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:
Section | No. of Questions | Total Marks |
---|---|---|
English | 25 | 75 |
Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 |
General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 32 | 96 |
Total | 100 | 300 |
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.