AFCAT Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme guide by Shield Defence Academy

Hey, cracking it needs more than dreams—it needs planning. That’s where a solid grasp of the AFCAT Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme makes all the difference.

Dreaming of serving in the Indian Air Force? AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is your flight ticket! Conducted twice every year, this exam filters the finest minds for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) roles.

AFCAT 2026 Highlights

Here’s a quick look at what AFCAT 2026 brings to the table:

• Conducted By: Indian Air Force

• Exam Mode: Online (CBT)

• Frequency: Twice a year (Feb & Aug)

• Level: National

• Entries: Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical)

Who Can Apply? (Eligibility Criteria)

Before diving into the AFCAT Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme, ensure you check off the eligibility boxes.

• Age Limit:

  • Flying Branch: 20–24 years

  • Ground Duty: 20–26 years

• Educational Qualification:

  • Flying: Graduate + 10+2 with Physics & Math

  • Technical: B.E/B.Tech with 60%+

  • Non-Tech: Any Graduation (min. 60%)

• Marital Status: Unmarried

• Nationality: Indian citizens only

AFCAT 2026 Exam Format

Let’s decode the paper format:

• Total Questions: 100

• Maximum Marks: 300

• Duration: 2 hours

• Mode: Online (CBT)

• Medium: English

AFCAT Exam Paper Breakdown

Here’s how the AFCAT 2026 question paper is structured:

Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) Overview

Applicable only for Technical Branch applicants.

• Duration: 45 minutes

• No. of Questions: 50

• Total Marks: 150

• Subjects: Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science

AFCAT Syllabus 2026 In-Depth

Here’s a crystal-clear breakdown of what to study under the AFCAT Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme.

English Section Explained

Topics Include:

• Reading Comprehension

• Synonyms & Antonyms

• Error Spotting

• Fill in the Blanks

• Idioms & Phrases

• Sentence Correction

• Cloze Test

Prep Tips:
Read newspapers, memorize idioms, and practice daily with grammar apps or quizzes.

Numerical Ability Section

Focus Areas:

• Percentages

• Time & Distance

• Average

• Simple & Compound Interest

• Profit & Loss

• Ratios

• Number Systems

Prep Tips:
Use shortcuts and revise formulas daily. Start solving moderate to high-level questions after mastering the basics.

General Awareness Insights

Topics To Study:

• Indian History

• Geography

• Polity

• Current Affairs (National & International)

• Defence-related updates

• Awards and Sports

Prep Tips:
Dedicate 30 minutes a day to current affairs and revise static GK weekly.

Military Aptitude and Reasoning

Key Areas:

• Dot Situation

• Figure Classification

• Analogy

• Venn Diagrams

• Spatial Ability

• Pattern Recognition

Prep Tips:
These questions are speed-based. Practice at least 3 sets daily to increase accuracy.

EKT Subject-Wise Syllabus

Depending on your stream in B.Tech/B.E:

Mechanical Engineering

• Theory of Machines

• Fluid Mechanics

• Thermodynamics

• Machine Design

Computer Science

• Operating Systems

• Software Engineering

• Data Structures

• DBMS

Electrical & Electronics

• Circuit Theory

• Control Systems

• Microprocessors

• Power Electronics

AFCAT Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme 2026 Criteria

The AFCAT Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme includes the following scoring:

• Correct Answer: +3 Marks

• Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark

• Unanswered: No penalty

Pro Tip: Attempt only those questions you’re confident about. Avoid flukes.

Preparation Strategy by Shield Defence Academy

Shield Defence Academy believes success lies in smart work. Here’s our prep blueprint:

• Customized Study Plan: For each aspirant based on mock test analysis

• Daily Practice Sheets: For all subjects

• Expert Faculty: With defence backgrounds

• Weekly Mock Tests: Based on AFCAT latest pattern

• Doubt Sessions: Post every test

Mistakes That Cost Aspirants

Avoid these to stay ahead:

• Ignoring current affairs updates

• Focusing only on one section

• Not giving attention to EKT

• Poor time management during mocks

Why Shield Defence Academy Is the Right Choice

Located in the heart of Lucknow, Shield Defence Academy is not just a coaching centre—it’s a training ground for future warriors.

What Sets SDA Apart?

• Latest AFCAT study material aligned with AFCAT Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

• India’s best Air Force mentors and veterans

• Psychological sessions and physical fitness training

• One-on-one mentorship for SSB prep

Conclusion

Let’s face it—AFCAT isn’t just an exam; it’s an opportunity to become a part of something greater. But to ace it, you need clarity, planning, and the right guidance.

Understanding the AFCAT Syllabus 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme is your first step. Partnering with Shield Defence Academy could be the smartest second.

You’ve got the dream. Let’s give it wings.