Defence & Police · Updated October 2026
AFCAT ExamEligibility, Syllabus, Exam Pattern, Salary, Cut-Off, PYQs and Free Mock Test
Conducted biannually by the Indian Air Force, AFCAT recruits Class-I Gazetted Commissioned Officers across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Candidates clear a 300-mark online examination before attending a 5-day Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, CPSS pilot aptitude testing, and aviation medical evaluation.
- Type
- Recruitment
- Level
- National
- Conducting body
- Defence
Start for free with AFCAT syllabus study notes, solved previous year papers, real-pattern mock tests and AI Tutor support.
AFCAT exam overview and highlights
About AFCAT
The Air Force Common Admission Test is conducted by the Indian Air Force for recruitment of officers in the Flying branch and the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The online test is run through CDAC and is followed by an Air Force Selection Board interview and medical examination. It is one of the main routes to a commission in the Indian Air Force for graduates.
The examination process for AFCAT comprises 3 stages: AFCAT online test, followed by AFSB interview, followed by Medical examination. The official syllabus tests candidates across 4 core areas — General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude — focusing on conceptual clarity, speed, and accuracy. Candidates who clear the online test (and EKT where applicable) are called for AFSB testing, which includes psychological tests, group tasks and an interview. Final merit combines AFCAT and AFSB marks, subject to medical fitness.
Key subjects
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude
What clearing AFCAT leads to
- Flying branch (Short Service Commission)
- Ground Duty (Technical) branch
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch: Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology
- Compensation & Pay Scale: Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Flying Officer at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay, with flying or technical allowance where applicable
- Central / Institutional appointment through Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) merit recommendation
- Structured time-scale promotions, Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) elevation, and central allowances (DA, HRA, TA, Medical & NPS)
Quick facts
- Conducting body
- Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC)
- Frequency
- Twice a year (AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2)
- Exam mode
- Online (computer-based test)
- Languages
- English
- Stages & papers
- 3 stages (2 papers total)
- Negative marking
- One mark deducted per wrong answer (three marks for each correct answer)
- Official website
- afcat.cdac.in
AFCAT — Key Highlights & Official Particulars
Complete snapshot of AFCAT conducting authority, frequency, mode, stages, negative marking and official portal.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AFCAT |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) |
| Exam Category | Defence & Police |
| Exam Level | National level |
| Exam Type & Purpose | Recruitment (Direct Recruitment & Cadre Selection) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2) |
| Usual Notification & Exam Window | Twice a year: notifications around December and June, online tests around February and August, followed by AFSB testing |
| Mode of Application | Online on afcat.cdac.in |
| Mode of Examination | Online (computer-based test) |
| Medium / Exam Languages | English |
| Selection Stages | 3 Stages (2 Papers Total): AFCAT online test → AFSB interview → Medical examination |
| Negative Marking | One mark deducted per wrong answer (three marks for each correct answer) |
| Selection / Merit Process | Candidates who clear the online test (and EKT where applicable) are called for AFSB testing, which includes psychological tests, group tasks and an interview. Final merit combines AFCAT and AFSB marks, subject to medical fitness. |
| Educational Qualification | Graduation with at least 60% marks for most branches; Flying branch candidates also need Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 with at least 50%, or an engineering degree. Technical branch requires an engineering or technology degree in a specified discipline. |
| Age Limit | Typically 20 to 24 years for the Flying branch and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty branches |
| Pay Scale / Salary Structure | Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Flying Officer at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay, with flying or technical allowance where applicable |
| Merit Panel Validity | Valid for the notified recruitment cycle and reserve list period |
| Competition Scale | A few lakh candidates for a few hundred vacancies per cycle |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Summary for orientation only, last reviewed October 2026. Check eligibility, dates and pattern in the official notification.
