Cleared AFCAT 2025? Here Are the Next Steps

Introduction

Congratulations on clearing the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 2025! This is a major milestone in your journey toward joining the Indian Air Force (IAF) as an officer. However, passing the written exam is just the beginning. The next steps involve the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, medical examination, and final merit list.

If you’re wondering what comes next and how to prepare for the remaining selection stages, this guide will walk you through the entire process, ensuring you are fully prepared for each phase.

Step 1: Check Your AFCAT Result and AFSB Call Letter

After clearing AFCAT, the Indian Air Force will release the list of candidates shortlisted for the AFSB interview. Follow these steps:

1. Check Your AFCAT Score – Visit the official AFCAT website (afcat.cdac.in) and log in to view your result.
2. Download the AFSB Call Letter – If you’re shortlisted, download your AFSB call letter, which contains details about your interview date and center.
3. Select Your AFSB Center & Date – You will be given options to select your preferred AFSB center (Dehradun, Gandhinagar, Mysore, Varanasi, or Guwahati). Choose a date that allows sufficient time for preparation.

Step 2: Prepare for the AFSB Interview

The AFSB interview is a five-day process that evaluates your personality, leadership skills, intelligence, and physical fitness. Here’s what to expect:

Day 1: Screening Tests

The first day includes two major tests:

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test – Verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions.
• Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT) – You’ll see a picture, write a story about it, and discuss it in a group.

💡 Tip: Practice OIR questions daily and improve your storytelling and communication skills for PPDT.

Day 2: Psychological Tests

This section assesses your mental abilities and personality. It includes:

• Thematic Apperception Test (TAT) – Writing stories based on pictures shown.
• Word Association Test (WAT) – Writing responses to 60 words displayed in quick succession.
• Situation Reaction Test (SRT) – Answering 60 hypothetical situations.
• Self-Description Test (SDT) – Writing about yourself based on different perspectives.

💡 Tip: Be honest and consistent in your answers. Practice writing quick, clear, and positive responses.

Day 3 & 4: Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

These are a series of outdoor and indoor group activities that test leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills. Tasks include:

• Group Discussions (GD) – Discussions on current affairs and social topics.
• Progressive Group Task (PGT) – Solving physical obstacles with a team.
• Command Task – Leading a small team to complete an assigned challenge.
• Individual Obstacles (IO) – Completing physical tasks within a time limit.

💡 Tip: Develop leadership skills, stay confident, and maintain a positive attitude.

Day 5: Personal Interview & Conference Round

• The personal interview is conducted by senior officers to assess your motivation, knowledge, and suitability for the IAF.
• The conference round is the final assessment where officers discuss your performance before announcing the results.

💡 Tip: Be well-versed in current affairs, Air Force knowledge, and personal details from your application form.

Step 3: Medical Examination at IAM or AMB

If you clear the AFSB interview, you will undergo a detailed medical examination at either:

• Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Bengaluru, or
• Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi

The medical tests include:
✔ Height & weight measurement
✔ Vision & eye test
✔ Hearing & ENT check-up
✔ Cardiovascular examination
✔ Blood & urine tests
✔ Psychological and neurological tests

💡 Tip: Maintain good fitness levels, eat healthily, and get any medical issues checked in advance.

Step 4: Final Merit List & Joining Instructions

Once medical exams are completed, the IAF will release the Final Merit List based on:

• AFCAT score
• AFSB performance
• Medical fitness

Candidates who make it to the final list will receive joining instructions for training at:

• Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches.

💡 Tip: Stay updated on the IAF website for merit list announcements.

Step 5: Get Ready for Training at AFA

The training at AFA is rigorous and includes:
🛩 Flight training for Flying Branch
🔧 Technical training for Ground Duty (Technical)
📊 Administrative & leadership training for Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

💡 Tip: Stay physically fit, mentally strong, and disciplined to excel in training.

Conclusion

Clearing AFCAT 2025 is just the beginning of an exciting journey. The AFSB interview, medical tests, and final merit list are crucial steps toward your dream of becoming an IAF officer. Stay focused, prepare diligently, and maintain confidence throughout the process.

The Indian Air Force is looking for leaders who are determined, adaptable, and capable of handling challenges. With the right mindset and preparation, you can successfully clear all hurdles and join the elite forces of the IAF.

Best of luck! 🇮🇳✈

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