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Introduction

If you’re an aspiring candidate looking to join the Indian Air Force (IAF), then the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is the gateway to your dreams. This highly competitive examination opens the doors to a prestigious career in one of the world’s most formidable air forces. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the intricate details of the AFCAT exam, from its eligibility criteria to the syllabus and preparation tips.

What is AFCAT?

AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test. It is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers in various branches, including Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. This exam is held twice a year, in February and August.

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level exam conducted by the Indian Air Force to provide admission to Flying Branch, Technical and Non-Technical branches of Ground Duty. The exam is conducted in two phases every year. The important details related to AFCAT 2024 are tabulated below. 

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

Before diving into the details of the AFCAT exam, let’s first understand the eligibility criteria that candidates must meet to apply for this prestigious test.

Nationality

Candidates must be Indian citizens to be eligible for the AFCAT exam.

Age Limit

The age limit for different branches varies. For the Flying Branch, candidates should be between 20 and 24 years old. For the Ground Duty Branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years.

Educational Qualifications

1. Flying Branch: Candidates should have a minimum of 60% marks in Graduation in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. They must also have cleared the NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate or be pursuing a B.E./B. Tech. degree.

2. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: A minimum of 60% marks in Graduation in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level is required. Candidates must also possess a B.E./B. Tech. degree.

3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch: Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks is necessary.

Marital Status

For the Flying Branch, candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. For Ground Duty Branches, both married and unmarried candidates can apply.

Medical Standards

Candidates should meet the medical standards set by the Indian Air Force, including visual and physical fitness criteria.

Now that you understand the eligibility criteria, let’s delve deeper into the AFCAT exam pattern and syllabus.

AFCAT Exam Pattern

The AFCAT exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is divided into two papers:

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

• Duration: 2 hours
• Number of Questions: 100
• Maximum Marks: 300
• Sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test.

EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test)

EKT is applicable only for candidates applying for the Ground Duty (Technical) Branch. It includes questions related to the candidate’s engineering discipline and has a duration of 45 minutes.

AFCAT Syllabus

The AFCAT syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of topics. Here’s a brief overview:

1. General Awareness: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Sports, Civics, Environment, Defence, Art, Culture, International Current Affairs, and more.

2. Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Vocabulary.

3. Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Simplification, Average, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, and Simple Interest.

4. Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test: Verbal Skills, Spatial Ability, Rotated Blocks, Hidden Figures, Embedded Figures, and Analogy.

AFCAT 2024 Important Dates

As mentioned above, AFCAT 2024 will be conducted in two phases: AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2. The official notification will include important dates related to the exam. The tentative AFCAT 2024 important dates for phases 1 and 2 based on the previous year’s trends are tabulated below.

AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria

AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria will be available on the official notification released for the exam. Candidates who intend to get admission to the Indian Air Force must satisfy the eligibility requirements to appear for the exam. AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 will include age limit, nationality and educational qualification requirements. Those meeting this requirement must apply for the exam within the last date.

Following are AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria prescribed by the conducting body.

AFCAT 2024 Application Form

AFCAT 2024 application form will be released on the official website along with the notification. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria must fill out and submit the application form online within the last date set by the conducting body. 

According to last year’s dates, the application form for AFCAT 1 2024 will be released by the end of Nov 2023. The application form will be available online for a month. To complete the application process, candidates must pay the application fee.

After AFCAT 2024 application form submission process is complete, the application correction window will be opened for the registered candidates to edit/make corrections to the form. Only selected information can be edited or rectified using this facility.

Steps to Fill AFCAT 2024 Application Form

Candidates can follow the steps below to fill out and submit AFCAT 2024 application form.

• Step 1: Candidates must register on the official website of AFCAT by entering all the required information.
• Step 2: Access the application form using the login credentials generated after registration.
• Step 3: Select the entry and check the boxes. Proceed to fill out the application form in the required fields.
• Step 4: Upload the required documents, such as the scanned images of the photograph, signature and left thumb impression in the specified format and size.
• Step 5: Pay the application fee online, such as credit card/debit card/net banking or challan.
• Step 6: Download and take a printout of the application form for further use.

AFCAT 2024 Admit Card

AFCAT 2024 admit cards will be released on the official website after the application process. The online test and interview round admit cards will be released separately. Candidates who submit the application form within the last date can check and download their admit cards using the login credentials generated at registration.

Details such as the candidate’s name, roll number, registration number, category, exam date and time, and exam centre will be mentioned on AFCAT 2024 admit card. The scanned images of the photograph and signature of the candidate will also be present on the admit card. AFCAT 2024 admit cards must be carried to the exam centre, without which candidates will not be allowed to appear for the exam.

