The recruitment process for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2025 Phase 1 has officially commenced on the Indian Air Force’s official website. This initiative provides eligible candidates with the chance to join various roles across the flying, ground duty technical, and ground duty non-technical branches. The online registration for the AFCAT opened on December 2, 2024, and is set to close on December 31, 2024. Prospective applicants are strongly encouraged to complete their applications well ahead of the deadline to prevent any potential last-minute issues.
Through this recruitment drive, the Indian Air Force aims to fill a total of 336 vacancies in multiple disciplines, which include positions in both flying and ground duty sectors. Specifically, the roles available comprise 30 posts in the flying branch, 189 posts in ground duty technical, and 117 posts in ground duty non-technical. Additionally, there is provision for NCC special entry into the flying branch.
Candidates wishing to apply must adhere to the designated timeline, as the deadline for paying the application fee aligns with the registration cutoff on December 31, 2024. Although the fee for the examination has been set at Rs 550 across all categories and can be processed through various online payment methods such as debit and credit cards, net banking, and UPI, the Indian Air Force has yet to disclose the specific date for the examination or the issuance of admit cards.
To qualify for the AFCAT positions, applicants must meet certain educational requirements and age limits. For those seeking to join the Flying Branch, eligibility requires a Bachelor’s degree in any field, provided the candidate studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree. Furthermore, candidates must have secured a minimum of 60% in Physics and Mathematics during their 10+2 education and then possess a relevant four-year degree in Aeronautical or Mechanical Engineering, related to the technical specialization they wish to pursue.
In the case of Ground Duty Non-Technical positions, candidates must have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline with at least 60% marks, especially for roles in administration and logistics. A B.Com degree is required for applicants aiming for accounts roles, with the same minimum percentage prerequisite.
The age limits for applicants as of January 1, 2026, are defined as follows: candidates for the Flying Branch may be between 20 to 24 years of age, while those applying for Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical positions must be between 20 to 26 years old.
Following the completion of the application process, the selection will involve a written examination, which will be succeeded by tests administered by the Air Force Selection Board, alongside document verification and a medical examination to ensure the health and fitness of the candidates.
All details necessary for the application process can be found on the official IAF website, where interested candidates are directed to follow the procedures laid out for successful enrollment.
