AFCAT 2026 Interview Process: Best Books, Instructions

The AFCAT interview process demands proper preparation and strategy. Many aspirants dream of taking the AFCAT 1 2026 exam and joining the Indian Air Force, but you often find yourselves in the dark regarding areas like the AFCAT SSB interview process, AFCAT interview questions, how to prepare for the AFCAT interview, etc.

You need to know every important detail about the AFCAT exam before diving into its preparations. The structure of the AFCAT is slightly different from entrance exams of other disciplines, and the other aspects like eligibility, selection criteria, etc., of the AFCAT exam, are also different from CAT, JEE Main, NEET, etc.

The AFCAT 1 Exam Date 2026 has been scheduled and will be held on Aug 23-25, 2026. The interview dates will be announced soon after the results are announced. However, it is expected to be held in September 2026.

AFCAT Hiring Process

The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test, or AFCAT, to select candidates for Class-I Gazetted Officers in Flying Duties and Technical and Non-Technical Ground Duties. The selection process is divided into two parts, i.e., the online examination and the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview.

You are only permitted for the second round of the interview if you have cleared the online exam. The ones applying for ground duties need to appear for the AFCAT and the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).

Although it is a prestigious field to have a career in, not much information regarding the processes and procedures is known to aspirants, as the AFCAT exam is not as popular as other management or engineering entrance exams. You may often find yourselves confused and in doubt regarding the whole selection and especially the interview process of AFCAT when taking the exam for the first time.

Also Check: AFCAT Salary Structure and Allowances

AFCAT Exam Highlights

You need to know every important detail about the AFCAT 1 exam before diving into its preparations. The structure of the AFCAT is slightly different from entrance exams of other disciplines, and the other aspects like eligibility, selection criteria, etc., of the AFCAT exam, are also different from CAT, JEE Mains, NEET, etc.

The ones who are willing to take the AFCAT exam usually aspire to join the Indian Air Force for services like Short Service Commission in Flying, Permanent/Short Service Commission in Technical Ground Duties and Permanent/Short Service Commission in Non-Technical Ground Duties may refer to the information regarding AFCAT is given below.

AFCAT AFSB Interview Process 2026

The entire selection process of suitable candidates through AFCAT is elaborate and intricate as only the best are selected to join the Indian Air Force. The AFCAT interview conducted by the Air Force Selection Board is only a part of the entire selection process of the AFCAT, which also includes the online test.

You have to appear for and qualify in the online exam for AFCAT before appearing for the AFSB interview. The cutoffs for the AFSB interview are released along with the AFCAT online exam result. You need to secure a score equal to or more than the cutoff to be considered for the AFSB interview (both in AFCAT and EKT for technical ground duty candidates).

The AFCAT AFSB interview process begins after shortlisted candidates are called, and the process is divided into three parts or stages.

• Stage I: You have to go through various tests like the Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Picture Perception Test, and discussion test. This stage lasts for one day and is conducted to screen candidates for subsequent rounds; you have to clear Stage I before moving on to the next round. The ones who qualify for stage I are required to go through a document verification round.
• Stage II: This stage is more complex and lengthy than the previous one, as the Stage II round lasts for five days. You have to go through a psychological test on the first day. After document verification is complete, the Group Test and Interview are conducted over the rest of the duration of this stage.
• Flying Branch: The ones applying for the flying branch must also go through the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS).

After the entire selection process is concluded, the examination conducting authorities release the final merit list, and you are selected based on your overall performance.

Q. Is AFCAT interview tough?

Ans. No, the process and the questions asked are definitely challenging but not impossible to crack.

Best Books for AFCAT Interview Preparations

Thorough preparation for the AFCAT interview is vital for securing a high score and getting selected for the Indian Air Force. You often have doubts regarding which books you should prescribe during your AFCAT interview preparations; following a good set of books can clear a lot of doubts and questions for a student.

Below is a list of the best books for AFCAT AFSB interview preparations.

Important Instructions for AFCAT AFSB Interview

As the AFCAT interview process and selection rounds are different from standard interviews, students are bound to feel underprepared and nervous. In situations like these, a few words of advice always help in calming and preparing the mind. Here are a few important instructions to follow during the AFCAT interview.

• Follow Proper Dress Code: Presenting yourself in proper attire is a must when appearing for the AFCAT interview, as students need to be in formal attire. No slippers are allowed, and students need to wear shoes for the interview.
• Be Prepared with the Topics of the Day: Since the interview process for AFCAT is a lengthy one, candidates should not overexert themselves by preparing for rounds that will not be conducted immediately. Students need to be prepared for almost every question asked and task allotted. Thus, they should prioritize revision of only those relevant topics for the next interview round/day.
• Keep Calm and Don’t Panic: One of the most important assessments made during this interview is personality and demeanor. More emphasis is put on the candidate’s interpersonal skills, as this is the Indian Air Force. Candidates need to be calm and composed and avoid situations where they panic or fumble. 

Joining the Indian Air Force is a very big achievement for an Indian, and many young individuals dream of achieving the same. Although the entire selection process can be lengthy and tiresome, candidates should never slack on their performance and always give their best to be considered for a position in the Indian Air Force.