Last Verified: 2026-03-01 from official conducting body notifications.
Official Overview & Examination Scope
Purpose, Scope & Academic Impact
AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force for commissioning male and female officers into the Flying Branch (Fighter, Transport, Helicopter pilots) and Ground Duty branches (Logistics, Administration, Accounts, Aeronautical Engineering). Qualified candidates attend the 5-day Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) and medicals.
Eligibility Criteria & Academic Qualifications
Exam Pattern & Test Structure
Total: 300 Marks| Section / Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20 Questions (History, sports, defence, science) | 60 Marks | 120 Mins (Integrated) |
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 Questions (Comprehension, error detection, idioms) | 90 Marks | 120 Mins (Integrated) |
| Numerical Ability | 20 Questions (Arithmetic, percentages, profit & loss) | 60 Marks | 120 Mins (Integrated) |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | 30 Questions (Spatial reasoning, Venn diagrams, pattern completion) | 90 Marks | 120 Mins (Integrated) |
+3 marks for correct response, -1 mark for incorrect response, 0 for unattempted. Total 100 questions for 300 marks.
Negative Marking Rule: -1 mark penalty per incorrect answer
Recommended Preparation Roadmap & Strategy
Cutoff Trends & Score Benchmark
Written exam cutoff typically ranges between 135 and 155 marks out of 300.
Participating Institutes / Career Pathways
Frequently Asked Questions
What is CPSS in the Air Force selection process?
CPSS (Computerized Pilot Selection System) tests hand-eye-foot coordination and mental psychomotor aptitude. It is conducted only once in a candidate's lifetime for the Flying Branch.
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