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    AFCAT Full Form - What is AFCAT Exam Full Form?

    AFCAT Full Form - What is AFCAT Exam Full Form?

    Meghana Mohana KrishnanUpdated on 23 Jan 2026, 10:40 AM IST

    The full form of AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test. The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the AFCAT exam twice a year 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 2026
    4. AFCAT Exam Pattern
    5. AFCAT Syllabus
    AFCAT Full Form - What is AFCAT Exam Full Form?
    AFCAT 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 2026 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.

    Quick links:

    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 2026

    Before filling the AFCAT 2026 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.

    Quick links:

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

    AFCAT Eligibility 2026

    IAF prescribes the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2026 in the official notification. According to the AFCAT 2026 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.

    Quick links:

    AFCAT Exam Pattern

    The Indian Air Force mentions the exam pattern in the official AFCAT notification. As per the exam pattern of AFCAT 2026, 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 prescribes the syllabus of AFCAT which contains all important topics and chapters from where the questions are 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)

    Q: What is the full form of AFCAT?
    A:

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

    Q: Who can apply for the AFCAT exam?
    A:

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

    Q: What is the salary of AFCAT?
    A:

    The pay scale of AFCAT exam is Rs. 56,100 - Rs 1,77,500. 

    Q: Is AFCAT after 12th?
    A:

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

    Q: What is AFCAT used for?
    A:

    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.

    Q: What is the highest rank in AFCAT?
    A:

    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

    On Question asked by student community

    Have a question related to AFCAT ?

    For Flying Branch through AFCAT , B.Tech is not compulsory. You can apply with a BSc degree in Physics & Maths in 12th, or any graduation degree with a minimum of 60% marks.

    Hey! Since your date of birth is 07 Nov 2006 and you will complete graduation in 2029, here’s how many chances you’ll get for CDS (INA, IMA, AFA) and AFCAT:

    For CDS exams, the age limit is usually 19–24 years.

    For AFCAT, Flying Branch requires 20–24 years and Ground Duty

    If your date of birth is in October two thousand two and as of twenty fifth June two thousand twenty five you are about twenty two years and eight months old then you are within the age limit for AFCAT eligibility The eligibility criteria for the flying branch through AFCAT

    Hello aspirant,

    To choose applicants for admission to the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, the Indian Air Force administers the AFCAT exam.  Given the high volume of applications for the AFCAT exam, students must adhere to a solid study plan in order to pass.  The AFCAT

    The official question paper and answer key for AFCAT twenty twenty five will be released by the Indian Air Force after the exam is conducted Until then candidates can refer to previous year question papers and sample papers for preparation The AFCAT exam includes sections such as General Awareness Verbal