AFCAT Vacancy – Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT vacancies, 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). As per the AFCAT notification, entries for NCC Special Entry Scheme (flying) for courses commencing in January 2022 are also open.
IAF had earlier released the official notification for the AFCAT (1) examination on 1st December 2020. Initially, Indian Air Force announced a total of 235 vacancies for 2020-21. Later, IAF upgraded the number of AFCAT vacancies to 241.
However, candidates must note that the number of vacancies is indicative and is subject to change further. In addition to the important aspects of the exam like AFCAT syllabus or exam pattern, Buddy4Study has compiled additional information like job profiles, salaries and career opportunities through IAF in the below article.
AFCAT Vacancy – 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 exam events and their related dates in the table below:
AFCAT 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 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 Exam 2021 Shifts and Timings
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AFCAT Vacancy – Post-wise
Candidates who hold the minimum educational qualification of 10+2 degree and are between the ages of 20 and 24 years as on 1st January 2022 will be considered eligible for the Flying Branch. The number of AFCAT vacancies for different posts in 2020 is mentioned in the table below.
Notes –
- 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). However, candidates should be born between 2nd January 1996 to 1st January 2002. 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.
- Candidates should take note that 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies are reserved for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancy for SSC are reserved for the NCC Special Entry Flying branch.
In the table below, candidates will find the exact number of vacancies released this year by IAF in the AFCAT notification for different profiles.
| Entry | Branch | PC/ SSC | Course Number | AFCAT Vacancies* | ||
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | SSC for Men & Women | 211/22F/SSC (M & W) | SSC – 69 | ||
| Ground Duty (Technical) {Aeronautical Engineer Electronics and Aeronautical Engineer Mechanical} | PC for Men and SSC for Men & Women | 210/22T/PC/100AEC (M) 210/22T/SSC/100AEC (M & W) | [AE(L)]
PC – 27 SSC – 40 |
[AE(M)]
PC-12 SSC – 17 |
||
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) {Administration, Logistics & Accounts) | PC for Men & SSC for Men | 210/22G/PC (M) 210/22G/SSC (M) | Administration
PC- 12 SSC – 21 |
Accounts
PC- 06 SSC – 12 |
Logistics
PC – 09 SSC – 16 |
|
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | PC for Men & SSC for Men & Women | 211/22F/PC (M) and 211/22F/SSC(M & W) | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancy for SSC | ||
*Vacancies indicated are tentative and subject to change without notice. The concrete intake would depend on organizational requirements, various cadre control mechanisms, availability of training slots and the actual number of AFCAT vacancy accruing in January 2020.
AFCAT Vacancy – Types of Commission
SSC (Short Service Commission) for Men and Women
- The engagement period for Flying Branch SSC officers is 14 years from the date of commissioning. Candidates should note that this period is non-extendable.
- Grant of Permanent Commission would be considered during the last 1 year of service subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability and merit.
- The initial tenure for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) SSC Officers will be for 10 years. An extension of 4 years may be granted subject to availability of vacancies, suitability, service requirements, willingness, and merit.
PC (Permanent Commission) for Men
All candidates joining as PC officers will continue to serve till the age of superannuation in their respective branches as per their rank.
AFCAT Vacancy – Job Profiles
The job profile/responsibilities of AFCAT varies from post to post. For easy understanding, candidates can find the job description for various posts in the below table:
Job responsibilities for AFCAT Officers
| IAF Branches | AFCAT Job Profile |
| AFCAT Flying Branch |
|
| AFCAT Ground Duty Technical |
|
| AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical |
|
AFCAT Vacancy – Salaries
Candidates selected in the AFCAT Mains exam will undergo proper training as per the post. After completing the training, they will be posted to different allotted profiles. The salaries of the selected candidates (later appointed officer) will vary as per the post. Candidates can find below the detailed pay scale, allowances, perks, and in-hand salary of Air Force officers upon clearing the AFCAT examination.
AFCAT Vacancy – Training Stipend
| Training Stipend – AFCAT | Stipend Amount |
| 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) |
After the candidates complete their training successfully, the salary as per the pay matrix of the officer commissioned will be fixed in the first cell of Level 10.
