Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025: Indian Air Force (IAF) prescribes AFCAT exam pattern along with the notification. It is important to go through the exam pattern as it highlights the overall structure of the exam such as the marking scheme, total marks, exam timing, negative marking, etc. According to the exam pattern, the online test of AFCAT comprises sections such as General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. The total marks allotted to the test are 300. Questions in the exam are framed as per the AFCAT syllabus.
According to AFCAT Exam Analysis, the difficulty level of the exam is usually of moderate level. It is advised to attempt the AFCAT mock tests to check the level of preparation for the exam. Besides, candidates must also solve AFCAT question papers. Read below for more details on the AFCAT exam pattern.
Q: What is AFCAT Exam Pattern?
Q: How difficult is AFCAT exam?
Q: What is AFCAT marking scheme?
Q: Is there any negative marking in AFCAT exam?
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025
AFCAT and EKT exams are conducted in computer-based mode. Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is conducted for candidates who opt for Ground Duty (Technical) branch. The language of the exam is English. A total of 100 questions are asked in the AFCAT exam while EKT carries 50 questions. Candidates get two hours to solve AFCAT paper while 45 minutes for EKT. The test paper of AFCAT comprises questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. EKT comprises questions from Mechanical, Computer Science, and Electrical & Electronics. The difficulty level of AFCAT syllabus is of graduation level. The total marks allotted to AFCAT are 300 while EKT carries 150 marks.
AFCAT exam pattern highlights the overall structure of the exam such as number of sections, weightage of topics, time duration, total marks, marking scheme and many more. Candidates should prepare as per the exam pattern so that they get familar with the exam process.
Also Read: Important Topics for AFCAT Exam
Highlights of AFCAT Exam Pattern
Candidates can check below the highlights of the AFCAT exam pattern.
Parameters | Details |
---|---|
Mode of exam |
Online |
Number of sections |
AFCAT: Four EKT: Three |
Number of questions |
AFCAT: 100 EKT: 50 |
Maximum marks |
AFCAT: 300 EKT: 150 |
Type of questions |
Objective type |
AFCAT Paper Duration |
Two hours |
Language of paper |
English |
AFCAT Exam Pattern for Online Test
AFCAT exam pattern for online test is given below:
- AFCAT online test is divided into four sections
- The question paper of AFCAT comprises a total of 100 questions
- The maximum marks allotted for AFCAT are 300
- All questions asked in the AFCAT and EKT exams are objective type, having multiple options
- The question paper is made available in English only
- Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks to qualify for the exam
The structure of AFCAT exam pattern is given below.
Subject | Exam Duration | No of Questions | Maximum Marks |
---|---|---|---|
General Awareness | 02 hours | 100 | 300 |
Verbal Ability in English | |||
Numerical Ability | |||
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
AFCAT Exam Pattern for EKT
The EKT exam is conducted for 45 minutes. The test paper carries questions from subjects such as Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, and Electrical & Electronics Engineering. EKT paper carries a total of 50 questions. The maximum mark allotted for EKT exam is 150
The structure of EKT exam pattern is given below.
Subject | Time | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
---|---|---|---|
Mechanical | 45 minutes | 50 | 150 |
Computer Science | |||
Electrical & Electronics |
AFCAT Exam Pattern for Technical Branch
The structure of AFCAT exam pattern for Technical branch is given below.
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Reasoning and military aptitude test |
35 |
105 |
2 Hours |
Verbal ability in English |
30 |
90 |
|
Numerical ability |
15 |
45 |
|
General awareness |
20 |
60 |
|
Mechanics/ Computer science/ Electrical and electronics |
50 |
150 |
45 min |
AFCAT Exam Pattern for Non-Technical Branch
Candidates who apply for ground duty (non-technical branches) should be aware of the AFCAT exam pattern for non-technical branch. The structure of the non-technical branch is given below.
Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
---|---|---|---|
Reasoning and military aptitude test |
35 |
105 |
2 Hours |
Verbal ability in English |
30 |
90 |
|
Numerical ability |
15 |
45 |
|
General awareness |
20 |
60 |
Q: What is the difference between AFCAT and EKT?
Q: How many attempts are in AFCAT?
Q: What is section-wise weightage in AFCAT exam?
Q: What is the time duration of AFCAT exam?
AFCAT Exam Pattern: Normalisation Process
AFCAT normalisation of marks is done to adjust the difficulty level of the question paper held across various sessions. This is done to ensure transparency in the calculation of scores.In order to rationalise the marks scored by candidates appearing in different shifts objectively through a statistical method, normalisation scheme is
being implemented as per the following formula:
Q: I am taking the AFCAT for the first time. How should I prepare for it to crack it in my first attempt?
Q: What is the full form of AFCAT?
AFCAT full form is Air Force Common Admission Test. The exam is conducted twice a year to pick up Class-1 Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Career in Air Force is loaded with opportunities. Candidates starting their career as Flying Officer can reach to the position of Air Marshal/Chief of Air Staff based on their experience and performance.
Q: Are there passing marks in individual subjects in AFCAT exam?
Q: Do marks scored in AFCAT matter in AFSB and after that?
AFSB SSB Exam Pattern
Candidates qualifying the online test of AFCAT are called for AFSB interview. The AFSB interview is conducted in three stages at different centres-Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar and Mysuru. At AFSB, candidates need to undergo the following tests inorder to ascertain their suitability and gauge your potential as an Officer in the Indian Air Force.