AFCAT exam schedule, vacancy, fee and online application process
Standard annual cycle and application workflow for AFCAT. Confirm exact notification and closing dates on the official Defence website.
| Examination Event | Typical Calendar Window | Cycle / Mode |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Official Notification & Information Bulletin | Twice a year: notifications around December and June, online tests around February and August, followed by AFSB testing | Twice a year (AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2) |
| Online Registration & Application Fee Window | Typically remains open for 21 to 30 days from the date of notification release | Online Portal |
| Application Form Correction / Edit Window | 2 to 5 days immediately following the close of the online registration window | As Notified |
| Exam City Intimation & Admit Card Release | City slip 10–15 days prior; Hall Ticket / E-Admit Card 4 to 10 days before the exam date | Via Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) |
| AFCAT — AFCAT online test | Twice a year: notifications around December and June, online tests around February and August, followed by AFSB testing | Online (computer-based test) |
| AFCAT — AFSB interview | Typically 6 to 12 weeks after declaration of Stage 1 results | Shortlisted Candidates |
| Provisional Answer Key & Objection Representation Window | Within 3 to 10 days after completion of the objective examination shifts | Online Challenge |
| Final Answer Key, Normalized Result & Merit List / Scorecard | Typically 3 to 6 weeks after conclusion of the examination stage | Merit List PDF / Login |
- Vacancies & Competition
- A few lakh candidates for a few hundred vacancies per cycle. Exact post-wise, department-wise, and category-wise (UR, EWS, OBC, SC, ST, ESM, PwBD) vacancies are notified in the official AFCAT recruitment advertisement published by Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC).
- Application Fee & Payment Norms
- Payable online via Debit/Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking on the Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) portal. Statutory fee concessions or exemptions apply for SC, ST, PwBD, Ex-Servicemen, and eligible female/state-reserved categories as notified in the official AFCAT advertisement.
How to apply online for AFCAT
One-Time Registration (OTR) & Portal Login
Visit afcat.cdac.in and complete your candidate registration using a valid email ID, active mobile number, and Aadhaar / government photo ID details. Online on afcat.cdac.in.
Fill Academic, Personal & Exam Centre Preferences
Log in to open the AFCAT application form. Enter your qualifying degree/board details, category/reservation status, medium of examination (English), and choose 3 to 4 preferred test cities.
Upload Photograph, Signature & Category Certificates
Upload a recent passport-size photograph (in prescribed KB dimensions and light background), scanned running-hand signature, and valid SC/ST/OBC-NCL/EWS/PwBD/Domicile certificates where applicable.
Online Application Fee Payment & Confirmation Page
Pay the category-wise examination fee via UPI, Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or e-Challan before the closing deadline, then download and preserve the final AFCAT Confirmation Page / Application PDF for admit card and verification stages.
AFCAT eligibility criteria and age relaxation
Candidates applying for AFCAT must fulfil the academic qualification, age limit, nationality and category reservation rules notified by Defence.
Educational qualification
Graduation with at least 60% marks for most branches; Flying branch candidates also need Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 with at least 50%, or an engineering degree. Technical branch requires an engineering or technology degree in a specified discipline.
Age limit & relaxations
Typically 20 to 24 years for the Flying branch and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty branches.
Number of attempts
Unlimited attempts permitted as long as the candidate remains within the eligible category-wise upper age limit as on the crucial cut-off date.
Nationality & domicile
Indian citizen.
Other conditions & standards
Flying branch candidates must be unmarried. Height, weight, vision and leg-length standards apply, and the medical examination is strict for the Flying branch.
