Indian Air Force Opens GATE Score Pathway for Technical Branch Induction

The Indian Air Force has introduced a new scheme allowing candidates to apply for the Technical Branch based on GATE scores. Eligible candidates can apply through AFCAT or GATE, providing maximum flexibility. Selection through this scheme is based on merit, bypassing the preliminary written examination.

The Indian Air Force has introduced a scheme allowing eligible candidates to apply for induction into the IAF Technical Branch (officers cadre) based on their GATE scores, the defence ministry said.

Eligible candidates may apply for the Technical Branch through both the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) score schemes, as per their choice, providing them maximum flexibility, the ministry said in a statement on Tuesday.

Selection of candidates through this scheme will be based on merit, effectively ''exempting these candidates from the preliminary written examination'', such as the AFCAT, it said.

''The Indian Air Force is pleased to announce the introduction of a scheme for induction into the Technical Branch (Officers Cadre), allowing eligible candidates to apply based on their Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) scores,'' the ministry said.

Under this new initiative, candidates possessing a valid GATE score will be eligible for direct shortlisting for testing at the Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs).

The GATE score scheme will be applicable ''exclusively for induction into the Technical Branch,'' it said.

The AFCAT will continue to serve as the standard admission test for induction into all branches of the IAF, including the Technical Branch. The entry-level educational qualifications for the GATE score scheme will remain consistent with the existing induction criteria for the Technical Branch via AFCAT, the ministry added.

A comprehensive list of acceptable GATE subjects have been formally promulgated by the IAF in its AFCAT notification, which can be accessed online, it said.