AFCAT Examination — Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level competitive exam conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) twice a year to select officers for all its branches, except for the medical and dental branches. It is a gateway for graduates to join the Air Force in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The selection process involves an Online Test (AFCAT/EKT), followed by an extensive interview process at an Air Force Selection Board (AFSB).
📌 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
A candidate must be a citizen of India.
Age Limit & Marital Status
- Flying Branch:
- Age: 20 to 24 years.
- Marital Status: Unmarried.
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches:
- Age: 20 to 26 years.
- Marital Status: Unmarried candidates below 25 years of age.
The specific date range for age calculation is mentioned in each official notification.
Educational Qualifications
- Flying Branch: A Bachelor's degree in any discipline with 60% marks and must have passed Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level, OR a B.E./B.Tech degree with 60% marks.
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: A 4-year degree in Engineering/Technology (B.E./B.Tech) with 60% marks in a relevant engineering discipline.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches:
- Administration & Logistics: A Bachelor's degree in any discipline with 60% marks.
- Accounts: A B.Com degree with 60% marks.
- Education: A postgraduate degree in a relevant subject with 50% marks.
✍️ Exam Syllabus & Pattern
1. AFCAT Online Test
This is a mandatory computer-based test for all applicants.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability & Reasoning, and Military Aptitude Test | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
Marking Scheme: +3 for a correct answer, -1 for an incorrect answer.
2. Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)
This test is only for candidates who apply for the Ground Duty (Technical) Branch.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical / Computer Science / Electrical & Electronics | 50 | 150 | 45 Minutes |
3. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing
Candidates who clear the online test are called for AFSB testing. This is a 5-day process.
- Stage I (Screening): Includes an Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and a Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP & DT).
- Stage II: Involves Psychological tests, Group Tests (GTO), and a personal Interview.
👉 Note
- A final merit list is prepared based on performance in the online test and the AFSB interview. Candidates must also clear a medical examination.
- For full official syllabus & eligibility, refer to AFCAT official website.
☞ Tip for Aspirants: Always refer to the latest official notification for syllabus and eligibility details as they may change year to year.