Personal Interview is another test in the SSB interview process. Any personal interview might last from 30-45 minutes as per procedure and you will, most of the times, have a happy feeling about your interview. This is because it is interviewers’ job to make you feel that your interview went well.
Most of the candidates who have their interview for a long time tend to think that the interviewer might be thinking to select them. On the contrary, the interviewer just needs some more data to analyze you clearly and that is why he is asking you some more questions.
Through the personal interview, entire developmental history of a candidate is assessed. It ranges from candidates’ achievements, socio-economic background, academics, hobbies and interests, achievement, etc. Everything a candidate has been around since his childhood – the environment, the vibes and the personality developed from it is assessed in these 30-45 minutes – all based on the PIQ.
Most of the candidates tend to get nervous in the personal interview and loose the track of clarity in their thought process under stress. In this article, we will show you how to keep yourself composed and think more clearly in SSB Personal Interview:
1. KISS: This is the acronym of “Keep it Simple and Smart” that fits in any scenario. Keep your thoughts simple, yet outweigh them with others’ expectations. Sometimes, you do not need a complex approach to think something, it might be as simple as it is and your thought process makes it more complex.
2. Keep your writing short: Whenever you write something – be it your notes or grocery list, just try to keep it as minimal as possible and avoid long, complex sentences. You’ll automatically accustom your brain to shorter thoughts which will help you maintain clarity.
3. Mental List of Thoughts: We’ve all been in a position where we are having a lot of thoughts in our heads at the same time. This is what is going to happen in the SSB. Try to organize your thoughts in a mental list as you would store your documents in a folder. It makes it easier to recall – a thing most helpful in Rapid Fire question round.
4. Get Bullets: No, not the firing bullets but bullet points in writing. Try to make these tasks in bullet point in your mental notes. For the starting, you may use pen and paper, but you will soon be accustomed to it. Try to compartmentalize a big thought into main and concise bullet points.
5. Say no to incomplete thoughts during interview: Do not hold any incomplete thoughts in your mind before or during the interview. Whatever it is – just speak it out. Don’t let it stay there and haunt it for the rest of the little life that you are going to live. This will make you blunt and you will be more truthful and focused.
6. Organize Mentally: Do this first thing in the morning – when you wake up, make a mental map that you will be going through for the day. Set priorities and sort it out in. Now, try to follow it. It will help you create a mental image of what you were to do such that even if you miss something, you would know it.
7. Simplify everything: Not just you’re thinking, but your whole life. This can reflect in how organized you can be, how clean you can keep your room, how well you can adhere to timings, how well you follow your time table – just do it. Period.
8. Sleep: Sleep is an essential part of your thought process. It directly affects your decision making ability and makes you irritated. For full coverage on how sleep will affect your SSB, read this article.
9. Breath: Most of the time, all you just need to do is – relax. Take a deep breath if you are stuck somewhere in middle. The interviewer won’t hold it against you, but he will if you utter mindless words without thinking properly. Breathing will help you and your body calm down.
10. Meditate: Heard a lot about meditation – Clears you spiritually, heals you mentally, prevents AIDS, makes you the prime minister and what not? Whatever you might have heard about meditation, that aside, one thing that meditating definitely does to you is that it clears your mind of thought processes and gives you clarity for other thoughts. A 10-15 minutes meditation twice daily is a good habit. And this directly helps you when you take long-deep breath when you’re stuck during the interview.
11. Actually follow this: If you want to feel a change, let this article bring that in you. Follow these points religiously on a regular basis. Sort things out for the day that haven’t be done yet. Think for the next day and plan it mentally. Just try this, and it will do wonders to you in the long run.
Still reading this? Now go!
The group discussion happens twice in the SSB: firstly after the PPDT and then, as the first task in the GTO. Your performance in every task is observed and requires you to be productive and hence methodical in your approach. Afterall, they are looking for the officer like qualities in you and assessing whether you deserve to be in the forces or not.
Your words hold as much importance as your body language and the points you make. Hence, let’s look at a few helpful phrases that will help you put your point forward with ease.
Introduction Firstly, when you initiate a discussion, that not only shows your confidence but you also your ability to lead the group in the right direction. But it’s important that you give logical points while speaking first. The phrases you could use include:
“With due respect, I would like to put forward the point that…”
“Good morning ladies and gentleman, I would like to begin/start by saying that….”
“I would like to begin by stating my view of the matter…”
Agreeing Most of all, throughout the group discussion, it is necessary to keep in mind that the objective of this task is cooperation and a practical conclusion. It is essential that you make your point while respecting other’s views and opinions. Some phrases are:
“I totally agree with….”
“As a matter of fact, X is right by saying that…”
“I think you are absolutely right”
“I have to side with X on this one”
“There can be no doubt that…”
Disagreeing While agreeing is a positive deed, disagreeing, if not done appropriately could sound almost rude and impolite. The following phrases will help you to disagree politely.
