The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT Exam) is an Indian Air Force (IAF) recruitment exam conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force for selection of officers in all branches. The exam is conducted for various posts such as Flying, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). The exam tests the candidate’s aptitude, knowledge and skills in various subject areas such as General Awareness, English, Mathematics, Physics, Reasoning and Verbal Ability.
AFCAT Notification
The Indian Air Force releases the AFCAT notification twice a year, in the months of June and December. The notification includes important information such as exam dates, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, syllabus and other related information.
AFCAT Important Dates
– Apply Online Start Date:
– Apply Online Last Date:
– Apply Online Link:
– Download Admit Card Date:
– Written Exam Dates:
– Official Website Link:
AFCAT Exam Pattern
The AFCAT exam is conducted in two stages – Written Test and Interview. The written test is divided into two sections – Section A and Section B. Section A consists of 100 questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability and Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test. Each question carries three marks and there is negative marking of one mark for every incorrect answer. Section B consists of questions from English Language, which tests the candidate’s proficiency in English language. Each question carries one mark and there is no negative marking for incorrect answers.
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Negative Marking |
| Section A | 100 | 300 | -1 |
| Section B | 25 | 25 | No |
AFCAT Syllabus
The syllabus for the AFCAT exam covers topics from General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test and English Language.
General Awareness: This section tests the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, general science and history. It also covers topics on static general knowledge and books & authors.
Verbal Ability: This section tests the candidate’s ability to understand and interpret English language.
Numerical Ability: This section tests the candidate’s ability to solve numerical problems. It includes topics such as arithmetic, algebra, probability, geometry and trigonometry.
Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test: This section tests the candidate’s ability to think logically and solve problems. It includes topics such as coding-decoding, direction sense test, logical reasoning, puzzle test, etc.
English Language: This section tests the candidate’s proficiency in English language. It includes topics such as grammar, vocabulary, idioms, etc.
What to read for AFCAT Exam
Candidates should refer to the official notification for the updated syllabus for the AFCAT exam. Furthermore, candidates should refer to textbooks, magazines and other study materials for the topics from each subject.
History Notes
History
Chapter 1. The Stone Age
Chapter 2. Indus Valley Civilisation
Chapter 3. The Vedic Age
Chapter 4. The First Territorial States
Chapter 5. Religious Movements of Mahajanapada Age
Chapter 6. The Mauryan Empire
Chapter 7. The Sangam Age
Chapter 8. Post-MauryanPeriod (200 BC-AD 300 )
Chapter 9. The Gupta Age (AD 320-500)
Chapter 10. The Post-Gupta Era (AD 550-750)
Chapter 11. The Sultanate of Delhi
Chapter 12. Provincial Kingdoms
Chapter 13. Religious Movements
Chapter 14. The Mughal Empire
Chapter 15. The Maratha Empire
Chapter 16. Mughal Decline and Rise of Regional States
Chapter 17. Emergence of European Powers in India
Chapter 18. Tribal and Peasant Uprisings
Chapter 19. Governor-Generals and Viceroys
Chapter 20. Development of Modern Education and Press
Chapter 21. Revolt of 1857
Chapter 22. Social and Religious Reform Movements
Chapter 23. Growth of Nationalism and Struggle for
Chapter 24. Struggle for Independence Second Phase (1919-1927 )
Chapter 25. Struggle for Independence Third Phase (1927-1939)
Chapter 26. Struggle for Independence Fourth Phase (1940-1947 )
