The full form of AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test. The Indian Air Force (IAF) organizes the test to find qualified candidates for Group-A Gazetted Officer positions on the ground and flying duties (technical and non-technical). AFCAT is conducted twice a year in online mode. The recruitment process is held in February and August.
Air Force Common Admission Test is followed by an interview. The interview is conducted by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). The exam is held at different exam centers all across India so that candidates from different corners of the country can apply.
AFCAT Full Form
As discussed above, AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test. The exam was started in the year 2012 to employ candidates in Air Force. There is no restriction on the number of attempts to take AFCAT. However, there are age-limit criteria that a candidate must satisfy in order to contest the exam.
The AFCAT exam is conducted for 3 hours 30 minutes in which multiple choice questions are asked from various subjects. It is a national-level exam in which both males and females both interested and eligible can apply. The tenure for candidates shortlisted through AFCAT for the Flying Branch is 14 years, while the tenure for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) is 10 years.
AFCAT Eligibility
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first condition to apply for the written test. Candidates should fulfill the conditions prescribed in the eligibility criteria such as educational qualification, percentage, age limit, marital status, etc. AFCAT eligibility criteria for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) Branch, and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches differ. So, candidates should check the details carefully.
- Educational Qualification: Candidates who have passed Class 12 in Physics and Chemistry with a minimum of 50% OR hold a degree of BE/BTech can apply.
- Nationality: Candidates who are citizens of India according to the Indian citizenship act, 1955 are eligible.
- Age Limit: For Flying Duty, the age limit is 20-24 years whereas for Ground Duty it is 20-26 years. Reserved category candidates are eligible for age relaxation as per the government rules.
- Marital Status: Candidates who are going to apply for the exam should be unmarried.
AFCAT Career Growth
Candidates who join the Indian Air Force (IAF) through AFCAT have a lot of career potential. Occasionally, candidates will be promoted to higher ranks after joining the service. Candidates for Flying Officer have the opportunity to advance to the rank of Air Marshal. The following are the Flying Officer ranks, from lowest to highest.
- Flying Officer
- Flight Lieutenant
- Squadron Leader
- Wing Commander
- Group Captain
- Air Commodore
- Air Vice-Marshal
- Air Marshal
AFCAT Salary
The attractive salary and perks are offered to the candidates who get recruited in the officer rank through AFCAT which is also a reason for the candidates to apply for this job. The Indian Air Force will pay trainees a stipend of Rs. 52,600 during their training. The total duration of the training is 1 year.
After completion of the training, the salary is paid according to the Level 10 Pay Matrix making the salary Rs. 56,100 per month. Along with this, there are several allowances that are included in the salary such as Military Service Pay, Children’s Education Allowance, Transport Allowance, etc. The other benefits to which the candidates are entitled are
- Leave travel concessions
- Institute and Messes membership
- Accommodation
- CSD facilities
- Recreational and sports facilities
- Rail concessions, etc.
FAQs on AFCAT Full Form
What is the AFCAT Full Form?
AFCAT Full Form is Air Force Common Admission Test. The exam is organized by the Indian Air Force to employ suitable candidates for the position of Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
Who can apply for AFCAT?
Candidates who have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 and secured at least 50% can apply or a candidate holding BE/BTech degree can also apply.
Is there any restriction on the number of attempts to write AFCAT?
No, there is no restriction on the number of attempts to write AFCAT. However, candidates should meet the age limit criteria for Flying Duty (20-24 years) and Ground Duty (20-26 years).
What is the salary of Officers recruited through AFCAT?
Candidates who will be shortlisted through AFCAT shall be paid Rs. 52,600 per month during their training and Rs. 56,100 per month on joining the full-time service. Along with the salary, they shall be entitled to various perks and allowances.
