Anangsha PatraDeputy Manager – Editorial
AFCAT Syllabus 2025: The Indian Air Force (IAF) prescribes AFCAT syllabus so that candidates know the topics they need to prepare for the exam. AFCAT syllabus outlines the topics and sub-topics that candidates need to prepare inorder to crack the exam. Before beginning with the AFCAT preparation, candidates must refer to the syllabus. Candidates must also practice previous years' AFCAT Question Papers to know the types of questions asked in the exam. The subjects included in AFCAT exam are General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test. A total of 300 marks are allotted for AFCAT exam. Candidates appearing for the exam must go through the AFCAT exam pattern to understand the overall structure of the exam. Scroll down to check the detailed AFCAT syllabus 2025.
Also Read:Â AFCAT shift Timings
Q: Â What is the syllabus of AFCAT?
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Q: Â What is AFCAT syllabus for ground duty branch?
Upvote Q: Â Which are the important topics for AFCAT exam?
To ace AFCAT exam, it is mandatory to know the important topics covered in AFCAT syllabus. Knowing important topics will help candidates to strategise their preparation and score maximum marks. Some of the important topics in AFCAT syllabus are given below:
- English: Spotting Errors, Fill in the blanks, One-word substitution, Sentence completion, Synonyms and Antonyms, etc.
- Mathematics: Percentage, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Boats and Streams, Time and Work, Average, Interest, etc.
- Reasoning: Odd one out, Venn Diagram, Analogy, Blood relations, missing figures, Syllogism, Coding-Decoding, etc.
- General Awareness: History, Geography, Current Affairs, Art and Culture, Sports, Important days and events, etc.
Upvote Q: Â What is AFCAT Mechanical Syllabus?
AFCAT syllabus for Mechanical Engineering is given below.
- Fundamental Engineering syllabus: Engineering Physics, Engineering Mathematics and Engineering Drawing/ Engineering Graphics.
- Specialised Branch topics: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics/Hydraulic Machines, Engineering Mechanics, Materials Science, Thermodynamics, Manufacturing Science, Machine Drawing.
- Allied Engineering Topics: Aerodynamics, Flight Mechanics, Aircraft Structures, Power Plant Engineering., Industrial Engineering, Automotive Engineering
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AFCAT Syllabus 2025
AFCAT syllabus comprises the topics that candidates need to prepare for the exam. It is most important to understand the syllabus before beginning with the syllabus. Candidates should cover all the topics given in the AFCAT syllabus. They should not miss out any topic for revision. The standard of AFCAT syllabus for Numerical Ability is of Class 10 level. The standard of questions in other subjects of AFCAT syllabus is of graduation level. The important highlights related to AFCAT syllabus is given below.
| Subjects | Important Details |
|---|---|
| English Language | This section aims to test the vocabulary and grammar of candidates. Questions are basically asked from Comprehension, Detect Error in Sentence, Sentence Completion/ Filling in of correct word, Synonym/ Antonym, Cloze Test or Fill in the Gaps in a paragraph, Idioms and Phrases, Analogy, Sentence Rearranging, Substitution in a Sentence/ One Word Substitution |
| General Awareness | The General Awareness section aims to assess the knowledge of candidates regarding the Current Affairs. Questions are asked from General Awareness. History, Geography, Sports, National & International |
| Numerical Ability | This section tests the calculative ability of candidates. Questions are asked on Numerical Ability. Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average/ |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | Questions are asked from Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
Also Read: Important Topics for AFCAT Exam
AFCAT Syllabus PDF
AFCAT syllabus PDF is divided into five sections that are Numerical Ability, Reasoning, English, General Awareness & Military Aptitude. Candidates applying for technical posts also have to appear for EKT after the exam. Candidates appearing for the AFCAT exam can download AFCAT syllabus PDF to learn about the chapters they need to prepare for the exam.
