Introduction
If you’ve ever gazed at a fighter jet and thought, “One day, I want to be there,” the Air Force Common Admission Test AFCAT might just be your first real step in that direction. Every year, thousands of graduates across India apply for this prestigious air force exam, hoping to join the ranks as commissioned officers.
The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT notification 2025, opening up 284 exciting opportunities for those dreaming of a career in the skies—across the Flying Branch as well as Ground Duty roles (both Technical and Non-Technical). Whether you’re wondering when the AFCAT exam date 2025 falls, how the AFCAT exam pattern looks, or when and where to grab your AFCAT 2 2025 admit card—we’ve broken it all down in this easy-to-follow guide.
If you're just beginning your research and wondering what AFCAT is, don't worry—we’ll take it from the top.
What is AFCAT?
Have you ever thought the term AFCAT exists and how it is an easier gateway to become a part of Air Force. Air Force Commoon Admission Test. commonly called as AFCAT, is conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force. It’s designed for graduates who dream of joining the IAF as commissioned officers.
What makes it special? You don’t need to go through the NDA or CDS route. AFCAT opens door directly for various Technical and Non-Technical jobs in the Air Force, as an flying officer or a ground duty officer.
It’s the fast lane to the skies for thousands of ambitious students, especially final-year graduates and working professionals. Among all the air force exams, this one carries a special weight—and rightly so.
And yes, the AFCAT Notification 2025 is officially here!
AFCAT Notification 2025 – What’s New?
The AFCAT notification 2025, released on 30th May 2025, confirms everything aspirants were waiting for: vacancies, eligibility, application schedule, and the much-anticipated AFCAT exam date 2025.
The AFCAT 2 2025 exam date is officially scheduled for 23rd, 24th, and 25th August 2025, and applications started from 2nd June.
🔗 Download the Official AFCAT Notification PDF 🔗 Practice Papers & Updates: careerindianairforce.cdac.in 🔗 Admit Card Login: afcat login page
AFCAT Exam Date 2025 – Complete Timeline
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | 30 May 2025 |
| Application Start | 02 June 2025 |
| Application End | 30 June 2025 |
| AFCAT 2 2025 Exam Date | 23-24 August 2025 |
| AFCAT 2 2025 Admit Card | Last week of July |
| AFCAT 1 2025 Exam Date | February 2025 (held earlier this year) |
The Air Force exam date 2025 is key to your preparation schedule, and you can expect the AFCAT 2 2025 admit card around the last week of July.
AFCAT Exam Pattern – What to Expect?
Understanding the AFCAT exam pattern can make or break your preparation.
AFCAT (All Branches)
| Section | Qs | Marks |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 75 |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | 32 | 96 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Time: 2 hoursNegative Marking: 1 mark per wrong answer
EKT (For Technical Aspirants)
If you’re from an engineering background, your focus should be on acing EKT in addition to the main afcat exam.
The separate section for EKT is removed. Whereas the EKT cutoff differs from the overall cutoff. EKT cutoff is slightly lower.
AFCAT Eligibility & Age Criteria
Eligibility for AFCAT 2025 depends on the branch you’re applying for. But first, let’s address the AFCAT age limit, as that’s one of the most searched questions.
Flying Branch
- Age: 20 to 24 years
- Qualification: Graduate with 60% marks in any discipline and must have passed Maths & Physics at 10+2 level
Ground Duty (Technical)
- Age: 20 to 26 years
- Qualification: B.E./B.Tech with 60%
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Age: 20 to 26 years
- Qualification: Graduate with 60% marks
The AFCAT age limit is calculated as of 1st July 2026.
How to Apply for AFCAT 2025
Here’s how to apply for AFCAT 2025 without errors:
- Go to the AFCAT Official Website
- Click on “Candidate Login.”
- Register using your email and phone number
- Fill in your personal, academic, and branch preference details
- Upload the required documents and pay the AFCAT fees
AFCAT Fees: ₹550 + GSTNo fee for NCC Special Entry candidates
Complete your form before the deadline—30th June 2025—to avoid technical glitches and secure your AFCAT 2 2025 admit card on time.
AFCAT 2025 Vacancies Breakdown
The AFCAT notification 2025 includes 284 posts. Here’s how they’re distributed:
- Flying Branch – 38 posts
- Ground Duty (Technical) – 165 posts
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – 81 posts
Both men and women can apply. If you want an in-depth look at service roles, read our blog: How to Join the Indian Air Force
AFCAT Selection Process
Clearing the Air Force Common Admission Test is just the beginning.
Here’s what the full selection journey looks like:
- Written Exam (AFCAT / AFCAT + EKT)
- AFSB Interview (5 Days of Psychological + Physical Tests)
- Medical Exam & Final Merit List
Physical fitness, presence of mind, and leadership traits are tested—especially during SSB rounds.
Tips for First-Time Aspirants
- Read the AFCAT notification 2025 thoroughly
- Understand the afcat exam pattern and start mock tests
- Prioritize current affairs and English comprehension
- Practice math and reasoning under timed conditions
- Regularly check afcat.cdac.in for updates
Also, consider exploring backup government careers like SSC CGL 2025.
FAQs – AFCAT 2025
Q1. When can I download the AFCAT 2 2025 admit card?
Your AFCAT 2 2025 admit card will be available in the last week of July.
Q2. What is the AFCAT age criteria for the Flying Branch?
20 to 24 years as of 1 July 2026.
Q3. What are the AFCAT fees for general applicants?
₹550 + GST for all except NCC Special Entry candidates.
Q4. Where can I find official practice papers for the Air Force exam?
Check careerindianairforce.cdac.in and afcat.cdac.in
Q5. What is AFCAT 1, and when is it held?
AFCAT 1 is the first cycle of the Air Force exam, typically held in February each year.
