The Indian Air Force (IAF) has long been a beacon of pride and honor, attracting the brightest minds and most courageous hearts to its ranks. For those seeking to embark on this esteemed journey, the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) stands as the gateway to realizing their aspirations. The AFCAT 2 2024 Notification, recently unveiled by the IAF, has ignited a renewed sense of excitement and anticipation among the nation’s defence-minded youth.
Scheduled to be held in September 2024, the AFCAT 2 2024 exam promises to be a pivotal moment for those aspiring to serve in the Indian Air Force. With a total of 304 vacancies across various branches, the competition is set to be fierce, attracting the best and brightest from across the country. The online registration process, which will commence on May 30th, 2024, and conclude on June 28th, 2024, presents a crucial window of opportunity for eligible candidates to secure their place in this prestigious institution.
Unveiling the AFCAT 2 2024 Notification
The AFCAT 2 2024 Notification, released on May 20th, 2024, has set the stage for a dynamic and comprehensive recruitment process. This comprehensive document outlines the key details, including the number of vacancies, eligibility criteria, selection process, and essential information for aspiring candidates.
Vacancies and Branches
The AFCAT 2 2024 exam will offer a total of 304 vacancies, with opportunities available in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The breakdown of these vacancies is as follows:
| Branch | Gender | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Men | 18 |
| Flying Branch | Women | 11 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) | Men | 88 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) | Women | 23 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(M) | Men | 36 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(M) | Women | 9 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – WS | Men | 14 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – WS | Women | 14 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Administration | Men | 43 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Administration | Women | 3 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accounts | Men | 10 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accounts | Women | 11 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Logistics | Men | 13 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Logistics | Women | 14 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Education | Men | 7 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Education | Women | 2 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Meteorology | Men | 8 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Meteorology | Women | 2 |
- Flying Branch: 18 vacancies for men and 11 vacancies for women
- Ground Duty (Technical): 88 vacancies for Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) [AE(L)] and 36 vacancies for Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) [AE(M)] for men, along with 23 and 9 vacancies respectively for women
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 14 vacancies in the Weapon Systems (WS) Branch, 43 in Administration, 10 in Accounts, 13 in Logistics, 7 in Education, and 8 in Meteorology for men, with 14, 3, 11, 14, 2, and 2 vacancies respectively for women
Additionally, the AFCAT 2 2024 exam will also offer a 10% quota of seats for the NCC Special Entry, both for Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch.
Eligibility Criteria
The AFCAT 2 2024 Notification outlines the eligibility criteria for the various branches, ensuring a fair and meritocratic selection process.
| Branch | Age Range | Educational Requirements |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 – 24 years | Minimum 50% in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, Bachelor’s degree or BE/BTech with at least 60% marks |
| Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) | 20 – 26 years | Minimum 60% in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized university |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – WS | 20 – 26 years | Minimum 60% in any discipline |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Administration | 20 – 26 years | Minimum 60% in any discipline |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accounts | 20 – 26 years | Minimum 60% in any discipline |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Meteorology | 20 – 26 years | Minimum 60% in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level |
For the Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age, with a minimum of 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, and a Bachelor’s degree or a BE/BTech degree with at least 60% marks.
Aspirants for the Ground Duty (Technical) branch, specifically the Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) [AE(L)] stream, must have a minimum of 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, along with a degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized university.
For the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches, the educational requirement varies from a minimum of 60% in any discipline for the Weapon Systems (WS) Branch, Administration, and Accounts, to a minimum of 60% in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level for the Meteorology Branch.
Candidates must also be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course and must be Indian citizens as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
AFCAT 2 2024 Exam Pattern and Syllabus
The AFCAT 2 2024 exam will be conducted in an online, computer-based format, with a total of 100 questions spread across four sections: Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and General Awareness, including Military Aptitude.
Exam Pattern
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Format | Online, computer-based |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 2 hours |
| Sections | Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, General Awareness (including Military Aptitude) |
| Marking Scheme | 3 marks for each correct answer, -1 mark for each incorrect answer |
- Total Questions: 100
- Maximum Marks: 300
- Exam Duration: 2 hours
- Marking Scheme: 3 marks for each correct answer, with a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer
Syllabus
The AFCAT 2 2024 syllabus covers a comprehensive range of topics, ensuring that candidates are well-versed in both academic and defence-specific knowledge.
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability in English | Comprehension, cloze test, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, error spotting |
| Numerical Ability | Number systems, HCF and LCM, time, distance and speed, time and work, ratio and proportion, percentage, average, simple and compound interest, pipes and cisterns |
| Reasoning | Series, Venn diagrams, syllogism, blood relations, non-verbal and verbal reasoning, military aptitude |
| General Awareness | Indian history, polity, economics, geography, physics, chemistry, biology, current affairs |
- Verbal Ability in English: This section includes questions on comprehension, cloze test, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, and error spotting.
