The much-awaited moment is finally here: the Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 1 2025 Final Merit List, and if you’re one of the aspirants, this update has probably sent a chill down your spine. For thousands of candidates, joining the Indian Air Force isn’t just a career choice; it’s a dream, a sense of pride, and the beginning of a disciplined and honourable journey.
What Is the AFCAT Merit List?
Think of the AFCAT Merit List as the final report card of your entire selection process. It is released after the completion of all three stages:
- AFCAT Written Exam
- AFSB Interview
- Medical Examination
Only candidates who clear every stage successfully make it to this list. Your overall performance throughout these phases decides whether you’ll be joining the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, for training.
Why Does the Merit List Matter So Much?
Because this document tells you everything that matters at this point:
- Your All India Rank (AIR)
- The branch you’ve been allotted
- Whether you’re in the main list or the reserve list
- Whether you're selected for the upcoming training course
This is the IAF’s final decision. Your entry ticket to the academy is based entirely on this list.
How Is the AFCAT Merit List Prepared?
The Indian Air Force follows a transparent, multi-stage evaluation system:
1. AFCAT Written Marks
Your written score out of 300 is important, but it’s not the only deciding factor.
2. AFSB Interview Score
This is where major weightage lies. You are assessed on:
- Personality
- Psychology
- Communication
- Leadership
- Team skills
- Officer-Like Qualities (OLQs)
3. Medical Fitness
A fit candidate moves ahead; medical unfitness or delays can affect the outcome.
4. Branch Preference + Vacancies
Even high-scoring candidates can be affected by:
- Limited vacancies
- Branch requirements
- Medical suitability for specific branches
After combining all these parameters, the final AFCAT Merit List is released.
Types of AFCAT Merit Lists
The IAF usually releases two main lists:
1. Main List
Candidates who have scored enough to secure an immediate spot in the upcoming training course.
2. Reserve List / Waitlist
Also called the waitlist, these candidates are next in line. They get a chance if someone from the main list doesn’t join or vacancies shift.
Both lists are crucial indicators of your standing in the selection process.
Why Some Candidates Get Merit-Out Even After Clearing AFSB?
This is a very common question.
You may have:
- Cleared the written exam
- Performed well at AFSB
- Passed medicals
Yet, you might still be merit-out.
Why?
Because selection depends on:
- Limited seats
- Overall scores of all candidates
- Branch preferences
- Medical suitability
- Final vacancy distribution
So don’t lose heart if this happens. Many officers in the Air Force today were merit-out in one or more attempts before finally getting selected.
How to Check the AFCAT Merit List?
Here’s the simple process:
- Visit the official AFCAT website https://indianairforce.nic.in/
- Look for the notification “AFCAT Merit List Out”.
- Download the PDF.
- Search your name or AFCAT number.
- Check your AIR, branch, and status.
This PDF is the final word, so keep a copy safe.
What Does the AFCAT Merit List PDF Show?
Inside the list, you’ll find:
- Candidate’s Name
- AFCAT Number
- All India Rank
- Branch Allotted
- Medical Status
- Main List / Reserve List / Merit-Out status
Make sure every detail matches your profile.
AFCAT Branch-Wise Competition Level
Here’s a simple idea of competition across branches:
Flying Branch
- Highly competitive
- Very few vacancies
- Requires top-tier scores
Ground Duty Technical
- Moderate vacancies
- Tough competition among engineering graduates
Ground Duty Non-Technical
- Relatively more seats
- Balanced competition
Branch preference plays a major role in your final selection.
If Your Name Is in the Merit List, What Next?
Huge congratulations
But your preparation isn’t over yet.
1. Get Your Documents in Order
Keep all certificates ready: 10th, 12th, graduation, identity proofs, etc.
2. Stay Physically Fit
AFA training is physically demanding. Improve:
- Running
- Strength
- Stamina
- Flexibility
3. Read About Life at AFA
Getting familiar with training routines will give you confidence.
4. Keep Checking for Joining Instructions
Official updates will be released soon on reporting dates, items to carry, dress code, etc.
If Your Name Is NOT in the Merit List—What Should You Do?
Firstly, don’t lose heart.
AFCAT is competitive. Many brilliant candidates don’t make it on their first attempt.
Here’s how you bounce back:
- Analyse your written + AFSB performance
- Work on communication and leadership skills
- Improve the psychological test approach
- Strengthen physical fitness
- Re-attempt AFCAT with updated strategy
The dream is still alive, just sharpen your preparation.
Read more:
How to Prepare for AFCAT 2026 Along with Graduation
How to Prepare for AFSB Interview after AFCAT Exam?
Top 5 AFCAT Online Coaching Programs That Turn Average Students into Air Warriors
