AFCAT 2 2023 – Notification: Eligibility & Application Process

AFCAT 2 2023 – Notification: Eligibility & Application Process

The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) to recruit eligible candidates for various officer-level positions in the flying, technical, and ground duty branches. AFCAT 2 2023 is an upcoming opportunity for aspirants looking to join the Indian Air Force. In this article, we will discuss the AFCAT 2 2023 notification, including important dates, eligibility criteria, and the application process. If you have a passion for aviation and a desire to serve your nation, read on to learn how you can be a part of the prestigious Indian Air Force.

AFCAT 2 2023 Notification

The Indian Air Force has recently released the AFCAT 2 2023 Notification in the month of May 2023. This much-awaited notification contains essential information about the upcoming AFCAT 2 examination, including details on vacancies, application start date, eligibility criteria, and the exam pattern. For individuals aspiring to join the Indian Air Force and planning to apply for AFCAT 2 2023, understanding the information provided in the notification is crucial. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the AFCAT 2 2023 Notification, equipping prospective candidates with all the necessary details to commence their preparation.

Please check the official notification of AFCAT 2 2023 –

Key Dates of AFCAT 2 2023

Important Dates	Event
AFCAT 2 2023 Notification date	1 June 2023
AFCAT 2 2023 Online Applications Start	1 June 2023
AFCAT 2 2023 Last Date of Application	30 June 2023
AFCAT 2 2023 Tentative Exam Date	July – August 2023
AFCAT 2 2023 Tentative Results Date	Sep-23
AFCAT 2 2023 Tentative AFSB Interview dates	October 2023 to March 2024

Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 2 2023

To be eligible for AFCAT 2 2023, candidates must fulfill certain criteria set by the Indian Air Force. These criteria are mentioned in the AFCAT 2 2023 Notification.

Nationality

The candidate must be an Indian Citizen.

Age Limit

The age limit for different branches and specializations may vary.

Flying Branch

Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age as of 01 July 2024, which means they should have been born between 02 July 2000 and 01 July 2004 (both dates inclusive). For those candidates who have DGCA (India) issued Commercial Pilot License which is valid and has not expired are eligible for an upper age limit relaxation. Such candidates can be up to 26 years old, i.e., they should have been born between 02 July 1998 and 01 July 2004 (both dates inclusive).

Ground Duty (Technical/ Non-Technical) Branches

Candidates should be between 20 to 26 years of age as of 01 July 2024. This means that they should have been born between 02 July 1998 and 01 July 2004 (both dates inclusive).

Educational Qualifications

Flying Branch

For eligibility, candidates must meet one of the following criteria:

• They should have secured a minimum of 50% marks in both Mathematics and Physics in their Class 12 examination. Additionally, they should hold a graduation degree from a recognized university in any discipline.

OR

• Candidates with a B.Tech degree from a recognized university should have obtained at least 60% marks or an equivalent grade.

OR

• Applicants who have cleared the Section A and B examinations of Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized university with satisfactory performance are eligible for the specified criterion.

Ground Duty (Technical) Branch

To meet the eligibility criteria, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• They should have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in both Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
• Additionally, candidates must have completed a four-year degree program or an integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches

To be eligible, candidates must fulfill the following requirements:

• They should have completed 10+2 (or equivalent) with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Additionally, candidates must possess a graduate degree (minimum 3 years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.

Physical & Medical Fitness

Candidates must meet the physical fitness standards set by the Indian Air Force. These standards include height, weight, and visual acuity requirements. The detailed physical fitness criteria are mentioned in the official notification.

