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AFCAT 1 2024 Exam - Notification (Out), Application form (Released), Eligibility, Exam pattern, Dates
Application Date 01 Dec, 2023 - 30 Dec, 2023
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About AFCAT 2024
AFCAT Exam 2024 - The Indian Air Force released the application form for AFCAT 1 on December 1, 2023. The IAF released the AFCAT 1 Notification 2024, along with the application form on the official website at afcat.cdac.in. The last date to submit the application form of AFCAT exam is December 30, 2023. IAF will also provide the AFCAT 1 application correction window 2024 for a certain period. The AFCAT 1 Exam 2024 will be held from February 16 to 18, 2024.
The AFCAT 2024 exam is conducted in two stages – an online test and an SSB interview conducted by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). Candidates applying for Ground Duty (Technical branch) appear for an additional Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).
IAF conducts AFCAT twice a year in February and September to recruit eligible candidates as Commissioned/ Class 1 Gazetted Officers in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical branches) and Meteorology entry for grant of Permanent/ Short Service Commission in the Indian Air Force. AFCAT is a gateway for both male and female candidates who wish to join the Indian Air Force. Candidates will be selected based on their performance in the online exam as well as the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview.
AFCAT Exam 2024 - Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
Exam Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
Exam Level | National |
Frequency of Exam | Twice a year (February & September) |
AFCAT Exam Mode | Online |
Exam Syllabus | AFCAT: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test EKT: Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics |
AFCAT Exam Pattern | AFCAT: 100 objective-type questions of 300 marks EKT: 50 questions of 150 marks |
Medium of Exam | English |
AFCAT Application mode and fees | Online and Rs. 250 (No reservation irrespective of religion, caste and gender) |
Vacancies | AFCAT 01/2024- 317 AFCAT 02/2024- To be notified |
AFCAT Contact Details | Contact number: 020-25503105 or 020-25503106 |
AFCAT 2024 Highlights
| Full Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test |
| Short Exam Name | AFCAT |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
| Frequency of Conduct | 2 times a year |
| Exam Level | National Level Exam |
| Languages | English |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Fee (General) | 250 Rs [Online] |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Mode of Counselling | Online / Offline |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours 27 Minutes |
| Number of Seats | 317 Seats |
AFCAT 2024 Important Dates
AFCAT (Session Feb 2024)
Upcoming Dates and Events
01 Dec, 2023 - 30 Dec, 2023
Application | Mode: Online Ongoing
30 Jan, 2024
Admit Card | Mode: Online
16 Feb, 2024 - 18 Feb, 2024
Exam | Mode: Online
AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria
AFCAT EKT Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India
Age Limit: Candidates applying for Ground Duty (Technical), the age limit is 20 to 26 years of age
Marital Status: Candidates below the age of 25 years must be unmarried. Widows/ widowers and divorcees below 25 years of age are not eligible to apply for the exam
Educational Qualification: Candidates who have opted for Ground Duty (Technical branch) should hold the following educational qualification to be eligible for the examination:
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE(L)}: Candidates having passed class 12 with 60% or more in Physics and Mathematics and additionally holding four years Bachelor’s degree/integrated post-graduation degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university.
Or
Candidates clearing sections A and B exam of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India)/ Aeronautical Society of India/ Graduate membership exam of Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers with at least 60% in the following discipline:
- Communication Engineering
- Computer Engineering/Technology
- Computer Engineering and Application
- Computer Science and Engineering/Technology
- Electrical and Computer Engineering
- Electrical and Electronics Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering/Technology
- Electronics Science and Engineering
- Electronics
- Electronics and Communication Engineering
- Electronics and Computer Science
- Electronics and/or Telecommunication Engineering
- Electronics and/or Telecommunication Engineering (Microwave)
- Electronics and Computer Engineering
- Electronics Communication and Instrumentation Engineering
- Electronics Instrument & Control
- Electronics Instrument & Control Engineering
- Instrumentation & Control Engineering
- Instrument & Control Engineering
- Information Technology
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}: Candidates with minimum 60% in Mathematics and Physics in class 12 and bachelor’s degree (4 years)/integrated post graduation in Engineering/ Technology from a recognized university are eligible to apply for the exam. Candidates who have cleared section A and B exam of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India)/Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% in any of the disciplines mentioned below:
- Aerospace Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aircraft Maintenance Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering and Automation
- Mechanical Engineering (Production)
- Mechanical Engineering (Repair and Maintenance)
- Mechatronics
- Industrial Engineering
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria
AFCAT eligibility criteria are prescribed by Indian Air Force (IAS) along with the notification. The eligibility criteria of AFCAT exam are provided below.
Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India
Age Limit: Candidates applying for Flying Branch should be between 20 to 24 years of age while for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) candidates, the age limit is 20 to 26 years of age
Marital Status: Candidates below the age of 25 years must be unmarried. Widows/ widowers and divorcees below 25 years of age are not eligible to apply for the exam
Educational Qualification:
For Flying branch
Candidates must have passed class 12 with minimum 60% in both Mathematics and Physics and
hold a Bachelor’s degree (3 years) in any discipline from a recognised university.
Or
hold B.Tech/ BE degree with minimum 60% from a recognised university
Or
have cleared section A and B exam of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India)/ Aeronautical Society of India with minimum 60% from a recognised university
For Ground Duty (Non-Technical branch)
Administration and Logistics: Candidates should hold bachelor’s degree of minimum three years from a recognised university in any discipline with minimum 60% or equivalent or should clear section A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India)/ Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with 60% or more
Accounts: B.Com degree with at least 60%
Education: MBA/ MCA/ MA/ MSc degree in English/ Physics/ Mathematics/ Chemistry/ Statistics/ International Relations/ International Studies/ Defence Studies/ Psychology/ Computer Science/ IT/ Management/ Mass Communication/ Journalism/ Public Relation with 50% aggregate and 60% during graduation. For integrated courses, the minimum duration should be in accordance to the UGC guidelines with a minimum aggregate of 50%.
