AFCAT Full Form - What is AFCAT Exam Full Form?

AFCAT Full Form - What is AFCAT Exam Full Form?

Edited By Namritha Bachwal | Updated on Dec 02, 2024 12:29 PM IST | #AFCAT
Ongoing Event
AFCAT  Application Date : 02 Jun' 2025 - 01 Jul' 2025

The full form of AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test. The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the AFCAT exam twice a year in February and August to recruit candidates for various posts in the Flying branch as well as Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) in the Indian Air Force. Candidates looking to get enrolled in Ground Duty (Technical) branches have to appear in both the AFCAT as well as the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). The AFCAT exam is one of India's most popular yet competitive recruitment exams, as a vast number of candidates attempt it yearly.

This Story also Contains
  1. What is the AFCAT Full Form?
  2. AFCAT Selection Process
  3. AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
  4. AFCAT Exam Pattern
  5. AFCAT Syllabus
AFCAT Full Form - What is AFCAT Exam Full Form?
AFCAT Full Form - What is AFCAT Exam Full Form?

There are two stages in the AFCAT exam - the written test and the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board). Candidates who qualify in the written test of the AFCAT 2025 are then called to appear in the AFSB which is a 5-day process. After the AFSB, aspirants then have to qualify for the medical test, post which they get commissioned into the AFCAT course.

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What is the AFCAT Full Form?

The AFCAT full form is the Air Force Common Admission Test. The full form of EKT is Engineering Knowledge Test, while that of IAF is Indian Air Force. AFSB stands for Air Force Selection Board.

AFCAT Selection Process

As mentioned in the AFCAT notification, the selection process consists of three stages -

  • AFCAT written test

  • AFSB Interview/Personality Test

  • Medical Test

Important - Check the Complete List of Full Forms

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2025

Before filling the AFCAT application form, candidates are required to check the eligibility criteria as mentioned in the official notification. The AFCAT eligibility criteria consist of the nationality, academic qualification, age limit and physical requirements needed to fill the application form.

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

AFCAT Eligibility

IAF has prescribed the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2025 in the official notification. According to the AFCAT 2025 eligibility criteria, candidates must be citizens of India and those below 25 years should be unmarried. For flying branches through AFCAT and NCC, special entry candidates' age must be between 20 and 24 years old. There is upper age relaxation till 26 years for candidates having a valid and current commercial pilot licence issued by DGCA. Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch: Aspirants must be between 20 and 26 years old. The academic for flying branch candidates must be BE/B.Tech while that for non-technical branches must be graduated in a designated field.

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AFCAT Exam Pattern

The Indian Air Force has mentioned the exam pattern in the official AFCAT notification. As per the exam pattern of AFCAT 2025, the first stage is conducted in online mode for 100 questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Aptitude Test. There are 120 minutes to complete the test. There is also negative marking in the exam. The written test is followed by the AFSB.

AFCAT Syllabus

The Indian Air Force has prescribed the syllabus of AFCAT which contains all important topics and chapters from where the questions will be asked in the exam. Candidates preparing for the AFCAT exam must follow the AFCAT syllabus along with the exam pattern. The syllabus is divided into four sections - English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability & Reasoning, and Military Aptitude Test.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is the full form of AFCAT?

The AFCAT full form is Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) exam.

2. Who can apply for the AFCAT exam?

Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility criteria can apply for the AFCAT exam.

3. What is the salary of AFCAT?

The pay scale of AFCAT exam is Rs. 56,100 - 177500. 

4. Is AFCAT after 12th?

No, AFCAT cannot be applied after 12th. Candidates with a minimum graduation degree can only apply for it.

5. What is AFCAT used for?

The AFCAT exam is held to recruit candidates for posts in the Flying branch as well as Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) in the Indian Air Force.

6. What is the highest rank in AFCAT?

The Highest rank attainable by someone having cleared the AFCAT is that of an Air Chief Marshal.

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Questions related to AFCAT

Have a question related to AFCAT ?

