Prepare for AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) with detailed syllabus, preparation strategy, study plans, mock tests, and tips to join the Indian Air Force as a commissioned officer.
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to recruit candidates for Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches.
AFCAT is a gateway for young aspirants to serve the nation while building a career in defence aviation, administration, or logistics.
It tests mental ability, reasoning, general knowledge, and English proficiency along with physical fitness and personality through selection tests.
Conducted by: Indian Air Force
Eligibility:
Flying Branch → 10+2 with Physics & Maths + Graduation in Engineering / Science
Ground Duty → Graduation (varies with branch)
Age Limit: 20–24 years (Flying), 20–26 years (Ground Duty)
Selection Process: Written Exam → AFCAT EKT (for technical branches) → AFSB Interview → Medical Examination
Posts Offered: Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
Duration: 2 hours
Sections:
Verbal Ability in English: 30 questions, 30 marks
Numerical Ability: 20 questions, 20 marks
Reasoning & Military Aptitude: 35 questions, 35 marks
General Awareness: 30 questions, 30 marks
Total Marks: 100
For Technical Branch candidates
Duration: 45 minutes
Covers Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Engineering
Duration: 5 days
Assessments: Intelligence tests, Personality tests, Group tasks, Psychological tests, Personal interview
Conducted by Armed Forces Medical Services
Fitness standards specific to Flying & Ground Duty branches
Comprehension, Synonyms & Antonyms, Fill in the Blanks, Error Detection, Sentence Completion
Grammar and vocabulary essentials
Simplification, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest
Time & Work, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Mensuration
Verbal & Non-verbal reasoning
Coding-Decoding, Analogies, Series
Spatial ability, Logical reasoning, Problem-solving
Current Affairs (National & International)
History, Geography, Political Science, Economics
Science, Defence & Military knowledge
Awards, Sports, Indian Constitution
Fundamentals of Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, and Computer Engineering for technical candidates
Know the number of questions, marking scheme, and cut-offs
Prioritize Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and General Awareness
NCERTs (Maths, Science, English)
Standard GK and current affairs magazines (Lucent, Arihant)
Reasoning books for logical and spatial reasoning
Solve previous AFCAT papers
Take online mock tests for speed and accuracy
Practice EKT for technical branches
Group discussions, personal interview practice
Personality development and confidence building
Physical fitness for AFSB group tasks
Regular jogging, push-ups, sit-ups
Meditation and focus exercises to manage stress during tests
English & Verbal Ability: Wren & Martin, Word Power Made Easy
Mathematics: R.S. Aggarwal, NCERT (Class 10–12)
GK & Current Affairs: Lucent, Arihant, The Hindu, PIB
Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal (Reasoning), Verbal & Non-Verbal reasoning guides
EKT: Engineering subject textbooks (Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/Computer)
AFSB Guidance: Col. H.K. Mishra – “The SSB Interview”
Daily Routine Example:
5–6 AM: Physical training & running
6–7 AM: Newspaper & current affairs
7–9 AM: Mathematics / Numerical Ability practice
10–12 AM: English & Verbal Ability
2–4 PM: Reasoning & GK
5–6 PM: Mock test / EKT practice
7–8 PM: Revision & personality exercises
Weekly Routine:
5 days → Academic subjects & practice tests
1 day → AFSB preparation & group tasks
1 day → Fitness, rest, and revision
Ignoring reasoning and English preparation
Relying only on online sources without practice
Skipping EKT preparation for technical aspirants
Not maintaining physical fitness
Neglecting AFSB preparation until last minute
Q1: What is the frequency of AFCAT exam?
A1: Twice a year – AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2
Q2: Can graduates from any discipline apply?
A2: Yes, for ground duty branches; technical branches require specific engineering degrees
Q3: How difficult is the AFSB interview?
A3: It assesses personality, intelligence, and leadership qualities; consistent practice is key
Q4: How long does preparation take?
A4: Typically 6–12 months depending on knowledge and fitness level
AFCAT aspirants need to combine academic preparation, physical fitness, and personality development. By following a structured study plan, mock test strategy, and consistent AFSB practice, candidates can secure selection in the Indian Air Force Flying and Ground Duty branches.
