Indian Air Force (IAF) released a final AFCAT notification (Advertisement number- 01/2021) inviting aspirants to be part of its elite force as Commissioned Officers (Group A Gazetted Officers) Flying (Pilot), and Ground Dutymen (Technical & Non-Technical branches). In addition to this, the AFCAT notification also invites entries for NCC Special Entry Scheme (flying) for courses commencing in January 2022.
As per the AFCAT notification 2021, the exam is being conducted to fill up 241 vacancies. Candidates had started to apply for the AFCAT exam from 1st December 2020, and the online application process was active till 11th January 2021.
To make things easier for candidates to understand, Buddy4Study has summarised the AFCAT notification containing information related to vacancies, posts, salaries, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, how to apply, stages of exam and more in this article.
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AFCAT Notification 2021 – Highlights
As per the recent update, the AFCAT (1) 2021 application process and exam would be carried forward as per the exam notification issued on 1st December 2020. Candidates must pay attention to the highlights related to AFCAT notification 2021, as stated below:
AFCAT Notification Highlights
| Name of Examination | AIR FORCE COMMON ADMISSION TEST (AFCAT- 01/2021) |
| Exam Conducting body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| AFCAT Recruitment Official Website | https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT |
| Exam frequency | Twice a year |
| AFCAT Total Vacancies | 235 241 |
| AFCAT (1) Exam Date | 20th and 21st February 2021 |
| AFCAT (2) Exam Date | September or October 2021* |
| Mode of Exam | Online (computer-based test) |
| Credentials required to download AFCAT Admit Card | Registration Number
Password |
| Compulsory documents to carry on exam day | Admit Card
Colour Print of the Admit card Valid Photo ID Proof Two passport photographs Aadhar Card of the candidate |
| Duration of AFCAT Exam | AFCAT – 2 hours (120 minutes)
EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) – 45 Minutes |
| Maximum Marks | AFCAT – 300 Marks
EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) – 100 Marks |
| Marking System | Correct answer: 3 marks
Incorrect Answer: (-1) mark Unattempted Answer: NIL |
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Important Dates
A majority of important exam-related dates have been released, and IAF will announce the rest in due time. Candidates can find the important events and their respected dates in the table below:
AFCAT Notification Schedule (AFCAT 1) 2021
| Exam Events | Important Dates |
| Release of short notification | 28th November 2020 |
| Release of Notification (Detailed) | 1st December 2020 |
| Dates for submission of online applications | 1st December 2020 to 11th January 2021 |
| AFCAT (1) 2021 Admit Card Release | 5th February 2021 |
| AFCAT (1) 2021 Exam | 20th and 21st February 2021 |
| AFCAT Result Release | March 2021* |
| Course Commencement | January 2022* |
*Exact dates yet to be released
AFCAT Notification Schedule (AFCAT 2) 2021
| Exam Events (2021) | Important Dates |
| Release of notification | June 2021* |
| Dates for submission of online applications | June to July 2021* |
| AFCAT (2) 2021 Admit Card Release | September or October 2021* |
| AFCAT (2) 2021 Exam | September or October 2021* |
| AFCAT Result Release | November 2021* |
*Exact dates yet to be released
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfil all the eligibility criteria mentioned in the AFCAT notification before applying for the examination. There are 5 factors related to the eligibility criteria, as highlighted below:
- Nationality
- Age
- Marital Status
- Physical Standards
- Medical standards.
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Nationality
As per AFCAT eligibility criteria, a candidate should be an Indian citizen as per Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. Applications from candidates who have migrated to India before that are not welcomed.
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Age
- The age limit for the aspiring candidates in Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry should be between 20 and 24 years as on 1st January 2022. This means that the candidate should be born between 2nd January 1998 and 1st January 2002 (both dates inclusive).
- There is a relaxation of 2 years (upper age limit) for candidates (Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry) holding a valid and current Pilot License issued by DGCA (India). Candidates should be born between 2nd January 1996 to 1st January 2002 (both dates inclusive).
- The age limit for the aspiring candidates in Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branch should be between 20 and 26 years as on 1st January 2022. This means that the candidate should be born between 2nd January 1996 and 1st January 2002 (both dates inclusive).