AFCAT — Category-Wise Upper Age Relaxation & Reservation Norms
| Category | Age Relaxation / Rule | Key Conditions & Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) (Central Government Norms) | +5 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Requires valid SC/ST certificate in the prescribed Government of India format. |
| Other Backward Classes — Non-Creamy Layer (OBC-NCL) (Central Government Norms) | +3 Years above prescribed upper age limit | Candidate must fall outside the Creamy Layer as on the crucial closing date of the online application. |
| Persons with Benchmark Disabilities (PwBD — UR / OBC / SC-ST) | +10 Years (UR) / +13 Years (OBC) / +15 Years (SC/ST) | Subject to post suitability and 40%+ benchmark disability certificate under the RPwD Act, 2016. |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) & Commissioned Officers (ECO / SSCO) | +3 to 5 Years after deducting military service rendered from actual age | Must produce discharge book / NOC from the competent defence authority at document verification. |
AFCAT selection process and exam pattern
Negative Marking & Evaluation Rule: One mark deducted per wrong answer (three marks for each correct answer). Selection & Merit Weightage: Candidates who clear the online test (and EKT where applicable) are called for AFSB testing, which includes psychological tests, group tasks and an interview. Final merit combines AFCAT and AFSB marks, subject to medical fitness.
Stage 1: AFCAT online test
Online (computer-based test) • 2 Papers (AFCAT, Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)) • 150 Questions • 450 Total Marks • Duration: 2 hours • A single objective paper covering general awareness, English, numerical ability and reasoning.
A single objective paper covering general awareness, English, numerical ability and reasoning. Technical branch candidates also write the Engineering Knowledge Test on the same day.
Paper / Section Questions Marks Duration AFCAT 100 300 2 hours Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)Only for Ground Duty (Technical) branch 50 150 45 minutes Stage 2: AFSB interview
Online (computer-based test) • A five-day process at an Air Force Selection Board with screening tests, psychology tests, group tasks and an interview.
A five-day process at an Air Force Selection Board with screening tests, psychology tests, group tasks and an interview. Flying branch candidates also take the Computerised Pilot Selection System test.
Stage 3: Medical examination
Online (computer-based test) • Candidates recommended by the AFSB undergo a medical examination at an Air Force medical establishment before the final merit list is prepared.
Candidates recommended by the AFSB undergo a medical examination at an Air Force medical establishment before the final merit list is prepared.
AFCAT subject-wise syllabus and study material
SmartRank organizes chapter-wise study notes for every subject below in 12 languages, with an AI Tutor on hand for doubts. Start exploring for free, and unlock the complete syllabus with Learn or SmartRank Pass.
General Awareness — Part I (History and geography)
- History and geography
- Indian polity
- Current affairs
General Awareness — Part II (Environment and basic science)
- Environment and basic science
- Defence, sports and culture
Verbal Ability in English — Part I (Reading comprehension)
- Reading comprehension
- Error detection
- Sentence completion
Verbal Ability in English — Part II (Synonyms and antonyms)
- Synonyms and antonyms
- Idioms and phrases
Numerical Ability — Part I (Decimals and fractions)
- Decimals and fractions
- Simplification and averages
- Percentage, profit and loss
Numerical Ability — Part II (Ratio and proportion)
- Ratio and proportion
- Simple and compound interest
- Time and work, time and distance
Reasoning and Military Aptitude — Part I (Verbal reasoning and analogies)
- Verbal reasoning and analogies
- Series and coding
- Spatial ability and figure matching
Reasoning and Military Aptitude — Part II (Embedded figures and rotation)
- Embedded figures and rotation
- Data interpretation
AFCAT salary, pay scale, job profile & career growth
Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Flying Officer at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay, with flying or technical allowance where applicable. Appointments under Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) carry structured pay progression, statutory allowances, and time-bound departmental promotions.
Pay Scale & Grade Structure
Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Flying Officer at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay, with flying or technical allowance where applicable.
Appointing / Cadre Authority
Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) (Central Government / Public Sector Service)
Allowances & Perks
Dearness Allowance (DA), HRA (X/Y/Z cities: 30%/20%/10%), Transport Allowance, CGHS/Medical cover, LTC, and NPS contribution.
Probation & Training
Initial probation period (typically 1 to 2 years) with induction/foundation training before cadre confirmation.
