What is AFCAT Exam Pattern?

AFCAT exam pattern highlights the overall structure of the exam such as number of sections, weightage of topics, time duration, total marks, marking scheme, etc. AFCAT exam is divided into online test and AFSB interview. Besides AFCAT candidates who applies for the technical branch are required to appear for the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). AFCAT test comprises different sections such as General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English . Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. EKT carries questions from Mechanical, Computer Science, and Electrical & Electronics. AFCAT carries a total of 100 questions whereas, EKT carries 50 questions. The total marks allotted to AFCAT are 300 whereas, EKT carries 150 marks. The duration of AFCAT exam is two hours whereas EKT is held for 45 minutes. Both AFCAT and EKT is held in online mode and the language of the question paper is English.

When will AFCAT 1 2025 notification be released?

AFCAT notification was released on December 2. Short notification was released on November 22. Notification was released in PDF form and comprises the details related to the exam. Recruitment of candidates is done based on the selection process.

What is the difference between NDA and AFCAT?

The full form of AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test whereas the full form of NDA is National Defence Academy. Both exams are the sought-after defence entrance exams in the country. NDA exam is conducted by Union Public Service Commission to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Courses. AFCAT exam is conducted to select candidates as Class 1 gazetted Officers in the flying branch and ground duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.

When will AFCAT application form be available for correction?

Yes, IAF provides the facility to edit the details entered in the AFCAT application form. The online correction window remains open for a specified time period. Candidates can use the correction window to edit details such as name, father's name, mother's name, photograph, signature, and thumb impression image. No extra fee is charged to edit the details in the application form. After the closure of the edit window, candidates are not allowed to make any changes in the application form. Therefore, candidates are advised to fill the application form correctly. The admit card is issued to candidates who submits the application form correctly. The correction in the application form can be done online only.

What are the important topics for Numerical Ability in AFCAT exam?

Topics for the AFCAT Numerical Ability section are Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion and Simple Interest, Time and Distance. Candidates can prepare this section only through practice. They should also learn the shortcut tricks of solving questions.

In how many shifts AFCAT exam is conducted?

AFCAT exam is conducted in two shifts. Each shift is conducted for two hours. Shift 1 timing is from 9.45 am to 11.45 am, and shift 2 from 2:15 PM to 4.15 pm. Candidates have to report to the test centre as per the reporting time. Carry the admit card along with a valid ID proof that mentions - name, father's name, date of birth, and a clear photograph). You are not allowed to to carry Textual material, Calculators, Docupen, Slide rulers and log tables, Electronic watches, Mobile phones, Bluetooth, pager or any other electronic items to the exam centre.

What is the difference between NDA and AFCAT?

The full form of AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test whereas the full form of NDA is National Defence Academy. Both exams are the sought-after defence entrance exams in the country. NDA exam is conducted by Union Public Service Commission to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Courses. AFCAT exam is conducted to select candidates as Class 1 gazetted Officers in the flying branch and ground duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.

When AFCAT admit card is released?

AFCAT admit card is released by IAF. Candidates can download their admit cards by entering the required login details. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post.

AFCAT Exam Date 2026 OUT: Check AFCAT 1 Exam Schedule Here

550 Students Q&A

Registration - 17 Nov '25 - 14 Dec '25

Updated on Nov 9, 2025 18:06 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

The Indian Air Force (IAF) released AFCAT 1 notification 2026. The application form will be released on November 17. The last date to fill the application form is December 14. The exam will be held on January 31, 2026.

AFCAT dates highlight important events about the exam, such as the release of the application form, the issue of the admit card, and the declaration of the result. Candidates should keep an eye on the dates so that they do not miss any events. Check below for the important events of AFCAT.

Table of contents

AFCAT 2026 Dates
AFCAT Important Events
AFCAT Shift Timings
AFCAT Exam Dates 2026 FAQs

AFCAT 2026 Dates

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

Dates	Upcoming Exam Dates
17 Nov ' 25 - 14 Dec ' 25	AFCAT 1 application form 2026 ONGOING

Dates	Past Exam Dates
23 Aug ' 25 - 25 Aug ' 25	AFCAT 2 2025 exam date
19 Aug ' 25 - 25 Aug ' 25	AFCAT 2 admit card 2025
07 Aug ' 25 - 09 Aug ' 25	AFCAT 2 2025 Application Form Correction
View More Past Events (43)