Mode of Application : Online
Mode of Payment : Net Banking | Credit Card | Debit Card
IAF released the AFCAT 1 application form 2024 in online mode on December 1, 2023 on the official website. Candidates who meet the minimum eligibility will be able to apply for the AFCAT exam till December 30, 2023. IAF has also provided the AFCAT 1 2024 application form correction window in online mode Candidates have to pay the mandatory application fee of Rs. 250 via credit/debit cards and net banking.
In order to apply for the AFCAT exam, candidates must first register/sign up on the official website of AFCAT. After successfully signing up, candidates could fill the application form by entering their personal details, education qualification details, course preference, communication details, uploading of documents, selection of exam city followed by the signing of the declaration.
Candidates had to choose their selection of entry. After filling in all the relevant and mandatory information, candidates had to pay the application fee. After making the online payment they can also check ‘Payment Status’. If the registration number is displayed in the ‘Payment Status’ then their application is successfully submitted.
Steps to fill AFCAT application form 2024
Sign Up
Fill AFCAT application Form
Upload Photo, Signature and Thumb Impression
Pay Application fee of AFCAT
Documents required to fill the AFCAT 2024 Application Form
Document | Format | Size |
Photograph | JPG/JPEG | 10 kb to 50 kb |
Signature | ||
Thumb impression (left thumb for male applicants and right thumb for female applicants) |
Details required to keep while applying for AFCAT
Class 10 and 12 certificate and details
Valid Email
Valid working Mobile Number
Aadhaar Card details
Application Fees
| Category | Quota | Mode | Gender | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OBC, General, SC, ST | Online | Female, Male | ₹ 250 |
AFCAT EKT Syllabus
Computer science engineering
Engineering mathematics |
|---|
| Matrix algebra, Eigen values and Eigen vectors, theorems of integral calculus, partial derivatives, maxima and minima, multiple integrals, Stokes, Gauss, and Green’s theorems |
| First order differential equation (linear and nonlinear), Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations, complex variables, Taylor’s and Laurent’ series, sampling theorems, mean, median, mode, and standard deviation, random variables |
| Discrete and continuous distributions, Fourier transform, Laplace transform, Z transform |
Engineering physics |
|---|
| Units for measurement, description of motion in one, two, and three dimensions, laws of motion, work, energy, and power, rotational motion, gravitation, heat and thermodynamics, electrostatics, electric current, magnetic effect of currents |
| Magnetism, electromagnetic induction and alternating currents, and electromagnetic waves, ray optics and optical Instruments |
Engineering drawing |
|---|
| Projection of straight line, planes and solids, intersection of surfaces, isometric projection, sectional views of solids, full section, introduction to computer aided drafting |
Analog and digital electronics |
|---|
| Characteristics of diodes, BJT, FET, JFET, and MOSFET, amplifiers-biasing, equivalent circuit, and frequency response, oscillators and feedback amplifiers, operational amplifiers-characteristics and applications, simple active filters, VCOs and timers |
| Combinational and sequential logic circuits, multiplexer, Schmitt trigger, multi-vibrators, sample and hold circuits, A/D and D/A converters, 8-bit microprocessor basics, architecture, programming and interfacing |
Electronic devices |
|---|
| Energy bands in silicon, intrinsic and extrinsic silicon, carrier transport in silicon-diffusion current, drift current, mobility, and resistivity |
| Generation and recombination of carriers, p-n junction diode, Zener diode, tunnel diode, BJT, JFET, MOS capacitor, MOSFET, LED, PIN, and avalanche photo diode, basics of LASER |
Computer networks |
|---|
| ISO/OSI stack, LAN technologies (ethernet, token ring), flow and error control techniques, congestion control, TCP/UDP and sockets, IPv4, application layer protocols (icmp, dns, smtp, pop, ftp, http), basic concepts of hubs, switches, gateways and routers |
| Network security-basic concepts of public key and private key cryptography, digital signature, firewalls |
| Basic concepts of client-server computing |
Network theory design |
|---|
| Thevenin's, Norton's, reciprocity, superposition, compensation, Miller’s, Tellegen’s, and maximum power transfer theorems |
| Impulse, step, ramp and sinusoidal response analysis of first order and second order circuits |
| Two port parameters and their interrelations, application of Laplace transform and Fourier series in the context of network analysis, network synthesis |
Switching theory |
|---|
| Traffic definitions, introduction to switching networks, classification of switching systems |
| Grade of service and blocking probability, basics of circuit switching and packet switching |
| Network traffic load and parameters, modelling of switching systems, incoming traffic and service time characterisation, blocking models and loss estimates |
| Delay systems-Markovian queuing model, M/M/1 model, limited queue capacity, multiple server, finite sources, queue discipline |
Information technology |
|---|
| Operating system-processes, threads, interprocess communication, concurrency, synchronization, deadlock, CPU scheduling, memory management and virtual memory, file systems, I/O systems, protection and security |
| RDBMS-ER model, relational model (relational algebra, tuple calculus), database design (integrity constraints, normal forms), query languages (SQL), file structures (sequential files, indexing, B and B+ trees), transactions and concurrency control |
| Software engineering-Information gathering, requirement and feasibility analysis, data flow diagrams, process specifications, input/output design, process life cycle, planning and managing the project, design, coding, testing, implementation, maintenance |
| Programming in C, object oriented programming, basics of computer graphics |
Electrical engineering |
|---|
| Single phase transformer-equivalent circuit, phasor diagram, tests, regulation and efficiency, auto-transformer, energy conversion principles, DC machines-types, windings, generator characteristics, armature reaction and commutation |
| Servo and stepper motors, synchronous machines, generators-regulation and parallel operation |
Control engineering |
|---|