“With due respect, I believe it would be wrong to…”
“With due respect, I would only partly agree to that…”
“I feel it wouldn’t be right to….”
“Though I agree with…. it seems to me that…”
Suggesting your opinion Firstly, your points must be such that they are convincing and assertive. Moreover, putting your idea into comprehensible sentences is necessary. Therefore the following phrases will help you through the same.
“My honest opinion would be that…”
“The way I see it….”
“The point I would like to make is that…”
“I would like to say that..”
“I am of the opinion that…”
Asking for clarification While a point is made, it is necessary that the entire group gets the gist of it. In case you don’t understand a view of someone, it is advisable to ask them to repeat it. Moreover, it will show your interest and eagerness to participate in the discussion. Some phrases are:
“I’m sorry but could you please make it more clear…”
“If you don’t mind, could you please repeat that again…”
Interrupting Politely Sometimes, there occur situations where you have to interrupt because you want to add a valuable information to the already made point. Therefore, here are some phrases to use in such situations.
“Sorry to interrupt, but …”
“I would like to add here that…”
“Is it okay if I add something here….”
“If I may interrupt, I would like to add that..”
Other Useful Phrases
In addition, to the already mentioned phrases, here are a few more to be used in specific situations.
Relating to ground reality: “In today’s world..”
Stating popular facts: “As a matter of fact…”
Thanking someone, before making your point: “Thank you for asking my opinion…”
Giving a chance to someone: “What do you think about this, X?”
Quoting someone popular: “As X had once said….”
In conclusion, it is a healthy discussion and coming to a well cooperated ending that matters in the group discussion task. Hence try to contribute precise, well structured as well as logical points using your time effectively.
Air Traffic Controller and Fighter Controller in ATC Tower
Indian Air Force has finally published the notification for AFCAT 2 2020 for flying, the technical and non-technical branch of the IAF. Candidates can join the Indian Air Force as an officer through AFCAT 2 2020. Indian Air Force invites Indian citizens (Men and Women) to be part of this elite force as Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Online AFCAT examination will be conducted on 19 Sep 20 and 20 Sep 20.
Candidates are to ensure their eligibility for the examination, as follows:-
Candidates applying for the examination should ensure that they fulfill all the eligibility conditions for admission to the examination. Their admission at all the stages of examination viz. Written examination and SSB test will be purely provisional, subject to their satisfying the prescribed eligibility conditions. If on verification at any time before or after the written examination or AFSB Testing, it is found that they do not fulfil any of the eligibility conditions, their candidature will be cancelled by the IAF.
Mere issue of Admit card/ Call up letter to the candidate will not imply that his/ her candidature has been finally accepted by Indian Air Force.
Entry, Branch, Course Number and Vacancies
There is no intake conducted for Accounts and Logistics branches for AFCAT 02/2020 for course commencing in July 2021.
How To Prepare For AFCAT Exam Online
Serious defence aspirants can join our full AFCAT online course, the course is specially designed for the AFCAT aspirants that will help them to score better marks in the AFCAT 2020 exam.
Our AFCAT 2020 Online course covers the detailed syllabus for Numerical Ability, English, GK, Reasoning and Military Aptitude for the online exam. It also covers AFCAT mock tests for better practice.
AFCAT Events
AFCAT 2 2020
AFCAT Notification Date
15 June 2020
AFCAT Online Application Date
15 June 2020
AFCAT Application Last date
14 July 2020
AFCAT Admit Card date
August 2020
AFCAT Exam date
19 Sep 2020 and 20 Sep 2020
AFCAT Result date declaration
October 2020
AFCAT 2 2020 Branch And Course Number
Flying – (210/24F/SSC/M & W)
Ground Duty Technical – 209/24T/PC/ M and 209/24T/ SSC/M & W
Ground Duty Non-Technical – 209/24G/ PC/M and 209/24G/ SSC/M & W
AFCAT 2 2020 Exam Age Limit
Flying
Age – Flying Branch. 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2021 i.e. born between 02 July 1997 to 01 July 2001. (both dates inclusive). Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years i.e. born between 02 July 1995 to 01 July 2001 (both dates inclusive).
Educational Qualification
– A graduate candidate with minimum 60% marks and must have scored minimum 60%marks in Maths and Physics in 10+2 in 12th standard.
– B.Tech/ B.E candidates who have scored minimum 60% marks and have scored 50% marks in maths and physics in 10+2 in 12th standard are also eligible for it.
Ground Duty Technical
Age – 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2021 i.e. born between 02 July 1995 to 01 July 2001 (both dates inclusive).
Educational Qualification – The candidate must have B.Tech/ B.E degree in notified streams as mentioned in the official notification of the IAF with minimum 60% marks and have scored minimum 60% marks in Physics and Maths in 10+2 standard are eligible for technical entry.
Ground Duty Non-Technical
Age – 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2021 i.e. born between 02 July 1995 to 01 July 2001 (both dates inclusive).
