Stages involved in the AFCAT selection process:


The first stage of the AFCAT selection process is the written examination. This examination is conducted by the Indian Air Force and consists of multiple-choice questions. The exam is divided into four sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test. The duration of the AFCAT written examination is two hours.


After qualifying the AFCAT written examination, candidates are called for Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing. This stage consists of various tests that assess the candidate's aptitude, personality, and suitability for a career in the Indian Air Force. The AFSB testing is conducted in two stages:

Stage 2.1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
The OIR test is a written test that assesses the candidate's verbal and non-verbal intelligence. It consists of both verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.

Stage 2.2: Psychological Test
The psychological test is conducted to evaluate the candidate's personality traits, intelligence, and suitability for a career in the Air Force. It consists of various tests, including the Thematic Apperception Test (TAT), Word Association Test (WAT), Situation Reaction Test (SRT), and Self-Description Test (SD).

Stage 2.3: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
The GTO tasks are group activities that assess the candidate's ability to work in a team, leadership skills, and problem-solving capabilities. These tasks include Group Discussion (GD), Group Planning Exercise (GPE), Progressive Group Task (PGT), Half Group Task (HGT), Individual Obstacles (IO), Lecturette, Command Task, and Final Group Task (FGT).

Stage 2.4: Personal Interview
The personal interview is conducted to evaluate the candidate's communication skills, general knowledge, and suitability for a career in the Air Force. The interview panel consists of senior officers from the Indian Air Force.


Candidates who clear the AFSB testing are called for a comprehensive medical examination. This examination assesses the candidate's physical and mental fitness for commissioning in the Indian Air Force. The medical standards include parameters such as vision, hearing, physical fitness, and general health.


After successfully completing all the stages mentioned above, a merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the AFCAT written examination, AFSB testing, and medical examination. Candidates are then selected based on the vacancies available and their position in the merit list. The final selection is subject to the candidate meeting all the eligibility criteria and requirements set by the Indian Air Force.

Note: The AFCAT selection process may vary slightly from year to year or for different entries. Candidates are advised to refer to the official AFCAT notification for the most accurate and up-to-date information.