Complete Guide to AFCAT Exam Date 2025, Eligibility, Syllabus & More

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level entrance examination conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF). It is the primary route for eligible candidates to join the Indian Air Force as Commissioned Officers in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. The AFCAT is held twice a year, typically in February and August. The exam is a crucial step for aspirants looking to serve the nation through a challenging and prestigious career in the Air Force.

Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 2025

Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the following eligibility requirements:

Nationality

Must be a citizen of India.

Age Limit

Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (as on 1 January 2026).

Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years (as on 1 January 2026).

Educational Qualification

Flying Branch: Graduation with a minimum of 60% marks in any discipline and Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or B.E./B.Tech with 60% marks.

Ground Duty (Technical): B.E./B.Tech degree in relevant engineering disciplines with at least 60% marks.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduate degree with minimum 60% marks in any discipline.

Important Dates for AFCAT 2025 (Expected)

These are tentative dates based on previous years' trends. Candidates should keep checking official notifications:

AFCAT 2025 Exam Pattern

The AFCAT exam follows an objective-type question format and is conducted online. The pattern differs slightly for candidates applying for technical branches.

AFCAT (Non-Technical Candidates)

Total Questions: 100

Total Marks: 300

Duration: 2 hours

Subjects: General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude

EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) – Only for Technical Branch Applicants

Total Questions: 50

Total Marks: 150

Duration: 45 minutes

Subject: Respective Engineering Discipline

Marking Scheme

+3 marks for each correct answer

-1 mark for each incorrect answer

No marks for unattempted questions

Syllabus Highlights for AFCAT 2025

General Awareness

History, Geography, Civics

Current Affairs, Sports, Defence

Art and Culture, Environment

Verbal Ability in English

Comprehension

Error Detection, Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms and Phrases, Vocabulary

Numerical Ability

Time and Work, Profit and Loss

Percentage, Ratio & Proportion

Simple and Compound Interest

Speed, Distance and Time

Reasoning and Military Aptitude

Odd One Out, Analogy, Venn Diagrams

Embedded Figures, Spatial Ability

How to Apply for AFCAT 2025 – Step-by-Step

Visit the official AFCAT portal.

Register as a new user with your email ID and mobile number.

Login using your credentials.

Fill in the application form with personal, educational, and communication details.

Upload documents like photograph, signature, and identity proof.

Pay the application fee, which is usually around ₹250 for all categories.

Submit the application and save a copy for future reference.

Preparation Tips for AFCAT 2025

Understand the syllabus thoroughly and focus on weak areas early.

Practice mock tests and previous years' question papers to improve speed and accuracy.

Read newspapers and current affairs magazines daily for the General Awareness section.

Focus on English grammar and comprehension to boost verbal ability.

Revise basic mathematics concepts, especially time and work, percentages, and profit/loss.

Time management during the exam is key—practice under timed conditions.

Stay physically and mentally fit for the SSB interview stage after the written exam.

FAQ for afcat exam date 2025

Q1. When will the AFCAT 1 2025 notification be released?
The AFCAT 1 2025 notification is expected in November 2024.

Q2. What is the AFCAT 1 2025 exam date?
The AFCAT 1 2025 exam is tentatively scheduled for February 2025.

Q3. What is the age limit for applying to AFCAT 2025?
For the Flying Branch, the age limit is 20 to 24 years; for Ground Duty, it’s 20 to 26 years.

Q4. How many times is the AFCAT conducted in a year?
The AFCAT exam is conducted twice a year—once in February and once in August.

Q5. Is there a negative marking in AFCAT 2025?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for each incorrect answer.

Q6. What is the mode of the AFCAT exam?
The exam is conducted online as a computer-based test.

Q7. Can female candidates apply for the AFCAT exam?
Yes, both male and female candidates can apply for various branches.

This complete guide to the AFCAT Exam Date 2025 aims to give serious aspirants all the information they need—from dates and eligibility to exam pattern and tips—to prepare effectively for this prestigious recruitment opportunity.