AFCAT Salary
The pay scale offered to the candidates is commissioned as per 7th CPC.
| Rank | Pay as per 7th CPC Matrix | Level | MSP (Military Service Pay) |
| Flying Officer | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 | 10 | Rs 15,500 |
Note: Flight cadets will receive a fixed stipend of Rs 56,100 per month during one year of training.
AFCAT Vacancy – In-Hand Salary
The AFCAT pay scale is nearly similar for the different posts. As a standard, the salary of an AFCAT professional comprises basic pay, allowances and the gross salary, which is around Rs 56,100/-. However, after deductions, the total in-hand AFCAT salary for various posts is:
AFCAT Vacancy – In-hand salary (Branch-wise)
| Branch | Salary (In Rs.) |
| Flying Branch | Rs. 85,372 |
| Ground Duty (Tech) Branch | Rs. 74,872 |
| Ground Duty (Non-tech) Branch Salary | Rs. 71,872 |
AFCAT Vacancy – Annual Salary Package
| Branches | Annual Salary Package |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Rs. 7-9 lakhs |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Rs. 7-9 lakhs |
| Flying Branch | Rs. 8-10 lakhs |
AFCAT Vacancy – Allowances to Air Force Officers
Besides the entitled salary, IAF officers are admissible to various allowances as well. The officers are entitled to Flying, Technical, Field Area, Special Compensatory (Hill area), Special Force, Siachen, Island Special Duty, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer, Area and Remote Locality Allowance.
Privileges for Air Force Officers
- Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
- Furnished accommodation
- Canteen, Officers’ Mess
- Loans at subsidised rates
- Insurance cover of Rs 1 crore applicable to serving officers. An additional cover of Rs 12 Lakh (on contribution) applies, to Flying Branch Officers
- Leave Travel Concession. Officers in the Air Force are entitled to leave (60 days annual and 20 days casual) subject to service exigencies
AFCAT Vacancy – Promotion offered to Air Force Officers
The promotions of IAF officers are based on the performance and years of service. Candidates can find below the levels of promotion given to Flying Officers:
| Posts (From lowest to highest) | Levels |
| Flying Officer | Junior Level |
| Flying Lieutenant | Junior Level |
| Squadron Leader
Wing Commander Group Captain |
Executive Level |
| Air Comrade
Air Vice-Marshal Air Marshal |
Director Level |
| Air Chief Marshal | Chief |
| IAF Posts | IAF Levels |
AFCAT Vacancy – Various Other Benefits
The candidates who would get selected as IAF officers will be eligible to avail multiple benefits, such as:
| Insurance |
|
| Scholarships and Welfare |
|
| Medical |
|
| Loan facility |
|
| Post-retirement Benefits |
|
| Educational Opportunities |
|
| Placement cell |
|
| Other benefits |
|
AFCAT Vacancy – Career Growth
- On completion of training in flight, candidates are commissioned as Flying officers
- On completing 6 years of service, candidates will be promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader
- Technical officers who are engineers are given the seniority of 2 years for promotion and pay which will be compared to the Indian Air Force officers
- Promotions for AFCAT apply to the first three ranks based on the timeline
- On completing 3 years of service, the flying officers are promoted to Flying Lieutenant on passing the department test
- Promotions for other posts is done based on the job and according to the vacancies in the positions
- It is mandatory for all officers to attend the C’ examination which consists of General Knowledge and post concerning topics for Departmental promotion and to seek promotion in ranks
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AFCAT Vacancy – FAQs
How many vacancies are open for AFCAT?
As per the published notification’s AFCAT Vacancy section, a total of 241 vacancies are open for AFCAT posts.
For which post is the AFCAT exam conducted?
The AFCAT exam is conducted for the post of 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.
What is the basic pay of an employee working in the post of an Officer Scale-I?
The basic pay of an AFCAT Officer starts from Rs 56,100.
Is there negative marking in the AFCAT exam?
Yes. For every incorrect answer, 1 mark will be deducted.
Is there an Interview in the AFCAT exams?
Yes. The 2nd stage of the AFCAT recruitment exam is the AFSB Interview round.