Medical Examination

Vacancies List

AFCAT Entry

Branch	MEN (SSC)	WOMEN (SSC)
Flying Branch	05	06
Ground Duty (Technical)	AE (L) – 98 AE (M) – 38	AE (L) – 11 AE (M) – 04
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)	Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 15 Admin: 45 LGS: 17 Accts: 08 Edn: 07 Met: 07	Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 02 Admin: 05 LGS: 02 Accts: 02 Edn: 02 Met: 02

NCC Special Entry

Branch	MEN (SSC)	WOMEN (SSC)
Flying	10% seats out of CDSE’s total vacancies for Permanent Commission and 10% seats out of AFCAT’s total vacancies for Short Service Commission

Selection Process

Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force through the AFCAT Exam must familiarize themselves with the complete selection procedure. The AFCAT Exam comprises Five stages, which are essential to understand.

1. Written Exam
2. SSB Interview
3. Document Verification
4. Medical Examination
5. Merit List

Written Exam

Exam Format

To excel in the AFCAT 2023 exam, it is crucial to have a good understanding of its paper pattern. The examination comprises 100 objective-type questions, with each question carrying 3 marks, resulting in a total of 300 marks. It is important to note that there is a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer. Regardless of whether candidates are applying for technical or non-technical positions, it is mandatory for all applicants to take the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). Aspirants should make a note of the exam duration, total marks, and the subjects covered in the online examination to ensure effective and strategic preparation.

For NCC Special Entry, there will be no written exam. The candidates will be called for SSB Interview directly, based on their application.

Subjects	Duration	No. of Question	Total Marks
General Awareness	120 minutes	100	300
Verbal ability in English
Numerical Ability
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test

Exam Syllabus

Numerical Ability	General Awareness	Reasoning & Military Aptitude	Verbal ability in English
Decimal	History	Verbal Skills	Error Detection
Fractions	Geography	Spatial Ability	Reading Comprehension
Time & Work	Political Science		Sentence Completion
Average	General Science		Synonym/Antonym
Profit & Loss	Environment		Vocabulary
Percentage	Defence		Idioms & Phrases
Ratio & Proportion	Art & Culture
Simple Interest	Current Affairs
Speed	Sports
Time & Distance

SSB Interview

The AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) serves as the second phase of the AFCAT Exam. Upon clearing the written exam, candidates will receive call letters to participate in the AFSB Interview round. Selected candidates will be summoned to one of the Air Force Selection Boards for further assessment.

The AFSB phase spans five days, during which candidates will be engaged in various intellectual and mental tasks. The final day of the process entails the Interview round.

The candidate’s performance in all the tasks throughout the AFSB phase will be evaluated to determine their suitability for the desired position.

All the candidates who have applied for the Meteorology Branch or through NCC Special Entry will be called for the SSB Interview based on their application form. They don’t have to give any written exam.

Understand the 5 days procedure at AFSB

Document Verification

Document verification is an integral part of the AFCAT 2 2023 selection process. After successfully clearing the written exam and the AFSB interview round, candidates will be required to undergo document verification to validate their eligibility and educational qualifications. The purpose of document verification is to ensure that the information provided by candidates during the application process is accurate and authentic.

During the document verification process, candidates will be required to submit original copies of various documents, including:

1. Educational Certificates: This includes certificates and mark sheets of Class 10, Class 12, and any other relevant educational degrees or qualifications.
2. Identity Proof: Candidates must provide valid identity proof such as an Aadhaar card, PAN card, or passport.
3. Date of Birth Proof: Documents such as a birth certificate or Class 10 certificate mentioning the candidate’s date of birth will be required.
4. Character Certificate: Candidates must provide a character certificate issued by a competent authority to establish their good conduct and moral character.
5. NOC (No Objection Certificate): Candidates currently employed in government organizations or public sector undertakings may need to submit a NOC from their employer.
6. Any other relevant documents: Candidates may be required to provide additional documents as specified by the Indian Air Force.

It is important for candidates to carry both original documents and self-attested photocopies for the verification process. Any discrepancies or failure to provide the required documents may result in disqualification from the selection process.

Candidates should keep their documents organized and readily available to ensure a smooth and hassle-free document verification process during AFCAT 2 2023.

Things you should carry for your SSB or ASFB Interview.