Download here AFCAT Syllabus PDF
Also Read: AFCAT Non-Technical Syllabus
AFCAT English SyllabusÂ
The questions in the English Language of AFCAT are asked from Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion/ Filling in of Correct Word, Synonyms, Antonyms and the Testing of Vocabulary, Idioms, and Phrases. The standard of questions is easy in terms of difficulty level. The distribution of questions is given below.
| Topics | No of Questions |
|---|---|
| Fill in the blacks |
4 |
| Error Detection |
3 |
| Idioms/Phrases |
3 |
| Reading Comprehension |
2 |
| Antonym/ Synonym |
6 |
| Cloze test |
5 |
AFCAT General Awareness SyllabusÂ
Questions in this section are asked from History, Geography, Civics, Politics, Current Affairs, Environment, Basic Science, Defence, Art, Culture, Sports, etc.
| Topics | No of Questions |
|---|---|
| History | 5 |
| Geography | 4 |
| Science | 5 |
| Polity | 4 |
| Current Affairs and Economics | 7 |
| Total | 25 |
| Download CURRENT AFFAIRS Guide - Click Here |
AFCAT Numerical Ability Syllabus
In this section, questions are asked from Numerical Ability, Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion and Simple Interest, Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams). The distribution of questions is given below.
| Topics | No of Questions |
|---|---|
| Profit/Loss and Discount | 2 |
| Ratio & Percentage | 3 |
| Mixture & Allegations | 2 |
| Algebra | 2 |
| Time and Work | 2 |
| Simplification | 3 |
| Speed and Distance | 2 |
| Average | 2 |
AFCAT Reasoning & Military Aptitude Syllabus
Questions in this section are asked from Verbal Skills and Spatial Ability.
| Topic |
No of Questions |
|---|---|
| Non-Verbal (Image) |
10 |
| Odd one out |
5 |
| Analogy |
5 |
| 4 |
|
| Complete the pattern |
5 |
| Miscellaneous |
5 |
AFCAT Non-Technical Syllabus
A thorough understanding of AFCAT non-technical syllabus helps candidates to achieve the desired result. It helps candidates to know about the exam and focus on the important topics to achieve their goals. AFCAT non-technical syllabus is a detailed description of the topics asked in each section of the exam. Candidates can check below AFCAT non-technical syllabus.
| Subjects | AFCAT Non-Technical Syllabus |
|---|---|
| General Awareness |
History National & International Organisations Geography, Art & Culture Personalities Sports Environment & Ecology Economy Indian Polity Basic Science Based Knowledge Science & Technology Current Affairs (National & International) Defence |
| English |
Comprehension Error Detection in Sentence Sentence Completion/ Fill in the correct word Cloze Test / Fill in the blanks in a paragraph Synonym/ Antonym Idioms and Phrases Sentence Rearranging Analogy Substitution in a Sentence/ One Word Substitution |
| Numerical Ability |
Time and Work Decimal Fraction Profit & Loss Ratio & Proportion Average/Percentage Simple and Compound Interest Time & Distance and Races (Trains/ Boats & Streams) Probability Area and Perimeter Mixture & Allegation Rules Number System & Number Series Clocks |
| Reasoning and military aptitude test |
Odd One Out Analogy Venn Diagram Pattern Completion Dot Situation Analysis Blood Relation Missing Figures Figure Classification Coding and Decoding Spotting the Embedded Figures |
Expert Tips to Crack AFSB Interview
Important Points Related to AFCAT Syllabus
Some of the important points related to AFCAT syllabus are given below:
- Questions in the exam are based on the metric system of weights and measures wherever applicable
- Air Force has the discretion to fix qualifying marks in any or all the subjects of the examination
- Questions in the exam are based on the topics given in the AFCAT syllabus
- The standard of Numerical Ability Questions is of Matriculation level. The standard of questions in other subjects is of graduation level (Indian University)
- Candidates must attempt the practice test after going through the syllabus to improve their speed and accuracy
Q: Â Which are the important topics for General Awareness in AFCAT exam?
Questions in the General Awareness section in the AFCAT exam are asked from History, Geography, Civics, Politics, Current Affairs Environment, Basic Science, Defence, Art, Culture, Sports, etc. Candidates must keep an watch on the latest national and international news for the Current Affairs. They must prepare the Current Affairs of last one year to six months. The tips and tricks to ace the General Awareness section are given below:
- Candidates must read newspapers, magazines, current affairs regularly inorder to get updated with the recent happenings
- Candidates must focus on important topics such as Indian History, Geography, Indian Polity, Economy, Sports, Science and Technology, Awards and Honors, etc.