Age Criteria as per Marital Status
The marital eligibility criteria for the aspiring candidates are highlighted below:
| Marital Status | Age |
| Unmarried Candidates | 20 -25 Years |
| Married Candidates | Above 25 Years |
| Widows/Widowers/divorcees | Above 25 Years |
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the AFCAT exam 2021 must have the minimum educational qualification from a recognized university board as indicated in the table below:
AFCAT Educational Qualifications for Different Posts
| AFCAT Post | Educational Qualification | |
| Flying Branch | Minimum 60% aggregate each in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2
OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India OR Minimum 60% aggregate in B.Tech/B.E degree or equivalent OR Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or equivalent. |
|
| Ground Duty (Technical) Branch | Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)} | Minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level besides a minimum of 4 years graduation/integrated post-graduation
degree in Engineering/Technology from recognised University OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India or Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) in the following disciplines:-
|
| Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (L)} | Minimum 50% aggregate each in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 (minimum of 4 years graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/ Technology from recognized University)
OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India or Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) OR Graduate membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies or equivalent in the electronics related disciplines such as:
|
|
| NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch) | Minimum 60% aggregate each in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 Minimum
OR 60% aggregate in 3 years graduation degree in any equivalent NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate acquired on or after 1st January 2017 (mandatory) OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India or Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers OR Minimum 60% aggregate in B.Tech/ B.E or any other equivalent OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India |
|
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches | Accounts | Minimum 60% aggregate in 3 years B.Com degree or equivalent |
| Administration and Logistics | Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India
OR Minimum 60% aggregate in 3 years graduation degree in any equivalent |
|
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Physical Standards
- All applicants must be mentally and physically fit.
- An exam will be conducted to examine the mental and physical health of the aspiring candidates
Height and Weight Parameters
Candidates have to carefully check the minimum and maximum height (acceptable) from the table below.
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Physical Requirement for Technical and Ground Duty Branch
| Post | Minimum Height | |
| Ground Duty (Technical/ Non-technical) Branch | Women | Men |
| 157.5 cms. | 152 cms. | |
Note – Men and women from Lakshadweep will get a concession of 2 cms. in the minimum acceptable height. Gorkhas belonging to hills of North-Eastern region of India, Kumaon and Garhwal will get a concession of 5 cms.
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Physical Requirement for Flying Branch
| Post | Leg Length | Minimum Height | Sitting Height | Thigh Length |
| Flying Branch | Maximum – 120 cms. | 162.5 cms. | Maximum – 96 cms. | Maximum – 64 cms. |
| Minimum – 99 cms. | Minimum – 81.6 cms. |
Note – No concession is provided for age and region.
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AFCAT Notification 2021 – Visual Parameters
For Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
| Sub Branch | Maximum Limits of Refractive Error | Colour Vision | Visual Acuity Errors |
| Logistics | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | CP-III | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.
Wearing of Glasses will be compulsory. |
| Myopia: -3.50 D Spherical | |||
| Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical | |||
| Administration | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | CP-II | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in each eye |
| Myopia: -3.5 Spherical | |||
| Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical in any meridian | |||
| Meteorology | Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical in any meridian | CP-II | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.
Wearing of Glasses will be compulsory. |
| Myopia: -3.5 D Spherical | |||
| Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | |||
| Accounts and Education | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | CP-III | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.
Wearing of Glasses will be compulsory. |
| Myopia: -3.50 D Spherical | |||
| Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical |
For Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
| Maximum Limits of Refractive Error | Colour Vision | Visual Acuity Errors |
| Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | CP-II | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye.
Candidates will have to wear glasses when advised. |
| Myopia: -3.50 D Spherical | ||
| Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical |
For Flying Branch
| Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia | Colour vision CP-1 | |
| Hypermetropia : +2.0 D Spherical | ||
| Manifest Myopia: Nil | ||
| Retinoscopic Myopia: – 0.5 in any meridian permitted | ||
| Astigmatism : +0.75 D Cylindrical (with + 2.0 D Maximum) | ||
| Handheld Stereoscope | All of BSV Grades | |
| Cover test for distant and near | Latent divergence/convergence recovery – rapid and complete. | |
| Maddox Rod Test | At 33 cms | Eso – 6 prism D |
| Hyper -1 prism D | ||
| 1 Hypo -1 prism D | ||
| Exo -16 prism D | ||
| At 6 meters | Exo -6 prism D | |
| Eso- 6 prism D | ||
| Hyper -1 prism D | ||
| Hypo -1 prism D | ||
| Convergence | up to 10 cm | |
| Binocular Vision | Applicants must have a good binocular vision (fusion and stereopsis with good amplitude and depth). | |
Note – Candidates wearing spectacles regularly are not eligible for flying branch.
