AFCAT
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national level entrance exam after graduation to pursue a career in the Air Force. The Air Force conducts the exam twice a year – in February and August/September to select Class – I Officers (Gazetted) in Flying and Ground duties (both technical and non-technical).
The online exam is common for both Flying Branch and Ground Duty (technical and non-technical). But the candidates sitting for Ground Duty have to additionally take Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). And then the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview.
For the Flying branch, it’s a Short Service but for Ground Duty both permanent/short service.
Both male and female candidates, mostly unmarried, are eligible for applying.
AFCAT Overview
Here are the highlights of the AFCAT exam. The details are covered in the following sections.
| Particulars | Details |
| AFCAT Conducting Body | IAF |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Syllabus | AFCAT:
EKS:
|
| Test Paper | AFCAT: 100 Qs (300 marks)
EKS: 50 Qs (100 marks) |
| Language of Exam | English |
| Frequency | Twice a year |
AFCAT Exam Eligibility
The eligibility for the AFCAT exam is divided into various sections; education, age, nationality, marital status, and physical fitness. Let’s have a look at one by one.
Age:
| Branch | Age Limit (years) |
| Flying | 20 – 24;Up to 26 for candidates with Commercial Flying Licence. |
| Ground Duty (Technical and Non-technical) | 20 – 26; |
Nationality: Any candidate must be an Indian citizen.
Education:
| Branch | Qualification |
|
Flying |
Candidates shall pass with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level &
|
|
Ground Duty (Technical) |
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics):
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical):
|
|
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
Administration:
Education:
|
AFCAT 2020 Dates
The below table provides the AFCAT II exam schedule. Candidates are advised to check the dates according to the official site.
| Event | Date | Remarks |
| AFCATII Notification Release | 10 June 2020 | Notification release |
| Application Availability | 15 June 2020 | The application form available in online mode |
| Application Closure | 14 July 2020 | The application form will not be available after that |
| Admit Card Availability | September 2020 | Will be updated as per the official site |
| AFCAT II Exam | 3& 4 October 2020 | Online exam |
AFCAT Selection
Online: The questions in the AFCAT are objective type and are given from topics such as General Awareness, Numerical Ability and Reasoning, Verbal Ability, and Military Aptitude. For the EKT, the questions are from engineering.
AFSB Interview
It happens in three stages:
- Stage I: Intelligence Rating Test
- Stage II: Psychological Test afterwards Group Discussions
- Stage III (for Flying Branch): Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
- Based on the score in each stage, the final result will be declared and the candidates are placed in the order of merit.
AFCAT FAQs
1. Is reservation applicable for the AFCAT exam?
A: No, it’s not applicable.
2. How many times does the AFCAT exam happen in a year?
A: Twice in a year.
3. Do girls eligible to apply for the AFCAT?
A: Yes, they can apply under the Short Service Commission.
4. How many times can I retake the AFCAT exam?
A: As many times as you can. There is no cap on the number of attempts.
5. Are married candidates eligible to apply for the AFCAT exam?
A: Married candidates above 25 but during the training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live out with family.
