AFCAT 2026
Air Force Common Admission Test · वायु सेना सामान्य प्रवेश परीक्षा
What is AFCAT?
AFCAT selects graduates for commissioned officer entries in the Indian Air Force — Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) — through an online test, the Air Force Selection Board interview and a medical exam. It is held twice a year.
Technical branch candidates also take the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). Flying branch candidates take the Computerised Pilot Selection System test at the AFSB.
- Conducting body
- IAF
- Qualification
- Graduation with at least 60% (Flying branch also needs 50% in Physics and Mathematics at Class 12); B
- Age limit
- 20–26 years
- Exam stages
- 3 stages: AFCAT online test, Engineering Knowledge Test (Technical branch), Air Force Selection Board (AFSB)
- 2026 vacancies
- Vacancies to be notified
- Negative marking
- 1 mark per wrong answer (+3 for correct)
AFCAT 02/2026: important dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application starts | 20 May 2026 |
| Last date to apply (extended) | 21 Jun 2026 |
| Online exam | 8 Aug 2026 (tentative) |
Latest AFCAT updates
No AFCAT updates have been published yet. We check the official website twice a day.
How to apply for AFCAT
- 1Register on afcat.edcil.co.in (Candidate Login → Register) with a valid email and mobile number
- 2Fill in personal and educational details and choose branch preferences
- 3Upload photograph, signature and thumb impression in the prescribed format
- 4Pay ₹550 + GST online (not required for NCC Special Entry)
- 5Submit and print the application
AFCAT eligibility
- Educational qualification
- Graduation with at least 60% (Flying branch also needs 50% in Physics and Mathematics at Class 12); B.E./B.Tech for Ground Duty (Technical).
- Age limit
- 20–26 years
- Nationality
- Citizen of India.
Application fee
| Category | Application fee |
|---|---|
| All candidates (plus GST) | ₹550 |
AFCAT exam pattern
| Stage | Mode | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT online test | Computer-based test | 100 | 300 | 120 min |
| Engineering Knowledge Test (Technical branch) | Computer-based test | 50 | 150 | 45 min |
| Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) | Interview and tests | — | — | — |
AFCAT syllabus
AFCAT
General Awareness
Current affairs, Indian history, Geography, Indian polity, Economy, General science, Static GK, Sports and awards
AFCAT
Verbal Ability
Reading comprehension, Cloze test, Error spotting, Fill in the blanks, Synonyms and antonyms, Idioms and phrases, One-word substitution, Sentence improvement, Para jumbles
AFCAT
Numerical Ability
Decimal fractions, Time and work, Average, Profit and loss, Percentage, Ratio and proportion, Simple interest, Time and distance
AFCAT
Reasoning and Military Aptitude
Verbal reasoning, Spatial ability
Selection process
- 1AFCAT online test (+ EKT for technical)
- 2AFSB testing
- 3Medical examination
- 4Merit list
How to prepare for AFCAT
Practice for AFCAT
Reading the syllabus is step one. Timed practice under the real AFCAT pattern is what moves your score. Our partner platform EduJha offers practice with instant scoring and explanations.
AFCAT: frequently asked questions
What is the age limit for AFCAT?
The age limit for AFCAT is 20–26 years (as on the commencement of the course).
What is the educational qualification for AFCAT?
To apply for AFCAT: Graduation with at least 60% (Flying branch also needs 50% in Physics and Mathematics at Class 12); B.E./B.Tech for Ground Duty (Technical).
What is the selection process of AFCAT?
The AFCAT selection process is: AFCAT online test (+ EKT for technical) → AFSB testing → Medical examination → Merit list.
Is there negative marking in AFCAT?
Yes. AFCAT online test: 1 mark per wrong answer (+3 for correct); Engineering Knowledge Test (Technical branch): 1 mark per wrong answer.
How to apply for AFCAT?
Apply online on the official portal (https://afcat.edcil.co.in): 1) Register on afcat.edcil.co.in (Candidate Login → Register) with a valid email and mobile number; 2) Fill in personal and educational details and choose branch preferences; 3) Upload photograph, signature and thumb impression in the prescribed format; 4) Pay ₹550 + GST online (not required for NCC Special Entry); 5) Submit and print the application.