AFCAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026: Complete Guide for AFCAT 1 & 2

Candidates preparing for the IAF AFCAT exam must review the detailed syllabus to build an effective study strategy. Check the complete marking scheme, negative marking, time duration, and other essential details for the AFCAT exam right here. 

AFCAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern 2026

AFCAT 2 Admit Card 2026 Out - Click to Download

AFCAT Exam Selection Process 2026

The AFCAT Written Exam serves as the primary selection criterion for clearing the first stage for non-technical candidates, while the AFCAT+ EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) is specifically designed for technical candidates.

1. AFCAT/ AFCAT
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
3. Medical Test

AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026

The AFCAT exam comprises General Aptitude, General Awareness (GK), Verbal Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude. Candidates can review the complete AFCAT exam pattern in the table below.

Appearing for the written test is mandatory for all AFCAT candidates, including those applying for technical posts. To qualify for positions offered by the Indian Air Force through the AFCAT 2 2026 exam, candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks in both the written test and the AFSB interview as prescribed by the IAF.

AFCAT Exam Syllabus 2026

Here, we provide a comprehensive breakdown of the AFCAT syllabus across all subjects: General Awareness, English Language, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test.

General Awareness

This section evaluates the general knowledge of candidates through questions based on ongoing current affairs and historical events across various fields globally. Typically, around 20 questions are asked in this section.

The major topics covered under this section include:

1. History
2. Sports
3. Geography
4. Art and Culture
5. Current Affairs
6. Politics
7. Civics
8. Environment
9. Defense
10. Basic Science

English Language

This section tests candidates' proficiency in English grammar, vocabulary, and language comprehension. Approximately 30 questions are asked from this section in the exam.

The important topics for this English language section are:

1. Comprehension
2. Basic Grammar
3. Fill in the blanks by choosing the appropriate word
4. Tenses
5. Error Detection
6. Sentence Completion
7. Synonyms and Antonyms
8. Testing of Vocabulary
9. One Word Substitution

Numerical Ability

This section assesses a candidate's mathematical speed, accuracy, and problem-solving skills based on fundamental mathematical concepts. The core topics included in this section are as follows:

1. Decimal and Fraction
2. Simple Interest & Compound Interest
3. Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams)
4. Percentage
5. Ratio and Proportion
6. Time and Work
7. Average
8. Profit  and Loss

Reasoning and Mental Aptitude Test

Practice questions from the topics listed below to strengthen your performance in the Reasoning & Military Aptitude section. 

1. Odd One Out
2. Analogy
3. Venn Diagram
4. Pattern Completion
5. Dot Situation Analysis
6. Blood Relation
7. Missing Figures
8. Figure Classification
9. Coding and Decoding
10. Spotting the Embedded Figures
11. Sequencing

Download AFCAT Previous Year Question Paper PDFs 

AFCAT Previous Year Cut-Off Marks - Click to Check