Meteorology: Post Graduate Degree in any Science stream/ Mathematics/ Statistics/ Geography/ Computer Applications/ Environmental Science/ Applied Physics/ Oceanography/ Meteorology/ Agricultural Meteorology/ Ecology & Environment/ Geophysics/ Environmental Biology with minimum of 50% marks in aggregate of all papers put together (Provided Maths and Physics were studied at Graduation Level with a minimum of 55% marks in each).
AFCAT 2 2020 Selection Procedure
Indian airforce will conduct the AFCAT online exam across the country at different test centres. AFCAT 2 2020 online exam will be conducted on 19 Sep 20 and 20 Sep 2020.
IAF will publish the results of AFCAT 2 2020 in Oct 2020 and candidates will be able to check their marks, cut off marks etc on the official portal i.e. afcat.cdac.in
Selected candidates have to choose their AFSB interview venue and date on the same portal.
The screening test is the first stage of the interview, which consists of verbal, nonverbal tests and a PPDT test. The selected candidates will stay at the centres for further selection tests and those who could not qualify it, would be set free on the same day.
The next stage consists of a personal interview, Psychology and GTO tests, PABT (for flying only), on the last day conference will be conducted after which, the final result is announced. The selected candidates are sent for medical examination.
AFCAT 2 2020 Syllabus
General Awareness: History, Sports, Geography, Environment, Culture, Current Affairs, Politics, Civics, Basic Sciences, Defence, Art etc.
Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Testing of Vocabulary, Sentence Completion etc.
Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Simplification, Average, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, and Simple Interest, Profit & Loss
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test section: Verbal Skills and Spatial Ability.
AFCAT 2 2020 Exam Pattern
The Air Force Common Admission Test will consist of 100 questions and each question will be of three marks. So total marks for all questions will be 300. As far as negative marking is concerned, there is one-third negative marking in AFCAT 2 2020 exam. For every wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted as penalty.
Syllabus of the AFCAT 2 2020
English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion/Filling in of correct word, Synonyms, Antonyms and Testing of Vocabulary, Idioms and Phrases
General Awareness: History, Geography, Civics, Politics, Current Affairs, Environment, Basic Science, Defence, Art, Culture, Sports, etc
Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion and Simple Interest, Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams)
Examination fee for AFCAT Entry: After filling in the online application form, the examination fee of Rs. 250/- (non-refundable) for AFCAT entry (not applicable for NCC special entry & Meteorology may be paid online through the ‘Make Payment’ step on the main menu of the online application. No cash or cheque or demand draft (DD) will be accepted towards payment of examination fee. The examination fee can be paid using credit/ debit cards/ net banking through the payment gateway. Applicants are advised to follow the instructions/ steps given on the payment gateway, and also print/keep the transaction details for their records. After confirmation from bank that the payment is 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/ e-mail. This will be followed by Admit Card (with the Hall Ticket Number) which a candidate will receive on his/her registered email ID and which is also downloadable from his/her registered email ID.
AFCAT 2 2020 Exam Timing and Shift
Scheme of Online Examination. All applicants whose applications are submitted by due date will be called for AFCAT at one of the examination centres on either 19 Sep 2020 (Saturday) or 20 Sep 2020 (Sunday). It is mandatory for the candidates opting for Ground Duty (Technical) branch to appear in both AFCAT as well as Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).
Exam Schedule. The AFCAT (and EKT) will be conducted in two days as per the following schedule:
Note: Candidates will not be permitted to enter the exam centre, under any circumstance, after the pre-exam verification process has commenced at 08:00 hrs for shift-I and 12:30 hrs for shift-II.
Syllabus: The subjects, the time allowed and the maximum marks allotted to each subject will be as follows
Allotment of Centres: As far as possible, candidates will be allotted centres as per their choice. Candidates should note that no request for change of centre/ date/ slot will be entertained. Therefore candidates should exercise due care before deciding date/ slot of his/ her choice for the centre for the examination before filling the form.
Air Force Selection Board (AFSB): (a) For AFCAT entry, IAF shall prepare a list of candidates who obtain the minimum qualifying marks in the Online AFCAT as fixed by the IAF in their discretion. Candidates who are declared successful in the Online AFCAT will be called at one of the Air Force Selection Boards. Candidates who have applied for NCC Special Entry/Meteorology will be directly called for AFSB testing at one of the AFSB centres. The AFSB centres are at Dehradun (1 AFSB), Mysuru (2 AFSB), Gandhinagar (3 AFSB) and Varanasi (4 AFSB). Candidates who opt for flying branch can only opt for Dehradun, Mysore and Varanasi. Candidates who have qualified in the written exam are required to choose AFSB date and venue by themselves on the website https://careerindianairforce.cdac.in or https://afcat.cdac.in in order to generate call- up letter for AFSB interview.
IAF is the first amongst the three services to take up IT enabled Online Testing for induction in Officers and Airmen cadre. While Air Force Common Admission Test – AFCAT will be for Officer’s cadre, Scheduled test for Airmen Recruitment – STAR is for Airmen cadre.