Chapter 27. Religion and Philosophy
Chapter 28. Indian Architecture and Painting Schools
Chapter 29. Music, Dance, Theatre and Festivals
Geography Notes
Chapter 1. The Universe and the Solar System
Chapter 2. The Earth
Chapter 3. Interior of Earth
Chapter 4. Landforms
Chapter 5. Climatology
Chapter 6. Oceanography
Chapter 7. Biogeography
Chapter 8. Chapter eight Human Geography
Chapter 9. Economic Geography
Chapter 10. Continents
Chapter 11. India : Physical Aspects
Chapter 12. Indian Agriculture
Chapter 13. Resources
Chapter 14. Industrial Features of India
Chapter 15. Transport, Trade and Communication in India
Chapter 16. Urbanisation in India
Chapter 17. India Cultural Geography
Chapter 18. Ecology : Basic Concepts
Chapter 19. Environment
Chapter 20. Biodiversity and Its Conservation
Chapter 21. ’Climate Change
Chapter 22. Sustainable Development
Chapter 23. Disaster Management
Polity Notes
Chapter 1. Constitutional Development
Chapter 2. Salient Features of Indian Constitution
Chapter 3. The Preamble
Chapter 4. The Union and Its Territory
Chapter 5. Citizenship
Chapter 6. Fundamental Rights
Chapter 7. Directive Principles of State Policy and Fundamental Duties
Chapter 8. Union Executive
Chapter 9. Parliament
Chapter 10. The Judiciary
Chapter 11. State Government
Chapter 12. Centre-State Relations
Chapter 13. Local Government
Chapter 14. Emergency Provisions
Chapter 15. Official Languages
Chapter 16. Public Service Commissions
Chapter 17. Elections
Chapter 18. Political Parties and Pressure Groups
Chapter 19. Scheduled and Tribal Areas
Chapter 20. Constitutional, Statutory, Non-Statutory Institutions
Chapter 21. Governance
Chapter 22. Public Policy in India
Chapter 23. Rights Issues in India
Chapter 24. Constitutional Provisions Regarding UTs, States with Special Status and Tribunals
Chapter 25. Amendment of the Constitution
Economy Notes
Chapter 1. Introduction to Economics
Chapter 2. National Income
Chapter 3. Economic Growth and Development
Chapter 4. Economic Planning in India
Chapter 5. Money and Banking
Chapter 6. Public Finance
Chapter 7. India’s Balance of Payments
Chapter 8. India’s Foreign Trade
Chapter 9. International Financial and Economic Organisation
Chapter 10. Inflation
Chapter 11. Demographic Profile of India
Chapter 12. Poverty and Unemployment
Chapter 13. Agriculture
Chapter 14. Indian Industry
Chapter 15. Services Sector
Chapter 16. Government Schemes and Programmes
General Science Notes
Chapter 1. Units and Measurement
Chapter 2. Kinematics
Chapter 3. Force
Chapter 4. Work, Energy and Power
Chapter 5. Gravitation
Chapter 6. General Properties of Matter
Chapter 7. Waves
Chapter 8. Heat
Chapter 9. Light
Chapter 10. Electricity
Chapter 11. Atomic and Nuclear Physics
Chapter 12. Matter and Its States Matter
Chapter 13. Gas Laws
Chapter 14. Atomic Structure
Chapter 15. Carbon and Its Compound
Chapter 16. Energy Resources
Chapter 17. Living Organisms
Chapter 18. Origin of Life
Chapter 19. Systems of Human Body
Chapter 20. Health and Diseases
Chapter 21. Plant Biology
Chapter 22. Agriculture
Chapter 23. Animal Husbandry
Chapter 24. Computer Introduction
Chapter 25. Networking
Chapter 26. Security Threats
AFCAT Previous Papers
Candidates can download the official AFCAT previous papers from the official website. The previous papers will help the candidates to get an idea about the exam pattern and the type of questions asked in the exam.
AFCAT Books
Candidates can refer to the following books for preparation of the AFCAT exam:
– AFCAT Arihant by Rishikesh Kumar
– AFCAT Arihant Practice Sets by Rishikesh Kumar
– AFCAT Upkar Publication by Upkar Publication
– AFCAT Guide by RPH Editorial Board
– AFCAT Workbook by GKP
– AFCAT Book by Disha Publication
AFCAT Selection Process
The selection process for the AFCAT exam consists of the following stages:
1. Written Test: The written test consists of two sections – Section A and Section B.
2. Interview: Candidates who clear the written test will be called for the interview.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the interview will be called for the medical examination.
