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:
| Event | AFCAT 1 2025 | AFCAT 2 2025 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | November 2024 | May 2025 |
| Application Start Date | December 2024 | June 2025 |
| Application End Date | December 2024 | June 2025 |
| Admit Card Release | January 2025 | July 2025 |
| Exam Date | February 2025 | August 2025 |
| Result Date | March 2025 | September 2025 |
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.
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