Candidates preparing for the upcoming AFCAT 2 2026 exam should analyze the detailed syllabus to craft a winning study strategy. Review the marking scheme, negative marking, time constraints, and other essential exam parameters right here.
AFCAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026
| Particular | Details |
| Recruitment Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 2 2026) |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Online |
| Time Duration | 2 hours for AFCAT |
| Marking Scheme | 3 marks for each right answer |
| Negative Marking Scheme | 1 mark for each wrong answer |
| Selection Process | Written test- AFSB Test- Medical Examination |
| Official Website | https://afcat.edcil.co.in/ |
AFCAT 2 2026 Notification: Over 142 Vacancies Released - Check Details
AFCAT Exam Selection Process 2026
The Indian Air Force conducts the online AFCAT examination. The selection process for the AFCAT 2026 cycle consists of several rigorous stages as outlined below:
For non-technical roles, the AFCAT Written Exam is the primary screening stage. Candidates applying for technical roles must also qualify for the AFCAT + EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test).
- AFCat/ AFCAT
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Medical Test
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
The AFCAT syllabus covers General Awareness, GK, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude. Refer to the exam pattern table below for a complete breakdown.
| Exam | AFCAT | EKT (only for technical) |
| Mode of Exam | Online | Online |
| No. of Questions | 100 | 50 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 | 150 |
| Duration of Exam | 2 hours (120 minutes) | 45 minutes |
| Sections in Paper | General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics |
| Negative Marking | 1 mark | 1 mark |
All applicants must appear for the mandatory written test, with technical candidates additionally required to pass the EKT. To qualify for selection, candidates must achieve the minimum cutoff marks set by the IAF in both the written exam and the AFSB testing phase.
Important Exam Highlights:
Total Time Duration: 120 Minutes (2 hours)
Total Number of Questions: 100
Marking Scheme: +3 marks for every correct answer
Negative Marking: -1 mark for every incorrect response
Unanswered questions will not be penalized (no marks awarded or deducted).
AFCAT Syllabus 2026
The comprehensive AFCAT syllabus encompasses General Awareness, English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude.
General Awareness
The General Awareness section tests candidate knowledge of current events, national and international affairs, and history. Typically, this section consists of 20 questions.
The primary topics covered in the General Awareness section include:
- History
- Sports
- Geography
- Art and Culture
- Current Affairs
- Politics
- Civics
- Environment
- Defense
- Basic Science
English Language
The English Language section evaluates proficiency in grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. This section generally includes 30 questions.
Key topics for the English language section include:
- Comprehension
- Basic Grammar
- Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate word
- Tenses
- Error Detection
- Sentence Completion
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Testing of Vocabulary
- One Word Substitution
Numerical Ability
The Numerical Ability section focuses on fundamental mathematical concepts to assess speed and calculation accuracy. Important topics are as follows:
- Decimal and Fraction
- Simple Interest & Compound Interest
- Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams)
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time and Work
- Average
- Profit and Loss
Reasoning and Mental Aptitude Test
Regular practice with these key topics will significantly enhance your performance in the Reasoning & Military Aptitude sections.
- Odd One Out
- Analogy
- Venn Diagram
- Pattern Completion
- Dot Situation Analysis
- Blood Relation
- Missing Figures
- Figure Classification
- Coding and Decoding
- Spotting the Embedded Figures
- Sequencing
Download AFCAT Previous Year Question Paper PDFs
AFCAT Previous Year Cut-Off Marks: Click to View
AFCAT Syllabus 2026: FAQs
Ans: No, a Graduation degree is mandatory to be eligible for the AFCAT exam.
Ans: The AFCAT exam is conducted twice annually.
Ans: The time duration for the common paper is 120 minutes.
Ans: Yes, an application fee is applicable for the AFCAT 2026 online registration.
Ans: AFCAT facilitates entry for the Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Also Read:
- AFCAT 1 Notification 2025: Apply Online for 336 IAF Vacancies
- AFCAT EKT Syllabus 2026: Exam Pattern, Marking Scheme & PDF Download
- AFCAT Admit Card 2026 Released @ afcat.cdac.in | Download AFCAT 1 Hall Ticket
- AFCAT 1 2026 Answer Key Released: Download Response Sheet & Check Official PDF @afcat.edcil.co.in
- AFCAT 1/2026 Exam City Intimation Slip Released - Check Your Exam Center Now
- AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit, Qualifications & Physical Standards