AFCAT Career Path

Kamayani Meghawal

Updated On: February 16, 2024 11:27 am IST | AFCAT

The article contains detailed AFCAT career paths, Eligibility, Salary Structure, Job Profile, and other things for AFCAT. Read the article!
 
AFCAT Career Path

AFCAT Career Path: With the motto of “Touch the sky with Glory”, making a career in the Indian Air Force is every student’s dream. The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year for students. Candidates who want to make a career can apply for the AFCAT entrance exam. Students can opt for the different AFCAT career paths according to their education level. AFCAT opens the door to the patriotism, honour, adventure, and passion of the students in the Indian Air Force. Once a candidate becomes a part of the Indian Air Force family, they can serve the Air Force as well as avail of the facilities and benefits. 

If you are looking to make a career in the Indian Air Force, then read the article to know the AFCAT career paths, eligibility, salary, job profiles, and other things.  

Also Read:

AFCAT Career Path: Quick Overview

Students who want to make a career in AFCAT should know the important things about the exam. Here are the basic details of the AFCAT entrance exam.

AFCAT Career Path Overview

Exam Name

Air Force Common Admission Test 

Exam Level

National Level

Conducting Body

Indian Air Force

Exam Purpose 

To select candidates for Flying Branch and Ground Duty in Indian Air Force

Frequency 

Twice a year

Exam Mode

Online Mode

Various AFCAT Career Paths

The Air Force offers a variety of opportunities to make a career in AFCAT. It is a very exciting career to pursue which offers great opportunities and future prospects. If you are someone who has the zeal to serve the country with an adrenaline rush, this career is the right fit for you. 

Indian Air Force offers job opportunities in both technical and non-technical branches through the AFCAT exam. Here is the list of AFCAT career paths.

Career Path 1: After Graduation

Indian Air Force grants various opportunities to both Men and Women candidates to make a career through the AFCAT exam. Candidates who are already graduates and willing to make a career can appear in the AFCAT exam. Once the candidates pass the entrance exam, they will be required to appear in the training and interview process at Air Force Academy. 

Career Path 2: After Engineering

Students who have completed their Engineering graduation can make a career through AFCAT. Indian Air Force calls for enthusiastic candidates and engineers to handle the engineering department. Candidates can apply for the AFCAT application and CDS exams to make a career through the AFCAT after Engineering. 

Career Path 3: After Post Graduation 

Candidates can also make a career through AFCAT and this includes both male and female candidates between the age of 20-24 years. Students can work for the Indian Air Force after post-graduation through the AFCAT exam. 

AFCAT Career Path: Educational Qualification 

The education qualifications and eligibility for AFCAT depend on the branch you are applying for. The Flying branch and ground duty branch (Technical and non-technical) have different qualification requirements. The AFCAT branch-wise educational qualification is given below:

Flying Branch AFCAT Qualification:

  • Candidates who are applying for Flying Branch must have passed with a minimum of 60% marks in the 12th class. The students must have Maths and Physics as compulsory subjects in the 12th class. 
  • Students must have a graduate degree in BE/BTech or cleared section A and B exams of Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India. 

Technical Ground Duty AFCAT Qualification 

  • Students must have completed 4 years of graduation degree in Engineering or integrated post-graduation in Engineering/ Technology from a recognised university. 

OR 

  • Candidates must have cleared Sections A and B examination of Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India or the Graduate membership examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers.
  • Students must have passed the 12th class from a recognized board with a minimum of 60%. 

Non-Technical Ground Duty AFCAT Qualification

  • Candidates who are applying for the non-technical branches through AFCAT must have completed graduation such as LLB, BSc, MCA, etc. 
  • Students must not have any backlog while applying for the AFCAT exam. Final-year students are also eligible to apply for the AFCAT exam.
  • Candidates must have passed the 12th class from a recognized board with 60% marks. 
Also Read:AFCAT Selection Process for Ground Duty Non-Technical

AFCAT Career Path: Required Skills 

The Air Force is a field where heroes belong. To make a career in the Air Force through AFCAT, there are some required skills in a candidate. Being extremely bright students, the candidates should be able to lead. They also require the ability to motivate yourself and others in their time of need. Here are some skills mentioned below that an AFCAT aspirant should possess. 

