✈️ AFCAT 2026: Exam Date, Eligibility, Syllabus, Cut-Off, Application Process & Preparation Guide

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is one of India’s most respected defence entrance exams that selects candidates for the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) roles in the Indian Air Force.If you are aiming to join the Air Force in 2026, this blog gives you the latest updates, eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, cut-off, and preparation tips—everything in one place.

⭐ What is AFCAT?

AFCAT is a national-level exam conducted by the Indian Air Force twice every year.AFCAT 2026 will be conducted for:

• Flying Branch

• Ground Duty Technical Branch

• Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch

• NCC Special Entry

AFCAT is your gateway to becoming a Commissioned Officer and serving the nation with pride.

📌 AFCAT 2026 – Important Dates (Expected)

Event	AFCAT 1	AFCAT 2
Notification	Nov 2025	May 2026
Application Start	17 Nov 2025	June 2026
Application End	14 Dec 2025	July 2026
Admit Card	Jan 2026	Aug 2026
Exam Date	Feb 2026	Aug/Sep 2026
Result	March 2026	Sep 2026

🎯 AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

1. Nationality

Indian citizen.

2. Age Limit

• Flying Branch: 20–24 years

• Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Tech): 20–26 years(Age relaxation for candidates with Commercial Pilot License)

3. Educational Qualification

Flying Branch

• 10+2 with Physics & Maths

• Graduation (any stream) with 60%

• OR BE/B.Tech with 60%

Ground Duty (Technical Branch)

• BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering fields

Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

• Graduation (Arts/Commerce/Science) with 60%

NCC Special Entry

• NCC Air Wing ‘C’ Certificate required

📘 AFCAT 2026 Exam Pattern

Section	Questions	Marks
General Awareness	25	75
Verbal Ability (English)	30	90
Numerical Ability	20	60
Reasoning & Military Aptitude	25	75
Total	100	300

• Duration: 2 Hours

• Negative Marking: 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer

📚 AFCAT 2026 Syllabus Overview

General Awareness

• History, Geography, Polity

• Defence

• Economy

• Environment

• Current Affairs

Verbal Ability

• Comprehension

• Synonyms/Antonyms

• Idioms

• Error Detection

Numerical Ability

• Profit & Loss

• Time & Work

• Ratio

• Simple & Compound Interest

• Number System

Reasoning

• Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning

• Spatial Ability

• Figure Classification

• Pattern Recognition

🛫 AFSB Interview Process (Stage-Wise)

Day 1 – Screening

• OIR Test

• PPDT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test)

Day 2–4 – Psychology + GTO Tasks

• Word Association Test

• Situation Reaction Test

• Group Discussion

• Group Planning Exercise

• Command Task

• Personal Interview

Day 5 – Conference + Result

Those who clear this undergo a Medical Test.

💰 AFCAT Salary & Benefits

• Basic Salary: ₹56,100 per month

• Flying Allowance: ₹11,250 – ₹25,000

• Free accommodation

• Free medical facilities

• Travel concessions

• Insurance coverage

• Pension benefits

📉 AFCAT Previous Year Cut-Off Trends

Year	AFCAT 1	AFCAT 2
2023	155	151
2024	153	150
2025	149	152
2026 (Expected)	150–155	152–156

Cut-off depends on difficulty level and candidate performance.

📝 How to Apply for AFCAT 2026?

1. Visit afcat.cdac.in

2. Register with email & mobile

3. Fill personal and educational details

4. Select exam centre

5. Upload documents

6. Pay the fee

7. Download the application form

Aadhaar card is mandatory.

📌 AFCAT 2026 Application Fees

• ₹550 + GST (for AFCAT entry)

• No fees for NCC Special Entry

🎓 AFCAT Training

Selected candidates undergo training at:

📍 Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad)Training Duration:

• Flying Branch: 18 months

• Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech): 52 weeks

📈 AFCAT 2026 Preparation Tips

1️⃣ Understand the Exam Pattern

Focus more on English, Reasoning, and GA — highest scoring areas.

2️⃣ Use Previous Year Papers

Repeat solving last 10 years AFCAT papers.

3️⃣ Improve English Daily

Read newspapers, practise grammar and vocabulary.

4️⃣ Stay Fit

Running, SSB tasks, and stamina building is important.

5️⃣ Take Mock Tests

Your accuracy improves only with repeated testing.

🔥 Best Books for AFCAT 2026

• AFCAT Arihant Book

• Verbal Ability – Norman Lewis

• Maths – RS Aggarwal

• Reasoning – MK Pandey

• General Awareness – Lucent GK

❓ Why Choose AFCAT?

• Respect + permanent government job

• High salary with perks

• International level training

• Chance to serve the nation

• Attractive lifestyle & career growth

🏁 Conclusion

AFCAT 2026 is a fantastic opportunity for young aspirants who dream of joining the Indian Air Force.With the right strategy, preparation, and consistency, you can clear the exam and start your journey as an Indian Air Force Officer.