This Selection Test is to become an Airman of IAF and is not for selection as Commissioned Officers/Pilots/Navigators. The examination is valid for one intake per entry i.e., through this year’s notification, the intake will be of 01/2019 only.
This Selection Test is only for eligible male Indian and male Nepalese candidates. Females are not eligible.
The applicant can be a civilian or a serving NCs(E) of Indian Air Force. If you are a civilian then you must be an unmarried male candidate. If you are a serving NCs(E) of IAF you can be married or unmarried male, subject to meeting the eligibility criteria of respective date of birth block.
Phase-II Physical Fitness Test, AT-I and AT-II Test
Phase-III Medical Fitness Test
All successfully registered candidates will be issued with an Admit Card for Phase-I on their respective e-mail IDs. The list of candidates shortlisted for Phase-II, based on their performance in Phase-I online test, will be subsequently uploaded on www.airmenselection.cdac.in and will be issued with a new admit card on their registered e-mail IDs for Phase-II test at an Airmen Selection Centre.
Syllabus:
The Phase-I test will be tested in following subjects:
For Phase-I Test: No original document/photocopy is required to be carried by the candidates for appearing in Phase-I online written test. Candidates are to carry only a coloured printout of their Admit Card along with a valid ID proof. Candidates to read the instructions carefully and are to report at an exam centre as per date and time written on Admit Card.
For Phase-II Test: If shortlisted, a new Admit Card for Phase-II exam will be issued on registered e-mail ID. All original documents/certificates (as applicable) along with self-attested photocopies will be required to be produced for appearing in Phase-II test. The relevant instructions will be printed on Phase-II Admit Card. Candidates are to read the instructions carefully and to report with a coloured printout of Admit Card and original documents/certificates at an Airmen Selection Centre as per date and time written over it.
For sons of discharged/retired/deceased personnel, the following document (as applicable) will be required to be produced in original, when and if called for Phase-II exam.
Discharge Book issued in respect of Discharged personnel {Airmen/NCs(E)}.
or
Service Book issued in respect of Retired Officers.
or
Service Particular Certificate issued by DAV in respect of personnel {Airmen/NCs(E)} died while in service.
or
Causality Service Particulars Certificate issued by DPO-3 in repect of Officers died while in Service.
Checklist for appearing in STAR Phase-II:
The candidates are to bring following documents while reporting for Phase-II of Selection Test at the allotted Airmen Selection Centre.
Colour Print out of duly filled application form downloaded on completion of online registration.
HB Pencil, Eraser, Sharpener, Glue stick, Stapler and Black/Blue Ball Point Pen for writing.
Ten copies of un-attested recent (which was used for the online application registration) passport size colour photograph.
Original and four self-attested photocopies of Matriculation Passing Certificate (required for verification of Candidate’s Name, Father’s Name and his Date of Birth).
Original and four self-attested photocopies of Matriculation Marks Sheet (only applicable for three years Diploma Course holders when English is not a subject in Diploma Course).
Original and four self-attested photocopies of Intermediate/10+2/ Equivalent Examination Passing Certificate and Marks Sheet or Original and four self-attested photocopies of Three years Diploma Course Passing Certificate and Marks Sheets of all semesters.
Certificate for SOAFP (Son of Air Force Personnel), certificate for sons of serving/retired/deceased Air Force civilian employees paid out of defence estimates are to be downloaded as the case may be, from the download section of CASB web portal and brought along while reporting for phase –II of the Selection Test.
For Candidates discharged from Indian Army/Indian Navy/Any other Government Organisation. Original and four Self-attested photocopies of Discharge Certificate (as issued from Indian Army/Indian Navy/Government Organisation).
NOC in original and 4 self-attested photocopies from the employer for candidates presently serving in any government organization (if applicable).
Original and four self-attested photocopies of NCC ‘A’, ‘B’ or ‘C’ certificate (if applicable).
There is a reason as to why military academies all around the world have cadets waking up early in the morning; Is it a way of enforcing discipline? Well yes absolutely, however, early rising isn’t just about increasing discipline there are a number of irreplaceable amount of mental benefits to waking up early that will benefit you in every facet of life!
No matter how disciplined or punctual you are everyone loves the comfort of their bed and waking up at 4:30 in the morning is the last thing anyone wants and when that annoying 4:30 alarm rings it gives you a choice, an internal battle “do I wake up and tackle the day? or do I hit the snooze button and squeeze another five minutes? sleep it out today and start tomorrow like most people? An overwhelming amount of choices will present itself tempting you to go back to dreamland giving you a decision to make between your body and what feels like rational thought to continue sleeping or listen to that lone voice of resilience to get up and go for that morning run.
