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AFCAT Selection Process 2025, AFSB and Medical Round Details

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year to recruit officers for both Flying and Ground Duty roles, including Technical and Non-Technical branches. The AFCAT Selection Process 2025 begins with a computer-based written exam covering English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude. Candidates who clear the written test are invited to the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) for further evaluation. Stage I focuses on assessing personality and leadership traits, while Stage II includes a physical fitness test and a final interview. The process concludes with a medical examination and final selection.

AFCAT Selection Process 2025

The selection process for AFCAT 2025 comprises multiple steps to assess candidates thoroughly. It begins with a written examination, which is followed by the AFSB testing, document verification, and a medical examination. After completing these stages, a final conference is held to evaluate each candidate’s overall performance. A merit list is created based on their results, with the highest-ranking candidates being considered for final selection. For the most up-to-date information, candidates are advised to refer to the official AFCAT notification.

Stage Description
Stage 1 Qualify the AFCAT written exam covering various subjects.
Stage 2 Successful candidates undergo AFSB testing at the Air Force Selection Board.
Document Verification Verify essential documents such as educational certificates, NCC certificate, and employment NOC.
Medical Examination Undergo a comprehensive medical examination to assess fitness for a career in the Air Force.
Conference A final conference conducted by assessors to determine the candidate’s overall performance.
Merit List Preparation of a Merit List based on performance in all stages, ranking candidates for final selection.

AFCAT Selection Process 2025: Overview

The AFCAT exam consists of three stages: written exam, AFSB interview round and medical round. In this article, we will discuss in detail the step by step process of AFSB and SSB by Indian Air Force. Below is an overview of the AFCAT exam. Aspirants can have a look at it.

AFCAT Selection Process 2025: Overview
Name of Exam Air Force Common Admission Test
Conducting Body Indian Air Force
Exam Level National
Mode of Exam Online (CBT)
Exam Rounds 3 Stages (Written + AFSB + DV)
Expected Candidates 2 lakhs approx.
Job Location Across India
Official Website afcat.cdac.in

AFCAT Written Exam

The AFCAT Exam follows a computer-based format with four main sections: General Awareness, Numerical Ability and Reasoning, Verbal Ability in English, and Military Aptitude Test.

  • There are a total of 100 multiple-choice questions in the exam, collectively worth 300 marks.
  • Each section contains 25 questions, adding up to 50 questions, which are worth 150 marks.
  • Regardless of the specific positions candidates are aiming for, all questions are objective, and the exam is conducted in English.
Exam Subject No. of Qs Max Marks Duration Language Type of Questions
AFCAT General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, Aptitude Test 100 300 120 Minutes English Objective Type Question

AFSB (Air Force Selection Board)

AFSB is the second phase of the exam. Candidates who clear the written exam will receive the call letters for AFSB Interview round. Selected Candidates will be called at one of the Air Force Selection Board.

  • AFSB testing lasts five days.
  • Candidates complete various intellectual and mental tasks.
  • The final day includes an interview.
  • Evaluation is based on performance across all tasks.
  • NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Branch candidates go directly to AFSB testing.
  • Flying candidates take CPSS and PABT tests.
  • Medical exams may be scheduled for a later date.
  • Candidates can ask the board about the procedure if they have questions.

AFSB Selection Process

Candidates who will successfully clear the written examination in the AFCAT Result 2025 will receive a Call letter to report to any one of the Air Force Selection Boards located at Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar and Mysuru. At the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), you undergo following tests in order to ascertain your suitability and gauge your potential as an Officer in the Indian Air Force.

Stage I Testing

STAGE-I is a screening test. Those who qualify STAGE-I are eligible to undergo STAGE-II testing.
STAGE-I disqualified candidates are routed back after announcement of results.

  • On the first day of the interview, candidates go through the Officer Intelligence Rating Test, along with the Picture Perception and Discussion Test.
  • Document verification follows to confirm eligibility for the applied positions.
  • Those not meeting eligibility criteria are sent back at this stage.

Stage II Testing

All STAGE-I qualified candidates undergo following tests as part of STAGE-II testing during next four to five days. Fifth day is for CPSS testing (Flying branch).

  • Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist.
  • Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor activities which are a combination of mental and physical work.
  • Interview involves a personal conversation with an Interviewing Officer.
  • Candidates who have applied for flying branch and have been recommended, will also have to undergo Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test.

These tests will be explained to you in detail before they are conducted at the Selection Board.

Medical Examination

After passing the online exam and AFSB Testing, candidates must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit for the job. Those recommended by the Selection Board will visit either the Air Force Central Medical Establishment in New Delhi or the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Bengaluru for the check-up. Candidates will be notified through the official website, SMS, and email if they provided their contact details during the online application process.

Physical Fitness

While reporting to the SSB, candidates are advised to be physically fit and healthy in order to undergo various tests at AFSB. Candidates should aim to achieve an ability to run 01 miles (1.6 km) in 10 minutes, 10 push-ups and 3 chin ups.

Tattoos – Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearm (from inside of elbow to the wrist) and on the reverse side of palm/ back (dorsal) side of the hand. Permanent body tattoos on any other part of the body are not acceptable. Tribes with tattoo marks on the face or body as per their existing customs and traditions will be permitted on a case to case basis.

Narcotics – Use/possession of narcotics is banned. The candidate may be tested for the presence of drugs in the body during Medicals and subsequently during training/ service career as an officer. If the candidate is found to be using/ in possession of narcotics during any time of training/service career, the candidate would be debarred from joining the Indian Air Force or be removed from service if already joined.

AFSB 2025 Dates

Candidates who clear the AFCAT written exam will receive notification regarding their SSB (Service Selection Board) interview dates via email. Along with the schedule, they will also have the option to select their AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) locations based on personal convenience. This flexibility allows candidates to choose the location that best suits them, making the process more manageable.

Required Documents for AFCAT 2025 Interview

Candidates will be asked to bring the following documents to the interview session:

  • Original certificates and mark sheets for 10/10+2
  • 2 photocopies of certificates and mark sheets for 10/10+2
  • Copies of recent color passport photographs
  • If applicable, a valid Commercial Pilots’ License issued by the DGCA
  • Tickets for inbound trains/buses
  • Original NCC Certificate (if applicable)
  • Original and 2 photocopies of certificates and mark sheets for provisional graduation degrees and postgraduate degrees
  • Original and 2 photocopies of NOC from Central/State Government Employers or AFCAT Admit Card from the Public Sector

AFCAT 2025 Final Merit List

After the completion of the AFSB interviews for all candidates at the various AFSB centers, the Indian Air Force (IAF) will compile the final merit list of students selected for induction as Group A Gazetted Officers in both Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The IAF will establish distinct minimum cut-off scores for each online test and the AFSB interview, and candidates must meet both cut-offs separately to be eligible for inclusion in the final merit list. Those who successfully pass all stages will be chosen for the Indian Air Force, and the final merit list will display the names of the qualified candidates.

AFCAT Training

AFCAT Training is scheduled to commence in the first week of January 2026 for all courses at Air Force Academy Dundigal (Hyderabad).

  • The approximate duration of training for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches is 74 weeks and that of Ground Duty (Non-technical) Branches is 52 weeks at Air Force Training Establishments.
  • PAN Card, Aadhaar card and account in SBI/ Nationalised Bank is mandatory at the time of joining Air Force Academy (AFA). Aadhar Card is mandatory for Registration.

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FAQs

Is there any SSB in AFCAT?

Yes after qualifying afcat written exam there is SSB.

Is AFCAT SSB difficult?

No AFCAT SSB is not difficult if you prepared well. For preparation you can check out our most successful course on AFCAT SSB.

What documents are required at the AFCAT Interview?

The documents required at the AFCAT interview are: Original certificates and mark sheets for 10/10+2, 2 photocopies of certificates and mark sheets for 10/10+2 etc. Read the above article for all the details.

What's AFSB?

AFSB is the second phase of the exam. Candidates who clear the written exam will receive the call letters for AFSB Interview round. Selected Candidates will be called at one of the Air Force Selection Board. It phase is 5 day process in which a candidates has to perform various kinds of intellectual and mental tasks. Last day will be the Interview round.

Is there ssb after AFCAT?

Yes, after AFCAT result there will be 2nd stage AFSB/SSB interview.