Medical Examination

The medical examination is a crucial step in the selection process for AFCAT 2 2023. After successfully clearing the written exam, AFSB interview, and document verification, candidates will undergo a comprehensive medical examination to assess their physical and mental fitness for service in the Indian Air Force.

The medical examination aims to ensure that candidates meet the medical standards set by the Indian Air Force.

Merit List

The Merit List is an important outcome of the AFCAT 2 2023 selection process. It is prepared based on the performance of candidates in the written exam, AFSB interview, document verification, and medical examination. The Merit List serves as a ranking system, determining the final selection of candidates for various positions in the Indian Air Force.
Here are some key points to understand about the Merit List of AFCAT 2 2023:

• Compilation of Merit List: The Merit List is compiled by considering the aggregate marks obtained by candidates in the written exam and AFSB interview.
• Order of Merit: Candidates are ranked in order of merit based on their performance and total marks secured in the selection process. The candidate with the highest marks is placed at the top of the list, and the ranking continues accordingly.
• Cut-off Marks: The Merit List is prepared based on the cut-off marks decided by the Indian Air Force. Candidates who score above the specified cut-off marks are considered for inclusion in the Merit List.
• Multiple Merit Lists: The Merit List may be prepared separately for different branches or trades within the Indian Air Force. This allows for the selection of candidates based on their suitability for specific positions.
• Publication of Merit List: Once the Merit List is prepared, it is officially published by the Indian Air Force on their official website or through other means of communication. Candidates can check their position and status in the Merit List to determine their selection for further training and join.
• Selection for Training: Candidates who are included in the Merit List and meet all other eligibility criteria will be selected for further training programs as per the vacancies available. They will receive further communication regarding their training schedule and joining instructions.

It is important for candidates to note that the Merit List is prepared solely based on the performance and merit of candidates. Meeting the cut-off marks does not guarantee selection, as the final decision depends on various factors and the availability of vacancies.

Candidates are advised to regularly check the official website of the Indian Air Force or refer to the AFCAT 2 2023 notification for specific details regarding the Merit List, including important dates and instructions related to the selection process.

Application Process

Application Process for AFCAT 2 2023: The application process for AFCAT 2 2023 is typically conducted online.

• Online Registration: Candidates must visit the official website of the Indian Air Force and navigate to the AFCAT 2 2023 application portal. They need to register by providing the required personal and contact details. When your registration will be successful, you will get your login ID and password.
• AFCAT 2 2023 application link – IAF (cdac.in)
• Filling the Application Form: Using the login credentials, candidates can access the application form. They must carefully fill in all the required details, including personal information, educational qualifications, and preferences for branches and specializations.
• Document Upload: Candidates will be asked to upload scanned copies of their passport-sized photograph, signature, and other relevant documents as per the specifications mentioned in the application form.
• Application Fee Payment: After filling in the application form and uploading the documents, candidates need to pay the prescribed application fee of Rs. 250. You can pay the fees using various payment modes.
• Review and Submission: Before final submission, candidates should review the application form to ensure all the details are accurate and all documents have been uploaded correctly.
• Admit Card Download: After the application process concludes, the Indian Air Force will release the admit cards for eligible candidates. Applicants can download their admit cards from the official website using their login credentials. Your Admit card will have all the details like the exam date, its time, and venue.

AFCAT 2 2023 provides a wonderful opportunity for aspirants to join the Indian Air Force and serve the nation with pride. The official notification, which covers important information regarding eligibility, exam dates, and application procedures, serves as a crucial guide for candidates. By carefully understanding and fulfilling the eligibility criteria and following the prescribed application process, aspiring candidates can take their first step toward a rewarding career in the Indian Air Force. Stay updated with the official website of the Indian Air Force for the release of the AFCAT 2 2023 notification, and begin your preparations to excel in the examination.

If you have any further queries or need any additional information regarding AFCAT 2 2023 or any other defence exam, mail them to [email protected].

Jai Hind.

All the best for your preparation.