Allowances, Perks & Service Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA) revised bi-annually in line with Consumer Price Index (AICPI)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA) or official government quarters / leased accommodation
- Transport Allowance (TA), Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Children Education Allowance
- Comprehensive medical care (CGHS / ECHS / State Health Scheme) for employee and dependents
- National Pension System (NPS) employer contribution, gratuity, and paid maternity/paternity/study leave
Promotion Hierarchy & Career Progression
- Entry-Level Cadre Appointment (Post allotment & induction training under Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC))
- Senior / Higher Grade Scale via Time-Bound Financial Upgradation (MACP / Dynamic ACP)
- Sectional / Supervisory / Inspector / Assistant Executive Cadre via Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) or LDCE
- Middle Management / Gazetted / Divisional Officer Scale
- Senior Administrative / Directorate / Executive Leadership Cadre
AFCAT cut-off trends, score normalization and safe target score
Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) releases stage-wise and category-wise AFCAT cut-off marks at each stage (Prelims/Tier-I shortlisting, Mains/Tier-II evaluation, and Final Merit List). Candidates must clear both minimum qualifying standards and overall/sectional merit cut-offs to advance.
AFCAT — Qualifying Standards & Safe Target Benchmarks
| Category | Qualifying Floor / Standard | Recommended Safe Target |
|---|---|---|
| General / Unreserved (UR) | 30% to 40% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 72% to 82% of Total Marks (95+ Percentile in Mock Tests) |
| General — Economically Weaker Section (GEN-EWS) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | 25% to 35% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 68% to 78% of Total Marks |
| Scheduled Caste (SC) / Scheduled Tribe (ST) / PwBD | 20% to 30% Minimum Qualifying Floor | 58% to 70% of Total Marks |
Score Normalization & Marking Impact
When AFCAT is conducted across multiple shifts or sessions, Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) applies standard score normalization (Equi-Percentile or Mean-Standard Deviation method) to account for any variation in paper difficulty across shifts. Because raw marks are governed by one mark deducted per wrong answer (three marks for each correct answer), maintaining high accuracy (85%+) significantly boosts your normalized score.
Factors Determining AFCAT Cut-Off
- Total number of notified vacancies / available seats across participating cadres and institutions
- Total number of registered vs actual appearing candidates in the AFCAT cycle
- Relative difficulty level of the question paper (and shift-wise variation in multi-shift CBT exams)
- Category-wise vertical (UR, EWS, OBC-NCL, SC, ST) and horizontal (PwBD, ESM, Women) reservation ratios
- Previous year cut-off trajectory and candidate score distribution at the top percentiles
AFCAT admit card, answer key and result guide
City slip 10–15 days prior • Admit Card 4–10 days before exam
AFCAT Exam City Intimation & Admit Card
Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) releases the advance Exam City Intimation Slip followed by the official AFCAT Hall Ticket / e-Admit Card on afcat.cdac.in. No hard copy is sent by post; candidates must log in with their Registration Number and Date of Birth / Password to download it.
- Clear A4 printout of the AFCAT e-Admit Card with visible barcode and photograph
- Original valid Government Photo ID (Aadhaar Card, Passport, Voter ID, Driving Licence, or PAN Card)
- 2 recent passport-size photographs matching the image uploaded in the online application
- PwBD / Scribe certificate and undertaking (if availing compensatory time or scribe facility)
Within 3–10 days after the examination
AFCAT Provisional Answer Key & Objection Window
After conclusion of the objective test, Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) uploads the candidate response sheet and Provisional Answer Key on afcat.cdac.in. Candidates can calculate their raw score and submit online representations against any ambiguous question or key discrepancy within the stipulated 48–72 hour window.
