The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is one of the most prestigious competitive exams in India for candidates who dream of joining the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. Every year, thousands of aspirants apply, and a limited number of them successfully clear all the stages of the selection process. Understanding the complete journey of AFCAT is very important before you start your preparation.
In this detailed guide, we will be covering the AFCAT selection process 2026 step by step, from the written exam to the AFSB interview and medical examination.
Introduction to AFCAT 2026 Selection Process
The Indian Air Force conducts AFCAT twice a year for the selection of Officers for the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. The selection procedure is not only to test your academic knowledge but also your personality, leadership skills, mental strength, and physical fitness.
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The AFCAT selection process 2026 mainly comprises of three major stages:
1. AFCAT Written Examination
2. AFSB Interview Process
3. Medical Examination
Each stage is qualification in nature. If a candidate fails in any of the stages, he/she is not permitted to move on further. Therefore, it is essential to get the understanding of all the stages of the AFCAT exam for success.
Overview of AFCAT Exam Stages
Before going into details, let us look at a clear overview of the AFCAT selection journey.
AFCAT 2026 Selection Process – Complete Overview
|
Stage |
Name of Stage |
Purpose |
|---|---|---|
|
Stage 1 |
AFCAT Written Exam |
To test knowledge, reasoning, and aptitude |
|
Stage 2 |
AFSB Interview |
To assess personality, leadership, and officer-like qualities |
|
Stage 3 |
Medical Test |
To ensure medical and physical fitness as per IAF standards |
This table gives a quick understanding of how the process flows from one stage to the next.
Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination
The first step in the journey of selection is the AFCAT written exam. This exam serves as a screening test and determines whether or not you will be called for the AFSB interview.
Nature of the AFCAT Exam
The AFCAT exam is an online computer-based examination. It is organized in different cities in India. The exam tests your general awareness, reasoning ability, numerical aptitude and English language skills.
For the candidates who are applying for technical branches, another test is conducted, called EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test).
AFCAT Exam Pattern
The AFCAT written test is designed to assess the overall mental ability and not the deep specialisation in any given subject. The level of questions is usually of a graduation level, but understanding of concepts is more important than rote learning.
Some of the important highlights of the exam are:
• Objective-type questions
• Negative marking for wrong answers
• Time-bound sections
• Focus on accuracy and speed
Understanding the structure of the exam is an important part of preparing through the best book for AFCAT preparation, although your focus should always be on concept clarity rather than memorization.
Importance of AFCAT Written Exam
Clearing the written exam is mandatory in order to move to the next stage. Your score in the written examination does not directly go into the final merit list but if you fail this stage, then you can't appear for the AFSB interview.
This is why it is important for the aspirants to take this stage seriously and plan their preparation accordingly.
Stage 2: AFSB Interview Process
Once you pass the written exam, the Indian Air Force calls the shortlisted candidates for the AFSB interview process. This stage is regarded as the most important and difficult part of the whole selection procedure.
The AFSB interview is conducted over the course of five days, but is designed to assess whether or not a candidate possesses officer-like qualities (OLQs).
What is the AFSB Interview?
Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview is a comprehensive personality test. It does not test bookish knowledge. Instead, it is about how you think, react, communicate and behave in various situations.
Candidates are assessed by three different officers:
• Psychologist
• Group Testing Officer (GTO)
• Interviewing Officer (IO)
AFSB Interview Stages Explained
AFSB Interview Process – Day-wise Breakdown
|
Day |
Activities Conducted |
|---|---|
|
Day 1 |
Screening Tests (Officer Intelligence Rating & Picture Perception) |
|
Day 2 |
Psychological Tests |
|
Day 3 & 4 |
Group Testing Tasks and Personal Interview |
|
Day 5 |
Conference and Final Recommendation |
This table clearly explains how the five-day interview process is structured.
Day 1: Screening Tests
The first day is a screening round. Many candidates get eliminated at this stage.
It includes:
• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
• Picture Perception and Discussion Test (or PPDT)
The goal is to evaluate the ability to think logically, observe, communicate, and be confident.
Only selected candidates who pass the screening remain for the rest of the days.
Day 2: Psychological Tests
On the second day candidates appear for a series of written psychological tests administered by a trained psychologist.
These tests evaluate:
• Thought process
• Emotional stability
• Decision-making ability
• Attitude towards challenges
There are no correct or incorrect answers. Honesty and consistency is the key.
Day 3 & 4: Group Testing & Personal Interview
These are the days of group activities and personal interaction.
Group tasks test:
• Leadership qualities
• Teamwork
• Initiative
• Communication skills
The personal interview is an individual interview with the interviewing officer. Questions are asked regarding your background, education, interests, awareness about Indian Air Force etc.
The AFSB interview process is not about demonstrating perfection but rather potential to be an officer.
Day 5: Conference
The last and final day is the conference where all assessors talk about your performance. You may be asked some simple questions. After this, results are declared.
Candidates recommended at the conference take the medical examination stage.
Stage 3: AFCAT Medical Test
The final step of AFCAT Selection Process 2026 is the medical examination. Even after clearing the interview, the candidates need to clear stringent medical standards set by the Indian Air Force.
Objective of AFCAT Medical Test
The AFCAT medical test checks that the chosen candidates are physically and mentally fit to tackle with the rigorous lifestyle of an Air Force officer.
The medical examination is carried out in designated military hospitals.
Medical Standards and Assessment
The medical test includes:
• General physical examination
• Vision and hearing tests
• Blood and urine tests
• X-ray and ECG
• Dental check-up
Candidates have to pass height, weight, eyesight, and general health standards. Any permanent medical condition could result in disqualification.
Temporary medical problems could lead to temporary unfitness, allowing candidates an opportunity to be re-examined.
Final Merit List and Training
After clearing all three stages, a final merit list is prepared based on:
• AFCAT written exam marks
• AFSB interview performance
Candidates are allotted branches and academies based on merit, preference, and availability of vacancies.
Selected candidates then undergo training at Air Force academies, where they are prepared physically, mentally, and professionally to serve the nation.
Final Words and Call to Action
Cracking AFCAT is not only about clearing an exam, it is about inculcating the mindset and discipline of an Air Force officer. A clear understanding of the selection process, coupled with concentrated preparation and self-improvement, vastly improves your chances of success.
For the aspirants looking for systematic guidance, reliable practice material, and exam-oriented resources as per the latest AFCAT pattern, Oswaal Books has been a constant companion of the defence exam aspirants.
Look up to AFCAT focused learning resources from Oswaal Books and take one sure step closer to wearing the Indian Air Force uniform.
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