AFCAT Cut Off 2026 OUT: Check Cut off Marks for AFCAT 1

Air Force Common Admission Test 2026 ( AFCAT )

Shikha Goyal
Updated on Jan 30, 2026 18:13 IST

By Shikha Goyal, Assistant Manager

AFCAT Cut off 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will release AFCAT 1 cut off in February. AFCAT exam was conducted on January 31, 2026. AFCAT cut off is released along with the result. The cut off along with the AFCAT result can be accessed by logging with email ID, password, and captcha code. AFCAT cut off is the minimum qualifying mark that candidates need to secure inorder to qualify the exam. Candidates securing the required cut off in AFCAT exam are selected for the next stage of recruitment. Read below for more details on AFCAT cut off. 

Table of contents
  • AFCAT Cut off
  • AFCAT 2026 Dates
  • How to Check AFCAT Cut Off?
  • AFCAT Result
  • AFCAT Cut off 2026 FAQs
AFCAT Logo

AFCAT Cut off

AFCAT cut off is released to select candidates as Class I Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical). AFCAT cut off is released twice a year and indicates the minimum marks to be secured by the candidate in order to qualify for the exam and move further in the selection process. Candidates who clear the cut off marks are selected for the AFSB interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the marks secured in the online test and AFSB interview.

How is AFCAT Cut off Calculated?

AFCAT scores are calculated in the following way:

  • For the correct answers, candidates score three marks
  • According to AFCAT Exam Pattern, one mark is deducted for incorrect answer
  • The scores of candidates are calculated based on the number of correct and incorrect answers 

 

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Does AFCAT has sectional cutoff?
A: 

Yes, there is sectional cut-off marks in the exam. Candidates need to secure the overall cut-off marks to get selected for AFSB Interview. Candidates securing equal to or more than the cut off marks are selected for the subsequent rounds of the selection process. Around 10,000 candidates are selected for the AFSB test based on their performance in the online test. The final selection is done based on the performance in the AFCAT and AFSB interview. 

Q:   Will I be eligible for the AFSB interview if I did not clear the EKT cutoff in the exam but cleared the AFCAT cutoff?
A: 
Yes, you will be eligible for the AFSB interview only if you have selected other Non-Technical branches such as administration, flying, etc. However, you will not be considered for the Technical Branch. If you have applied for Technical branch then you need to clear both the cutoffs for EKT and AFCAT. The selection is done based on the performance in AFCAT and EKT exams. EKT is conducted for the candidates who apply for the Technical branch. EKT cut off is calculated out of 150 marks. AFCAT cut off is calculated out off 300 marks. It is mandatory to secure the cut off marks in the exam inorder to get shortlisted. There are sectional as well as overall cut off marks.

AFCAT 2026 Dates

Take a look at the table below for the complete schedule of AFCAT 2026 exam

DatesPast Exam Dates
08 Mar ' 24

AFCAT 1 result 2024

27 Sep ' 23

AFCAT 2 Result 2023

13 Mar ' 23

AFCAT 1 result 2023

AFCAT Logo

How to Check AFCAT Cut Off?

AFCAT cut off is released online along with the result. The process to check cut off marks are given below.

  • Go to the 'Candidate login' tab
  • Click 'AFCAT Cycle' link 
  • Enter the login credentials 
  • The scorecard along with the cutoff marks are displayed on the screen 

Factors Affecting AFCAT Cut off 

The cut off of AFCAT is calculated based on the following factors:

  • Exam difficulty 
  • Total marks 
  • Number of vacancies 
  • Number of test-takers

Also Read:

Previous Years' AFCAT 1 Cut off 

Take a look below at AFCAT 1 previous years cut offs

AFCAT 1 Cut off 

The AFCAT 1 cut off is given below in the table:

AFCAT AFCAT Cut Off  EKT Cut Off 

AFCAT 1 cut off 2025

121

-

AFCAT 1 2024

137

-

AFCAT 1 2023

155

-

AFCAT 1 2022

157

18

AFCAT (1) 2021

165

30

AFCAT (1) 2019

133

50

AFCAT (1) 2018

155

60

AFCAT (1) 2017

150

60

AFCAT (1) 2016

132

52

AFCAT (1) 2015

126

55

Previous Years' AFCAT 2 Cut off

The year-wise AFCAT 2 cut off is given in the table below.