Stage-I
Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and discussion test is conducted on the first day. Stage-I test is a screening test and only those who qualify are called for subsequent testing. All Stage-I qualified candidates are subjected to document check to ascertain their eligibility for the branches applied for. Candidates who either do not qualify in Stage-I or do not meet the required eligibility criteria are sent back on the first day itself.
Stage-II
All Stage 1 qualified candidates need to undergo tests as part of their Stage 2 testing during four to five days. Fifth day is for CPSS testing (Flying branch). The following tests are conducted in Stage 2:
- Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist
- Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor activities which are a combination of mental and physical work
- Interview involves a personal conversation with an Interviewing Officer
- Candidates who have applied for flying branch and have been recommended, will also have to undergo Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test
For Flying branch
Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) will be administered to recommended candidates only. This is once in a lifetime test. Candidates who failed the CPSS/ PABT in an earlier attempt or a Flight Cadet suspended from flying training at Air Force Academy are not eligible.
Medical Test
Candidates recommended by the Selection Board, are sent for the medical examination either at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru.
Expert Tips to Prepare for AFCAT ASFB Interview
Q: Is EKT compulsory for AFCAT?
Q: What is the pattern of AFCAT AFSB?
Q: What is AFCAT normalisation of marks?
Q: I have mild psoriasis can I pass the medical standards of AFCAT. Please help.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
Candidates can check below AFCAT Exam Pattern FAQs to know regarding the marking scheme, normalisation of marks, number of sections, etc.
Q: What is the difference between NDA and AFCAT?
Q: What is the syllabus of AFCAT?
News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
AFCAT Exam
Student Forum
Answered 4 days ago
Scoring above the cut off is esstential as it qualifies you for the next stage of the selection process, which is the AFSB interview. However, merely clearing the cutoff does not guarantee selection; a higher score can improve your chances of advancing in the merit list.
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
AFCAT score is a crucial initial screening criterion. Alongside the AFCAT score, factors like performance in the AFSB interview, medical fitness, educational qualifications, and available vacancies determine your final position in the merit list.
I
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 days ago
Achieving a good score in AFCAT is important because it increases your chances of qualifying for the AFSB interview. The scores enhances your position in the merit list. This improves the likelihood of selection. This boosts your confidence for subsequent selection stages.
C
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 weeks ago
To be eligible for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), you need to meet specific academic criteria based on the branch you are applying for:
For Flying Branch:
- You must have scored at least 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics in 10+2.
- You should also have a bachelor's degree (minimum 3 y
R
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates can calculate the probable scores using the AFCAT answer key in the following way:
- For correct answers, candidates score three marks
- One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer
- No marks are allotted to unattempted questions
R
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 2 weeks ago
Candidates can choose the best books for AFCAT exam in the following way:
- Check the publishing year of the AFCAT books. Students must select the latest edition of books.
- Choose books that are easy to read.
- Select AFCAT books that are written in a simple language where students can understand the concep
B
Beginner-Level 4
Answered 4 weeks ago
The minimum visual acuity required for the AFCAT exam is 6/9 each eye which can be corrected to 6/6 in each eye if the usual acuity below6/ 6 classic must be worn the corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the letter I and 6/18 in the worse side
K
Contributor-Level 9
Answered a month ago
AFCAT 1 2024 vacancy break-up is given below.
Entry Type | Post Code | Male | Female | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
AFCAT | Flying | 28 | 10 | 38 |
AFCAT Ground Duty Technical | AE (L) | 104 | 11 | 125 |
AE (M) | 45 | 05 | 50 | |
AFCAT Ground Duty Non Technical | Admin | 44 | 06 | 50 |
LGS | 11 | 02 | 13 | |
Accounts | 11 | 02 | 13 | |
Ground Duty Non Technical | Education | 08 | 02 | 10 |
Ground Duty Non Technical | Weapon Systems WS Branch | 15 | 02 | 17 |
Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | 09 | 02 | 11 |
NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC. |
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
AFCAT 2 2024 vacancy break-up is given below.
Entry Type | Post Code | Male | Female | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFCAT | Flying | 18 | 12 | |||||
AFCAT Ground Duty Technical | AE (L) | 88 | 23 | |||||
AE (M) | 36 | 09 | ||||||
AFCAT Ground Duty Non Technical | Admin | 43 | 03 | |||||
LGS | 13 | 14 | ||||||
Accounts | 10 | 11 | ||||||
Ground Duty Non Technical | Education | 07 | 02 | |||||
Ground Duty Non Technical | Weapon Systems WS Branch | 14 | 02 | |||||
Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | 08 | 02 | |||||
NCC Special Entry | Flying |
|
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered a month ago
AFCAT 1 vacancy break-up is given below:
Entry Type | Post Code | Male | Female | |||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFCAT | Flying | 21 | 9 | |||||
AFCAT Ground Duty Technical | AE (L) | 95 | 27 | |||||
AE (M) | 53 | 14 | ||||||
AFCAT Ground Duty Non Technical | Admin | 42 | 11 | |||||
LGS | 13 | 3 | ||||||
Accounts | 11 | 2 | ||||||
Ground Duty Non Technical | Education | 07 | 02 | |||||
Ground Duty Non Technical | Weapon Systems WS Branch | 14 | 03 | |||||
Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | 07 | 02 | |||||
NCC Special Entry | Flying |
|
A
Contributor-Level 10
What is the significance of scoring above the cutoff in AFCAT?