Indian Air Force AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Exam 2025 - Notification, Eligibility, Important Dates, Syllabus and more

AFCAT is a gateway for candidates to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) as commissioned officers in flying, technical, and non-technical branches. The full form of AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test.

Exam Benefits:

• Prestigious career opportunity in the Indian Air Force.
• Handsome salary packages and perks.
• Opportunities for career growth and development.

Posts Available:

• Flying Branch
• Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch

Salary and Perks:

• The salary and perks vary based on the rank and branch. Flying officers receive higher pay compared to ground duty officers.
• Perks include free medical facilities for self and family, accommodation, subsidized rations, and more.

• Exam date for Stage 1 - to be notified
• Admit card Release date - to be notified
• Results date - to be notified

AFCAT exam notification for the year 2025 will be notified on official website.

• Nationality: Indian
• Age Limit: Flying Branch - 20 to 24 years, Technical & Non-Technical Branches - 20 to 26 years
• Marital Status: Unmarried

Educational Qualification:

Flying Branch (Short Service Commission):

• Candidates must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.
• They must have studied Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level.
• Candidates appearing in the final year/semester are also eligible to apply, provided they produce the degree certificate before a specified date.

Ground Duty (Technical) Branch (Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission):

• Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics): Candidates should have passed a 4-year degree program in Engineering/Technology with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate from a recognized university.
• Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical): Candidates should have passed a 4-year degree program in Engineering/Technology with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate from a recognized university.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches (Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission):

• Administration and Logistics: Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
• Accounts: B.Com. with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
• Education: MBA / MCA or MA / MSc degree in English / Physics / Mathematics / Chemistry / Statistics / International relations / International Studies / Defense Studies / Psychology / Computer Science / IT / Management / Mass Communication / Journalism / Public Relations with minimum 50% marks in aggregate of all papers put together in Post Graduation (Minimum two years program) and 60% marks in graduation, BA / BSc degree in English / Physics / Mathematics / Chemistry / Statistics / International relations / International Studies / Defense Studies / Psychology / Computer Science / IT / Management / Mass Communication / Journalism / Public Relations with minimum 60% marks.

The standard of Numerical Ability Questions will be of Matriculation level. The standard of questions in other subjects will be of graduation level (Indian University). Exam will be in English only.

• Exam Mode - Online
• Number of Questions - 100
• Maximum Marks - 300
• Exam Duration - 2 Hours
• Marking Scheme - +3 Marks for Correct Answer
• Negative Marking - -1 Mark for Incorrect Answer
• Selection Process - Written Exam, AFSB Test, Medical Examination
• Official Website - AFCAT Official Website

AFCAT Question Paper will have 100 questions. The total time allotted for the paper is two hours. Each Question Paper will have questions from the following topics:-

English:

1. Comprehension
2. Detect Error in Sentence
3. Sentence Completion/ Filling in of correct word
4. Synonym
5. Antonym
6. Cloze Test or Fill in the Gaps in a paragraph
7. Idioms and Phrases
8. Analogy
9. Sentence Rearranging
10. Substitution in a Sentence/ One Word Substitution.

General Awareness:

1. History
2. Geography
3. Sports
4. National & International Organizations
5. Art & Culture
6. Personalities
7. Environment & Ecology
8. Indian Polity
9. Economy
10. Basic Science Based Knowledge
11. Science & Technology
12. Current Affairs (National & International)
13. Defence.

Numerical Ability:

1. Decimal Fraction
2. Time and Work
3. Average
4. Percentage
5. Profit & Loss
6. Ratio & Proportion
7. Simple and Compound Interest
8. Time & Distance and Races (Trains/ Boats & Streams)
9. Area and Perimeter
10. Probability
11. Number System & Number Series
12. Mixture & Allegation Rules
13. Clocks.

Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test:

1. Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Exam Pattern

• AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
• AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) Testing
• Medical Examination

Here are some highly recommended books for AFCAT Exam Preparation:

1. "AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Self Study Guide" by Arihant Publications
2. "Pathfinder AFCAT Avum Bhartiya Vayu Sena (Air Force) Pravesh Pariksha" by Arihant Experts
3. "AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Topic-wise Solved Papers" by Disha Experts
4. "AFCAT Solved Papers and Practice Sets" by Editorial Team of Arihant
5. "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi (for Verbal Ability in English)
6. "Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations" by R.S. Aggarwal (for Numerical Ability)
7. "A New Approach to Reasoning Verbal & Non-Verbal" by B.S. Sijwali and Indu Sijwali (for Military Aptitude Test and Reasoning)
8. "Manorama Yearbook" (for General Awareness and Current Affairs)
9. "AFCAT (Flying Technical & Ground Duty Branch) Solved Papers & Practice Sets" by Editorial Team of Arihant.
10. "AFCAT (Flying Technical & Ground Duty Branch) Solved Papers" by RPH Editorial Board.

These books cover the entire AFCAT syllabus comprehensively and include practice questions, previous years' papers, and mock tests to help you prepare effectively for the exam. Additionally, you may also find online resources such as video lectures, practice quizzes, and study materials helpful in your preparation.

1. Understand the Syllabus: Begin by thoroughly understanding the AFCAT syllabus. Break down each section and subtopic to get a clear picture of what needs to be covered.
2. Use of PYQ: incorporating Past Year Questions into your study routine, you'll gain valuable insights into the exam pattern, identify frequently asked topics, and enhance your problem-solving skills.
3. Create a study plan: Develop a structured study plan that allocates sufficient time to cover each topic of the syllabus. Divide your study sessions into manageable chunks to avoid overwhelm.
4. Start with the Basics: Begin your preparation by revisiting the basic concepts of each subject. Strengthen your foundation in English, Mathematics, General Awareness, and Reasoning.
5. Utilize Resources: Make use of a variety of study resources such as textbooks, online courses, video lectures, and practice papers. Choose resources that align with your learning style and preferences.
6. Practice Regularly: Practice is key to mastering any competitive exam. Solve previous years' question papers and sample papers to familiarize yourself with the exam pattern and question types.
7. Focus on Weak Areas: Identify your weak areas and allocate extra time to strengthen them. Seek help from tutors, mentors, or online forums if needed.
8. Take Mock Tests: Regularly take full-length mock tests to assess your preparation level and identify areas for improvement. Analyze your performance after each test and adjust your study plan accordingly.
9. Revision is Key: Don't underestimate the power of revision. Set aside dedicated time for revision to reinforce your learning and retain information better. Review PYQs during your revision sessions to reinforce important concepts.
10. Stay Motivated: Stay motivated throughout your preparation journey. Set achievable goals, reward yourself for milestones achieved, and stay positive even during challenging times.

FAQs

- How to check Exam Result?

• Step 1: Visit the official website of IAF AFCAT.
• Step 2: On the homepage, locate and click on the AFCAT result link.
• Step 3: A new page will open where candidates need to enter the required details.
• Step 4: After entering the details, click on submit.
• Step 5: Once the result is displayed, download the page for future reference.