The AFCAT 2026 selection process includes a written exam, AFSB testing, document verification, and a medical examination. A final conference assesses overall performance, leading to a merit list that ranks candidates based on their results, with top candidates selected for final admission.
Overview
Dear candidates, the AFCAT Exam is conducted in online mode twice a year to recruit young officers in the Indian Armed Forces for Technical and Non-Technical duties. Candidates looking career in the Indian Armed Forces after graduation, then it is a golden opportunity to set their career in the Indian Armed Forces.
| Exam Name | AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) |
| Conducted By | Indian Air Force |
| Frequency | Twice a Year |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Test, AFSB Interview, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List |
| Questions Type | Objective Type Questions |
| Exam Duration | 02:00 Hours |
| Paper Language | Only in English |
| Official Websites | afcat.cdac.in OR careerindianairforce.cdac.in |
AFCAT Selection Process Stages:
Candidates must complete multiple selection rounds to be chosen for the Indian Air Force. Only those who pass each round move on to the next. Details of the AFCAT Selection Process are provided below for clarity.
Stage 1: Written Exam
Stage 2: AFSB Interview
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Stage 4: Final Merit List
AFCAT Written Exam
Candidates preparing for the AFCAT Exam must have detailed knowledge of the Exam Pattern. AFCAT Exam is conducted in two shifts, and 4 major subjects are covered: English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability and Reasoning, and Military Aptitude Test.
| Subject | No of Questions | Maximum Marks | Exam Duration | Negative Marking |
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 2 Hours | -1 Mark |
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 | ||
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 | ||
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | 35 | 105 | ||
| Total | 100 | 300 |
AFSB Interview
Stage I (Screening Test)
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)
Stage II (2-5 days)
(a) Psychological Tests
- Thematic Apperception Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT)
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT)
- Self-Description Test (SDT)
(b) Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Group Discussion (GD)
- Group Planning Exercise (GPE)
- Progressive Group Task (PGT) & Half Group Task (HGT)
- Individual Obstacles
- Command task
- Lecturette
(c) Personal Interview
- A one-on-one meeting with the Interviewing Officer (IO) to assess your motivation, knowledge, communication skills, and personality. Be ready to discuss your background, education, hobbies, strengths, weaknesses, and current affairs, including the Indian Air Force.
(d) Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) Test
- Mandatory for Flying Branch aspirants only.
(e) Documents Required at AFSB: – Candidates are required to bring the following documents with two attested photocopies to the interview session:
- AFCAT Admit Card
- AFSB Call Letter
- Matriculation Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
- 10+2 Marksheet & Certificate
- Graduation/Post-Graduation Marksheets & Certificates (all semesters/years)
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) if employed in Government/PSUs
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applicable)
- Commercial Pilot License (if applicable)
- 20 recent passport-sized coloured photographs
- Valid Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving License)
- AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 | Age Limit, Height & Weight
- AFCAT Syllabus 2026 (PDF): Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
- Download the Mobile App of Target Defence Academy
Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the AFSB must complete a medical examination at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) in New Delhi, the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) in Bengaluru, or designated Command Hospitals.
- Vision
- Height & weight
- Hearing
- Overall physical fitness
Final Merit List
The AFCAT Merit List is the final selection list released by the Indian Air Force after evaluating candidates in the AFCAT exam, AFSB interview, and medical examination. It ranks candidates by branch based on their overall scores, and only those who meet the cutoff and fit within the available vacancies are included, as passing each stage does not guarantee selection.
Candidates on the AFCAT Merit List receive joining instructions for training at the Air Force Academy. Selection is based on merit and available vacancies, with tie-breaking rules used when needed. Those who clear all stages but are not listed are considered medically fit but not selected due to lower merit rankings.