- Download your recorded Response Sheet PDF and match Question IDs with the Master Answer Key
- Calculate raw score using the official positive and negative marking formula
- Attach standard textbook / NCERT / official gazette proof if challenging any provisional key
- Review the Final Answer Key published after subject-expert scrutiny of all representations
3–6 weeks after stage completion
AFCAT Result, Scorecard & Merit List / Counselling
Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) declares the AFCAT result as a stage-wise Merit List PDF (with roll numbers and category cut-offs) and individual Normalized Scorecards on afcat.cdac.in. Shortlisted candidates proceed to the next stage, Document Verification, or Centralised Counselling.
- Download and save your official AFCAT Scorecard / Rank Letter PDF immediately upon release
- Verify category-wise and sectional cut-off marks in the official result write-up notice
- Keep original matriculation, degree, caste/EWS, and domicile certificates ready for verification
- Track reserve list / multi-round seat allotment updates on the official website
AFCAT mock tests
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AFCAT previous year papers
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Predicted questions for AFCAT
High-probability questions and topics for your next exam
How to prepare for AFCAT
- The paper is only 2 hours for 100 questions, so build a habit of answering reasoning and numerical questions within a minute each.
- Numerical ability is of Class 10 level; focus on accuracy because each wrong answer costs one mark.
- The spatial and military aptitude questions are unfamiliar to most graduates, so solve many sample sets to recognise the patterns.
- Technical branch applicants should revise core engineering subjects for the EKT alongside the main paper.
- Keep a current affairs file for the months leading to the exam, with special attention to Air Force and defence news.
- Read the official AFCAT notification carefully for the exact pattern, eligibility and selection stages.
AFCAT FAQs
Is AFCAT held twice a year?
Yes. The Indian Air Force normally conducts AFCAT twice a year, usually referred to as AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2.
What is the marking scheme of AFCAT?
Each correct answer earns three marks and each wrong answer deducts one mark. Unanswered questions carry no penalty.
Can commerce or arts graduates apply for AFCAT?
Yes. Graduates from any stream can apply for the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches, and for the Flying branch if they had Physics and Mathematics at Class 12.
Is there any interview after AFCAT?
Yes. Candidates who clear the written test are called to an Air Force Selection Board for a multi-day assessment that includes psychological tests, group tasks and an interview.
Is AFCAT in Hindi?
No. The AFCAT question paper is in English only.
What is the selection process and exam pattern for AFCAT?
AFCAT is conducted by Indian Air Force (online test administered through CDAC) across 3 stages: AFCAT online test → AFSB interview → Medical examination. Candidates who clear the online test (and EKT where applicable) are called for AFSB testing, which includes psychological tests, group tasks and an interview. Final merit combines AFCAT and AFSB marks, subject to medical fitness.
What is the age limit and educational qualification for AFCAT?
Educational Qualification: Graduation with at least 60% marks for most branches; Flying branch candidates also need Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 with at least 50%, or an engineering degree. Technical branch requires an engineering or technology degree in a specified discipline. Age Limit: Typically 20 to 24 years for the Flying branch and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty branches.
Is there negative marking in the AFCAT exam?
Yes — One mark deducted per wrong answer (three marks for each correct answer). Candidates should use a two-pass attempt strategy during mock tests to keep accuracy above 85% and minimise negative marking deductions.
What is the salary and job profile after clearing AFCAT?
Stipend during training, then commissioning as a Flying Officer at pay Level 10, around ₹56,100 basic plus military service pay, with flying or technical allowance where applicable.
When is the AFCAT notification released and how can I apply online?
AFCAT is held twice a year (AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2) (Twice a year: notifications around December and June, online tests around February and August, followed by AFSB testing). Online on afcat.cdac.in.
How can I prepare for AFCAT on SmartRank?
Select AFCAT as your target exam on SmartRank to get chapter-by-chapter study material built around its syllabus covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude, solved previous year question papers, topic and full-length mock tests in the exact AFCAT pattern, a timed exam simulator, subject-wise analytics, an adaptive daily study plan and an AI Tutor.