Your Comprehensive Guide to AFCAT 1 2024 Success with Defence Academy Chennai
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AFCAT 1 2024: Applications Open!
Don't Miss Your AFCAT 1 2024 Chance to Ace with Defence Academy Chennai
- “Takeoff to Success! Your Ultimate Guide to AFCAT 1 2024 Application”
- The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 1 2024 Notification, announcing an exciting opportunity to join the service through the Short Service Commission (SSC). 317 vacancies are available across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Non-Technical and Technical) branches. Conquer the AFCAT 1 2024 application process with our comprehensive guide. Get all the information you need to submit your application flawlessly, fulfill your dream of becoming an Air Force officer, and serve your nation. The countdown has begun! Hurry and apply for AFCAT 1-2024 before the deadline.
AFCAT 2024 Application and courses Overview
- The AFCAT exam is tentatively scheduled for February 16th, 24th, 17th, and 18th.
- To be eligible for the AFCAT exam, applicants must be born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2005, for the Flying Branch and for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License that is relaxable up to 26 years, i.e., born between January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2005.
- For the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branch, candidates must be born between 20 and 26 years old, i.e., born between January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2005.
- Date for submission of Online Applications: December 1, 2023 (11:00 AM) to December 30, 2023 (11:00 PM)
AFCAT 1 2024 APPLICATION FEE
- After filling in the online application form, the examination fee of ₹550/- + GST (non-refundable) for AFCAT entry
- No cash, cheque, or demand draft (DD) will be accepted towards payment of the examination fee.
- The examination fee can be paid using credit, debit cards, or net banking through the payment gateway.
- After confirmation from bank that the payment has been received, the “Payment Status” will display
“Registration Number,” which the candidate may note down for future correspondence. Simultaneously, the candidate will receive a confirmatory SMS email. - The examination fee is not applicable for the NCC special entry
AFCAT 1 2024 SELECTION PROCESS
Are you driven by a desire to soar through the clouds and serve your nation? Then the Indian Air Force’s Short Service Commission (SSC) program might be your perfect launchpad. But before you can take flight, you need to navigate the rigorous selection process for AFCAT 1 2024.
Here’s your comprehensive guide to help you ace each stage and land your dream career in the Air Force
Application and Written Exam
Submit your application online
The application window opens on December 1, 2023, and closes on December 31, 2023. Ensure you meet the eligibility criteria and fill out the application form meticulously.
apply online by using the link
Master the AFCAT written exam
The computer-based written exam will be conducted in three shifts across various test centers in India, and shortlisted candidates will be invited to take the exam. Scheduled for February 16, 17, and 18, 2024, this computer-based exam tests your knowledge in general awareness, verbal ability, numerical ability and reasoning, and military aptitude. Each question carries 3 marks for a total of 300 marks.
Prepare for cut-off marks
cut-offs will be determined for each branch and category. Ensure you score above the required cut-off in all sections to qualify for the next stage.
Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Candidates who qualify for the written test are called for the AFSB interview.
- The AFSB interview is a comprehensive assessment that evaluates candidates’ suitability for a career in the IAF.
- The interview process usually takes place over a period of five days and includes various tests and activities.
- Gear up for AFSB testing: Brace yourself for a six-day assessment process at one of the five AFSBs across India. This stage includes:
Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIRT)
Refine your mental agility and leadership potential through the Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIRT)
Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
Analyze your personality, leadership, and communication skills.
Psychological Tests
These tests assess the candidate’s personality, motivation, and suitability for a demanding career in the Air Force. Some of the tests include:
- Thematic Appreciation Test (TAT)
- Word Association Test (WAT),
- Situation Reaction Test (SRT),
- Self-Description Test (SDT).
GTO TASKS
Group testing officer tasks include:
- Group Discussion
- Group planning exercise
- progressive group task
- Half group task
- Individual Obstacles
- Command Task
- Lecturette
CONFERENCE
Conference where candidates appear before a panel of officers for the final assessment.
MEDICAL EXAMINATION
- Candidates who clear the AFSB interview undergo a thorough medical examination.
- The medical examination assesses candidates’ physical and mental fitness to ensure they meet the required medical standards for service in the Indian Air Force
FINAL MERIT LIST AND TRAINING
- Based on the performance in the written test, AFSB interview, and medical examination, a final merit list is prepared.
- Candidates who make it to the merit list are offered training at the Air Force training establishments.
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA
To learn about the eligibility criteria, click here to download the pdf.
AGE LIMIT
FOR FLYING BRANCH AND NCC SPECIAL ENTRY
- 20 to 24 years as of January 1, 2025
- The candidate must be born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2005
- The upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 years old (born between January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2005)
FOR THE GROUND DUTY (TECHNICAL AND NON-TECHNICAL BRANCH)
- 20 to 26 years as of January 1, 2025
- The candidate must be born between January 2, 1999, and January 1, 2005
MARITAL STATUS
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of the commencement of the course, and marriage is not permitted during training.
DATE OF BIRTH:
- The date of birth accepted by the IAF is that entered in the Matriculation or Secondary School Leaving Certificate, in a certificate recognized by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or in an extract from a Register of Matriculates maintained by a University
- The candidates should exercise due care while entering their date of birth.