Skills Required for AFCAT Career Path

Leadership 

Motivativating and Inspiring nature

Decision Maker

Management skills

Teamwork

Communication skills

Strategic Mind

Confident 

Dynamic thinking

Quick Learner

AFCAT Career Path: Career Opportunities 

Candidates can make a career in the Air Force through AFCAT, and there are various career opportunities for the students. Candidates can make a career in the Flying Branch, Technical Branch, and Non-Technical Branch according to their interests and educational qualifications. The career options in the AFCAT career path are mentioned below. 

Career in Flying Branch

The candidates can make a career in Flying Branch in different departments, which include:

  • Fighters
  • Transports
  • Helicopters

Career in Technical Ground Duty

Students who have graduated in Engineering can opt for the Technical duties, which are:

  • Mechanical
  • Electronics

Career in Non-Technical Ground Duty

Students who want to make a career in the Air Force through a non-technical branch can opt for different departments according to their educational qualifications. The departments for the non-technical branch are:

  • Weapon Systems
  • Administration
  • Accounts
  • Logistics
  • Education
  • Meteorology

AFCAT Career Path: Job Profile

The AFCAT provides students with different job profiles depending on their interests. The table shows the job profile for various branches of IAF:

BranchDescription

AFCAT Flying Branch

  • Operate and look after fighter planes 
  • Transportation of ammunition tasks and material
  • Air support and supplies
  • Helicopter service for casual and emergencies

AFCAT Ground Duty (Technical)

  • Maintenance of technical tools and aircraft
  • Overlooking for the required equipment and tools for RADAR, Aircraft, etc.
  • Handling of the aircraft service
  • Technical processes and management 

AFCAT Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

  • Administration of Air Traffic Controller 
  • Fighter Controller
  • Accounts  
  • Logistics  
  • Education
  • Lawyers 

AFCAT Career Path: Salary 

After students qualify AFCAT they are given training depending on the role. The aspirants are offered a stipend of INR 56,100 per month during the complete training period. After completion of the training, the candidate's salary is fixed in the first cell of Level 10. Each Indian Air Force branch receives a different salary. 

AFCAT Salary


Check below the annual package of each department: 

Branch

Average Salary Package Per Annum (In INR)

Average Salary Per Month (In INR)

Flying Branch

14,00,000 -15,00,000

1,08,000

Ground Duty (Tech)

12,00,000-13,00,000

95,262

Ground Duty (Non-Tech)

11,00,000-12,00,000

85,262

However, with experience and performance, candidates gain promotion to higher positions. If a candidate has worked as a Flying Officer for three years, they will be further promoted to Flight Lieutenant. Also, to secure a promotion within the department, students have to appear for departmental tests. To be eligible for a departmental promotion the officer-ranked candidates have to sit for C examinations. The C examination syllabus includes General Knowledge and post-related topics for departmental promotion and for securing promotion in ranks.

Read More:AFCAT Salary 2024

AFCAT Career Path: Perks and Additional Benefits

Beyond their title, AFCAT officers enjoy attractive salary packages and a range of facilities. Their compensation includes allowances for housing, transportation, and daily meals, contributing to an improved quality of life. The government ensures comprehensive medical benefits for AFCAT officers, prioritizing their health and fitness for service.

The AFCAT career path offers officers opportunities for advancement within the Indian Air Force. The IAF organizes various training programs to enhance officers' knowledge and skills, serving as a motivational factor. Additionally, AFCAT officers are eligible for a pension plan upon retirement, ensuring a comfortable life beyond their tenure in the Air Force. Explore the perks and benefits offered to officers in the Indian Air Force below.

Particulars

Details

Educational Benefits

  • AFCAT officers can benefit from study leave of up to 24 months. 
  • This allows them to pursue M.Tech programs at prestigious institutions like IIT and BHU-IT, particularly in technical branches.
  • Additionally, there are established collaborations with IGNOU, offering further educational opportunities.

Scholarships and Welfare

  • AFCAT officers have access to grants from the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA), providing additional support and assistance.

Insurance

  • Indian Air Force officers are covered by an insurance policy, with a substantial amount of INR 75 lakhs. Pilots receive an additional INR 10 lakhs in coverage. The insurance policy, requiring a nominal monthly contribution, offers comprehensive coverage for all contingencies.

Loan facility

  • Indian Air Force officers have access to various loans, including House Building Loans, Conveyance Loans, and Computer Loans, providing financial assistance for different needs.

Placement cell

  • The Indian Air Force provides retired officers with opportunities to transition into civilian jobs after completing their service. This initiative is designed to assist them in building a successful post-military career by offering options in the civilian workforce.

