What are the steps to fill AFCAT application form?

AFCAT application form is released online on the official website. The application fee which is INR 550 with GST charges for all categories and can be paid online. The steps to fill AFCAT application form 2023 are given below: Visit the official website of IAF Register for the exam by entering the required details Fill the application form of AFCAT Pay the application fee Submit the application form Candidates are not required to send the hard copy of the application form to the examination authority. The window to make corrections in the application form is made available after the application process closes. Candidates can correct their names, father's name, mother's name, uploaded photograph, signature and left thumb impression, etc.

How to check the AFCAT payment status?

Once the payment process is successful, the system displays the AFCAT registration number. This means that the payment is successful. Candidates must verify the correction of information entered in the application form before proceeding with the 'Make Payment' option. Applicants will not be able to edit the previous details entered after the selection of 'Course Preferences' step and after the 'Make Payment' step. No cash or cheque or demand draft (DD) is accepted towards payment of examination fee. The examination fee can be paid using credit/ debit cards/ net banking through the payment gateway. Applicants are advised to follow the instructions/ steps given on the payment gateway, and also print/keep the transaction details for their records. After confirmation from bank that the payment is received, the 'Payment Status' display 'Registration Number' which the candidate may note down for future correspondence. Simultaneously, candidates also receive a confirmatory sms/ e-mail.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 175 considered a good score for AFCAT exam?

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.

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).

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 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.

What is the AFCAT cut off?

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.

How to check AFCAT cut off?

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.

Does AFCAT has sectional cutoff?

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.

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 correct errors in AFCAT admit card?

After downloading AFCAT admit card, candidates must check the details carefully. In case of any error, they should report to the examination authority for correction. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by post.

What if there are discrepancies in AFCAT admit card?

Candidates are required to check all the details in AFCAT admit card carefully. In case of any error, candidates need to inform the examination authority for corrections. New admit card is issued after correction.

AFCAT 2026: Notification OUT, Apply Online Link, Exam Dates, Eligibility & Vacancies

550 Students Q&A

Registration - 17 Nov '25 - 14 Dec '25

Updated on Nov 17, 2025 11:44 IST

By Anangsha Patra, Deputy Manager – Editorial

The Indian Air Force (IAF) released AFCAT 1 application form 2026 on November 17 to fill 340 vacancies. The last date to fill the application form is December 14. Candidates aged between 20 and 24 years and completed Graduation can apply for the exam. The online test will be held on January 31, 2026. Read below for more details on IAF AFCAT exam.

Table of contents

What is AFCAT Exam?
AFCAT 2026 Dates
AFCAT Application Form 2026
AFCAT Syllabus 2026
AFCAT Admit Card 2026
AFCAT Exam Analysis 2026
AFCAT Result 2026
AFCAT Cut off 2026
AFCAT Salary
AFCAT 2026 FAQs

What is AFCAT Exam?

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)