- If, on verification at any subsequent stage, a variation is found in their date of birth from the one entered in their matriculation or equivalent examination certificate, it will render them disqualified. No representation in this regard will be entertained.
ENTRY, BRANCH AND VACANCIES:
DISCLAIMER:
The vacancies indicated are tentative and subject to change without notice. Actual intake would depend on organisational requirements, various cadre control mechanisms, the availability of training slots, and the actual number of vacancies accruing in January 2025. No representation in this regard will be entertained.
EDUCATION QUALIFICATION
FOR FLYING BRANCH
- Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in math and physics at the 10+2 level.
- Graduation with a minimum three-year degree course in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- BE/B Tech degree (four-year course) from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Candidates who have cleared the Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
GROUND DUTY (TECHNICAL)
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)}:
Candidates with a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum of four years degree graduation
Click below the link to view the following courses for ground-duty Aeronautical Engineer Electronics
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}
Candidates with a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum of four years degree graduation
Click below the link to view the following courses for ground-duty Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches
Weapon Systems (WS) Branch:
- Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in math and physics at the 10+2 level.
- Graduation with minimum three-year degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks
- BE/B Tech degree (four-year course) from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks.
ADMINISTRATION AND LOGISTICS
- Passed 10+2 and Graduate Degree (minimum three-year degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.
- The candidate cleared sections A and B of the Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.
ACCOUNTS BRANCH
Passed 10+2 and completed graduation in any of the following streams with 60% marks from a recognized university.
The following streams are.
- B.Com. Degree (minimum three-year course).
- Bachelor of Business Administration (with specialization in Finance)
- Bachelor of Management Studies (with specialization in Finance)
- Bachelor of Business Studies (with specialization in Finance)
- Qualified CA, CMA, CS, or CFA.
- B.Sc. with a specialization in finance.
EDUCATION
Passed 10+2 and post-graduation with 50% marks in any discipline, including integrated courses offering PG (single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry), and with 60% marks in graduation in any discipline.
Meteorology
- Passed 10+2 and BSc with Physics and Mathematics with a minimum of 60% marks.
- Four-year graduation in the engineering/technology discipline with a minimum of 60% marks.
- Only those candidates who have given the 12th standard in the 10+2 pattern of examination are eligible to apply for these courses.
other ground-duty (Non-Technical) Branches
One seat is reserved for law-qualified candidates in ground-duty (non-Tech) branches and the candidate may get employed on legal duties of the IAF (after commissioning)
- If the university where candidates obtained their degrees awards grades or CGPA instead of marks, the university itself will certify the procedure for converting those grades or CGPA to a percentage of marks.
- In the event that the university does not have any scheme for converting CGPA to a percentage conversion certificate, CGPA will be converted into a 10-point scale and multiplied by 10 to get an equivalent percentage.
Click here to download the conversion of percentage certificate
How to Apply
- Aspirants for IAF are required to apply online by using the link https://careerindianairforce.cdac.in/ or https://afcat.cdac.in.
- The Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
- Applicants need to exercise the utmost care while filling out the online application. In case any information is found to be incorrect, the candidature is liable to be cancelled at any stage of the selection process.
- Please verify the correctness of the information entered in all the fields before proceeding with the “Make Payment” option.
- Applicants will not be able to edit the previous details entered after the “Make Payment” step.
- Applicants are strongly advised to apply online well in time to avoid the last-minute rush leading to a website or server slowdown.
Click below the link. Download the pdf.
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you apply for AFCAT 1 2024 with ease.
Check Your Eligibility
Before diving into the application process, ensure you meet the eligibility criteria. These include age (20–24 for Flying Branch and 20–26 for Ground Duty), educational qualifications (graduation for Ground Duty (non-technical) and engineering degree for Ground Duty (technical) and Flying Branch), and physical fitness standards.
Visit the Official Website
Head over to the official AFCAT website: https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/: https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/.
Register and Create an Account
Click on “Registration” and fill in the required details. Remember to create a strong password for future access.
Fill Out the Application Form
Once you’ve logged in, meticulously fill out the application form. This includes your personal information, educational background, and chosen branch. Double-check all entries for accuracy.
Upload Documents
Upload scanned copies of your essential documents, such as educational certificates, photographs, and identity proof. Ensure the file size and format are as per the specified guidelines.
Pay the Application Fee
Pay the application fee online through the payment gateway. Once the payment is confirmed, your application will be submitted successfully.
Download and Print the Application Form
Download and print a copy of your submitted application form for future reference.
Click below the link. Download the pdf.
FINAL TIPS
- Start early: The application window opens on December 1, 2023, and closes on December 30, 2023. Don’t delay – apply early to avoid last-minute hassles.
- Gather documents: Prepare all required documents beforehand to avoid delays during the application process.
- Review carefully: Take your time to review your application form thoroughly before submitting it. Ensure all information is accurate and complete.
- Keep a copy: Save a copy of your application form and payment confirmation for your records.
By following these steps diligently, you can confidently submit your application for AFCAT 1 2024 and take the first step towards fulfilling your dream of becoming an officer in the Indian Air Force. Remember, the sky’s the limit!