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Medical Standards for Flying Branch
The aspiring candidates should not have gone through any operation or injury from the past few years and he must not have any disease. The medical scenarios that can lead to rejection are:
- Non-articular rheum Unilateral /bilateralism ( e.g., lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago etc).
- Loss of cervical lordosis when associated with clinically restricted movements of the cervical spine.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders
- Osteoarthrosis, Spondylosis and Degenerative joint disease
- Granulomatous Disease of the spine
- Compression fracture of vertebra
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) disorders including SLE, Polymyositis and Vasculitis.
- Arthritis / Spondylosis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Scheuermann’s Disease (Adolescent Kyphosis)
- Unilateral/bilateral cervical ribs with demonstrable neurological or circulatory deficit.
- Spondylolisthesis / Spondylolysis
- Any other abnormality as so considered by the specialist
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Posts/Vacancies and Salary
IAF had initially introduced 235 AFCAT vacancies. However, as per the revised vacancies, the number has now increased to 241. 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies are reserved for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC are reserved for the NCC Special Entry Flying branch.
In the below table, candidates will find below the exact number of vacancies released this year by IAF in the AFCAT notification for different profiles.
AFCAT 1 Vacancies
| Branch | Vacancies | |
| Flying Branch | SSC – 69 | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | AE(L) | PC – 27
SSC – 40 |
| AE(M) | PC-12
SSC – 17 |
|
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Administration | PC- 12
SSC – 21 |
| Accounts | PC- 06
SSC – 12 |
|
| Logistics | PC – 09
SSC – 16 |
|
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Salary
The benefit related to the pay scale of AFCAT starts with the beginning of the training period itself. The pay scale of candidates joining through AFCAT exam is Rs 56,100. Candidates will be able to see the salary of an Air Force officer after the 7th Pay Commission on the official AFCAT website.
AFCAT Notification – Training Stipend
| Stipend to men and women during the entire duration of training at any of the Air Force Training Institutions | Rs 56,100/ per month (Starting pay in Level 10) |
AFCAT Notification – Grant of Commission to Flying Officer
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Level | 10 |
| Pay as per 7th CPC pay matrix | Rs 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay | Rs 15,500 Per Month |
AFCAT Salary – In-hand Pay
| Flying Branch | Rs 85,372 |
| Ground Duty Technical Branch | Rs 74,872 |
| Ground Duty Non- Technical Branch | Rs 71,872 |
AFCAT Salary – Annual Package
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Rs 7-9 lakhs |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Rs 7-9 lakhs |
| Flying Branch | Rs 8-10 lakhs |
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Application/Registration Process
Indian Air Force has commenced the online application process for the selection of personnel in the post of Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches along with NCC Special Entry cadre posts on Tuesday, 1st December 2020. Candidates can register themselves for the upcoming AFCAT exam till 11th January 2021.
Candidates can submit their application forms via online mode by accessing the official AFCAT website or by directly visiting the login page. Candidates have to follow four major steps to complete the application form submission process –
- Registration
- Sign-in and Apply Online
- Upload Scanned Documents
- Pay AFCAT Application Fee
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Fee Structure
Candidates need to pay the registration/application fee to apply for the examination. Before making the payment, candidates should carefully read all the eligibility criteria. Please note that the application fee amount will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Before filling up the form, candidates are advised to make a duplicate copy and fill it up first. Any mistakes or fields left out accidentally may lead to the rejection of the application form. The fee structure for AFCAT as per candidate categories is as follows:
AFCAT Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fees |
| General, OBC, SC, ST, PWBD | Rs. 250/- (non-refundable) |
Note – Candidates who satisfy the eligibility criteria can make the payment through Credit Card/ Debit Card/ Net Banking or Challan Payment while applying for AFCAT 2021. No charges will be implied to fill in the AFCAT online form for the candidates applying for Meteorology Entry and NCC Special Entry.
