The Indian Air Force has opened registrations for 336 vacancies of Commissioned Officers (Short Service Commission) in the Indian Air Force, with 263 positions for men and 73 for women.

Applications for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), scheduled for February 22 and 23, must be submitted by 11.30 pm on December 31. Candidates will be invited to attend a two-hour test on one of the two days in two shifts. Examination centers in Kerala are available at Thiruvananthapuram, Kochi, Thrissur, and Kannur.

Branches

1. Flying Branch

2. (A) Ground Duty (Technical): Aeronautical Engineer – Electronics/Mechanical
(B) Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, and Meteorology

3. NCC Special Entry: Flying Branch (in addition to AFCAT Entry)

The tenure of the Short Service Commission in the Flying Branch is 14 years, while in the Ground Duty Branch, it is 10 years, extendable by an additional four years. There is also a provision for Short Service Commission to be converted into Permanent Commission, depending on the officer’s performance and the service's requirements. However, Short Service Commission officers are not eligible for a pension.

Eligibility

In addition to BTech degree holders, opportunities are available for other degree holders as well. Except for administration, logistics, accounts, and education, candidates must have studied Mathematics and Physics in Class 12. The eligibility criteria for each branch, including minimum marks and medical requirements, are detailed in the notification.

Flying Branch: Candidates should be between 20–24 years of age as of January 1, 2024. This limit can be extended to 26 years for candidates holding a commercial pilot license.

Ground Duty Branch: Candidates must be between 20–26 years of age.

Marital Status: Candidates must remain unmarried during the course and training period.

Test format
The two-hour-long AFCAT consists of 100 objective questions covering numerical ability (at the 10th standard level), English, (at the graduate level) general knowledge, logical reasoning, and military aptitude. Each question carries three marks, and one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.

Although the test syllabus is available on the official website, it is essential for candidates to prepare thoroughly by reviewing previous years’ question papers. Online practice tests are also available on the website to assist in preparation.

Candidates excelling in the online test will be required to attend a five-day interview conducted by the Air Force Selection Board. This comprehensive assessment evaluates the physical and mental abilities of the candidate in detail.

For those seeking selection in the Flying Branch, qualifying in the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) is mandatory. This test can be attempted only once. Additionally, candidates will undergo a medical examination as stipulated.

Candidates applying under the NCC Special Entry category are exempt from taking the AFCAT and will be called directly for the Air Force Selection Board interview.

Application fee and additional details
The application fee is Rs. 550 plus GST, except for candidates under the NCC Special Entry, who are exempt from the fee.

For more details and to apply online, visit: careerindianairforce.cdac.in, afcat.cdac.in

Guidelines for filling out the application are provided in the notification. For queries, contact 020-25503105 or email afcatcell@cdac.in.