NCC Special Entry
- The candidates applying for NCC Special Entry should mandatorily have an NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate.
- The certificate should have been acquired within two years commencing from the AFCAT registration date, when calculated backwards.
- The written exam is exempt for NCC Special Entry candidates, and they will be directly called for AFSB testing at one of the AFSB centres.
Exam Schedule
The AFCAT will be conducted in three days, as per the following:
NOTE
Under any circumstances, candidates will not be permitted to enter the exam centre after the pre-exam verification process has commenced, i.e., at 08:00 hrs for shift-I and 13:00 hrs for shift-II.
The online examination will consist of objective-type questions and will be in English only.
The subjects, time allowed, and maximum marks allotted for the AFCAT exam will be as follows:
Marking Scheme
- Three marks will be awarded for every correct answer.
- One mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
- No marks for Un attempted questions
TIPS FOR SUCCESS
- Start early: Begin your preparation well in advance to master the exam syllabus and develop your overall personality.
- Utilize resources: Find valuable study materials online, in books, or join coaching classes to enhance your preparation.
- Focus on fitness: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and regular exercise regimen to clear the medical examination.
- Embrace teamwork: Develop your communication and leadership skills to excel in the AFSB testing.
- Stay confident: Believe in your abilities and approach each stage of the selection process with a positive attitude.
By following these steps and dedicating yourself to your goal, you can successfully navigate the AFCAT 1 2024 selection process and soar towards your dream of becoming an Air Force officer. Remember, the sky’s the limit!
SALARY AND PERKS FOR AFCAT OFFICER
Let’s take a detailed look at what to expect as an AFCAT officer in terms of salary and benefits.
INITIAL PAY SCALE
- Flying Branch: Starting salary of ₹56,100 per month with a grade pay of ₹5,400.
- Ground Duty (Technical Branch): Starting salary of ₹56,100 per month with a grade pay of ₹4,800.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch): Starting salary of ₹56,100 per month with a grade pay of ₹4,600.
Post-Training Salary
- Flying Branch: Salary range of ₹66,667–₹83,333 per month.
- Ground Duty (Technical Branch): Salary range of ₹61,600–₹78,800 per month.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch): Salary range of ₹58,900–₹74,800 per month.
OTHER BENEFITS
- Free medical facilities for self and family.
- Canteen facilities with subsidized rates.
- Leave travel concession (LTC) for self and family.
- Group insurance scheme.
- Housing facilities at subsidized rates.
- Post-retirement benefits like pension and gratuity.
Career Progression
- Promotions based on performance and seniority.
- Opportunity to serve in various roles and locations.
- Exposure to advanced training and development programs.
Overall, AFCAT officers enjoy a competitive and secure career with a good salary, benefits, and opportunities for growth. The exact salary and allowances may vary depending on the rank, branch, and location of service.
AFCAT 1 2024 FAQ
Application and Eligibility
When is the application window for AFCAT 1 2024?
A: The online application window for AFCAT 1 2024 will open on December 1, 2023, and close on December 30, 2023.
What is the eligibility criteria for AFCAT 1 2024?
A: The eligibility criteria for AFCAT 1 2024 include:
- Nationality: Indian citizen
- Age: 20–24 years for the flying branch and 20–27 years for the ground duty (technical and non-technical) branches as of January 1, 2025.
- Educational Qualification: Graduation for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) and Engineering degree for Ground Duty (Technical) and Flying Branch.
- Physical Fitness: Candidates must meet the prescribed physical standards for the chosen branch.
Exam and Selection Process
What is the exam pattern for AFCAT 1 2024?
A: The AFCAT 1 2024 exam will be a computer-based test consisting of 100 objective-type questions divided into four sections:
- General Awareness: 25 questions
- Verbal Ability in English: 25 questions
- Numerical Ability and Reasoning: 25 questions
- Military Aptitude Test: 25 questions
What is the selection process for AFCAT 1 2024?
A: The selection process for AFCAT 1 2024 involves the following stages:
- Written Exam: Successful candidates in the written exam will be shortlisted for the next stage.
- AFSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates will undergo a five-day interview and testing process at one of the five Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs).
- Medical Examination: Based on the AFSB results, candidates will be called for a medical examination to assess their physical fitness.
- Final Merit List and Selection: A final merit list will be prepared based on the performance in the written exam, AFSB, and medical examination. Candidates will be offered commissions in the IAF based on their rank and the number of vacancies.
Courses Offered
What courses are offered through AFCAT 1 2024?
A: AFCAT 1 2024 offers Short Service Commission (SSC) in the following branches:
- Flying Branch: Pilot
- Ground Duty (Technical Branch): Aeronautical Engineer, Electronics Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, Education Officer (Psychology), Meteorology Officer
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch): Administrative, Logistics, Education (History, English, Mathematics, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Geography
What is the duration of the SSC?
A: The initial tenure for SSC officers in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches is 10 years. An extension of four years may be granted subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability, and merit. The engagement period for Flying Branch SSC officers is 14 years from the date of commissioning.