If you do get up you have won your first internal battle your first act of resilience at 4:30 in the morning! you will immediately feel a sense of urgency, a feeling of confidence, a drive to get things done well & the satisfaction of taking hard way versus the easy way, paving your way for the next decision, because after all, a day is nothing but a series of choices between the easy way and the path of most resistance, this will follow you throughout the day for every task you do.
you will subconsciously try to honour your decision of forcing yourself out of bed, & getting things done become a personal challenge so that you don’t mess up the day you sacrificed your comfort to get up for.
Now honestly there really no sure shot ways to get yourself out of bed in the morning different people have different ways of rousing themselves to get up however here are some methods that certainly do help you to not press the snooze button!
Wake for an early morning run:
As I had said earlier no one likes leaving their bed in the morning and no one sure as hell likes to get up to run first thing in the morning, however, a morning run gives you a reason to start that 4:30 alarm and when you hear the alarm you remember that you have to go for a run and that a comfortable morning is the last thing that you’ll be getting. When you go down after wearing your running shoes empty stomach (yes empty stomach, deal with it!) you will see that the buildings, houses and roads around you are dark and that most people are still sleeping while you are running,
that feeling that out of the hundreds of people around you, only you decided to wake up, skip precious food, wear those running shoes, punching comfort and convenience in the face is truly a powerful feeling and will change the way you feel about your self, bringing a drive in you!
Running in its self is one of the best ways to increase your mental grit, you’re not competing with anyone just propelling yourself past your physical thresholds mile after mile past mental thresholds, physical comfort honing your ability to press on and doing the things you don’t feel like doing at the time!
Keep your alarm away from reach:
Keeping your alarm at a place where you’ll have to get up to turn it off will automatically get you out of bed forcing you to leave your comfort zone, the bed, either that or you listen to that non-stop annoying alarm for the next few odd hours!
If you have sett your alarm on your mobile phone you may have the option to label the alarm, you can write things like “Do you want to give up” ‘Tujhse nahi hoga” or go for the more profane, whatever works for you.
Understand that everything mentioned above is just ways that may help to get out of bed, but no matter how much you adhere to these or how motivated you are, there will come a day you just will not feel like it may be due to less sleep, a lot of studies, increased workload, intense training, a bad time in your life whatever it may be.
At that point the labels won’t help you, neither will getting up across the room, you just won’t feel like going for that run, the only thing that will actually get you up is your will to succeed, the determination of earning the uniform and the respect that comes with it. How bad do you want to clear this exam, how bad do you want to become defence forces officer? can you hack it? Because life isn’t easy and doesn’t run on how you are feeling or how your mental state is, and if you’ve chosen the life of an officer in the Indian armed forces, then you’ve already set yourself to the highest standard where the margin of error is next to none, excuses not an option and pain and misery a constant companion. Convenience and comfort is the last thing you’ll get and the last thing you should want.
Most people don’t aspire to join the armed forces and most of who do still don’t make it.
The soldiers greatest virtue is his/her grit.
So if this is really something you want to do and I mean crave it from a cellular level then you will wake up and you won’t need any hack to do so, because no matter how bad you think you want it someone else wants it more and if you think your working hard someone else is working harder, with an inner drive so powerful you cant possibly fathom!
And if your one of those who thinks “Oh but they will train me at the academy!”
Know this, a lot of candidates give up and leave within the first few weeks and months of training at the academies because they cannot cope up with the sudden rigorous lifestyle, or injure themselves because of striving for attaining the bare minimum fitness levels required for selection.
So take that first step get out of bed, wake up to that alarm, wear your running shoes, run while everyone around you sleeps, keep winning those internal battles and tackle the day like a warrior!
AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test. This test is conducted by the Indian Air Force for selection of officers in all branches of the IAF (except medical and dental) viz. Flying Branch (Short Service Commission only), Technical Branch (Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission) and Ground Duty Branch (Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission). AFCAT is conducted twice a year (in the month of February and August). The advertisement for the same is published in the months of December and June respectively.
Is AFCAT the same as the UPSC exam for NDA / CDSE entry?
No. AFCAT and UPSC exams are different. UPSC conducts exam for entry into NDA (after Class XII, for males only). Entry through CDSE (after graduation, for males only in IAF) is also conducted by UPSC. The UPSC exam for NDA / CDSE is primarily for Flying Branch (Permanent Commission). For further details you may refer to the UPSC website.
What are the eligibility criteria for AFCAT?
The eligibility criteria with respect to age limit, educational qualifications etc. for AFCAT are spelt out in the advertisement published in the Employment News as well as the same is displayed on the website afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT. Minimum qualification required is graduation.
Are women candidates eligible to apply for AFCAT?
Yes, women candidates may also apply for AFCAT. For details regarding age limit, qualifications, eligibility for various branches etc. please refer the advertisement published in the Employment News as well as the same displayed on the website afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT. Minimum qualification required is graduation.
Do I need to send any documents / self-addressed envelope to AFCAT Cell for Admit Card etc.?
No. There is no requirement of sending anything by post to AFCAT Cell. Applications are to be made online only.
What is the scheme of exam for AFCAT?
