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AFCAT for Women: The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year to recruit officers. Both men and women who meet the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 for women can apply. If you’re thrilled by the prospect of joining the Indian Air Force, the experience will undoubtedly be extraordinary. This article focuses on AFCAT for women, covering details such as age limit, marital status, educational qualifications, physical standards, and other pertinent information.

Women’s Entry Schemes in the Indian Army

1992 marked a significant milestone in the history of the Indian Army. The Officers Training Academy has taken on the significant responsibility of integrating women into the officer cadre and providing them with the necessary training. To date, over 1200 female officers have been commissioned into various branches and services of the Indian Army. Applicants must hold a degree to be eligible. The service terms and conditions for Short Service Commissioned Officers (SSCOs) have been updated for both men and women, in both technical and non-technical roles.

Key updates to the policy include:

1. Tenure Extension: The Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Regular Army will now last for 14 years, initially for 10 years, with a possible extension of four years. The training period will span 49 weeks.

2. Promotion Eligibility: SSCOs can now be promoted to the rank of Captain after two years of commissioned service, Major after six years, and Lieutenant Colonel after 13 years.

Combined Defence Services Exam

The Union Public Service Commission conducts the Combined Defence Services (CDS) Examination twice a year for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), and Indian Air Force Academy (AFA). Only women are eligible for the OTA, while the IMA, INA, and AFA are open to men.

NCC Special Entry

The NCC Special Entry exam is open to NCC Women Cadets aged between 19 and 25 years. The educational requirement for this exam is a Degree with a minimum of 50% aggregate.

JAG Entry Scheme

The JAG Entry Scheme is specifically for Law Graduates. Candidates eligible for this exam should be between 21 and 27 years of age and must have completed an LLB degree.

AFCAT Exam

The AFCAT Exam consists of two stages - a written test and the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interview. Unlike the NDA exam, both male and female candidates can apply for the AFCAT exam. Candidates who pass the written test are invited to the AFSB interview, a 5-day process. After the AFSB, candidates must pass a medical test to be admitted into the AFCAT course.

AFCAT Exam Pattern

The AFCAT Exam Pattern is detailed in the official AFCAT notification. According to the AFCAT exam pattern for 2024, the first stage is an online test consisting of 100 questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Aptitude Tests. Candidates have 120 minutes to complete the test. The exam also includes negative marking. The written test is followed by the AFSB interview.

AFCAT Technical and Non-Technical Level Entry

The AFCAT process for technical and non-technical level entry is also provided.

AFCAT Ground Duty (Technical) Branch Entry

The AFCAT Ground Duty (Technical) Branch comprises officers who not only lead and manage their teams but also shoulder the responsibility of maintaining the airworthiness of the Indian Air Force. These officers, who are in charge of some of the most advanced tools and equipment globally, serve in various sub-branches based on their qualifications.

Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty Branches

The eligibility requirements for the Ground Duty branches are determined by three factors:

• Nationality: Indian
• Age: Between 20 and 26 years at the start of the course
• Marital Status: Unmarried

AFCAT Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branches)

The AFCAT Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches are responsible for managing human and material resources, which are crucial for the operation of the Indian Air Force.

Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches

The eligibility criteria for the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches are as follows:

• Nationality: Indian
• Age: 20 to 26 years for both graduates and post-graduates (during the beginning of the course)
• Marital Status: Unmarried
• Gender: Men and Women

AFCAT For Girls: IAF Branches

For women who aspire to soar the skies as an Air Warrior of the Indian Air Force (IAF), they need to pass the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). This test is conducted biannually, and successful candidates are invited for an SSB interview.

Clearing the AFCAT examination opens up opportunities to serve in various branches like the flying branch, ground duty branch, and others. The suitable age for each branch can be checked below:

Flying Branch

Women aged between 19 to 23 years (as mentioned in the advertisement) can choose the flying branch. They can fly transport aircraft or helicopters, but they are not allowed to fly fighter aircraft.

