardless of the posts chosen, all the questions are objective.
  4. The question paper is provided in English.
Exam Subject No. of Qs Max Marks Duration Language Type of Questions
AFCAT General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, Aptitude Test 100 300 120 Minutes English Objective Type Question

AFCAT Phase 2 - Interview with the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB)

The Indian Air Force compiles a list of candidates who meet the AFCAT Cut off in the online written Test. Those who apply for NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Branch will be called directly for AFSB testing. The AFSB Interview is divided into three stages.

Stage I of the AFSB Interview

A screening test is the first Stage of an AFSB interview. It is held on the first day of candidates' arrival at the AFSB centre and consists of two tests. They are as follows:
  • Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Examination
  • Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
  • Officer Intelligence Rating (CIR) Test - During the OIR Test, candidates must illustrate their Quantitative Ability and Logical Reasoning Ability in a test administered at an AFSB center.
  • Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)-The PPDT is divided into two sections: a) Picture Perception and Discussion. Aspirants are shown a picture on the screen for a short time and then asked to recognize the main characters and form a short story focused on the picture. b) Candidates must discuss their story and conclude a group discussion in the second part.
The Stage results are announced shortly after both tests get completed. Candidates who pass Stage must stay behind and appear for Stage ll of the AFSB Interview. Applicants who do not qualify or are screened out must return to the testing centers. Candidates must discuss their story and conclude a group discussion in the second part.

Stage II of the AFSB Interview

The second Stage of an AFSB interview is a lengthy process that takes 4 to 5 days. During Stage II of the interview, the following four tests are administered.
  • Psychological Test (PT)
  • Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
  • Group Test (GT)
  • Personal Interview (PD)
Psychological Examination: Candidates who qualify for an AFSB interview must appear for their Psychological Test after lunch in the afternoon. A series of psychological tests is conducted for the candidates. Following the completion of the Test, document verification is carried out. GT stands for Group Test. Candidates are divided into groups, and each is assigned a Group Task Office (GTO). The GTO puts the group through multiple tests in which they are placed in various tactical situations and must work together to find solutions. Applicants must appear for a Personal Interview with an Interviewing Officer at the AFSB centre. After the PT, the interview can occur on the following days. Candidates are notified of their interview guide in advance. The Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) is conducted on Day 5, and only applicants applying for the Flying branch are required to take it. Kindly note that Permanent body tattoos will be permitted only on the inner face of the forearm (from the inside of the elbow to the wrist) and the opposite side of the palm. Also, Candidates should use no narcotics. 

List Of Documents Required In AFCAT Exam 2025

After reaching the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), Candidates have to show the following documents:-

  • Shortlisted candidates proceed to the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing.
  • Essential documents for AFSB testing include the original Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate and mark sheets.
  • Original mark sheet & certificate of 10+2 and original/provisional graduation degree are required.
  • Two attested photocopies of each certificate must be presented.
  • The NCC certificate (if applicable) and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from existing employers are necessary.
  • An original, valid Commercial Pilot’s License issued by DGCA is required if applicable.
  • Twenty copies of recent passport-size color photographs are also needed.

AFCAT Selection Procedure - Medical Exam

Candidates must pass the medical examination after passing the online examination and the AFSB Testing. It is used to assess a candidate's mental and physical well-being concerning the position for which they are applying. Candidates recommended by the Selection Board must report to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) in New Delhi or the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Bengaluru for medical examination. This information will be made available to candidates via the official website, as well as via SMS and email if offered during the online application process.

AFCAT Selection Process 2025 Other Related Links
AFCAT Notification 2025 AFCAT Application Form 2025
AFCAT Vacancy 2025 AFCAT Syllabus 2025
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2025 AFCAT Exam Date 2025
AFCAT Admit Card 2025 AFCAT Previous Year Papers
AFCAT Salary AFCAT Result 2025

 AFCAT Final Merit List

Candidates who have passed all stages will be chosen for the Indian Air Force. A final merit list will display the names of qualified candidates. The Indian Air Force compiles a final merit list using the following criteria:
  • Scores obtained in the AFCAT online test
  • Medical Examination Performance in the SSB/AFSB Interview
  • Candidates can access the detailed AFCAT Eligibility Requirements by visiting the linked article.
A merit list will be curated based on all of these factors. Candidates can check their results directly at the AFCAT Results. This concludes the information on the AFCAT Selection Process 2025.

Documents Required for AFCAT Interview 2025

Candidates are required to bring the following documents to the interview session:
  1. Original and 2 photocopies of certificates and mark sheets for 10/10+2.
  2. Copies of recent color passport photographs.
  3. If applicable, a valid Commercial Pilot's License issued by the DGCA.
  4. Tickets for inbound trains/buses (for obtaining a refund of the Travelling Allowance).
  5. Original NCC Certificate (if applicable).
  6. Copies of recent color passport photographs.
  7. Original and 2 photocopies of certificates and mark sheets for Provisional Graduation Degrees and Postgraduate Degrees.
  8. NOC from Central/State Government Employers or AFCAT Admit Card from the Public Sector (Original and 2 photocopies). Additionally, ensure to carry all essential documents (original and attested copies) during the interview. On the final day of the AFCAT Selection process, a conference is conducted by Assessors, including the Psychologist, Ground Testing Officer, and the Interviewing Officer, to evaluate candidates' performance in all stages. Qualified candidates must complete certain documents provided by the Board.

What After the AFCAT Selection Process?

Shortlisted candidates in the AFCAT selection process will undergo extensive training with the Indian Air Force as part of their onboarding process. All candidates must positively report to the training location. The training duration for candidates chosen in non-technical and technical branches differs, and the details are as follows:
  • A 74-week training program is part of the AFCAT Ground Duty selection process for Technical and Flying branches.
  • The Ground Duty (Non-technical) Branch candidates must complete 52 weeks of training.

AFCAT Selection Process 2025 Other Related Links
CDS Selection Process AFCAT Selection Process
NDA Selection Process UPSC CAPF Selection Process
Indian Navy Agniveer Selection Process Indian Army Agniveer Selection Process
Indian Air Force Agniveer Selection Process 2025 Army MES Selection Process

AFCAT Selection Process 2025 FAQs

Q1. Which rank do we get after passing the AFCAT?

Ans. After completing flight training, cadet applicants are commissioned as flying officers. After three years of service and passing the department test, flying officers are promoted to Flying Lieutenant.

Q2. Is there any negative marking on the AFCAT?

Ans. Each correct answer will be worth three points. For each incorrect answer, one mark will be deducted.

Q3. Which is superior, CDS or AFCAT?

Ans. The primary distinction between AFCAT and CDS entries is that CDS allows young boys to join the Indian Air Force exclusively for the Flying course. In contrast, AFCAT needs boys and girls to enroll in the Flying, Technical, or Ground Duty courses.

Q4. Which subject is ideal for the AFCAT?

Ans. History, Politics, Current Affairs, Geography, Environmental Science, Basic Science, Sports, and other topics are important for General Awareness in the AFCAT exam. Numerical Ability and Reasoning, General Awareness, English Verbal Ability, and Military Aptitude Test are all part of the AFCAT syllabus.

Q5. Is AFCAT coaching required?

Ans. To prepare for the exam, AFCAT coaching helps candidate passing the exam. Defence wallah batches ensured many selection through effective AFCAT coaching.
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