Duration of AFCAT is two hours .It consists of 100 questions. It is an objective test and the scheme of syllabus contains General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude. A sample paper and old question papers are available on the website https://afcat.cdac.in and https://ssbcrack.com.
Whether qualifying in AFCAT will make me an officer in the IAF?
AFCAT is only one of the steps involved in the entire selection process for getting selected as an officer in the IAF. On clearing the AFCAT, shortlisted candidates will be called for SSB (Services Selection Board) Testing. If recommended by the SSB, candidates will undergo medical fitness tests conducted by Air Force medical authorities. Subsequently, subject to medical fitness, a merit list will be prepared depending on the number of vacancies available in various branches of the IAF.
I have completed my Class 12th exam. Am I eligible for AFCAT?
No. Minimum qualification required for AFCAT is graduation / post-graduation (depending on the branch you are applying for). There is also a minimum requirement of marks in graduation / post-graduation. For full details, you are requested to go through the advertisement published in the Employment News. The advertisement is also displayed on the website https://afcat.cdac.in.
Where should I register for the AFCAT online?
You have to register for AFCAT on the website https://afcat.cdac.in. Please note that the registration is being done through this website only. Do not register for AFCAT on any other website.
Is there any fee / registration charges etc. for AFCAT?
Yes. There is a fee / registration charges of 250/- INR for AFCAT application. However, please note that no money is charged or taken at any stage during the entire selection process at AFSB. If anyone demands money / bribe, you may approach Air Force authorities. However, no TA or any other allowance is paid for appearing in the AFCAT. Candidates have to make their own arrangements for reaching the exam centre, accommodation etc.
I have registered online on the website https://afcat.cdac.in for AFCAT. However, I have not received any password. What should I do?
The password is sent to the email address through which you have registered. The password is usually sent within 24 hours of the registration. If you do not receive your password even after 48 hours you may also use “Forgot Password Option” to receive a new pass word. However, candidates must note that they have to enter their email address correctly. Email address should be a valid one and in use.
I am meeting the age criteria as per the advertisement. However when I am filling up the form online, it is showing error indicating I am not eligible.
Please read the advertisement carefully. The age given in the advertisement, say between 19 to 23 years for example, is as on 01 January 2014. Are you meeting the relevant age as on that day? Recheck and then fill the form. The advertisement in fact also indicates born between dates. So refer the advertisement, ascertain your eligibility, and then fill the form.
I am not a science graduate. Am I eligible for the flying branch?
Graduate (minimum three years course) in any discipline from a recognized university who have attained minimum 60% marks in aggregate (all papers put together) and have passed Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level are eligible to apply. Please refer the advertisement / website for detailed notification regarding eligibility criteria.
I have a Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India). Am I eligible to apply in the flying branch?
You may apply if you meet age criteria and other educational / medical criteria. Please note there is certain age relaxation for CPL holders. However, one needs to meet the educational qualification criteria. Also note that the age relaxation is for holders of CPL issued by DGCA (India) only. CPL issued by any other body / country may not qualify you for age relaxation etc. Also note that even the Student Pilot Licence (SPL) issued by DGCA (India) does not qualify you for age relaxation.
I have an engineering degree, yet I am not eligible for technical branch. How is that?
For technical branch, you also need to fulfil the criteria as given in Para 4 of the advertisement. Apart from that, you need to have a minimum of eight subjects from the individual list of AE (L) or AE (M) branch subjects. To amplify, one should have studied eight subjects from at least one list exclusively i.e. to say one cannot have five subjects from the list of AE(L) and remaining three from AE(M) list. All eight subjects should be from one list only. If that is not the case, then you may not be eligible for technical branch. You may however be eligible for flying / ground duty branch (if meeting age criteria and other medical standards etc.). Please read advertisement.
I have a degree from a foreign university. Am I eligible?
If the degree is recognised by UGC / AICTE / Ministry of HRD / DEC, you may be eligible for AFCAT.
My university has awarded CGPA. How do I fill up the marks column?
In case of candidates being awarded Grades/CGPA instead of marks, the conversion of Grades/CGPA to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure certified by the university/ institution from where they have obtained the Bachelor’s degree. In case the university/ institution does not have any scheme for converting CGPA into equivalent marks, the equivalence would be established by dividing the candidate’s CGPA by the maximum possible CGPA and multiplying the result with 100.
The certificate for CGPA to Percentage conversion is on AFCAT’s new website:
Do I write the marks in decimal form or only in two digits?
Ignore the decimal. Write complete figures only. Please note that you need to have 60% aggregate marks in all papers put together if applying on the basis of graduation. 59.9% is NOT equal to 60%. You need to have 60% aggregate and above if applying on the basis of graduation. Same is the case if applying on the basis of post-graduation, marks have to be 50% or above.
I am interested in applying for flying branch. I have filled up all the columns correctly to my knowledge. Yet, it is showing that I am not eligible for flying branch.