| Application of open loop and closed loop systems, principles of feedback, determination of transfer function by block diagram reduction method, time domain analysis of first and second order systems |
| Transient and steady-state errors, damping and oscillations |
Telecommunication systems |
|---|
| Analog communication-amplitude and angle modulation and demodulation systems, superheterodyne receivers, signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), fundamentals of information theory and channel capacity theorem |
| Digital communication systems-pulse code modulation (PCM), differential pulse code modulation (DPCM), digital modulation schemes: Amplitude, phase and frequency shift keying schemes (ASK, PSK, FSK), basics of TDMA, FDMA and CDMA |
| Fundamentals of mobile communication |
| Fundamentals of optical fibre communication |
Microwave engineering |
|---|
| Wave guides, klystrons, travelling wave tubes, magnetron, introduction to microstrip lines, microwave semiconductor devices, monolithic microwave integrated circuits |
Antenna and wave propagation |
|---|
| Antenna parameters, effective length and aperture, gain, beamwidth, directivity, radiation resistance, efficiency, polarization, impedance and directional characteristics of antenna, reflection, refraction, interference and diffraction of radio waves |
| Fundamentals ground wave, space wave, sky wave and troposcatter propagation |
Radar theory |
|---|
| Radar range equation, frequencies of operation, fundamentals of moving target indicator (MTI), pulse doppler radar, tracking radar |
Instrumentation |
|---|
| Accuracy, precision and repeatability, electronic instruments for measuring basic parameters, theory of oscilloscopes, signal generators, signal analysers, characteristics and construction of transducers |
Electrical and electronics engineering
Engineering mathematics |
|---|
| Matrix algebra, Eigen values and Eigen vectors, theorems of integral calculus, partial derivatives, maxima and minima, multiple integrals, Stokes, Gauss, and Green’s theorems |
| First order differential equation (linear and nonlinear), Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations, complex variables, Taylor’s and Laurent’ series, sampling theorems, mean, median, mode, and standard deviation, random variables |
| Discrete and continuous distributions, Fourier transform, Laplace transform, Z transform |
Engineering physics |
|---|
| Units for measurement, description of motion in one, two and three dimensions, laws of motion, work, energy, and power, rotational motion, gravitation, heat and thermodynamics, electrostatics, electric current, magnetic effect of currents |
| Magnetism, electromagnetic induction and alternating currents and electromagnetic waves, ray optics and optical Instruments |
Engineering drawing |
|---|
| Projection of straight line, planes and solids, intersection of surfaces, isometric projection, sectional views of solids, full section, introduction to computer aided drafting |
Analog and digital electronics |
|---|
| Characteristics of diodes, BJT, FET, JFET, and MOSFET, amplifiers-biasing, equivalent circuit, and frequency response, oscillators and feedback amplifiers, operational amplifiers-characteristics and applications, simple active filters, VCOs and timers |
| Combinational and sequential logic circuits, multiplexer, Schmitt trigger, multi-vibrators, sample and hold circuits, A/D and D/A converters, 8-bit microprocessor basics, architecture, programming and interfacing |
Electrical engineering |
|---|
| Single phase transformer-equivalent circuit, phasor diagram, tests, regulation and efficiency, three phase transformers-connections, parallel operation, autotransformer |
| Energy conversion principles, DC machines-types, windings, generator characteristics, armature reaction and commutation, starting and speed control of motors, single phase and three phase induction motors-principles, types, performance characteristics |
| Starting and speed control, starting motors, servo and stepper motors, synchronous machines generators-performance, regulation and parallel operation |
Electronic devices |
|---|
| Energy bands in silicon, intrinsic and extrinsic silicon, carrier transport in silicon-diffusion current, drift current, mobility, and resistivity |
| Generation and recombination of carriers, p-n junction diode, Zener diode, tunnel diode, BJT, JFET, MOS capacitor, MOSFET, LED, PIN, and avalanche photo diode, basics of LASER |
| Device technology-integrated circuits fabrication process, oxidation, diffusion, ion implantation, photolithography, n-tub, p-tub and twin-tub CMOS process |
Control engineering |
|---|
| Application of open loop and closed loop systems, principles of feedback, determination of transfer function by block diagram reduction method, time domain analysis of first and second order systems, transient and steady-state errors |
| Damping and oscillations, Routh and Nyquist techniques, Bode plots, Root loci, lag, lead and lead-lag compensation, state space model, state transition matrix, controllability and observability |
Telecommunication systems |
|---|
| Random signals and noise-probability, random variables, probability density function, autocorrelation, power spectral density |
| Analog communication-amplitude and angle modulation and demodulation systems, spectral analysis of these operations, superheterodyne receivers, elements of hardware, realisations of analog communication systems |
| Signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) calculations for AM and FM |
| Fundamentals of information theory and channel capacity theorem |
| Digital communication systems-pulse code modulation (PCM), differential pulse code modulation (DPCM), digital modulation schemes: Amplitude, phase and frequency shift keying schemes (ASK, PSK, FSK), matched filter receivers |
| Bandwidth consideration and probability of error calculations for these schemes |
| Basics of TDMA, FDMA, and CDMA |
| Fundamentals of mobile communication |
| Fundamentals of optical fibre communication |
Microwave engineering |
|---|
| Wave guides, waveguide components, klystrons, travelling wave tubes, magnetron, microwave measurements, introduction to microstrip lines, microwave network analysis, microwave semiconductor devices, monolithic microwave integrated circuits |
Antenna and wave propagation |
|---|
| Antenna parameters, radiation from a current element in free space, reciprocity theorem, resonant and non-resonant antenna, effective length and aperture, gain, beamwidth, directivity, radiation resistance, efficiency, polarization |