AFCAT 2024 Exam Centres

As the exam is conducted nationally, AFCAT 2024 exam centers will be located in around 100 cities nationwide. Candidates must enter their choice of AFCAT 2024 exam centre while completing the application form. The number of exam centres in each city is based on the candidates opting for the particular city.

AFCAT 2024 Exam Pattern

AFCAT 2024 exam pattern will be explained in detail in the official notification released by the conducting body. AFCAT 2024 will be conducted in two phases online as a computer-based test. The written exam will include 100 multiple-choice questions for 300 marks. 

For admission to the Ground Duty Technical Branch post, candidates must attend the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT), consisting of 50 questions for 150 marks. The important highlights related to AFCAT 2024 exam pattern are tabulated below.

AFCAT 2024 Syllabus

AFCAT 2024 syllabus is set by the conducting body. The syllabus includes topics from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning, and Military Aptitude. Candidates who intend to appear for AFCAT 2024 for the posts in the Flying Branch, Technical Branch and Non-Technical Branch of Ground Duty must go through the important topics in these subjects.

AFCAT 2024 syllabus is curated to test the different knowledge and skills of the candidates. The General Awareness subject will test their general knowledge and awareness about the current events, whereas the Verbal Ability in English section is to test their communication skills. The Numerical Ability and Reasoning section will test the analytical and problem-solving skills of the candidates. 

1. General Awareness

➣Art and Culture
➣History
➣Geography
➣Sports
➣Current Events in India
➣Current Events in the World
➣Economics
➣Business
➣Environment
➣Basic Sciences
➣Civics
➣Politics
➣Internet and Technology

2. Verbal Ability in English

➣Basic Grammar
➣Reading Comprehension
➣Tenses
➣Sentence Completion
➣Synonyms
➣Antonyms
➣Subject-Verb Agreement
➣Error Detection
➣Fill in the blanks
➣Vocabulary Testing
➣Idioms and Phrases
➣Analogy

3. Numerical Ability and Reasoning

➣Decimals and Fractions
➣Time and Work
➣Time and Distance
➣Simple Interest and Compound Interest
➣Ratio and Proportions
➣Mixtures and Alligation
➣Average
➣Profit and Loss
➣Boats and Streams
➣Percentages
➣HCF and LCM
➣Area and Volume

4. Military Aptitude

➣Venn Diagram
➣Odd One Out
➣Pattern Completion
➣Blood Relation
➣Coding and Decoding
➣Sequence
➣Series
➣Puzzles
➣Spotting the Embedded Figure
➣Missing Figure
➣Direction Sense

AFCAT 2024 Syllabus for EKT

The Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is conducted after AFCAT 2024 for those candidates who wish to be part of the Technical Branch of Ground Duty. The EKT syllabus mainly includes topics from different branches of Engineering, such as Computer Science, Mechanical and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The important topics from these branches include the following.

1. Computer Science Engineering

➣Information Technology
➣Network Theory Design
➣Switching Theory
➣Electronic Devices
➣Control Engineering
➣Radar Theory
➣Telecommunication Systems

2. Mechanical Engineering

➣Thermodynamics
➣Materials Science
➣Machine Drawing
➣Aerodynamics
➣Power Plant Engineering
➣Aircraft Structures
➣Industrial Engineering
➣Automotive Engineering

3. Electrical and Electronics Engineering

➣Microwave Engineering
➣Computer Networks
➣Analog and Digital Electronics
➣Control Engineering
➣Instrumentation
➣Information Technology

AFCAT 2024 Result

AFCAT result 2024 will be declared for phases 1 and 2 after successfully conducting the exam. The result will be released on the official website of the Indian Air Force. AFCAT 2024 results will be published after the online test, and the candidates who qualify for the test will be called for the AFSB interview. Once the interview is conducted, the final results will be released.

AFCAT 2024 Selection Process

AFCAT 2024 selection process includes three stages. The first stage is the online test; the qualified candidates will be eligible to participate in the AFSB Interview round. The selection process will be held online on the official website.

After the candidates qualify for all three stages, they will be given admission to the Indian Air Force for the respective branches. The three stages involved in AFCAT 2024 selection process are as follows.

• Online Test
• AFSB Interview
• Medical Test.

AFCAT 2024 Recruitment

The Indian Air Force will conduct AFCAT 2024 to recruit eligible candidates to different posts in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical Branches). Around 258 vacancies are available in the three branches. After the exam is conducted, the eligible candidates must join for the training program in the respective posts. The gender-wise number of vacancies for the posts in the three branches are below.

