AFCAT Examination Overview:
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) twice every year to recruit officers in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. It is a golden opportunity for both men and women to join the Air Force as commissioned officers. The selection process involves a computer-based written exam, followed by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, and finally a medical examination.
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT Examination:
To apply for AFCAT, candidates need to meet the following conditions:
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen.
- Age Limit:
- Flying Branch: 20–24 years
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20–26 years
- Educational Qualification:
- Flying Branch: Graduation with 60% marks and Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR BE/B.Tech.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Degree in Engineering/Technology.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduate degree in any discipline with minimum 60% marks.
- Gender: Both men and women are eligible.
- Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.
AFCAT Syllabus:
The AFCAT exam is conducted online and consists of objective-type questions.
- General Awareness: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Environment, Science & Technology.
- Verbal Ability in English: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, and Sentence Completion.
- Numerical Ability: Basic Mathematics, Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, and Data Interpretation.
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Logical Reasoning, Spatial Ability, and Analytical Skills.
For Technical Branch applicants, an additional Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is conducted covering Mechanical, Computer Science, and Electronics-related topics.
Candidates who qualify are called for the AFSB Interview, which includes psychological tests, group discussions, and personal interviews.
Important Dates & Notifications:
AFCAT is conducted twice a year (AFCAT I & AFCAT II). The usual timeline is:
- Notification Release: December (for AFCAT I) and June (for AFCAT II).
- Application Window: Open for about a month after notification.
- Examination Dates: AFCAT I in February and AFCAT II in August.
- Result Declaration: Within 30–45 days of the exam.
- AFSB Interviews: Conducted in multiple phases after results.
- Final Merit List: Released after medical tests and interviews.
All updates are published on the official website: afcat.cdac.in
Top Coaching Institutes for AFCAT Preparation:
AFCAT demands a balanced approach of speed, accuracy, and personality development. The following institutes are considered reliable:
- Tathastu Defence Academy: A leading name for AFCAT aspirants, offering complete guidance for both written exam and AFSB interviews. With mock tests, group tasks, and interview practice, it ensures holistic preparation.
- Cavalier India: Well-known for its AFSB preparation modules and personality development programs.
- Major Kalshi Classes: Offers a blend of online and offline coaching, including physical training guidance.
- Olive Greens Institute: Specialized in AFSB preparation with ex-defence officers as trainers.
- Target Defence Academy: Popular among AFCAT candidates for structured test series and doubt-solving sessions.