- Numerical Ability: The questions in this section are based on topics such as number systems, HCF and LCM, time, distance and speed, time and work, ratio and proportion, percentage, average, simple and compound interest, and pipes and cisterns.
- Reasoning: This section tests candidates’ abilities in areas like series, Venn diagrams, syllogism, blood relations, non-verbal and verbal reasoning, and military aptitude.
- General Awareness: This section covers a wide range of topics, including Indian history, polity, economics, geography, physics, chemistry, biology, and current affairs.
The Selection Process: A Comprehensive Evaluation
The AFCAT 2 2024 selection process is designed to identify the most capable and suitable candidates for the Indian Air Force. This multi-stage evaluation involves the following steps:
Written Test
The first stage of the selection process is the written test, which will be conducted in an online, computer-based format. Candidates who clear the cut-off in the written test will be shortlisted for the next round.
Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for the AFSB Interview, which is a comprehensive evaluation process comprising various tests and assessments. This stage includes:
- Psychological Tests: Written tests conducted by professional psychologists to assess the candidates’ mental aptitude and personality traits.
- Group Tests: Activities and tasks designed to evaluate the candidates’ physical and mental abilities, as well as their teamwork and leadership skills.
- AFSB Interview: A personal interview with the selection board, where candidates are assessed on their officer-like qualities, communication skills, and overall suitability for the Indian Air Force.
- Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) Test: This test is mandatory for candidates applying for the Flying Branch.
Medical Examination
The final stage of the selection process is the medical examination, which will be conducted at the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Bengaluru or the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME). Candidates who successfully clear the medical examination will be placed on the final merit list and will be offered joining letters for the respective training academies.
Key Dates and Application Process
The AFCAT 2 2024 exam is set to be a significant milestone for defence aspirants across the country. The key dates and application process are as follows:
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May 20th, 2024 |
| Online Application Form Start Date | May 30th, 2024 |
| Online Application Form End Date | June 28th, 2024 |
| Exam Date | September 2024 |
| Course Commencement | July 2025 |
- AFCAT 2 2024 Notification Release Date: May 20th, 2024
- AFCAT 2 2024 Online Application Form Start Date: May 30th, 2024
- AFCAT 2 2024 Online Application Form End Date: June 28th, 2024
- AFCAT 2 2024 Exam Date: September 2024
- Course Commencement: July 2025
Application Process
The online application process for the AFCAT 2 2024 exam will be accessible through the official website, www.afcat.cdac.in. Candidates will need to follow these steps to complete their application:
- Visit the official website and click on the “New User Register” option to create an account.
- Enter the required personal details, such as mobile number and email address, to receive the login credentials.
- Log in using the provided registration number and password.
- Select the desired post and fill in the application form with the necessary educational and personal information.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 550/- + GST (non-refundable) through the online payment gateway.
- Upload the scanned copies of the required documents, including a photograph and signature.
- Review and submit the application form.
- Print the acknowledgment for future reference.
AFCAT 2 2024 Salary and Benefits
The Indian Air Force offers a competitive salary and benefits package for its officers, ensuring that their service is appropriately rewarded. Upon successful completion of training, AFCAT 2 2024 candidates can expect the following remuneration:
- Flying Officers: Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 per month (Level 10 in the Pay Matrix of the Seventh Central Pay Commission)
- Additional Allowances:
- Flying Branch: Rs. 11,250 per month
- Technical Branch: Rs. 2,500 per month
- Military Service Pay: Rs. 15,500 per month
- Other Allowances: Dearness Allowance, Ration Money Allowance, Children Education Allowance, and more
As candidates progress through the ranks, their salaries and benefits will increase accordingly, with the potential to reach the highest echelons of the Indian Air Force.
FAQs
Q1. When was the AFCAT 2 2024 Notification released?
The AFCAT 2 2024 Notification was released on May 20th, 2024.
Q2. How many vacancies are available through the AFCAT 2 2024 exam?
The AFCAT 2 2024 exam offers a total of 304 vacancies across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
Q3. What is the eligibility criteria for the AFCAT 2 2024 exam?
The eligibility criteria varies for different branches, but generally, candidates must meet the age, educational qualification, and nationality requirements as specified in the AFCAT 2 2024 Notification.
Q4. When will the AFCAT 2 2024 exam be conducted?
The AFCAT 2 2024 exam is scheduled to be held in September 2024.
Q5. How can I apply for the AFCAT 2 2024 exam?
The online application process for the AFCAT 2 2024 exam will be available on the official website, www.afcat.cdac.in, from May 30th, 2024, to June 28th, 2024.