| Impedance and directional characteristics of antenna, antenna temperature |
| Phased array antenna, mechanism of radio wave propagation, reflection, refraction, interference and diffraction of radio waves |
| Theory of ground wave, space wave, sky wave and troposcatter propagation |
Instrumentation |
|---|
| Accuracy, precision and repeatability, electronic instruments for measuring basic parameters, theory of oscilloscopes, signal generators, signal analysers, characteristics and construction of transducers |
Computer networks |
|---|
| ISO/OSI stack, LAN technologies (ethernet, token ring), flow and error control techniques, congestion control, TCP/UDP and sockets, IPv4, application layer protocols (icmp, dns, smtp, pop, ftp, http), basic concepts of hubs, switches, gateways and routers |
Network theory design |
|---|
| Thevenin's, Norton's, reciprocity, superposition, compensation, Miller’s, Tellegen’s, and maximum power transfer theorems |
| Impulse, step, ramp and sinusoidal response analysis of first order and second order circuits |
| Two port parameters and their interrelations, application of Laplace transform and Fourier series in the context of network analysis, network synthesis |
Switching theory |
|---|
| Traffic definitions, introduction to switching networks, classification of switching systems |
| Grade of service, basics of circuit switching and packet switching |
Information technology |
|---|
| Fundamentals of operating system, RDBMS terminologies, object oriented programming, basics of computer graphics |
Radar theory |
|---|
| Radar range equation, frequencies of operation, fundamentals of moving target indicator (MTI), pulse doppler radar, tracking radar |
Mechanical engineering
Engineering mathematics |
|---|
| Matrix algebra, Eigen values and Eigen vectors, theorems of integral calculus, partial derivatives, maxima and minima, multiple integrals, Stokes, Gauss, and Green’s theorems |
| First order differential equation (linear and nonlinear), Cauchy’s and Euler’s equations, complex variables, Taylor’s and Laurent’ series, sampling theorems, mean, median, mode, and standard deviation, random variables |
| Discrete and continuous distributions, Fourier transform, Laplace transform, Z transform |
Engineering physics |
|---|
| Units for measurement, description of motion in one, two, and three dimensions, laws of motion, work, energy, and power, rotational motion, gravitation, heat and thermodynamics, electrostatics, electric current, magnetic effect of currents |
| Magnetism, electromagnetic induction and alternating currents and electromagnetic waves, ray optics and optical Instruments |
Engineering graphics/engineering drawing |
|---|
| Principles of orthographic projections, projections of points, lines, planes and solids, section of solids, isometric views, Auto-CAD |
Engineering mechanics |
|---|
| Equations of equilibrium in space and its application, first and second moments of area, simple problems on friction, kinematics of particles for plane motion, elementary particle dynamics |
| Generalized Hooke’s law and its application, design problems on axial stress, shear stress and bearing stress, material properties for dynamic loading, bending shear and stresses in beams |
| Determination of principle stresses and strains-analytical and graphical, material behaviour and design factors for dynamic load, design of circular shafts for bending and torsional load only |
| Deflection of beam for statically determinate problems, theories of failure |
Thermodynamics |
|---|
| Basic concept of first law and second law of thermodynamics, concept of entropy and reversibility, availability and unavailability and irreversibility |
| Classification and properties of fluids, incompressible and compressible fluids flows, effect of Mach number and compressibility, continuity momentum and energy equations, normal and oblique shocks, one dimensional isentropic flow |
| Flow or fluids in duct with frictions that transfer |
| Flow through fans, blowers and compressors, axial and centrifugal flow configuration, design of fans and compressors |
Theory of machines |
|---|
| Kinematic and dynamic analysis of plane mechanisms |
| Cams, Gears and epicyclic gear trains, flywheels, governors, balancing of rigid rotors, balancing of single and multicylinder engines, linear vibration analysis of mechanical systems (single degree of freedom), Critical speeds and whirling of shafts |
| Flywheels, balancing of rotors and reciprocating machinery, balancing machines, governors, free and forced vibration of damped and undamped single degree of freedom systems, isolation, whirling of shafts, gyroscope |
Fluid mechanics/hydraulic machines |
|---|
| Fluid flow concepts, tansport theorem, fluid kinematics, potential flow, governing equations of fluid flow, dimensional analysis, viscous flow, boundary layer flows, turbulence, closed conduit flows, hydrodynamic lubrication, free surface flow |
| Compressible flows, hydraulic turbines: Impulse and reaction turbines, centrifugal and axial flow pumps |
Manufacturing science |
|---|
| Foundry technology, melting furnaces, special casting processes, gating and riser design, casting defects, arc welding, TIG, MIG, submerged arc, resistance welding, gas welding, flash butt welding, solid state welding, welding metallurgy |
| Forming technology, powder metallurgy |
Materials science |
|---|
| Basic concepts on structure of solids, common ferrous and nonferrous materials and their applications, heat-treatment of steels, non-metals-plastics, ceramics, composite materials, and nano-materials |
Machine drawing |
|---|
| Development and intersection of surfaces, conventional representation of machine elements, materials, surface finish and tolerances-sectional views and additional views, drawing of screw threads, locking devices, fasteners, keys and cotters |
| Knuckle joints, riveted joints, shaft couplings and bearings-pipe joints, assembly and production drawings |
Automotive engineering |
|---|
| Introduction, power plant, fuel system, electrical system and other electrical fittings, lubricating system and cooling systems, chassis and transmission, axles, clutches, propeller shafts and differential |
| Condition for correct steering, steering gear mechanisms, automotive air conditioning, tyres, effect of working parameters on knocking, reduction of knocking, forms of combustion chamber for SI and CI engines rating of fuels, additives, emission |
Power plant engineering |
|---|
