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 notification 2026 will be released?

AFCAT 1 notification 2026 will be released on November 17. AFCAT 2 notification will be released in May 2026. Notification is released in PDF form and comprises important details related to exam. Candidates must check notification before applying for exam.

How to apply online for AFCAT?

The AFCAT application form is released online. Before applying, check the eligibility criteria. The process to fill the form is mentioned below. Visit afcat.cdac.in. Click on the Apply link. The registration form will display on the computer screen. Provide the required information to complete the registration. Candidates need to fill in their personal details, course preference, if they have appeared in the AFSB earlier or not, communication details, and upload the scanned photograph, signature, etc. The final step is to pay the application fees. After the successful transaction application will be submitted.

Can I apply offline for AFCAT exam?

Candidates need to apply online for AFCAT exam only. There is no facility to apply offline. The link to fill the application form is activated on the official website. To apply for AFCAT exam, candidates are first required to register for the exam. The window to edit the application form is made available after the closure of application process.

What is the difference between AFCAT and EKT?

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.

What are the admission in AFA?

Candidates after admission in Air Force Academy will not be considered for any other commission. They are not permitted to appear for any interview or exam after they have finally selected for training at AFA. No request for withdrawal of candidature received from a candidate after they have submitted their applications is entertained under any circumstance. PAN Card, Aadhaar card and account in SBI/ Nationalized Bank is mandatory at the time of joining Air Force Academy (AFA). Use/possession of narcotics is banned. Candidate may be tested for presence of drugs in the body during Medicals and subsequently during training/ service career as an officer. If candidate is found to be using/ in possession of narcotics during any time of training/service career, candidate would be debarred from training /service as per extant policy.

What is the pattern of AFCAT AFSB?

AFSB or Air Force Selection Board is held for candidates qualifying the online test of AFCAT. 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: Stage-I: This stage comprises Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and discussion test on the first day. This is the screening stage and qualifying the test are called for subsequent rounds of AFSB. In the first stage, the documents of candidates are verified to ascertain their eligibility for the branch they have applied for. Stage 2: This stage is conducted for five days. The tests that are conducted in this stage are Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interview and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS). The CPSS is conducted for Flying Branch and it is a once in a lifetime test.

Is there any negative marking in AFCAT exam?

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

What are the important changes announced in AFCAT exam?

Some of the important changes observed in AFCAT notification are listed below: No Permanent Commission There was no vacancy for Permanent Commission. Earlier, Permanent Commission vacancies were announced for male candidates. The engagement period for Flying Branch (Men and Women) SSC Officers is fourteen years from the date of Commissioning. The initial tenure for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) SSC Officers would be for a period of ten years. An extension of four years may be granted subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability and merit. Grant of Permanent Commission (PC) (at a later date) would be considered subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability, merit and as per prevailing policies on the subject. SSC officers are not entitled for the grant of pension. New Addition of Branch IAF included one new branch in AFCAT exam. The weapon system branch was included and the total number of vacancies for this branch was two for women and 15 for men. Meterology Branch Included in the Online Test of AFCAT Candidates who applied for the Meteorology branch were required to appear for AFCAT online exam. Earlier, it was as part of the special entry. No EKT Exam Conducted EKT exam is not included in AFCAT exam. Earlier, EKT was the part of AFCAT exam. This is conducted for the Technical branch.

Where can I download AFCAT admit card?

To download AFCAT admit card Visit the official website of IAF, Go to the Candidate Login section on the home, Candidates need to click on the AFCAT cycle for which they have submitted their application forms, AFCAT login page opens, In the login page, candidates need to enter their email IDs, password and captcha code, AFCAT admit card appears on the screen, Download AFCAT admit card and take its printout.

How to prepare for AFCAT in 6 months?

Six months are more than enough to prepare for AFCAT exam. Candidates must start from clearing the basic concepts of every topics. Maths can be tough, therefore, candidates must understand the basic concepts. They should note down the important theorems and formulas. In English, candidates need to focus on improving their vocabularly. Candidates must prepare current affairs of six months from the date of exam. They should also prepare basic Science, Geography, Defence Terms, etc. Logical Reasoning questions will be of non-verbal type. So, candidates must solve previous years' question papers.

How to prepare for AFCAT in 3 months?

With just three months left for the exam, take mock test on the first day of preparation. This will give candidates an idea how much effort they need to put in to propel towards the ideal score. Set a week-wise target to complete the syllabus. Buy a good book and learn from it. The mock-taking exercise should be followed up with an in-depth mock analysis. Candidates must also solve previous years' question papers.

How to prepare AFCAT Reasoning section?

Candidates need to understand the format ofAFCAT reasoning section. Practising will help candidates to know the type of questions that are asked in the exam. They must attempt mock tests. Also, candidates must solve previous years' question papers.

How to prepare for AFCAT in 2 months?

Quant is the most scoring section and very basic questions are asked. With just practice, candidates will be able to score good marks. Questions are asked from Profit and loss, Time and Work, Time Speed and Distance, Percentage, Simplification, Average, Mixtures, SI and CI, etc. For English, candidates must practice RCs, Vocab and Idioms. Candidates must solve five question papers as this will help them to know their strengths and weaknesses in the given subjects or topics. Candidates need to work on their weaknesses. Candidates must revise everything in the last 30 to 31 days leading to the exam. Also focus on taking the mock tests.

What is the full form of AFCAT?

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.

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

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.

What is AFCAT salary?