- Candidates must take online quizzes and mock tests to check their knowledge and identify weak areas
- Candidates must make notes of important facts and figures for quick revision
Upvote Q: Â What are the important topics for Numerical Ability in AFCAT exam?
Upvote Q: Â Which are the important topics for AFCAT Reasoning Ability and Military Aptitude?
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test is one of the important sections of AFCAT exam. This section assess a candidate's ability to apply logic and military skills in practical situations. The important topics for this section are:
Verbal Reasoning: The Verbal Reasoning section comprises the following topics:
- Series Completion
- Coding-Decoding
- Analogy, Classification
- Blood Relations
- Puzzle Test
- Logical Venn Diagrams
- Alphabet Test
- Ranking
- Time Sequence Test.
Non-Verbal Reasoning: This section comprises the following topics:
- Series
- Analogy
- Classification
- Mirror Images
- Water Images
- Embedded Figures
- Completion of Incomplete Pattern
- Figure Matrix
- Paper Folding
Upvote Q: Â What are the important topics for the English Language section in the AFCAT exam?
Upvote AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025
AFCAT exam pattern highlights the overall structure of the exam. All the registered candidates are required to appear in the online test. Candidates who opt for Ground Duty (Technical) branches are required to appear in both AFCAT and Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). AFCAT exam comprises 100 objective-type questions, while EKT carries 50 questions. The maximum marks allotted for AFCAT are 300, while EKT carries 150 marks.Â
Sectional Weightage of Marks
AFCAT exam syllabus consists of two papers and both are objective type-AFCAT for Flying & Ground Duty Branch (Non-Tech) and EKT for Ground Duty (Technical Branch). The weighage given to AFCAT syllabus is given below.
| Exam | Subject | Duration | No. of Question | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT (For all branches) |
Numerical Ability, Reasoning, English, General Awareness & Military Aptitude |
120 Minutes |
100 |
300 |
| EKT (For Technical Branch Only) |
Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical, Electronics & Communication |
45 Minutes |
60 |
180 |
AFCAT Marking Scheme
The marking scheme of AFCAT is given below:
- For correct answers, candidates score three marks. The total score of candidates is calculated after deducting AFCAT negative marking
- There is AFCAT negative marking. For every incorrect answer, one mark is deductedÂ
- Candidates will not get marks for unattempted questions
Normalisation of AFCAT Score
IAF conducts AFCAT exam in multiple shifts. The difficulty level of the exams is different for different shifts. Normalisation of marks is done to adjust the difficulty level of the exam held across various shifts. Normalisation of marks is done to ensure fairness in the examination process.
AFCAT Mock Test
AFCAT mock test helps candidates familiarise themselves with the exam pattern. Mock tests are like actual tests and the question paper is framed based on the latest pattern.Practising mock test candidates can learn the effective time management skills. Â
Q: Â What is AFCAT Exam Pattern?
Upvote Q: Â What is section-wise weightage in AFCAT exam?
Upvote Q: Â What is AFCAT marking scheme?
Upvote Q: Â How difficult is AFCAT exam?
Upvote AFCAT Previous Years' Question Papers
AFCAT previous years' question papers are the best resource to prepare for the exam. It helps candidates to know the type of questions asked in the exam. By practising the AFCAT previous years' question papers, candidates can improve their speed and accuracy of solving questions. They also learn time management skills. The benefits of solving AFCAT question papers are given below:Â
- Solving the question papers helps candidates to know the type of questions asked in the exam
- By practising AFCAT question papers candidates can improve their question-solving ability
- Candidates must analyse their performance after solving the question papers. They should work on rectifying their mistakes
Q: Â Does AFCAT repeat questions?
Upvote Q: Â How many papers are there in the AFCAT exam?
Upvote Q: Â How can I prepare for AFCAT?
Upvote Q: Â What are the important topics for the English Language section in the AFCAT exam?