How to Prepare for AFCAT

Preparing for AFCAT requires dedication, a structured study plan, and the right resources. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the AFCAT syllabus and create a study plan that covers all topics.

2. Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve your time management skills.

3. Stay Updated: Keep up with current affairs and developments in the defence sector.

4. Physical Fitness: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay physically fit, especially if you aspire to join the Flying Branch.

5. Coaching or Self-Study: Decide whether you want to join a coaching institute or prefer self-study. Both approaches have their merits.

Conclusion

The AFCAT exam is your ticket to a rewarding career in the Indian Air Force. To succeed, meet the eligibility criteria, understand the exam pattern and syllabus, and prepare diligently. Now that you have a comprehensive guide to AFCAT, take the first step towards your dream of soaring high in the skies.

FAQs

Q1: How many times is the AFCAT exam conducted in a year?

A1: The AFCAT exam is conducted twice a year, in February and August.

Q2: What is the age limit for the Flying Branch in AFCAT?

A2: The age limit for candidates applying to the Flying Branch is between 20 and 24 years.

Q3: Can married candidates apply for the AFCAT exam?

A3: Yes, married candidates can apply for the Ground Duty Branches in AFCAT. However, for the Flying Branch, candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

Before diving into the details of the AFCAT exam, let’s first understand the eligibility criteria that candidates must meet to apply for this prestigious test.

Nationality

Candidates must be Indian citizens to be eligible for the AFCAT exam.

Age Limit

The age limit for different branches varies. For the Flying Branch, candidates should be between 20 and 24 years old. For the Ground Duty Branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years.

Educational Qualifications

1. Flying Branch: Candidates should have a minimum of 60% marks in Graduation in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. They must also have cleared the NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate or be pursuing a B.E./B. Tech. degree.

2. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: A minimum of 60% marks in Graduation in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level is required. Candidates must also possess a B.E./B. Tech. degree.

3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch: Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks is necessary.

Marital Status

For the Flying Branch, candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. For Ground Duty Branches, both married and unmarried candidates can apply.

Medical Standards

Candidates should meet the medical standards set by the Indian Air Force, including visual and physical fitness criteria.

Now that you understand the eligibility criteria, let’s delve deeper into the AFCAT exam pattern and syllabus.

AFCAT Exam Pattern

The AFCAT exam consists of multiple-choice questions (MCQs) and is divided into two papers:

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

• Duration: 2 hours
• Number of Questions: 100
• Maximum Marks: 300
• Sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test.

EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test)

EKT is applicable only for candidates applying for the Ground Duty (Technical) Branch. It includes questions related to the candidate’s engineering discipline and has a duration of 45 minutes.

AFCAT Syllabus

The AFCAT syllabus is vast and covers a wide range of topics. Here’s a brief overview:

1. General Awareness: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Sports, Civics, Environment, Defence, Art, Culture, International Current Affairs, and more.

2. Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms, Antonyms, and Vocabulary.

3. Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Simplification, Average, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, and Simple Interest.

4. Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test: Verbal Skills, Spatial Ability, Rotated Blocks, Hidden Figures, Embedded Figures, and Analogy.

How to Prepare for AFCAT

Preparing for AFCAT requires dedication, a structured study plan, and the right resources. Here are some tips to help you succeed:

1. Understand the Syllabus: Familiarize yourself with the AFCAT syllabus and create a study plan that covers all topics.

2. Practice Regularly: Solve previous years’ question papers and take mock tests to improve your time management skills.

3. Stay Updated: Keep up with current affairs and developments in the defence sector.

4. Physical Fitness: Maintain a healthy lifestyle and stay physically fit, especially if you aspire to join the Flying Branch.

5. Coaching or Self-Study: Decide whether you want to join a coaching institute or prefer self-study. Both approaches have their merits.

Conclusion

The AFCAT exam is your ticket to a rewarding career in the Indian Air Force. To succeed, meet the eligibility criteria, understand the exam pattern and syllabus, and prepare diligently. Now that you have a comprehensive guide to AFCAT, take the first step towards your dream of soaring high in the skies.

FAQs

Q1: How many times is the AFCAT exam conducted in a year?

A1: The AFCAT exam is conducted twice a year, in February and August.

Q2: What is the age limit for the Flying Branch in AFCAT?

A2: The age limit for candidates applying to the Flying Branch is between 20 and 24 years.

Q3: Can married candidates apply for the AFCAT exam?

A3: Yes, married candidates can apply for the Ground Duty Branches in AFCAT. However, for the Flying Branch, candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.