Indian Airforce AFCAT 02/2024 Merit List Shocks Aspirants – The Indian Air Force (IAF) has just dropped the AFCAT 02/2024 Merit List, and folks—this one has turned heads. With only 665 names making the list out of thousands who showed up for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) rounds, it’s clear: the competition was fierce, the expectations higher than ever, and every mark mattered.
If you’re one of the lucky ones who made it, congrats! If not—don’t sweat it. This article breaks it all down: who got in, what’s next, and how you can aim better next time.
Indian Airforce AFCAT 02/2024 Merit List Shocks Aspirants
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Merit List Released For | AFCAT 02/2024 – Courses starting July 2025 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal |
| Total Candidates Shortlisted | 665 |
| Vacancies | 304 across Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical), NCC, and Service Entry |
| Final Selection Depends On | Medical fitness, vacancy availability, branch preferences |
| Top Performers | S Jaideep, Anish Singh, Shivani Mor, Harsha S, Verona Jeevika Vijay (top ranks in various categories) |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
| Download Merit List PDF | Click Here to Download |
The AFCAT 02/2024 Merit List isn’t just a list—it’s a life-changing moment for 665 aspirants. But it’s not the finish line. From medicals to final postings, the road ahead still has checkpoints. For those who didn’t make it—chin up. The skies will open for you, maybe in the next cycle. Just don’t stop showing up.
Eligibility Recap for AFCAT 02/2024
Before we talk about who made the list, here’s a quick recap of who was eligible:
- Flying Branch: Age 20-24, Graduation with 60% marks + Physics and Math at 10+2.
- Ground Duty (Tech): Engineering degree in relevant discipline with 60% marks.
- Ground Duty (Non-Tech): Any Graduate with minimum 60% marks.
- NCC Special Entry: Valid ‘C’ Certificate in Air Wing with minimum grade ‘B’.
Breakdown of Recommendations
| Entry Type | Number of Candidates |
|---|---|
| AFCAT (Men) | 399 |
| AFCAT (Men – AE Branch Only) | 40 |
| NCC Special Entry (Men) | 16 |
| AFCAT (Women) | 185 |
| AFCAT (Women – AE Branch Only) | 12 |
| NCC Special Entry (Women) | 6 |
| Service Entry Commission | 7 |
Top 10 Rankers by Category
AFCAT (Men)
- S Jaideep
- Anish Singh
- Arshdeep Singh
- Bhupesh Yadav
- Aditya Jhinkwan
- Arastu Bhadauria
- Vikash Kumar Singh
- Alok Tripathi
- Akhilesh Singh Yadav
- Deshmukh Narendra Tulshidas
AFCAT (Women)
- Shivani Mor
- Harsha S
- Aakriti Bisht
- Payal Mehra
- Tannu
- Ankita
- Spriha
- Aayushi Bhand
- Bhavna Sehrawat
- Shanan Goyal
What Happens After You’re on the Merit List?
Being on the merit list isn’t the end of the road—it’s just half the journey. Here’s what comes next:
Medical Fitness
You’ll undergo a comprehensive medical examination. If you’re found unfit, even a top rank won’t help.
Final Branch Allocation
Depending on your performance, branch preference (Flying/Tech/Non-Tech), and medical category, the IAF will offer you a final joining letter.
Provisional Joining Letter
Selected candidates will receive a joining instruction letter for training at AFA, Dundigal in July 2025.
What to Expect at Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal
Once selected, cadets will undergo 24 to 74 weeks of rigorous training, depending on their branch
- Flying Branch: Pilot training with simulators, aircraft, and live flight sorties.
- Technical Branch: Engineering, aircraft systems, maintenance practices.
- Non-Tech Branch: Administration, logistics, meteorology, and general service duties.
It’s not just academics—physical fitness, discipline, and leadership are core pillars of AFA life.
Life After AFA: What’s Next?
Once training is complete, you’re commissioned as a Flying Officer in the IAF.
Pay Scale & Perks
- Pay Level: 10
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month + flying allowance (~₹11,250 for flying branch)
- Perks: CSD, Medical, Travel Allowance, Officer’s Mess, Subsidized Housing
Expect early responsibility, tech exposure, adventure, and serious respect in society.
Previous Year Cut-Offs vs 2024 Expectations
| AFCAT Cycle | Flying Branch | Tech Branch | Non-Tech Branch |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT 01/2023 | 157 | 155 | 153 |
| AFCAT 02/2023 | 155 | 153 | 150 |
| AFCAT 02/2024 | ~159 (Est.) | ~156 (Est.) | ~153 (Est.) |
Note: Official cut-offs are not released yet. Based on rank distribution, experts estimate slightly higher cut-offs this time due to tighter vacancies.
Tips for Future AFCAT & AFSB Aspirants
- Focus on Written + SSB Together
Scoring high in AFCAT written is not enough. AFSB tests are where real filtering happens. - Improve Communication & Personality
AFSB interviews judge your leadership, confidence, and attitude. Be crisp, clear, and genuine. - Stay Physically Fit
Don’t wait until the last moment. Start cardio and strength training early. - Know IAF Inside-Out
Read official publications. Know ranks, aircraft names, and recent developments. - Practice OIR & PPDT Daily
These are Day 1 eliminators. Practice with a timer and mock tests.
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FAQs on Indian Airforce AFCAT 02/2024 Merit List Shocks Aspirants
Q1: Is the AFCAT 02/2024 Merit List final?
No, it’s provisional. Final selection is subject to medicals and vacancies.
Q2: Where can I find the official merit list?
On the AFCAT website, under the “What’s New” section.
Q3: I’m in the merit list but didn’t get a call. Why?
You may be medically unfit or your preferred branch had no vacancy left.
Q4: Will there be a second list?
No. There’s only one consolidated merit list. Unfilled vacancies may roll into the next AFCAT cycle.
Q5: What should I carry for joining?
Medical fitness certificate, educational documents, Aadhaar card, passport-size photos, and joining letter.