Please check if you have filled all columns properly. Check the age and educational qualification criteria firstly. Also check if you have filled the PABT column correctly. Also check if you have written correctly regarding Physics and Maths in Class XII.
What are the cut-off marks for passing in AFCAT?
There is no standard cut-off. It varies depending on various factors like the number of vacancies etc.
I am having problems uploading my photograph, thumb impression and signature?
You need to upload passport size photograph (size 10 to 250 KB) in jpg / jpeg format. Uploading of Thumb impression and signature is not mandatory.
During the registration process, I have written my name (or) date of birth incorrectly. What should I do?
Such a mistake at the outset should not occur. You are advised to fill the basic data regarding yourself correctly. Data once submitted cannot be changed.
I wear spectacles. Am I eligible for flying branch?
Medical criteria are well laid down. Medical fitness is ascertained only after qualifying the written part of AFCAT and after being recommended by the SSB. Primafacie, candidates wearing spectacles having short / long-sightedness may not be eligible for flying branch. However, medical fitness is determined by the medical authorities. Please read the advertisement where basic details regarding medical standards have been mentioned.
How do I know which centre would I be allotted for the Online AFCAT?
You are to fill the application form and clearly indicate your choices in order of priority for seat preferences. AFCAT will endeavour to provide your choice, but you may appreciate that the entire process is automated and seats are allotted on the number of availability in every centre.
I am married. Am I eligible to apply?
Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried. The term unmarried excludes widower and divorcee even though without encumbrances. Marriage is not permitted during training. Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply but during training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live out with family.
I am presently in my final year of my Engineering / Degree Course. Am I eligible to apply for AFCAT?
You may apply subject to meeting the requisite criteria of age and education qualification. If you are in the final year, you should not have any present backlog and should have a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate in all papers put together up to the last semester / year for which results have been declared.
I have submitted my application form, but now I want to change my exam centre. Is it possible?
Choices once given are treated as final.
I have given flying branch as my first choice, technical as second. Can I change my choice now after submitting the form?
Choices once given are treated as final.
I am a serving airman. How do I apply for AFCAT?
Serving airmen are to apply online at par with other candidates. In addition, airmen are to apply in service format as per AFO 39 / 2006 through service channel.
Can one register once again for AFCAT if there was some mistake in filling up the application form?
Candidates are advised to check and re-check their application form for correctness before submitting the application. In case of mistake you may register afresh and intimate AFCAT Cell for cancellation of the first.
“Commissioning of INS Kalvari is an occasion of great pride. It illustrates the success of ‘make in India’ and adds strength to our defense capabilities.”
-Prime Minister Narendra Modi
PM Narendra Modi tweeted the above on the historic day of 14th December 2017. This day marks the induction of Kalvari-class submarine into the Indian Navy. It is a diesel-electric attack submarine designed by the French Naval Defense and Energy Company.It has been manufactured at Mazagaon Dock Limited in Mumbai.
Taking the idea of ‘Make in India’ forward, the Indian Navy has proved its mettle yet again by gifting the nation with a lethal Scorpene-class submarine. The submarine boasts of hydro-dynamically optimised shape, acoustic silencing techniques low radiated noise levels and precision-guided weapons.
INS Kalvari Inauguration
The attack submarine is equipped with state of the art heavy-weight torpedoes and Exocet anti-ship missiles.At its very core, it functions on SUBTICS or Submarine Tactical Integrated Combat System suite. It is able to process information from onboard sonars and engage with detected underwater target torpedos and missiles.
The submarine’s maneuvering and stealth capacity have been increased exponentially by mounting of equipment inside the pressure hull on shock absorbing cradles. Not only that, the submarine has an extremely silent Permanently Magnetised Propulsion Motor powered by over 360 battery cells.
INS Kalvari undergoing trials at the Mazagaon Dock, Mumbai
The submarine has undergone extensive trails in the sea and has proven extremely fit to be a part of the elite force. This beast is not the only one in the making. India has partnered with France to create five more of the similar kind of attack submarines. The second such submarine INS Khanderi is under trials and is expected to be commissioned soon.
The indigenously built submarine’s induction marked the gathering of several dignitaries in Mumbai. Along with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Defense Minister Nirmala Sitharaman Navy chief Admiral Sunil Lanba and Vice Admiral Girish Luthra, Flag Officer Commanding of the Western Naval Command, were also present.
The prime minister in his speech dedicated INS Kalvari to the nation and its people.He thanked everyone involved in the construction of this submarine. He further praised the Indian Navy to be a multi-dimensional and a modern force, which only keeps on giving and growing.
This is indeed a reason for India to be proud. Not only do we have one of the best-in-class submarines in the world, it was a product made by the exemplary engineers and workers of our own country. Let’s hope that our defense forces keep on expanding and keep on growing, with every passing day, making the country more stronger and much more glorious!
