AFCAT Exam Syllabus 2025: Complete Guide for Flying & Ground Duty Branches
Hey, aspiring aviators! The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a gateway to a thrilling career in the Indian Air Force, and understanding its syllabus is your first step to acing it. The AFCAT 01/2026 batch notification was released on November 3, 2025, with applications open from November 10 to December 9, 2025. This exam recruits for Flying (SSC only), Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical), and Meteorology branches. The syllabus focuses on testing your aptitude through English, General Awareness, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude, with an optional Engineering Knowledge Test for technical branches. No negative marking, and the exam is 120 minutes long. With 300 marks at stake, let’s break it down simply to make your prep efficient and targeted!
Exam Pattern Quick View
- Mode: Online CBT (100 questions, 300 marks, 120 minutes).
- Sections: English (25Q, 75M), General Awareness (25Q, 75M), Reasoning & Military Aptitude (25Q, 75M), Numerical Ability (20Q, 60M), EKT (if applicable for technical: 50Q, 150M).
- Marking: +3 per correct answer, 0 for unattempted.
- Qualifying Marks: 40% overall for General, 35% for reserved categories.
The syllabus is the same for both AFCAT 1 & 2 2025 exams, but focus on high-weightage topics like Reasoning (25%) and English (25%).
Section-Wise Syllabus Breakdown
1. English (25 Questions, 75 Marks)
This section tests your language proficiency. Focus on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension.
- Topics: Reading Comprehension, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms & Antonyms, Spelling Correction, Idioms & Phrases, One Word Substitution, Sentence Rearrangement, Error Detection, Cloze Test.
- Weightage: High on comprehension (5-7 questions).
- Tips: Practice from previous papers; aim for 20+ correct. Recommended: Wren & Martin for grammar.
2. General Awareness (25 Questions, 75 Marks)
Covers current affairs and static GK. Stay updated with national/international events.
- Topics: History (Indian & World), Geography (Physical & Human), Polity (Constitution, Governance), Economy (Budget, Schemes), Science (Physics, Chemistry, Biology), Environment, Current Affairs (last 6-12 months), Sports, Awards, Books & Authors.
- Weightage: 8-10 on current affairs, 5-7 on history/geography.
- Tips: Read newspapers (The Hindu/Indian Express) and use apps like Inshorts. Target 18+ marks.
3. Reasoning & Military Aptitude (25 Questions, 75 Marks)
Tests logical thinking and spatial awareness—crucial for IAF!
- Topics: Verbal Reasoning (Analogies, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations, Syllogism, Puzzles, Seating Arrangement); Non-Verbal Reasoning (Mirror/Water Images, Paper Folding, Figure Series); Military Aptitude (Spatial Ability, Embedded Figures, Rotated Figures).
- Weightage: 10-12 on verbal, 13-15 on non-verbal/military.
- Tips: Practice spatial visualization (AFCAT-specific). Books like RS Aggarwal for reasoning.
4. Numerical Ability (20 Questions, 60 Marks)
Focuses on quick calculations and data interpretation.
- Topics: Number System, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Profit & Loss, Simple & Compound Interest, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Mensuration, Average, Algebra, Geometry, Data Interpretation (Tables, Graphs).
- Weightage: 10 on arithmetic, 10 on DI.
- Tips: Speed is key—practice mental math. Use R.S. Aggarwal for practice.
5. EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) – For Technical Branches Only (50 Questions, 150 Marks)
For Ground Duty (Technical) candidates; tests core engineering knowledge.
- Topics:
- Mechanical: Engineering Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Machine Design, Manufacturing.
- Electrical: Circuits, Machines, Power Systems, Measurements, Control Systems.
- Electronics: Digital Circuits, Analog Circuits, Communications, Microprocessors.
- Weightage: Branch-specific (e.g., 20 on fundamentals, 30 on applications).
- Tips: Refer to GATE-level books; focus on your branch syllabus.
How to Prepare for AFCAT 2025
- Study Plan: Allocate 40% time to Reasoning & Aptitude, 30% to English & GK, 30% to EKT (if technical). Dedicate 2 hours daily to current affairs.
- Resources:
- Books: AFCAT by Arihant, Lucent GK, RS Aggarwal (Reasoning/Math).
- Mock Tests: Testbook or Adda247 for timed practice.
- Previous Papers: Solve last 5 years’ AFCAT papers.
- Strategy: Aim for 180+ in AFCAT for shortlisting; 120+ in EKT for technical. Practice Military Aptitude with spatial puzzles.
The syllabus hasn’t changed much from 2024, but always check the official bulletin for updates. With AFCAT 01/2026 applications opening November 10, start your prep now—you’re one step closer to the skies!
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