AFCAT AFCAT Cut Off  EKT Cut Off 

AFCAT 2 Cut off 2025

140

-

AFCAT 2 Cut off 2024

139

-

AFCAT 2 Cut off 2022

157

-

AFCAT (2) 2021

157

18

AFCAT (2) 2020

155

40

AFCAT (2) 2018

140

55

AFCAT (2) 2017

160

60

AFCAT (2) 2016

148

60

AFCAT (2) 2015

144

52

AFCAT (2) 2014

123

45

Also Read:

NDA Cutoff CDS Cutoff UPSC CAPF Cutoff
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is there any negative marking in AFCAT exam?
A: 

Yes, there is a negative marking in AFCAT exam. For each wrong answer, one mark is deducted. 

Q:   What is the AFCAT cut off?
A: 

AFCAT cut off is the minimum qualifying marks that candidates need to secure inorder to qualify the exam. AFCAT 1 cut off 2023 was 155 out of 300. In 2022, AFCAT 1 cut off was 157 whereas it was 18 for EKT. In the same year, AFCAT 2 cut off was 157. In 2021, AFCAT 1 cut off was 165 whereas EKT cut off was 30. In 2021, AFCAT 2 cut off was 157 whereas EKT cut off was 18. In 2019, AFCAT 1 cut off was 133 whereas it was 50 for EKT. In 2020, AFCAT 2 cut off was 155 whereas EKT cut off was 40. AFCAT cut off is announced online on the official website. AFCAT cut off is common for all the categories. Candidates securing equal to or more than the cut off marks are called for the next round of selection process.

AFCAT Logo

AFCAT Result

AFCAT result is announced for online test and final selection. Candidates can get their results by logging with the required credentials. Those qualifying the exam are selected for the next round. The process to check the result is given below.

  • Visit the IAF website
  • Click the cut off link
  • Enter the required credentials
  • AFCAT cut off appears on the screen
  • Download and save it
Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   Is 175 considered a good score for AFCAT exam?
A: 

The minimum good score for AFCAT exam 165-175. Candidates need to secure the required score inorder to qualify the exam. Candidates qualifying the online exam are called for AFSB Interview. Candidates need to practice well inorder to qualify the exam. 

Q:   What is AFCAT marking scheme?
A: 

AFCAT marking scheme is prescribed by the examination authority. The marking scheme shows how many marks are deducted for wrong answers. This also shows how many marks are given for  correct answers.

AFCAT Logo

AFCAT Cut off 2026 FAQs

Candidates can check below the FAQs related to AFCAT cut off.

Q&A Icon
Commonly asked questions
Q:   What is the difference between AFCAT and EKT?
A: 

AFCAT exam or Air Force Common Admission Test is conducted by Indian Air Force to select candidates as Class 1 gazetted officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. EKT or Engineering Knowledge Test is conducted for the candidates who apply for the technical branches. AFCAT exam carries a total of 100 questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. The total marks allotted to the AFCAT exam are 300. The duration of the test is two hours. EKT carries 50 questions that are Engineering subject-specific. Questions are asked from Mechanical, Computer Science, and Electrical & Electronics. The total marks allotted to the test are 150 and is held for 45 minutes.

Q:   How to check AFCAT cut off?
A: 

AFCAT cut off is announced online along with the result. The cut off is released on the official website of IAF. Candidates securing equal to or more than the cut off marks are called for AFSB interview. The final selection of candidates is done based on the marks obtained in the online test and AFSB interview. The steps to check AFCAT cut off are given below: Visit the official website of IAF Click on the AFCAT scorecard link on the home page Candidates need to enter the required details to login After logging, candidates can check the cut off marks Based on the cut off marks, candidates are selected for the next round of selection process.

