AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Subject Wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, Syllabus

AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Subject Wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, Syllabus

Edited By Meghana Mohana Krishnan | Updated on Apr 09, 2025 03:50 PM IST | #AFCAT

Indian Air Force will specify the AFCAT 2 exam pattern 2025 in the official notification. The AFCAT 2025 exam pattern will be available online on the official website - afcat.cdac.in. Candidates can know the important information pertaining to the exam such as subject-wise sections and the marking scheme through the AFCAT exam pattern 2025.

This Story also Contains
  1. AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights
  2. AFCAT Syllabus 2025
  3. AFCAT Syllabus: EKT Syllabus
  4. AFCAT Question Papers 2025
  5. AFCAT Preparation Tips 2025
  6. AFCAT Books 2025
  7. AFCAT Mock Test 2025
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Subject Wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, Syllabus
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 - Subject Wise Pattern, Marking Scheme, Syllabus

Additionally, information such as total marks, section-wise marks and negative marking schemes can also be known through the AFCAT exam pattern. Before beginning the preparation for the AFCAT exam, candidates are advised to go through the details mentioned in the AFCAT exam pattern 2025. The AFCAT 2 2025 exam pattern consists of a written exam, Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) which candidates appearing for technical posts must attempt. Afterwards, the candidates who cleared these exams have to appear for the ASFB interview and a medical test. Candidates are encouraged to go through the material below for more information regarding the AFCAT exam pattern 2025.

AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025: Highlights

Exam

AFCAT 2025 Exam Pattern

EKT (only for technical)

Mode of Exam

Online

Online

No. of Questions

100

50

Maximum Marks

300

150

Duration of Exam

2 hours (120 minutes)

45 minutes

Sections in Paper

General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test

Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics

Negative Marking

1 mark

1 mark

Also Read:

AFCAT 2025 Exam Stages

  • Online written test.

  • AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) Interview.

  • Medical Test.

AFCAT Question/Sample papers
Candidates can download AFCAT question papers along with answers from here.
Free Download

Online Written Test - The online test is the first stage of the AFCAT recruitment process. Aspirants with the AFCAT admit card will be eligible to appear in the AFCAT written test. The AFCAT online test will be conducted for subjects such as English, Numerical ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test and EKT Syllabus for candidates opting for engineering knowledge test.

AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) - The AFSB will be conducted after the online test which is a 5-day event, conducted in various Air Force centres such as - Varanasi, Dehradun, Gandhinagar and Mysore. In AFSB, the aspirants will be judged based on various parameters like screening, picture perception and discussion test, personal information questionnaire, physical training like monkey crawl, jumping across the screen, parallel beam or balancing etc.

Medical Test - In the medical test, a thorough health checkup will be conducted for the candidates. If the candidate is found to be having any kind of medical issue, they will be given some time to recover.

AFCAT Syllabus 2025

The Indian Air Force (IAF) prescribes the AFCAT 2025 syllabus in the official notification. Candidates preparing the AFCAT syllabus must learn all the subjects, topics and sub-topics from which the question paper will be based. As per the AFCAT 2 syllabus 2025, there will be four sections - English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability & Reasoning, and Military Aptitude Test. From the following tables, candidates can check the subject-wise topics of the syllabus of AFCAT 2025.

AFCAT Syllabus: General Awareness

History

Sports

Geography

Art and Culture

Current Affairs (National & International)

National & International OrganisationsScience & Technology

Politics

Civics

Defence

Indian Polity

Basic Science Based Knowledge

Environment & EcologyEconomy

AFCAT Syllabus: English

Comprehension

Basic Grammar

Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate word

Error Detection

Sentence Completion

Synonyms and Antonyms

AnalogyIdioms and PhrasesCloze Test or Fill in the Gaps in a paragraph

AFCAT Syllabus: Numerical Ability

Decimal and Fraction

Simple Interest & Compound Interest

Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams)

Percentage

Ratio and Proportion

Time and Work

Average/ Percentage

Profit and Loss

Area and PerimeterMixture & Allegation RulesNumber System & Number SeriesProbability

AFCAT Syllabus: Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Also Read:

AFCAT Syllabus: EKT Syllabus

Candidates planning to apply for the ground duty (Technical) branch will have to take an additional online test - Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).