| Steam power plant, steam boilers, steam condensers, cooling towers, cogeneration and combined cycles, nuclear power plants, hydroelectric power plants, power plant economics |
Industrial engineering |
|---|
| System design: Factory location-simple OR models, plant layout-methods based, applications of engineering economic analysis and break- even analysis for product selection, process selection and capacity planning, predetermined time standards |
| System planning, forecasting methods based on regression and decomposition, design and balancing of multi model and stochastic assembly lines, inventory management-probabilistic inventory models for order time and order quantity determination |
| JIT systems, strategic sourcing, managing inter plant logistics |
Flight mechanics |
|---|
| Atmosphere: Properties, standard atmosphere |
| Classification of aircraft |
| Airplane (fixed wing aircraft) configuration and various parts |
| Airplane performance: Pressure altitude, equivalent, calibrated, indicated air speeds, primary flight instruments: Altimeter, ASI, VSI, turn-bank indicator |
| Drag polar, takeoff and landing, steady climb and descent, absolute and service ceiling, cruise, cruise climb, endurance or loiter, load factor, turning flight, V-n diagram, winds: Head, tail, and cross winds |
| Static stability: Angle of attack, sideslip, roll, pitch and yaw controls, longitudinal stick fixed and free stability, horizontal tail position and size, directional stability |
Aircraft structures |
|---|
| Stress and strain: Equations of equilibrium, constitutive law, strain-displacement relationship, compatibility equations, plane stress and strain, Airy’s stress function |
| Flight vehicle structures: Characteristics of aircraft structures and materials, torsion, bending, and flexural shear |
| Flexural shear flow in thinwalled sections |
| Buckling |
| Failure theories |
| Loads on aircraft |
| Structural dynamics: Free and forced vibration of discrete systems |
| Damping and resonance |
| Dynamics of continuous systems |
Aerodynamics |
|---|
| Basic fluid mechanics: Incompressible irrotational flow, Helmholtz and Kelvin theorem, singularities and superposition, viscous flows, boundary layer on a flat plate |
| Airfoils and wings: Classification of airfoils, aerodynamic characteristics, high lift devices, Kutta Joukowski theorem, lift generation, thin airfoil theory, wing theory, induced drag, qualitative treatment of low aspect ratio wings |
| Viscous flows: Flow separation, introduction to turbulence, transition, structure of a turbulent boundary layer |
| Compressible flows: Dynamics and thermodynamics of I-D flow, isentropic flow, normal shock, oblique shock |
AFCAT Syllabus
English
Comprehension |
|---|
Error detection |
|---|
Sentence completion/filling in of correct word |
|---|
Synonyms |
|---|
Antonyms and testing of vocabulary |
|---|
Idioms and phrases |
|---|
General awareness
History |
|---|
Geography |
|---|
Civics |
|---|
Politics |
|---|
Current affairs |
|---|
Environment |
|---|
Basic science |
|---|
Defence |
|---|
Art |
|---|
Culture |
|---|
Sports |
|---|
Numerical ability
Decimal fraction |
|---|
Time and work |
|---|
Average |
|---|
Profit and loss |
|---|
Percentage |
|---|
Ratio and proportion and simple interest |
|---|
Time and distance (trains, boats, and streams) |
|---|
Reasoning and military aptitude test
Verbal skills and spatial ability |
|---|
AFCAT 2024 Preparation Tips
The AFCAT exam which is conducted by IAF is one of the toughest exams in India. To work for the Indian Air Force at the highest position, a candidate has to go through both physically as well as mentally challenging exams throughout the recruitment process. A special exam like AFCAT requires special preparations, few of which we have mentioned below. Candidates should follow it while preparing for the exam:
Understand the AFCAT 2024 exam pattern and marking scheme before starting with the exam preparation. Candidates should also know all the subjects and topics involved in the exam syllabus to get around the idea of what will be the nature of the AFCAT 2024 question paper.
Take a look at all the mocks and previous year AFCAT Cut Offs this will give candidates an understanding as to what is a secure score to obtain in order to qualify and make way to the recruitment process.
Read the complete syllabus
Prepare General Awareness and refer to NCERT History and Geography books from class 6th to 12th
Read Indian Express daily/Hindu
Prepare English
Solve previous 10-year question papers. It will help increase your accuracy
Analyse yourself and do proper time management
Strategise a proper study plan to prepare for not just AFCAT but any other government exam.
IAF is one of the most challenging jobs but the authorities take great care of the recruits which also makes IAF one of the most well-paid jobs in the world. After qualifying the AFCAT, an officer can earn a salary of Rs. 56,100-1,10,700. Apart from the salary, IAF also provides the officers with In the below table we have shared the post-branch-wise payscale of AFCAT.
AFCAT Exam 2024 - Branch-wise Payscale
Flying Branch Salary | Rs. 85,372/- |
Ground Duty (Tech) Branch Salary | Rs. 74,872/- |
Ground Duty (Non-tech) Branch Salary | Rs. 71,872/- |
AFCAT Exam - Benefits
After joining the Indian Air Force you enjoy the luxury of working for one of the best defence organisations in the world. This job comes with challenges, a handsome paycheque and more than that endless benefits and facilities for you and your family. Few of the benefits are mentioned in the table below:
AFCAT Exam 2024 - Various Benefits
Insurance | Air Force Personnel - Rs. 75 lacs Air Force Personnel (Pilots) - 85 lacs |
Loan facility | House Building Loan Computer Loan Conveyance Loan |
Medical | All Air Force Officers, their families and dependants get free access to medical rooms and hospitals equipped with the best facilities. |
Scholarships and Welfare | Grants from the AFWWA (Air Force Wives Welfare Association) |
Other benefits |
|
Educational Opportunities |
|
Post-retirement Benefits |
|
Placement cell | Helping retired officers get a civil job matching their profile |
Contact information
DISHA CELL, IAF
Contact Disha Cell of IAF on the below address for queries related to the eligibility, advertisement/notification, submission of the documents after recommendation/medical, merit list and joining instructions
Address - Air Headquarters (Vayu Bhawan), Motilal Nehru Marg, New Delhi – 110106
Toll-Free no. 1800-11-2448,
Tele: 011 – 23013690 (Direct), 23010231 Extn 7610, 7645, 7646.
