AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025: Negative Marking & Total Marks

AFCAT exam is conducted online and the language of the question paper is English. AFCAT test paper carries a total of 100 questions and the subjects included in the test are General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. The standard of AFCAT paper pattern is of graduation level. The total marks allotted to AFCAT are 300.

AFCAT exam pattern highlights the overall structure of the exam such as number of sections, weightage of topics, time duration, total marks, marking scheme and many more. Candidates should prepare as per the exam pattern so that they get familar with the exam process.

Also Read: Important Topics for AFCAT Exam

Highlights of AFCAT Exam Pattern

Candidates can check below the highlights of the AFCAT exam pattern.

AFCAT Exam Pattern for Online Test

AFCAT exam pattern for online test is given below:

• AFCAT online test is divided into four sections
• The question paper of AFCAT comprises a total of 100 questions
• The maximum marks allotted for AFCAT are 300
• All questions asked in the AFCAT and EKT exams are objective type, having multiple options
• The question paper is made available in English only
• Candidates need to secure the minimum qualifying marks to qualify for the exam

The structure of AFCAT exam pattern is given below.

AFCAT Exam Pattern for EKT

The EKT exam is conducted for 45 minutes. The test paper carries questions from subjects such as Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, and Electrical & Electronics Engineering. EKT paper carries a total of 50 questions. The maximum mark allotted for EKT exam is 150

The structure of EKT exam pattern is given below.

AFCAT Exam Pattern for Technical Branch

The structure of AFCAT exam pattern for Technical branch is given below.

AFCAT Exam Pattern for Non-Technical Branch

Candidates who apply for ground duty (non-technical branches) should be aware of the AFCAT exam pattern for non-technical branch. The structure of the non-technical branch is given below.

AFCAT normalisation of marks is done to adjust the difficulty level of the question paper held across various sessions. This is done to ensure transparency in the calculation of scores.To rationalise the marks scored by candidates appearing in different shifts objectively through a statistical method, normalisation scheme is being implemented as per the following formula:

AFCAT Normalisation Process

Also Read: 

AFCAT Preparation 

AFCAT Books

 AFCAT Exam Time

The online test of AFCAT is conducted for two hours. AFCAT exam timings are given below:

Activity	Shift 1	Shift 2
Reporting time	7.30 am	12.30 pm
Verification of admit card & ID Proof, Biometrics, Photo/ Thumb Impression/ Sign on Attendance Sheet & candidate seating in exam hall	7.30 am to 9.30 am	12.30 am to 2 pm
Reading of instructions by candidates	9.30 am to 9.45 am	2 pm to 2.15 pm
AFCAT exam	9.45 am to 11.45 am	2.15 pm to 4.15 pm

AFCAT Marking Scheme

The marking scheme of the AFCAT exam is given below:

• For correct answers, candidates score three marks. The score of candidates is calculated after deducting AFCAT negative marking
• There is AFCAT negative marking. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer
• No marks are allotted to unattempted questions

Candidates qualifying the online test of AFCAT are called for AFSB interview. The AFSB interview is conducted in three stages at different centres-Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar and Mysuru. At AFSB, candidates need to undergo the following tests inorder to ascertain their suitability and gauge your potential as an Officer in the Indian Air Force.

Stage-I

Officer Intelligence Rating Test, along with Picture Perception and discussion test, is conducted on the first day. Stage-I test is a screening test and only those who qualify are called for subsequent testing. All Stage-I qualified candidates are subjected to document check to ascertain their eligibility for the branches applied for. Candidates who either do not qualify in Stage-I or do not meet the required eligibility criteria are sent back on the first day itself. 

Stage-II

All Stage 1 qualified candidates need to undergo tests as part of their Stage 2 testing during four to five days. Fifth day is for CPSS testing (Flying branch). The following tests are conducted in Stage 2:

• Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist
• Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor activities which are a combination of mental and physical work
• Interview involves a personal conversation with an Interviewing Officer
• Candidates who have applied for flying branch and have been recommended, will also have to undergo Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test

For Flying branch

Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) will be administered to recommended candidates only. This is once in a lifetime test. Candidates who failed the CPSS/ PABT in an earlier attempt or a Flight Cadet suspended from flying training at Air Force Academy are not eligible.

Medical Test

Candidates recommended by the Selection Board, are sent for the medical examination either at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru.

Expert Tips to Prepare for AFCAT ASFB Interview

Candidates can check below AFCAT Exam Pattern FAQs to know regarding the marking scheme, normalisation of marks, number of sections, etc.