Applications are invited from gainfully employed Ex Armed Forces Commissioned Officers for an opportunity of donning the uniform and serving the nation as Territorial Army Officers (Non-Departmental), based on the concept of enabling motivated Ex-Service Officers to serve in a military environment without having to sacrifice their primary professions. You can serve the nation in two capacities – as a civilian and as a soldier. No other option allows you such an expanse of experiences.
CONDITIONS OF ELIGIBILITY:
Only Ex-Service Officer can apply.
Nationality. Only male citizens of India.
Age Limits: 18 to 42 years on the date of application.
Educational Qualifications: Graduate from recognized university.
Physical Standards A candidate must be physically and medically fit in all respects
DATE OF INTERVIEW · APRIL 2018 (Firm dates will be communicated later by post).
LAST DATE -OF RECEIPT OF APPLICATION: Application form completed in all respects will be accepted till 31 January 2018 at Additional Directorate General Territorial Army, Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence, ‘L’ Block, Church Road, New Delhi – 110 001.
The date of holding the Interview as mentioned above is liable to be changed at the discretion of the competent authority.
HOW TO APPLY: All desirous Ex-Service Officers (Commissioned Officers only) of three services can download Application Form (IAF (TA)-9 (Revised) Part – 1) from www.indianarmy.nic.in (FREE OF COST) and send applications along with Photocopy of Release Order and Photocopy of Release Medical Board Proceedings to Additional Directorate General Territorial Army, Integrated Headquarters of Ministry of Defence, ‘L’ Block, Church Road, New Delhi – 110 001. Application Form IAF (TA)-9 (Revised) Part-2 to be downloaded from www.indianarmy.nic.in and fill it up in their own handwriting.
Just recently AFCAT released its official notification for application for AFCAT 1 2018, and the whole aspirant community went crazy – from tagging on fb to sharing on WhatsApp. But what was the big deal, you ask? It was AFCAT going online!
Yes, you read it. For the first ever time in the history of AFCAT, the test will be conducted online across various examination centers in India. This is not the only shocker for the aspirants. The exam, which used to be free of cost to apply, would be charged at 250/- INR per application. AFCAT is arguably one of the easiest competitive exams to crack.
This news broke out when online examination system for IAF was launched on 11th December 2017. IAF is now completely switching over to online testing of aspiring candidates from January 2018. The applications will be accepted from 15th December 2017.
The web portal for online examination – https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/ was launched on the occasion. It was developed in collaboration with Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (C-DAC).
MoS for Defence Subhash Bhamre inaugurated the examination web portal in presence of Air Marshal SB Deo, VCAS along with other senior Air Force Officers.
Selection system for Officers and Airmen cadre in the IAF has been continuously evolving and sustained efforts are in place to strengthen the testing system. Though the existing system is time tested and well proven, constraints of testing capacity and geographical reach were major limitations in according opportunity to all the deserving and eligible candidates from across the country especially to rural youth.
To improve upon the system and to make it more candidate friendly while enhancing organisational efficiency, the project was taken up on 31st October 2017 with C-DAC. It will be implemented with effect from January 2018.
Earlier IAF had hundred plus centres pan India for Officer cadre exam and fourteen centres for Airmen selection exams. Certain states / UTs did not have any testing centre. Consequently, candidates had to spend considerable time and resources on travelling to the testing centres. In the new system, there would be about 760 examination centres all over the country and the maximum distance a candidate would be required to travel now will be considerably less from the place of his/her residence. It will enable approximately four lakh candidates for Airmen selection and two lakh candidates for Officer’s selection, to appear in the exam every six months.
Along with AFCAT, online applications are invited for grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying Branch and Permanent Commission (PC)/Short Service Commission (SSC) in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-technical) Branches. Online applications are also invited for grant of PC/SSC for Flying Branch through NCC Special Entry Scheme and Meteorology Entry. These will be open to apply on the official website of IAF.
A cadet at the Officers Training Academy here died during a boxing bout after sustaining a “head injury”. Rony Scaria, a resident of Kerala, lost his life while on pre-commission training at the OTA Chennai, an official release said.
He sustained a head injury while participating in a boxing competition and was rushed to a private hospital, where an emergency surgery was also performed. He, however, could not gain “consciousness” and breathed his last at 04.55 PM yesterday, the release said.
Hailing him as a “sincere, dedicated and valiant gentleman cadet”, the release said Scaria’s father, M M Scaria, is an employee of State Bank of India in Idukki district. Scaria had joined the Academy in April. He was slated to become a commissioned officer in the Army in March 2018.
GC Rony Scaria
Military academies all over the world teach and train cadets in boxing as the sport develops self confidence, aggressive spirit and perseverance, which are essential qualities of a military leader, the release said. Boxing is an integral part of the OTA too, it said.
A sports medicine specialist is posted at the academy and the cadets wear protective gear of international standards during competitions, the release claimed. “The loss of Cadet Rony is therefore, most unfortunate,” it said.
“The family suffered an ‘irreparable loss’ and the Nation has lost a bright ‘young and brave budding officer cadet’,” the release added.