Fax – 011 – 23017918
E-Mail: career_iaf@bol.net.in
Tele Timings: 9 am - 1 pm & 2 pm - 5 pm ( Monday to Friday, except holidays)
AFCAT CELL, IAF
Contact the AFCAT cell of IAF for queries related to the scheme & syllabus of AFCAT)
Address - Director of Education, West Block - VI, Air HQs(RKP), RK Puram, New Delhi – 110066
Tele: 011 – 23010231 Extn:2112- 6245, 6246
E-Mail: afcatcell@gmail.com
Tele Timings: 9 am - 1 pm & 2 pm - 5 pm ( Monday to Friday, except holidays)
AFCAT CELL, C-DAC
Candidates can contact the AFCAT Cell of the Indian Air Force for queries pertaining to the registration/application process, payment related issues, admit card and AFCAT exam as well as counselling centres.
Tele: 020 – 25503105, 06
Toll-Free no. 1800-11-2448
E-Mail: afcatcell@cdac.in
Tele Timings: 9 am - 1 pm & 2 pm - 5 pm ( Monday to Friday, except holidays)
AFCAT 2024 Exam Pattern
AFCAT EKT Exam Pattern
Candidates applying for Ground Duty (Technical branch) must appear for additional online test - Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). The test is held for half an hour immediately after the completion of AFCAT online test. The exam pattern of AFCAT Engineering Knowledge Test is given below.
AFCAT exam pattern for Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT):
Exam | Sections | Number of questions | Total marks | Duration |
EKT | Mechanical | 50 | 150 | 45 minutes |
Computer Science | ||||
Electrical and Electronics |
AFCAT Exam Pattern
The exam pattern of AFCAT is provided by Indian Air Force (IAF). The exam pattern allots details such as the number of questions, duration and total number of marks of the exam. AFCAT exam pattern for the various exam stages have been provided below.
AFCAT Exam Pattern for Online Test:
| Exam | Sections | Number of questions | Total marks | Duration |
AFCAT | General Awareness | 100 | 300 | 120 minutes |
Verbal Ability | ||||
Numerical Ability | ||||
Reasoning and Aptitude Test |
Marking Scheme:
For correct answer: 3 marks
For incorrect responses: 1 mark
For unattempted questions: No marks
IAF releases the AFCAT mock tests on its official website. Candidates who are planning to appear and qualify in the AFCAT exam must refer to the IAF mock tests and practice them while preparing to score well in the exam.
The mock tests of AFCAT exam 2024 will help aspirants understand the syllabus and exam pattern of AFCAT. Regular practising will help aspirants increase their speed, accuracy, and effectiveness, time management skills and confidence. It will also help candidates make less errors in the exam.
The AFCAT 1 2024 admit card will be released online on the official website - afcat.cdac.in. Candidates who successfully apply for the AFCAT exam will be able to download their AFCAT 1 admit card 2024 by logging in to the website using their email ID and password. Candidates have also received the admit cards in their registered emails.
How to Download AFCAT 2024 Admit Card?
Visit the official website - afcat.cdac.in
Go to the Candidate login
Enter your email ID and password
Click on the AFCAT 2024 admit card link
You admit will appear on the screen
Download the admit card
After downloading, check all the details carefully
If there are any discrepancies in the admit card, contact IAF as soon as possible
*IAF will also send the admit card on the registered email of candidates.
Candidates will have to carry the following things to the AFCAT 2024 exam hall
Admit Card for AFCAT 2024
Aadhaar Card
1 valid photo identity card such PAN card, Passport, Driving license, Voter identity card and College identity card or any other valid photo identity proof, with details of name, father’s name, date of birth and a clear photograph
Two passport size colour photographs - same as the photo uploaded in the application form of AFCAT 2024
Candidates should also keep a Ballpoint Pen (Blue or Black) for formalities during the checking, signing attendance and for rough work if any.
AFCAT 2024 Exam Centers
| State | City |
|---|---|
| Tripura | Agartala |
| Uttar Pradesh | Agra |
| Aligarh | |
| Allahabad | |
| Bareilly | |
| Gorakhpur | |
| Jhansi | |
| Kanpur | |
| Lucknow | |
| Meerut | |
| Varanasi | |
| Gujarat | Ahmedabad |
| Bhuj | |
| Rajkot | |
| Vadodara | |
| Mizoram | Aizawl |
| Haryana | Ambala |
| Hisar | |
| Kurukshetra | |
| Rohtak | |
| Punjab | Amritsar |
| Jalandhar | |
| Pathankot | |
| Odisha | Berhampur |
| Bhubaneswar | |
| Rourkela | |
| Sambalpur | |
| Karnataka | Belgaum |
| Bangalore | |
| Mangalore | |
| Mysore | |
| Bihar | Bhagalpur |
| Darbhanga | |
| Patna | |
| Chhattisgarh | Bhilai |
| Madhya Pradesh | Bhopal |
| Gwalior | |
| Indore | |
| Jabalpur | |
| Ujjain | |
| Rajasthan | Bikaner |
| Ganganagar | |
| Jaipur | |
| Jodhpur | |
| Kota | |
| Udaipur | |
| Chandigarh | Chandigarh |
| Tamil Nadu | Chennai |
| Coimbatore | |
| Madurai | |
| Tirunelveli | |
| Vellore | |
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun |
| Haldwani | |
| Roorkee | |
| Delhi | New Delhi |
| Jharkhand | Dhanbad |
| Jamshedpur | |
| Ranchi | |
| Daman and Diu | Diu |
| West Bengal | Durgapur |
| Jalpaiguri | |
| Kharagpur | |
| Kolkata | |
| Andhra Pradesh | Guntur |
| Kakinada | |
| Tirupati | |
| Vijayawada | |
| Visakhapatnam | |
| Assam | Guwahati |
| Jorhat | |
| Silchar | |
| Tinsukia | |
| Telangana | Hyderabad |
| Nizamabad | |
| Warangal | |
| Manipur | Imphal |
| Arunachal Pradesh | Itanagar |
| Jammu and Kashmir | Jammu |
| Leh | |
| Srinagar | |
| Kerala | Kannur |
| Kochi | |
| Thiruvananthapuram | |
| Thrissur | |
| Nagaland | Kohima |
| Maharashtra | Kolhapur |
| Mumbai | |
| Nagpur | |
| Nashik | |
| Pune | |
| Solapur | |
| Thane | |
| Andaman and Nicobar Islands | Port Blair |
| Puducherry | Puducherry |
| Meghalaya | Shillong |
| Himachal Pradesh | Shimla |
Documents Required at Exam
- Aadhaar card
- PAN card
- Passport
- Driving license
- Voter card
- College Identity card
- AFCAT Admit card
The answer key of AFCAT will not be released by the IAF. However, students will be able to get the AFCAT answer key 2024 provided by some top institutes. With the help of AFCAT answer key, candidates can predict their scores by using the marking scheme. For each correct answer, 3 marks will be given and 1 mark is deducted as an AFCAT negative mark for each wrong response. No points will be deducted for questions that are not attempted.