To be eligible for this entry, a candidate must hold a Graduate degree in any field from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks. Additionally, they should have passed Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level OR hold a B.E/B.Tech degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.

Engineering Branch for Women

Women engineering aspirants between the ages of 18 and 28 can choose an engineering branch. This branch offers two technical services, each with its own educational prerequisites:

• Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical): Candidates must have a minimum four-year degree from a recognized university, with at least 60% aggregate marks. They should have qualified in at least eight out of eighteen subjects as specified in the advertisement. Alternatively, they should have passed Section A and B exams of Associate membership of Institution of Engineers or Aeronautical Society of India through regular courses.

• Aeronautical Engineer (Electrical): Candidates must have a minimum four-year degree from a recognized university, with at least 60% aggregate marks. They should have qualified in at least eight subjects as specified in the advertisement. Alternatively, they should have passed Section A and B exams of Associate membership of Institution of Engineers or Aeronautical Society of India, or the Graduate membership exam of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers through regular courses.

Ground Duty Branches

For those interested in ground duty branches, the age criteria vary:

Graduates: 20 to 23 years old

• Post Graduates: 1 to 5 years LLB: 20 to 26 years of age
• M.Ed/ PhD/ CA: 20 to 27 years

The Ground Duty Branches offer three types of services, each with its own educational prerequisites:

• Administration and Logistics: Candidates should be graduates in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks, or hold a Post Graduate degree/diploma in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.

• Education: Candidates should hold a Post Graduate degree in any discipline with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

• Accounts: Candidates should be commerce graduates with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks, or hold a Post Graduate degree/diploma in Commerce (M Com) / CA / ICWA with a minimum of 50% aggregate marks.

Physical Fitness Requirements for AFCAT for Women

As per the basic requirements, female AFCAT applicants should be physically and mentally fit. They will need to undergo a health check to ensure they meet the physical fitness standards for AFCAT for women. Failure to meet these standards later in the AFCAT selection process could lead to complications. The eligibility criteria for female AFCAT candidates are outlined in the table below:

AFCAT For Women: Physical Standards

AFCAT for Girls: Visual Standards

AFCAT Salary Structure

During the training period, AFCAT trainees will receive an allowance of INR 52,600. The training duration for AFCAT is 10 months. The monthly salary breakdown for an AFCAT commissioned officer is as follows:

• All branches receive a pay band of ₹56,100 per month.
• The pay matrix’s level 10 under the VIIth CPC ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,10,700.
• Military Service Pay is ₹15,500 per month.
• The Flying Branch receives ₹11,250 per month.
• Technical Branch Officers receive ₹2,500 per month.

In addition to their salary, officers are eligible for various allowances and benefits such as Transport Allowance, Children’s Education Allowance, and more. Information about career growth and prospects is also provided.

Career Growth and Opportunities in AFCAT

A career in the Indian Air Force offers numerous opportunities for defense enthusiasts, encompassing both technical and non-technical branches. Training in various areas prepares you to face the challenges of the fast-paced Force. Starting as a Flying Officer, you can rise to the rank of Air Marshal. The head of the family, or The Chief of the Air Staff, is typically from the Flying Branch. Details about IAF AFCAT Recruitment can be found on the official website, and candidates are encouraged to stay updated with exam notifications.

All Air Force officers and their dependents have free access to medical facilities and hospitals equipped with top-notch facilities. Collaborations with other hospitals are also in place for necessary treatments. Patients can also receive grants for essential medical equipment and aids. Educational assistance is also widely available.

Overview of Non-AFCAT Entry

In the Meteorology Branch, candidates are shortlisted and invited for SSB interviews at the Air Force Selection Board. The age limit for this entry is 20 to 25 years, and 27 years for PhD candidates. Eligibility requires a postgraduate degree in any science stream, Maths, Statistics, Geography, CS, EVS, Physics, Geo-physics, etc., with a minimum aggregate of 50% and 55% marks in both Maths and Physics at the undergraduate level. Final year students are also eligible to apply.