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Exam Pattern
The upcoming AFCAT (1) exam will be conducted online for all candidates and EKT for technical candidates. The exam will be an objective or MCQ-type with multiple options, and will be held on 2 consecutive days.
Candidates, with the help of AFCAT exam pattern, can get a clear idea regarding the sectional distribution of questions and marks.
| Stages | Sections covered | Questions Asked | Maximum Marks | Time limit |
| AFCAT | General Awareness
Verbal Ability in English Numerical Ability Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
100 questions | 300 marks | 120 minutes |
| EKT | Mechanical
Computer Science Electrical & Electronics |
50 Questions | 150 marks | 45 minutes |
- Candidates will be awarded 3 marks for every correct answer
- They will lose 1 mark for each incorrect answer
- No marks will be awarded or deducted for questions that are left unattempted
- Questions will be based on the metric system of Weights and Measures (wherever applicable)
AFCAT Marking Scheme
| Type of Answers | Marks Allotted |
| Correct Answer | 3 |
| Wrong Answer | -1 |
| Unattempted | NIL |
AFCAT Notification 2021 – Syllabus
As per the AFCAT notification, AFCAT (1) syllabus is divided into 4 sections:
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- General Awareness
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test
Candidates are required to study the topics highlighted below to crack the first part of the exam.
AFCAT (1) Syllabus
| Verbal Ability in English | Numerical Ability | General Awareness | Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
| Comprehension
Error Detection Sentence Completion/Filling in of the correct word Synonyms Antonyms Testing of Vocabulary Idioms Phrases |
Decimal
Fraction Time and Work Average Profit & Loss Percentage Ratio & Proportion and Simple Interest Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams) |
History
Geography Civics Politics Current Affairs Environment Basic Science Defence Art Culture Sports, etc. |
Verbal skills and Spatial abilities
Data interpretation Rotated blocks Analogy Sets based on arrangements Missing Character Hidden figures Embedded Figure |
EKT Syllabus
For Electrical & Electronics Engineering
| Fundamental Engineering | Allied Engineering | Specialised Branch |
| Engineering Physics
Engineering Mathematics Engineering Drawing |
Switching Theory
Computer Networks Radar Theory Network Theory Design Instrumentation Information Technology |
Microwave Engineering
Analog and Digital Electronics Electronic Devices Telecommunication Systems Microwave Engineering Control Engineering Electrical Engineering |
For Computer Science Engineering
| Fundamental Engineering | Allied Engineering | Specialised Branch |
| Engineering Physics
Engineering Mathematics Engineering Drawing |
Control Engineering
Telecommunication Systems Electrical Engineering Radar Theory Instrumentation Antenna and Wave Propagation Microwave Engineering |
Information Technology
Network Theory Design Analog and Digital Electronics Computer Networks Switching Theory Electronic Devices |
For Mechanical Engineering
| Fundamental Engineering | Allied Engineering | Specialised Branch |
| Engineering Physics
Engineering Mathematics Engineering Drawing/ Engineering Graphics |
Aerodynamics
Flight Mechanics Aircraft Structures Power Plant Engineering. Industrial Engineering Automotive Engineering |
Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics/Hydraulic Machines Engineering Mechanics Materials Science Thermodynamics Manufacturing Science Machine Drawing |
AFCAT Notification – FAQs
When was the AFCAT notification published?
The AFCAT notification was released on 28th November 2020. Later, the detailed notification was published on 1st December 2020.
How many vacancies are open for AFCAT?
A total of 241 vacancies are open through AFCAT.
What is the age limit for AFCAT recruitment?
The age limit for the flying branch is between 20 and 24 years, whereas the age limit for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch is between 20 and 26 years.
What are the stages of AFCAT candidate selection?
The selection process in AFCAT exam comprises 4 stages -
- AFCAT Online Exam for all candidates
- EKT ( for Technical candidates)
- AFSB Interview
- Final selection after medical examination
How much time is allotted for the AFCAT exam?
Candidates will be given 120 minutes to complete the AFCAT exam. For the EKT exam, the allocated time is 45 minutes.
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