AFCAT Written Exam Pattern & Preparation Strategy (2026)
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force. It is a single-session MCQ paper (plus EKT for Technical candidates). High competition — volume of applicants is large — but the paper is manageable with consistent practice. Success leads to AFSB allotment.
Exam structure
- 100 questions, 2 hours, 3 marks each with negative marking.
- Sections: English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning + Military Aptitude.
- EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) for Technical branch — additional paper same day.
- Flying branch: also check medical standards before deep preparation.
Preparation tips
- Reasoning & numerical: 30 min daily — AFCAT is speed-heavy.
- GK: defence + current affairs + basic science.
- English: error spotting, idioms, comprehension.
- Mock tests: aim for 70+ attempts with high accuracy in final month.
After AFCAT — AFSB
- AFSB Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar or Varanasi — same 5-day battery.
- Flying: PABT + strict medicals.
- Read Air Force PI guide and practise PPDT narration on ssbpractice.in.
Frequently asked questions
AFCAT vs CDS for Air Force — which written is easier?
AFCAT is MCQ-speed based; CDS GK/English can be tougher but Maths is separate. Many aspirants attempt both.