AFCAT Syllabus Topics

Syllabus

Topics

AFCAT EKT Fundamental Engineering Syllabus

Engineering Physics, Engineering Mathematics, and Engineering Drawing

AFCAT EKT Mechanical Engineering Syllabus

Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics/Hydraulic Machines, Engineering Mechanics, Materials Science, Thermodynamics, Manufacturing Science, and Machine Drawing

AFCAT EKT Electrical & Electronics Engineering Syllabus

Microwave Engineering, Analog, and Digital Electronics, Electronic Devices, Telecommunication Systems, Microwave Engineering, Control Engineering, and Electrical Engineering

AFCAT EKT Computer Science Engineering Syllabus

Information Technology, Network Theory Design, Analog, and Digital Electronics, Computer Networks, Switching Theory, and Electronic Devices

AFCAT EKT Allied Engineering Topics Syllabus

Control Engineering, Telecommunication Systems, Electrical Engineering, Radar Theory, Instrumentation, Antenna, and Wave Propagation, and Microwave Engineering

Also check:

AFCAT Question Papers 2025

Some leading coaching institutes provide the question papers of AFCAT 2025 in online mode. Candidates can refer to IAF AFCAT question paper 2025 while preparing for the exam. The AFCAT 2025 question papers consist of questions from subjects such as quantitative aptitude, logical reasoning, general knowledge, and English language. By solving past years' AFCAT question papers during preparation, aspirants will be familiar with the topics asked in the exam, the exam pattern, the difficulty level of questions, etc.

AFCAT Preparation Tips 2025

Candidates preparing for the AFCAT exam must prepare in such a way that they can beat the cut throat competition and qualify successfully. From the following points, candidates can check the preparation tips of AFCAT 2025.

  • Aspirants must refer to the exam pattern and syllabus mentioned in the official AFCAT notification.

  • Download the previous years' question papers of AFCAT in order to successfully practise for the exam.

  • They can go through the e-books, current affairs published monthly while preparing for the general awareness section.

  • Give mock tests on a regular basis to increase speed, accuracy, and time management skills.

  • Refer to the past year's trends of AFCAT 2025 cut off to know the difficulty level of the AFCAT exam.

  • Aspirants must do a self-analysis to know about their strong and weak sections.

  • Aspirants must also know about the defense equipment used by the Indian defense forces as the questions related to it can be asked in the interview rounds.

Also Read:

AFCAT Books 2025

To prepare for any exam and not just AFCAT, the best part is to refer to the study materials which can add on to the preparation strategy. From the following table, aspirants can check the best books related to the AFCAT exam preparations.

AFCAT Books 2025

Subjects

Publication

AFCAT Books on General Awareness

Lucent’s General Knowledge

The Malayala Manorama English Yearbook

From Plinth to Paramount by Neetu Singh - KD Publication

Verbal Ability

AFCAT Books on Verbal Ability

Objective General English by Dr. RS. Aggarwal

Verbal Reasoning by Bhupendra Kumar Singh

Numerical Ability

AFCAT Books on Numerical Ability

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations by RS Aggarwal/ S.Chand Publishing

Objective Arithmetic- S Chand

Quantitative Aptitude and Data Interpretation-Disha Publication

AFCAT Books on Aptitude Test

Quantitative Aptitude- S.Chand

Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams-McGraw Hill Education

Check Other Competitive Exam Patterns

AFCAT Mock Test 2025

IAF provides the AFCAT mock test in online mode on the official website. The AFCAT 2025 mock test will help the students understand the exam pressure and the AFCAT exam pattern 2025 in a better way. Candidates need to login through the dummy login credentials already mentioned on the page and start their AFCAT mock test 2025. Using the AFCAT mock test, candidates will be able to understand their preparation level too.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How many papers are in AFCAT?

There is one paper in AFCAT.  For candidates who want to appear in the ground duty (Technical) branch, they will have to appear in EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) as well.

2. What is the pattern of AFCAT exam?

The exam pattern of the AFCAT exam consists of the stages, marking scheme, topics, subjects and time duration.

3. Is AFCAT exam tough?

Yes, it is a bit tough as a lot of candidates apply for it.

4. Who is eligible for AFCAT exam?

As per the academic qualification, candidates must graduate, as far as the age limit and physical requirements are considered, aspirants are advised to click here - AFCAT eligibility criteria 2025.

5. What are the topics covered in AFCAT Syllabus?

The topics covered in AFCAT Syllabus are General Awareness, English, Reasoning, Numerical Ability and Military Aptitude Test. In EKT, there will be topics from Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical and Electronics.

6. What are the important topics covered in English of the AFCAT examination?

The important topics covered in the English subject of the AFCAT examination are Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms and Antonyms, Filling in of correct word, vocabulary test, Idioms and Phrases.

7. How many times AFCAT exam is conducted in a year?

AFCAT is conducted twice a year.

8. Is there any AFCAT mock test available?

Yes, IAF provides the AFCAT mock test on the official website.

Articles

Certifications By Top Providers

Human Rights Defenders
Via Amnesty International
Contract Law from Trust to Promise to Contract
Via Harvard University, Cambridge
Access to Justice
Via National Law University, New Delhi
Law of Torts
Via University of Kashmir, Srinagar
Swayam
 217 courses
Edx
 198 courses
LawSikho
 127 courses
Futurelearn
 89 courses
Coursera
 76 courses
Udemy
 63 courses

Explore Top Universities Across Globe

Questions related to AFCAT

Have a question related to AFCAT ?