Upvote AFCAT Books 2025
Here is the list of AFCAT books that candidates can refer to for their preparation:
- AFCAT Self-Study Guide cum Practice Work by Kiran Publication
- The AFCAT Guide by Disha Publication
- AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) by Arihant Publication
- AFCAT Exam Guide1st Edition for Flying and Technical Branch by R Gupta Publication
- AFCAT Previous Year Papers and Practice Test PapersÂ
Q: Â What are the best ways to prepare for the AFCAT?
Upvote Q: Â Which are the best books for AFCAT English section?
Upvote Q: Â How the best books for AFCAT exam helps in preparation?
Upvote Q: Â How to choose the best books for AFCAT preparation?
Upvote How to Prepare for AFCAT 2025?
Some useful tips and tricks to crack AFCAT 2025 exam are given below:
- A thorough understanding of AFCAT syllabus and exam pattern is of utmost importance since it will help candidates to know the structure of the exam as well the important topics to cover for the exam
- Candidates must solve previous years' question papers to know the type of questions asked in the exam
- Candidates must attempt mock tests to improve speed and accuracy
- Candidates must be thorough with the current affairs by reading newspapers
Candidates can check below the tips and tricks to crack AFCAT exam by experts.
Also Read:Â AFCAT Preparation Tips
Q: Â Who sets the AFCAT syllabus?
AFCAT syllabus is prescribed by the Indian Air Force. The examination authority reserves the right to set and make changes in the syllabus. AFCAT Test Syllabus comprises General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Quantitative Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test. The standard of questions in other subjects except mathematics will be of graduation level. EKT syllabus comprises topics from Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering. AFCAT exam is conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit personnel to various posts in the Air Force. The examination for AFCAT is conducted twice a year in June and December, respectively
Upvote Q: Â What are the best ways to prepare for the AFCAT?
Upvote Q: Â Do marks scored in AFCAT matter in AFSB and after that?
Upvote Q: Â How difficult is AFCAT exam?
Upvote AFCAT Syllabus 2025 FAQs
Candidates can check below the FAQs related to AFCAT syllabus.
Q: Â Is AFCAT exam easy to crack?
Upvote Q: Â What is AFCAT syllabus for Computer Science?
AFCAT syllabus for Computer Science is given below:
Fundamental Engineering:
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Drawing
Specialised branch topics:
- Information Technology
- Network Theory Design
- Analog and Digital Electronics
- Computer Networks
- Switching Theory
- Electronic Devices
Allied Engineering Topics:
- Control Engineering
- Telecommunication Systems
- Electrical Engineering
- Radar Theory
- Instrumentation
- Antenna and Wave Propagation
- Microwave Engineering
Upvote Q: Â What is AFCAT syllabus for Electrical & Electronics Engineering?
AFCAT syllabus for Electrical and Electronics Engineering is given below:
Fundamental Engineering syllabus
- Engineering Physics
- Engineering Mathematics
- Engineering Drawing
Specialised Branch topics
- Microwave Engineering
- Analog and Digital Electronics
- Electronic Devices
- Telecommunication Systems
- Microwave Engineering
- Control Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
Allied Engineering Topics
- Switching Theory
- Computer Networks
- Radar Theory
- Network Theory Design
- Instrumentation
- Information Technology
Upvote Q: Â What topics are covered in the AFCAT syllabus?
The AFCAT syllabus covers a wide range of topics including English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension, general knowledge on history, geography, politics, and culture, and mathematics, including algebra, geometry, and trigonometry. The syllabus of AFCAT is given below:
| Subjects | Topics |
|---|---|
English | Comprehension, Error Detection, Antonyms and Testing of Vocabulary, Idioms and Phrases, Synonyms |
General Knowledge | History, Civics, Geography, Politics, Art, Culture, Sports, Defence, Basic Science, Environment, Current Affairs |
Reasoning and Military Aptitude | Spatial Ability, Verbal Ability, Simple Interest Time and Distance, Ratio and Proportion, etc. |
Numerical Ability | Time and Work, Decimal Fraction, Profit and Loss, Percentage, etc. |
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News & Updates
Get prep tips, practice papers, exam details and important updates
AFCAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?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?