For a B.Tech in Civil Engineering (bachelor) candidate applying for AFCAT, the correct option is Graduate Option D .

Explanation:

AFCAT eligibility:

AFCAT requires a Bachelor's degree in any discipline (or B.Tech) from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.

Engineering Graduates:

Engineers (B.Tech) are specifically mentioned as eligible under a graduate category, which is option D according to Quora.

Civil Engineering:

Since Civil Engineering is a B.Tech degree, it falls under the engineering graduate category, thus making option D the correct choice.

Option D:

Option D is specifically designed for engineering graduates. It allows you to mention your degree and specify your engineering discipline (Civil Engineering).

hi,

If AFCAT officials have clearly said they need a certificate and not just your marksheet , they’re most likely asking for your degree certificate — the official proof that you’ve completed your graduation. The marksheet alone only shows your scores, but not that you've actually passed the entire course.

If you haven’t received your original degree certificate yet, you can try submitting a provisional certificate . Most colleges or universities provide this after the final results are out. It’s usually accepted as a temporary replacement for the actual certificate.

If even the provisional certificate isn’t available, you can ask your college to issue a bonafide letter or a course completion letter saying that you’ve successfully completed your degree and the certificate is pending. Sometimes, that’s accepted too.

But the best and safest thing to do is contact the AFCAT helpdesk and clearly explain your situation. Ask if they will accept a provisional certificate or any temporary proof for now. They usually guide you well.

Hello there,

Yes, you can become eligible for the AFCAT Flying Branch by adding Mathematics to your 12th qualification.

Here’s what you can do:

  • You must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, each with at least 50% marks, to be eligible for the Flying Branch.

  • Since you studied PCB, you can take Mathematics as an additional subject through NIOS or any other recognized board.

  • NIOS offers the option to appear for a single subject. Although they provide only a marksheet and not a full certificate, the marksheet is valid and recognized.

  • To ensure eligibility, complete your graduation with at least 60% marks and submit both your original 12th marksheet (with Physics) and the NIOS Mathematics marksheet while applying.

  • Before applying for AFCAT, it is recommended to confirm with the official AFCAT or Indian Air Force recruitment office whether the NIOS marksheet for a single subject is accepted.

This path is commonly used by students in similar situations.


I hope this answer helps you. If you have more queries, feel free to share your questions with us, and we will be happy to assist you.

Thank you, and I wish you all the best in your bright future.

Hello,

As of today (27 May 2025), you are 22 years old . For the AFCAT Flying Branch , the age limit is 20 to 24 years as of the course start date. However, candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) can apply up to 26 years .

AFCAT exams are conducted twice a year – AFCAT 1 (Feb) and AFCAT 2 (Aug).

For the Flying Branch , the age is calculated as on 1 July for AFCAT 2 and 1 January for AFCAT 1.

Your Date of Birth: 25 Oct 2002

  • For AFCAT 2 2025 (course starts July 2026) → You will be 23 years 8 months Eligible

  • For AFCAT 1 2026 (course starts Jan 2027) → You will be 24 years 2 months Still eligible

  • For AFCAT 2 2026 (course starts July 2027) → You will be 24 years 8 months Not eligible (crosses 24 years)

You are eligible for AFCAT 2 2025 and AFCAT 1 2026 for Flying Branch.

So, you have 2 attempts left including AFCAT 2 2025 .

Hope it helps !

Hello,

Yes, you are eligible for the AFCAT Flying Branch if you meet these conditions:

  • You must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, securing at least 50% marks in each subject.

  • You must have completed graduation (minimum 3 years) from a recognised university with at least 60% marks.

Since you had PCB in 12th, you can take Mathematics as an additional subject through NIOS. NIOS is a recognised board, and its certificates are accepted. Just make sure you score at least 50% marks in Mathematics.

You don’t need to take a drop. You can study for the NIOS Mathematics exam along with your graduation. But you must complete and pass the Maths exam before applying for AFCAT.

Hope it helps !

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