Here’s a complete, no-nonsense guide to the AFCAT exam—everything you need from eligibility to selection

AFCAT – Full Explanation

What is AFCAT?

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers in:
  • Flying Branch
  • Ground Duty (Technical)
  • Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

    • Types of Entry

    1. Flying Branch

  • Pilot in Indian Air Force
  • Includes AFCAT Entry + NCC Special Entry

    • 2. Ground Duty (Technical)

  • Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics / Mechanical)

    • 3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

  • Administration
  • Logistics
  • Accounts
  • Education

    • Exam Frequency

  • Conducted 2 times a year (AFCAT 1 & AFCAT 2)

    • Eligibility Criteria

    Education

  • Flying Branch: Graduation (with Physics & Maths in 12th)
  • Technical Branch: Engineering degree
  • Non-Technical: Graduation in any stream (Arts students eligible)

    • Age Limit

  • Flying Branch: 20–24 years
  • Ground Duty: 20–26 years

    • Exam Pattern

  • Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Total Questions: 100
  • Total Marks: 300

    • Subjects:

  • General Awareness
  • English Verbal Ability
  • Numerical Ability
  • Reasoning & Military Aptitude

    • EKT (For Technical Branch Only)

  • EKT
  • 50 questions (Engineering subjects)

    • Selection Process

    1. Written Exam (AFCAT)

    2.AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board)

  • Screening test
  • Psychological test
  • Group tasks
  • Personal interview
      • 3.Medical Examination
      4.Final Merit List

    Salary & Benefits

  • Starting salary: ₹56,100/month (approx.)
  • Allowances: Flying, DA, HRA
  • Perks:
    • Free medical
    • Travel benefits
    • Pension
    • Respect & prestige 🇮🇳

    Syllabus Highlights

  • English
  • Vocabulary, comprehension, grammar
  • General Awareness
  • Current affairs, history, geography
  • Reasoning
  • Logical & analytical questions
  • Numerical Ability
  • Basic maths (10th level)

    • Why AFCAT is Great for Arts Students

  • No stream restriction for many posts
  • Strong focus on general knowledge & reasoning
  • Opportunity to serve in defense without science background

    • Preparation Tips

  • Read newspapers daily (The Hindu / Indian Express)
  • Practice previous year papers
  • Focus on English + GK + Reasoning
  • Take mock tests regularly

    • Quick Summary

  • Exam for joining Indian Air Force
  • Conducted twice a year
  • Arts students eligible (Non-Technical roles)
  • Selection includes exam + interview + medical

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