4. Final Selection: The final selection will be based on the performance in the written test, interview and medical examination.
AFCAT Preparation Tips
– Make a plan and stick to it: It is important to make a plan and follow it strictly to ensure that all topics are covered.
– Practice: Candidates should practice mock tests and previous year papers to get an idea of the type of questions asked in the exam.
– Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks during preparation helps the candidate to stay motivated and focused.
– Get enough sleep: It is important to get enough sleep to stay focused and refreshed during the preparation.
– Develop speed and accuracy: Developing speed and accuracy is important to crack the exam.
AFCAT Exam Analysis
The AFCAT exam is conducted twice a year, in the months of February and August. The exam tests the candidate’s aptitude, knowledge and skills in various subject areas such as General Awareness, English, Mathematics, Physics, Reasoning and Verbal Ability. The exam is conducted in two stages – Written Test and Interview. The written test consists of two sections – Section A and Section B.
The questions in Section A are of moderate to difficult level and focus on testing the candidate’s knowledge and skills in the various subject areas. The questions in Section B are of easy to moderate level and focus on testing the candidate’s proficiency in English language. The exam is of three hours duration and there is negative marking of one mark for every incorrect answer in Section A.
For preparation, it is important to practice mock tests and previous year papers to get an idea of the type and level of questions asked in the exam. Candidates should also focus on developing speed and accuracy to crack the exam.
AFCAT Eligibility
Candidates must fulfill the following eligibility criteria for the AFCAT exam:
– Age: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age.
– Educational Qualification: Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognized university.
AFCAT How to Apply Online?
Candidates can follow the steps given below to apply for the AFCAT exam:
1. Visit the official website of the Indian Air Force.
2. Click on the ‘Sign Up’ button and register with the required details.
3. Log in with the registered ID and password.
4. Fill in the application form with all the required details.
5. Upload the required documents.
6. Pay the application fee.
7. Submit the application form.
AFCAT Application Fees
The application fee for the AFCAT exam is Rs. 250/-. The application fee can be paid online through debit/credit cards or net banking.
AFCAT Admit Card
The admit card for the AFCAT exam will be released on the official website of the Indian Air Force. Candidates can download the admit card by logging in with their registered ID and password.
AFCAT Answer Key
The answer key for the AFCAT exam will be released on the official website of the Indian Air Force. Candidates can download the answer key by logging in with their registered ID and password.
AFCAT Result
The result of the AFCAT exam will be declared on the official website of the Indian Air Force. Candidates can check their result by logging in with their registered ID and password.
AFCAT Cutoff
The cutoff for the AFCAT exam will be released on the official website of the Indian Air Force. Candidates must score the required cutoff marks to be eligible for the next stage of the selection process.
AFCAT Salary?
The salary of the selected candidates will vary according to the rank and branch of the officer. The approximate salary for the Flying Officer will be Rs. 56,100/- per month. The salary for the Technical and Ground Duty Officers will depend on the rank of the officer.
AFCAT FAQs
Q. What is the eligibility criteria for the AFCAT exam?
A. Candidates must hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in any discipline from a recognized university. Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age.
Q. What is the selection process for the AFCAT exam?
A. The selection process for the AFCAT exam consists of the following stages: Written Test, Interview, Medical Examination and Final Selection.
Q. What is the syllabus for the AFCAT exam?
A. The syllabus for the AFCAT exam covers topics from General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test and English Language.
Q. What are the books suggested for the AFCAT exam?
A. Candidates can refer to the following books for preparation of the AFCAT exam: AFCAT Arihant by Rishikesh Kumar, AFCAT Arihant Practice Sets by Rishikesh Kumar, AFCAT Upkar Publication by Upkar Publication, AFCAT Guide by RPH Editorial Board, AFCAT Workbook by GKP, AFCAT Book by Disha Publication.