So, you've cleared all the AFCAT stages? That's fantastic news and a huge step towards becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force! Now, what's next on this exciting journey? Let's break it down:

1. AFSB (Air Force Selection Board Testing): If you aced the AFCAT written exam, expect a call letter inviting you to the AFSB interview. You could be heading to Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, or Varanasi – exciting, right? This isn't just a quick chat; the AFSB evaluation is a pretty intense five-to-six-day process designed to really see if you've got what it takes for a career in the IAF. It's split into two stages:

Stage I: This is the initial screening. You'll face the Officer Intelligence Rating Test and the Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT). How you perform here decides if you move on to Stage II, so bring your A-game!

Stage II: Made it through Stage I? Awesome! Now, over the next few days, get ready for:

Psychological Tests: These are written tests designed to evaluate the psychological attributes that are essential to military service.

Group Testing: Think indoor and outdoor activities designed to see how well you lead, work in a team, and handle the physical demands.

Personal Interview: A one-on-one with an interviewing officer. They'll be looking at your motivation, how aware you are, and if you're truly suited for a career in the IAF. Be prepared to talk about yourself and why you want this!

Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS): Aiming for the Flying Branch? This test is all about figuring out your pilot training aptitude.

2. Medical Examination: If the AFSB gives you the thumbs up, it's time for a thorough medical exam. This happens either at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) in New Delhi or the Institute of Aviation Medicine in Bengaluru. They need to make sure you meet the IAF's strict medical and fitness standards – no cutting corners here!

3. Merit List and Commissioning: Finally, an All India Merit List is compiled. This is based on your performance in the AFCAT written exam, the AFSB assessments, and those medical results. Where you land on this list, combined with how many vacancies there are in different branches, determines if you'll get joining instructions.

If you're selected, you'll report to a training academy, like the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, and begin your training. Successfully complete that, and you'll be commissioned as an officer in the IAF – ready to start that distinguished career serving our nation! J

ust remember, Charanidhi, the AFCAT selection process is super competitive. Meeting the basic requirements doesn't guarantee you a spot. So, prep hard for each stage, and keep an eye on the official IAF recruitment channels for any updates. Best of luck!

Hello aspirant,

The eligibility requirements for AFCAT included age, educational attainment, nationality, and health standards. Candidates must meet these requirements in order to apply for the exam; otherwise, their applications will be denied. The AFCAT eligibility criteria state that candidates must be between the ages of 20 and 24 and that graduation is the required educational background for this exam.

As you will be 23 years old in 2027, you are eligible for this exam.

Thank you

A minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level and a minimum of three years of graduation degree (or appearing for the final semester exam) with 60% marks from a recognized university.

Since you have completed your B.Sc. with Botany, Zoology, and Environmental Science, and are confident of passing with over 60%, you meet the educational qualifications for the Flying Branch in AFCAT 1 2025.

  • Ground Duty (Technical): This requires a four-year engineering degree or an equivalent qualification with minimum marks as specified for each role. Your B.Sc. wouldn't qualify for this branch.

  • Ground Duty (Non-Technical): This has openings for graduates from any stream, including your B.Sc. However, there might be specific requirements for each post (e.g., minimum marks, specific degrees preferred).

    https://competition.careers360.com/exams/iaf-afcat

    I hope it helps!

Hello,


Yes, you are eligible to sit for the Combined Defence Services (CDS) and Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) exams provided you meet certain criteria. For CDS, you need a degree from a recognized university for Indian Military Academy (IMA) and Officers' Training Academy (OTA), and for the Air Force Academy (AFA), you need a degree with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or a Bachelor of Engineering. The age limits for CDS are 19–24 years for IMA and INA, 19–24 years for AFA, and 19–25 years for OTA. For AFCAT, you need a graduation degree with at least 60% marks and Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level for the Flying Branch, or a B.E./B.Tech degree for Ground Duty (Technical), and a three-year graduation degree with 60% marks for Ground Duty (Non-Technical).


The age limits for AFCAT are 20–24 years for the Flying Branch and 20–26 years for Ground Duty. Since you are pursuing a B.P.Ed and have completed 10+2 with science, you meet the basic educational qualifications, provided you also meet the age and other specific criteria.


Hope this helps,


Thank you

Dear aspirant !

Hope you are doing good !

Candidates between 19 to 25 years of age are eligible to apply for CDS recruitment 2024. Before filling up the application form, aspirants must check UPSC CDS eligibility criteria carefully. CDS exam 2024 for both sessions will be conducted on April 21, 2024 and September 1, 2024.

From now you will get 4-5 attempts of both so don't worry about attempt.give your best in preparation only .

Hope it helps you !!

Thanking you


View All
Back to top