Updated on Feb 19, 2025
Amisha Yadav
The Indian Air Force (IAF) prescribed the AFCAT exam pattern along with the announcement. It is critical to review the test pattern because it outlines the overall framework of the exam, including the marking scheme, total marks, exam timing, negative marking, and so on. According to the exam design, the AFCAT online test is divided into components such as General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude Test. The overall score for the test is 300. The questions of the exam are based on the AFCAT syllabus. Check AFCAT Syllabus 2025
According to AFCAT Exam Analysis, the exam's difficulty level is usually moderate. It is recommended to take the AFCAT mock exams to assess your level of preparedness for the exam. Additionally, candidates must solve AFCAT question papers. Read on for more information about the AFCAT exam format.
AFCAT Examination Pattern 2025
AFCAT and EKT exams are computer-based. The Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is administered to candidates who choose the Ground Duty (Technical) branch. The exam language is English. The AFCAT exam consists of 100 questions, while EKT has 50 questions. Candidates get two hours to solve the AFCAT paper and 45 minutes for EKT. The AFCAT test paper includes questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and an Aptitude test. EKT includes questions from Mechanical, Computer Science, and Electrical & Electronics. The AFCAT syllabus has a graduation-level difficulty. AFCAT has a total of 300 marks, while EKT has 150.
The AFCAT exam pattern outlines the overall format of the exam, including the number of sections, weightage of topics, time duration, total marks, marking scheme, and other details. Candidates should prepare according to the exam pattern so that they become familiar with the exam process.
| Parameters | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of exam | Online |
| Number of sections | AFCAT: Four EKT: Three |
| Number of questions | AFCAT: 100 EKT: 50 |
| Maximum marks | AFCAT: 300 EKT: 150 |
| Type of questions | Objective type |
| AFCAT Paper Duration | Two hours |
| Language of paper | English |
AFCAT exam pattern 2025 for online test
The AFCAT exam pattern for the online test is as follows:
- The AFCAT online test is broken into four components.
- The AFCAT question paper consists of 100 questions.
- The maximum marks allowed for AFCAT are 300.
- All questions asked in the AFCAT and EKT exams are objective, with numerous options.
- The question paper is only accessible in English. Candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks to qualify for the exam.
The structure of the AFCAT exam pattern is shown below.
| Subject | Exam Duration | No of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 02 hours | 100 | 300 |
| Verbal Ability in English | |||
| Numerical Ability | |||
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
AFCAT Examination Pattern for EKT
The EKT exam lasts 45 minutes. The test paper includes questions from Mechanical Engineering, Computer Science Engineering, and Electrical and Electronics Engineering. The EKT paper contains a total of 50 questions. The maximum mark allocated for the EKT exam is 150.
The structure of the EKT exam pattern is shown below.
| Subject | Time | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | 45 minutes | 50 | 150 |
| Computer Science Electrical & Electronics |
AFCAT Exam Pattern for the Technical Branch
The structure of the AFCAT exam pattern for the Technical branch is shown below.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning and military aptitude test | 35 | 105 | 2 Hours |
| Verbal ability in English | 30 | 90 | |
| Numerical ability | 15 | 45 | |
| General awareness | 20 | 60 | |
| Mechanics/ Computer science/ Electrical and electronics | 50 | 150 | 45 min |
AFCAT Exam Pattern for the Non-Technical Branch
Candidates applying for ground duty (non-technical branches) should be aware of the AFCAT exam format for non-technical branches. The organisation of the non-technical branch is shown below.
| Section | Questions | Marks | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning and military aptitude test | 35 | 105 | 2 Hours |
| Verbal ability in English | 30 | 90 | |
| Numerical ability | 15 | 45 | |
| General awareness | 20 | 60 |
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 Marking Scheme
- Correct answer: +3 marks
- Incorrect answer: -1 (negative marking applies)
- Unanswered Question: No marks were deducted.
- Tie-Breaking Rule: If two applicants receive the same score, the higher score in the AFCAT sections will be considered first, followed by EKT (if applicable).
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 Time Allocation
The AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 specifies a total of 2 hours for the AFCAT and 45 minutes for EKT. Time management is critical for completing all portions effectively:
- General Awareness: 20-25 minutes.
- Verbal Ability in English: 20-25 minutes
- Numerical Ability: 25-30 minutes.
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude: 30-35 minutes.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 Syllabus Overview
The syllabus contains several subjects:
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Current affairs, history, geography, defense, polity, science, sports |
| Verbal Ability in English | Grammar, comprehension, vocabulary, sentence correction |
| Numerical Ability | Arithmetic, algebra, profit-loss, speed-distance-time |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, spatial ability |
| EKT (Technical Candidates) | Engineering subjects (Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science) |
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 Preparation Tips:
- Understand the Pattern: Get acquainted with the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 and curriculum.
- Time management: Practice answering questions within the allotted time.
- Use Reliable Resources: Arihant's "AFCAT Guide" and internet resources such as Gradeup, Unacademy, and official IAF study materials.
- Solve prior Papers: To grasp the question trends, practise AFCAT papers from prior years.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 Sample papers/mock tests
- Practicing with mock tests and sample papers is critical for success.
- The official AFCAT website provides past years' question papers.
- Platforms such as Testbook and Oliveboard provide AFCAT mock tests.
- Arihant and Disha Publications provide AFCAT model papers.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 Common Challenges
Candidates frequently confront the following challenges:
- Time constraint: Managing time across parts might be challenging.
- Negative Marking: Incorrect answers might have an impact on the final score.
- Complex Numerical Ability Questions: Requires excellent mathematical abilities.
- Solution: Regular mock tests and scheduled practice sessions might help you overcome these obstacles.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025 FAQs
What is the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
The AFCAT exam consists of 100 multiple-choice questions worth 300 marks, while the EKT exam has 50 questions worth 150 marks for technical candidates.
Is there negative marking in the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
Yes, for every incorrect answer, 1 mark is deducted.
How many sections are in the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
There are four sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude.
What is the time duration of the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
The AFCAT exam duration is 2 hours, and the EKT exam lasts for 45 minutes.
What type of questions are asked in the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
All questions are multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
How should candidates prepare for the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
Candidates should study the syllabus, practice mock tests, and use standard AFCAT preparation books.
Are there any sectional cutoffs in the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
No, AFCAT does not have sectional cutoffs, but an overall cutoff is applied.
Can candidates use a calculator in the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
No, the use of a calculator or electronic device is not allowed in the exam.
How are ties resolved in the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
If two candidates score the same marks, the AFCAT section score is considered first, followed by EKT scores (if applicable).
Where can candidates find the latest updates on the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025?
The official website of the Indian Air Force (https://afcat.cdac.in ) provides the latest notifications and updates.
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