Candidates who will appear in the AFCAT 1 2024 exam will be able to check the AFCAT exam analysis 2024. The AFCAT 2024 exam analysis will help the students to know if there is a change in exam pattern, the difficulty level of question paper and all other details. The exam analysis of AFCAT exam is updated as per the feedback given by candidates.
AFCAT Exam Analysis 2024
With the help of AFCAT exam analysis 2024, candidates will get to know about the difficulty level of the question paper and the number of good attempts. Candidates will be able to check the exam analysis of AFCAT 2024 shift-wise on the end of AFCAT exam day.
IAF will announce the AFCAT 1 2024 result in online on the official website. To check AFCAT result 2024, candidates need to visit the AFCAT website and log in using their email ID, password and captcha code. AFCAT exam result 2024 displays the qualifying status of candidates. Candidates qualifying in the online test will be eligible to appear in the next round and they will be called by IAF for the AFSB Interview.
How to check the result of AFCAT 2024?
Visit the official website
Login in the candidate window using your credentials
Click on the AFCAT result link on this page
The result will appear on your screen
Download and take the printout of the result
AFCAT 2024 Result – Details printed on the result
Registration number
Name of the candidate
AFCAT cut off
Obtained score
Qualifying status
AFCAT 2024 Result – How the final score will be calculated?
Below is the marking scheme of AFCAT 2024 –
3 marks are awarded for every correct answer
1 mark is deducted for every incorrect
No marks will be awarded for unattempted questions
Candidates scores will be calculated based on the number of their correct answers after deducting the penalty for wrong answers.
What after the declaration of AFCAT result 2024?
IAF will prepare a list of candidates who have obtained the minimum qualifying marks (cut off marks) in the exam. Candidates qualifying the online test will be called at one of the Air Force Selection Boards (AFSB) for further rounds. The AFSB centres located at Dehradun (1 AFSB), Mysuru (2 AFSB), Gandhinagar (3 AFSB) and Varanasi (4 AFSB). Only those candidates who have opted for Flying Branch can opt for Dehradun, Mysore and Varanasi. Candidates need to choose an AFSB date and venue to download AFSB Interview call letter.
The AFSB Interview will be conducted in three stages. The first stage will be Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and discussion test. The second stage will be a Psychological test. The third stage will be the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) which will be conducted only for the candidates who have opted for Flying Branch.
AFCAT Result 2024- Preparation of Final Merit List
A candidate's final selection in AFCAT will be done based on their own performance in the online test as well as the AFSB Interview. Separate cut off marks are fixed for the online test and AFSB Interview by IAF. Candidates will be placed in order of merit on the basis of their total score in both online tests as well as AFSB. Finally, candidates will be allotted in Permanent Commission/Short Service Commission in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches based on the number of vacancies released by IAF, candidate's performance in the selection process and choices given by the candidates.
IAF decides a minimum qualifying mark for the exam that candidates need to score in order to be recruited for IAF. The minimum marks are known as cut off. IAF will release the AFCAT 2024 cut off soon on the official website. The cut off is also mentioned in the scorecard of candidates.
AFCAT cut off has been decided by IAF on the basis of factors like difficulty level of exam, number of vacancies and the number of applicants etc. On the basis of AFCAT cut off, candidates will be selected for the next round of selection process.
Previous year cut off marks of AFCAT exam
Exam and Year | AFCAT cut off | EKT cut off |
AFCAT (1) 2019 | 133 | 50 |
AFCAT (2) 2018 | 140 | 55 |
AFCAT (1) 2018 | 155 | 60 |
AFCAT (2) 2017 | 160 | 60 |
AFCAT (1) 2017 | 150 | 60 |
AFCAT (2) 2016 | 148 | 60 |
AFCAT (1) 2016 | 132 | 52 |
AFCAT (2) 2015 | 144 | 52 |
AFCAT (1) 2015 | 126 | 55 |
AFCAT (2) 2014 | 123 | 45 |
AFCAT 2024 Selection Process
A candidate needs to go through the following stages to get recruited in the Indian Air Force:
Online Test: All the candidates who have successfully applied for AFCAT 2024 will have to first appear for the online test. The question paper of AFCAT online test will carry questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test. The EKT question paper carries questions from subjects -Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics. Maximum marks allotted to AFCAT are 300. The test paper of EKT carries a total of 150 marks.
AFSB Interview: After successfully qualifying the online test, candidates will be called by IAF to appear for the AFSB Interview. The AFSB interview will comprise of the following three stages:
Stage I: The Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with the Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT) will be conducted on the first day of AFSB.
Stage II: Psychological test will be conducted on Day 1 (Afternoon) and the Group Tests and Interview will be conducted for the next five days after the document verification (DV).
For Flying Branch: Candidates applying for the Flying Branch will be required to appear in the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
AFCAT 2024 Counselling centres
Candidates qualifying the online test of AFCAT 2024, will be called for the SSB interview. The SSB interview involves the following 4 stages"
Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating Test – Picture perception and discussion test. In case the candidate fails to clear this, they will be disqualified on the same day.
Stage 2: Stage 2 will be conducted for the next 3-4 days and will consist of the following stages.
