The Indian Air Force has announced a major recruitment initiative for its Technical Branch under the officer cadre, allowing eligible engineering graduates to apply based on their GATE scores. The move, introduced by the Ministry of Defence, is aimed at streamlining the selection process and attracting technically skilled candidates into the force.
Under the new scheme, candidates possessing a valid Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score will be directly shortlisted for testing at the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). This means applicants selected through the GATE route will not have to appear for the preliminary written examination conducted under the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
Officials clarified that the GATE-based entry system will be applicable only for recruitment to the Technical Branch, while AFCAT will continue to remain the standard entry examination for all other branches of the Indian Air Force, including non-technical roles. The selection process under the new system will be entirely merit-based, providing candidates with a more flexible and efficient recruitment pathway. The Defence Ministry also stated that eligible candidates will have the option to apply through both AFCAT and GATE routes, depending on their preference.