Candidates clearing AFCAT exam are offered a salary of INR 56,100-1,77,500. The salary structure is given below. Rank-Flying Officer-Level-10 Pay as per defence matrix-INR 56,100-1,77,500 Military Service Pay (MSP)-INR 15,500 per month. The rank-wise AFCAT Salary is given below: Flying Officer-INR 56,100 1,77,500 Flight Lieutenant- INR 6,13,00-1,93,900 Squadron Leader-INR 6,94,00 2,07,200 Wing Commander-INR 1,21,200 2,12400 Group Captain-INR 1,30,600-2, 15,900 Air Commodore-INR1,39,600-2,17,600 Air Vice Marshal-INR 1,44,200-2,18,200 Air Marshal HAG Scale-INR 1, 82, 200-2,24,100 HAG+Scale- INR 2,05,400 2,24,400 VACS/Airforce Cdr/ Air Marshal (NFSG)0- INR 2,25,000/-(fixed) CAS- INR 2,50,000/-(fixed) Selection of candidates for AFCAT exam is done based on the online test AFSB interview. Candidates are selected as Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.

What is the procedure of training of newly appointed Officers through AFCAT exam?

Training of newly appointed officers is conducted at Air Force Academy Dundigal (Hyderabad). The duration of training for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches is 74 weeks and that of Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches is 52 weeks at Air Force Training Establishments. Candidates are advised to keep themselves in good physical condition to adapt to physical training at AFA that encompasses running, swimming, rope climbing and other forms of physical training in which they are required to undergo mandatory tests during the training. Candidates should keep themselves fit by following the below-mentioned routine: Running upto 4 kms in 5 minutes Skipping Push-ups & Sit-ups minimum 20 each Chin ups: 8 Rope Climbing: 3 to 4 meters Swimming (25 m).

How many papers are there in the AFCAT exam?

There are only four papers in the AFCAT exam-General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English Numerical Ability and Reasoning, and Military Aptitude Test. AFCAT technical syllabus comprises topics from Mechanical, Computer Science, and Electrical & Electronics. Engineering Mathematics, Engineering Drawing & Physics are some of the common topics which are covered in AFCAT EKT syllabus. The standard of Numerical Ability questions is of Matriculation level. The standard of questions in other subjects is of graduation level (Indian University). The exam paper is in English only. The test paper carries a total of 100 questions whereas EKT carries a total of 50 questions. All the questions asked in the exam are objective-type. Total marks allotted to the AFCAT test are 300 whereas EKT carries a total of 150 marks.

Which are the important topics for AFCAT exam?

AFCAT exam comprises questions based on the syllabus. Knowing the topics candidates can prepare for the exam. Candidates must attempt mock tests to know pattern. They should practice previous years question papers

Why AFCAT exam is conducted?

AFCAT exam is conducted to select Commissioned Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The exam is conducted twice a year-February and August/September. The exam for the February session is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in January. The exam for the August/September session is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in July. AFCAT selection process comprises online test and AFSB interview. The online test comprises questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. The total marks allotted to the test are 300. The AFSB interview is conducted at Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar and Mysuru. The AFSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 comprises Intelligence rating Test and Picture perception and Discussion Test. Stage 2 comprises Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interview and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test (For Flying Branch) candidates. If candidates are recommended by the Selection Board, they are send for the medical examination either at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru. The All India Merit List is compiled based on their performance in the online test and interview, subject to being medically fit. Based on the vacancies available in various branches/sub-branches, joining instructions are issued to join one of the training establishments.

What is AFCAT selection process?

AFCAT selection process comprises online test and AFSB interview. The AFCAT exam is conducted online. The test comprises questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English . Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. The total marks allotted to the test are 300. The duration of the test is two hours. The questions asked in the exam are objective-type. The standard of questions asked in the exam is of graduation level. The language of the question paper is English . Candidates should score between 140 to 190 marks out of 300 in AFCAT exam. The AFSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 of AFSB interview comprises Intelligence rating Test and Picture perception and Discussion Test. Stage 2 comprises Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interview and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test (For Flying Branch) candidates.

What is the difference between AFCAT and EKT?

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.

I am taking the AFCAT for the first time. How should I prepare for it to crack it in my first attempt?

The preparation tips for the AFCAT exam are mentioned below: Know the exam syllabus and pattern. Solve the previous year question paper to know the exam difficulty level. Focus on the weak topics. Read more about these topics, solve related problems, and take online quizzes. AFCAT exam GA section will assess the knowledge of current affairs.

AFCAT Notification 2026 (OUT): Download AFCAT 1 Official PDF Here

534 Students Q&A

Updated on Jan 9, 2026 19:45 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

AFCAT Notification 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) will release AFCAT 2 notification in May. The application form will be made available along with the notification. The AFCAT 1 2026 apply online link was made available on November 17. The last date to fill the application form was December 14 . The online test will be conducted on January 31, 2026.
AFCAT 2 2026 notification was published in PDF form and comprises the important details related to the exam. Read below for more details on AFCAT notification. Download here AFCAT 2 Notification 2025.

Download Here AFCAT 1 Notification 2026

Table of contents

AFCAT Notification 2026
AFCAT 2026 Dates
AFCAT Application form
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
AFCAT Syllabus 2026
AFCAT Selection Process
AFCAT Salary
AFCAT Notification 2026 FAQs

AFCAT Notification 2026

AFCAT 2026 Dates

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

Dates	Past Exam Dates
23 Dec ' 25 - 24 Dec ' 25	AFCAT 1 Online Correction Window 2026
17 Nov ' 25 - 19 Nov ' 25	AFCAT 1 application form 2026
23 Aug ' 25 - 25 Aug ' 25	AFCAT 2 2025 exam date
View More Past Events (45)