Psychology Test (Written)
Group Test (Activities)
Personal Interview
Computerized Pilot Selection System Test CPSS (In case of Flying Branch)
Stage 3: Medical Examination – Candidates qualifying all the above stages will have to appear in the medical round. The medical round will either be conducted at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment, New Delhi or at the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru.
State 4: All India Merit List - The Air Force Selection Board will prepare an All India Merit List of candidates on the basis of the qualified candidate’s performance in the tests and all the stages of the AFSB.
Candidates whose name is mentioned in the merit list will receive call letters and joining instructions from IAF on the basis of the vacancies available in various branches.
AFCAT counselling will be conducted at the following centres:
State | City |
Uttarakhand | Dehradun |
Karnataka | Mysuru |
Gujarat | Gandhinagar |
Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi |
Documents required during the AFCAT 2024 counselling
Class 10th certificate
Class 12th mark sheet
Certificate of graduation/ post-graduation degree
NOC (No Objection Certificate) from an employer if the candidate is Government employee
Commercial Pilots License issued by DGCA (if applicable)
NCC certificate (if applicable)
AFCAT 2024 Counselling Centers
| State | City |
|---|---|
| Uttarakhand | Dehradun |
| Karnataka | Mysuru |
| Gujarat | Gandhinagar |
| Uttar Pradesh | Varanasi |
Documents Required at Counselling
- Class 10 certificate
- Class 12 marksheet
- Certificate of graduation/ post graduation degree
- NOC (No Objection Certificate) from employer if candidate is Government employee
- Commercial Pilots License issued by DGCA (if applicable)
- NCC certificate (if applicable)
General Information
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Question:What is the minimum acceptable height?
Answer:
For male candidates in Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) branch, it is 157.5 cms. For women candidates, the minimum acceptable height is 152 cms. The minimum acceptable height for both men and women candidates in Flying Branch is 162.5 cms.
Question:Can I apply for AFCAT after class 12?
Answer:
To be eligible for AFCAT exam, candidates must hold a graduation degree.
Question:How the candidates are selected for training?
Answer:
The candidates recommended by AFSB and those who are also medically fit will be selected for training on the basis of the merit list and availability of vacancies.
Question:How the merit list of AFCAT is prepared?
Answer:
The AFCAT merit list test is prepared on the basis of the minimum qualifying marks secured by candidates.
Question:What is the salary of flying officer?
Answer:
The salary ranges from Rs 56,100 to 1,10700.
Question:How many times I can give AFCAT exam?
Answer:
There is no minimum attempts to apply for AFCAT, although their is a maximum age limit.
Question:Is there any reservation in AFCAT exam?
Answer:
No, there is no reservation in the AFCAT exam.
Question:What is a good score for AFCAT?
Answer:
Candidates are required to score 140 to 160 marks out of 300 to create their chances of qualification.
Question:Is AFCAT tough?
Answer:
It is not that tough to crack the AFCAT exam, the online test is easy if you have prepared well. However, the AFSB interview and medical round are tough.
Question:How can I apply for AFCAT exam 2024?
Answer:
Candidates who wish to appear for AFCAT exam can fill up the application form on the official website.
Question:How many times AFCAT is conducted in a year?
Answer:
IAF conducts the AFCAT exam twice a year.
Questions related to AFCAT
I have completed my 12th with PCB and noe i am pursuing graduation in maths. Can i apply for AFCAT?
Hello aspirant,
In the official notification, the IAF defined the eligibility requirements for AFCAT 2 2023. Candidates who intend to take the AFCAT 2023 exam must first confirm that they meet the requirements. Nationality, academic standing, the AFCAT age limit, physical requirements, etc. are included in the AFCAT eligibility requirements for 2023.
The eligibility criteria for AFCAT is different for different branch. To know complete eligibility criteria, you can visit our site by clicking on the link given below.
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/afcat-eligibility-criteria
Thank you
Hope this information helps you.
Answer laterHello, I am in final year of engineering. I have completed diploma. Am i eligible for AFCAT or CDS ?
Hii There,
Yes, according to AFCAT eligibility criteria for 2023, students in their final year can apply for the exam. They should have achieved a minimum of 60% marks until their last completed year or semester when they submit their application. Additionally, they must provide evidence of completing their graduation by May 30, 2024.
Regarding the CDS exam, it's open to students from any engineering discipline. The CDS exam is held biannually to select candidates for IMA (Indian Military Academy), INA (Indian Naval Academy), AFA (Air Force Academy), and OTA (Officers Training Academy).
I hope this answers your question.
Thanking you
m i eligible to give afcat if i score overall 71.2% in non medical but in maths its less than 50 and physics 58 and 72% in graduation in food science and technology can i give afcat?
I want physics CUCET previous question papers with answers
I have 60% in 12th with PCM and now i am pursuing betch from matalurgical engineering, in which group of AFCAT i am eligible, and please tell me which defence exam i am eligible ?
Dear aspirant!
Hope you are doing great. If you are pursuing btech then after finishing it you can apply for all those exam of defence which need graduation like cda,afcat and also other than defence you can apply for CGL,upsc ,SI etc and if your age is 16.5 to 19.5 them you can apply for nda, xgroup etc .
Hope you understand!
Thanking you!
I am pursuing betch from matalurgical engineering in 2nd year. In class 12th my marks status are, Phy =64, Chem = 49, Maths=39. and total 60% above. So,is i am eligible for AFCAT examination after my graduation.
Dear aspirant,
Indian Air force mentions the eligibility criteria of afcat 2021 in its official notification. Candidates who fulfill all the eligibility criteria can apply the afcat examination.
The eligibility criteria is as follows:-
1-For flying branch candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age and for ground duty candidates must be between 20 and 26 years of age.
2-Candidates must be graduates. Final year students can also apply for the afcat. They should have scored atleast 60% marks in the last semester.
3-In 12th candidates must have secured 60% marks in physics and mathematics.
For more information you can check out the link given below:-
https://competition.careers360.com/articles/afcat-eligibility-criteria