Q:   I am not satisfied with AFCAT result. How to raise complaint?
A: 
There is no such facility to raise a complaint against the AFCAT result. The result once announced is considered final and no queries will be entertained by the examination authority. Candidates can file an RTI if they have any queries related to the result. AFCAT result for the online test is prepared out of 300 marks. Candidates clearing the online test are called for AFSB interview. The final merit list is prepared based on the performance in the online test and AFSB interview.
Q:   What is the significance of scoring above the cutoff in AFCAT?
A: 

Candidates securing AFCAT cut off are called for the next round of selection process. The final selection of candidates is done based on the online test and AFSB interview. The total marks allotted to the online test are 300.

Q:   Why is it important to get a good score in AFCAT exam?
A: 

Getting good marks in AFCAT increases chances of qualifying for the AFSB interview. The scores enhances your position in the merit list. It also motivated candidates to perform much better. This also helps in identifying the strengths.

Q:   Is the candidate eligible for TA or other allowance for appearing in the AFCAT?
A: 

Candidates are required to travel to the AFCAT exam centre of their own. The exam centre is allotted to candidates based on their preferences. The details related to the exam centre are mentioned in the admit card. Take the printout of the admit card along with one photo-identity proof.

Q:   I have forgotten the password while checking AFCAT result. What to do?
A: 

To retrieve the password while checking AFCAT result, candidates need to click the ' Forgot Password' tab. The system will ask candidates for some details to retrieve the password. After entering the details, the verification link will be sent to the candidate's registered email ID. After verification, the password will be reset. AFCAT result is valid till the merit list of that particular course is out. Once candidates get eliminated in any of the stages of recruitment. They need to take the test again and apply for a new course.

Q:   What is the full form of AFCAT?
A: 

AFCAT full form is Air Force Common Admission Test. The exam is conducted twice a year to pick up Class-1 Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Career in Air Force is loaded with opportunities. Candidates starting their career as Flying Officer can reach to the position of Air Marshal/Chief of Air Staff based on their experience and performance.

Q:   Which are the important topics for AFCAT Reasoning Ability and Military Aptitude?
A: 

Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test is one of the important sections of AFCAT exam. This section assess a candidate's ability to think logically. This section carries maximum questions in the exam. Candidates need to prepare well for the exam.

Q:   I have registered online on the official website for AFCAT. However, I have not received any password. What to do?
A: 

While entering email address ensure it is correct and in use. Password is sent to email address through which you have registered. If you do not receive password you may also use Forgot Password Option to receive a new password. 

Q:   What is the stipend offered to AFCAT officers during training?
A: 

The stipend offered to men and women cadets during the entire duration of training at any of the Air Force Training Institutions is INR 56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10). On successful completion of the training, the AFCAT salary of candidates in the pay matrix of Commissioned Officers will be fixed in the first cell of Level 10.

Q:   Is there any negative marking in AFCAT exam?
A: 

Yes, there is a negative marking in AFCAT exam. For each wrong answer, one mark is deducted. 

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered 3 weeks ago

AFCAT 1 2026 expected cut off will range between 135–145 marks. The expected cut off is decided based on the difficulty level.

J

Jasleen Harsha

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 3 weeks ago

The overall difficulty level of AFCAT 1 2026 exam was moderate. The section-wise difficulty is given below.

SubjectDifficulty Level
General AwarenessModerate
Verbal Ability in EnglishModerate
Numerical AbilityModerate
Reasoning and Military Aptitude TestModerate

R

Raushan Pradhan

Contributor-Level 7

Answered a month ago

AFCAT 1 cut off 2026 will be released in March. It is common across all categories. Candidates need to secure the required cut off to qualify the exam. It is decided based on the exam difficulty level.

B

Bhumika Arora

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

AFCAT 1 2026 exam analysis was released on January 31. This is provided after the completion of the exam. They can refer to the same to check the level of the exam. They can also know the topics from where questions were asked in the exam.

M

Mani Shukla

Contributor-Level 7

Answered 2 months ago

AFCAT reporting timings are mentioned in the admit card. The shift-wise reporting timings are given below. 

AFCAT ShiftsAFCAT Reporting Time
Shift 17.30 am
Shift 212.30 pm

A

Abhishek Kumar

Contributor-Level 7

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