Medical Allowances

  • Medical allowances are provided to all Air Force officers and their families.

Post-retirement Benefits

  • Retirement Benefits for Indian Air Force Officers include pension, insurance, and lifetime access to medical facilities.

Other benefits

  • Recreational and sports amenities, secure camp living, housing, rail concessions, leave travel benefits, school access, institute and mess memberships, annual leave of 60 days, 20 days of casual leave per year, and CSD facilities are among the perks provided.

Read More: AFCAT Physical and Medical Standards

With variable perks and benefits, students who choose to build a career in the Air Force must start gearing up from the day they decide to go for this career path. Hope this article helps you realise that whatever you have chosen, must be out of your interest. Stay tuned with CollegeDekho for more updates about the AFCAT exam!

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

news_cta

FAQs

Which graduation is best for starting a career after the AFCAT exam?

Depending on your interests and aspirations, many graduations in India are excellent for launching a career after passing the AFCAT exam. But among AFCAT applicants, some of the most popular degrees are in engineering, science, commerce, and the arts. The graduation that will allow you to follow your interests and aspirations is ultimately the finest graduation for beginning a profession after the AFCAT exam.

What is the starting salary after passing the AFCAT exam in India?

After clearing the AFCAT exam in India, if you are chosen to join the Indian Air Force, your beginning pay will be about INR 56,100 per month. The starting rank for all officers in the IAF is Flying Officer, and this is the pay scale for that position. Your pay will rise as you advance in your profession.

What is the highest salary after the AFCAT exam in India?

The position of Air Marshal in India has the highest pay after passing the AFCAT exam in India. After the Air Chief Marshal and the Air Vice Marshal, the Air Marshal is the third-highest position in the Indian Air Force. In the IAF, an Air Marshal makes around 30 LPA. Additionally, they are given a range of allowances, including home, travel, and medical allowances. The quantity of these allowances varies according to the officer's seniority and rank.

What is the next step after the AFCAT exam?

An invitation to the AFSB interview is extended to candidates who pass the AFCAT exam. Candidates who receive a recommendation from the AFSB interview must consent to a medical exam. Candidates are then invited to train at the Air Force Academy after the IAF creates a merit list for the AFCAT Selection Procedure.

What are the popular jobs options after the AFCAT exam?

The Indian Air Force offers several fascinating and difficult career opportunities, all of which may be accessed through the AFCAT test. Following the AFCAT exam, the most sought-after careers include those of a pilot, navigator, air traffic controller, ground duty officer, and engineering officer. These are only a handful of the numerous fascinating and demanding employment choices open to AFCAT-approved applicants.

/articles/afcat-career-path/
View All Questions

Related Questions

Admission me now in any coures

-Ramanpreet SinghUpdated on March 06, 2024 11:44 AM
  • 2 Answers
Vani Jha, Student / Alumni

Dear Ramanpreet Singh,

Govt Polytechnic College of Girls offers Computer Engg, Information Technology, Medical Lab Technology, Applied Sciences, Architecture Asstt., Electronics and Comm Engg., Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Modern Office Practice courses. For Govt Polytechnic College of Girls admission, you will be required to fill the form online. Kindly check your eligibility before applying for admission. 

I hope this helps! 

If you have more queries or questions, we would be happy to help.

READ MORE...

What is the last date of admission?

-saraswat hazraUpdated on February 14, 2024 11:24 AM
  • 2 Answers
Ashish Aditya, Student / Alumni

Dear student, The George College admission 2023 is currently ongoing for UG courses. Candidates who have passed class 12 from a recognised board can now fill out the George College application form. George College has not provided the last date of admission yet.

READ MORE...

Fees structure of Kohinoor hotel management college

-Simran kailash joshiUpdated on February 06, 2024 03:05 PM
  • 1 Answer
Ankita Sarkar, Student / Alumni

Hello Simran,

Kohinoor College of Hotel & Tourism Management Studies, located in Mumbai is yet to release its fee structure, officially. The college offers a three year long B.Sc in Hospitality Studies programme. The course is full time and is prescribed by the University of Mumbai. To apply for the B.Sc Hospitality Studies in Kohinoor College of Hotel & Tourism Management Studies, you must have passed class 12 or equivalent with a minimum of 45% marks (for the open category candidates) If you are from a reserved category the minimum eligibility criteria that has to be met is 40% …

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent News

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy

Top 10 Hotel Management Colleges in India

View All
Top
Planning to take admission in 2024? Connect with our college expert NOW!