It is an honour and a matter of immense pride to serve your country by joining the Air Force. Are you a patriotic person who yearns for the respect that a uniform commands? Do you want to be a part of the 4th largest Air Force in the world? Do you think you have it in you to be a ‘guardian of the Indian skies’?
If Yes, then you might have decided to go for AFCAT exams for chasing your dreams. But before you begin your preparation, this article will help you in the best way. We have compiled the details that you need to take care of before appearing for an AFCAT exam. From basic requirements to what you can expect in the examination, we have you covered!
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HomeAFCATEverything You Need to Know About AFCAT Before You Begin
Everything You Need to Know About AFCAT Before You Begin
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August 29, 2018
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It is an honour and a matter of immense pride to serve your country by joining the Air Force. Are you a patriotic person who yearns for the respect that a uniform commands? Do you want to be a part of the 4th largest Air Force in the world? Do you think you have it in you to be a ‘guardian of the Indian skies’?
If Yes, then you might have decided to go for AFCAT exams for chasing your dreams. But before you begin your preparation, this article will help you in the best way. We have compiled the details that you need to take care of before appearing for an AFCAT exam. From basic requirements to what you can expect in the examination, we have you covered!
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a government recruitment exam conducted twice a year on a national level, by the Indian Air Force for all branches except the medical and dental branches. Every year around 2 lakh candidates appear for the Air Force Common Admission Test. According to the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), an average of 10,000 candidates only, are able to meet the cut off every season for recruitment. The shortlisted candidates are then called for interviews by the AFSB. After the interview round,you are sent for a medical examination. The all India merit list is then prepared based on the performance of the candidates subject to clearing the medical exam.
The journey you are about to embark upon is long and tiring but, “a soldier never gives up“.
With this in mind and your head held high, take the first step and let’s get started.
Eligibility and Criteria
The main requirement for AFCAT is that the candidate must be an Indian and should not be married. However, married candidates above the age of 25 are eligible but they will not be provided married accommodation. Also, they cannot live with their family, during the training period. Both male and female candidates are eligible, though the eligibility conditions vary for some branches.
The candidate should be in the age group of 20 to 24 years for the Flying Branch. For candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by the DGCA, the upper age limit is 26 years. The eligible age group for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch is 20 to 26 years.
Educational Qualifications
The Indian Air Force has the following branches under which recruitments are done through AFCAT:
Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) Branch – Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) & Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch – Administration & Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology.
For most branches, it is mandatory to have passed 12th with a minimum of 60% in Maths and Physics each, along with graduation (3 years or 4 years) with a minimum of 60%.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch – Accounts, B. Com Degree (3 years) from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch – Education, An MBA/MCA or MA/MSc degree with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate of all papers put together in Post-Graduation (2 years) and 60% marks in graduation.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch – Meteorology, Post Graduate Degree with minimum 50% aggregate and minimum 55% marks in Maths and Physics each, at Graduation Level.
Why should one go for AFCAT?
In order to become a part of the esteemed Indian Air Force, you have to appear for an AFCAT exam. Whatever branch you may decide to join, you will be joining a team of dynamic leaders. Your training will enable you to face any adversity with great courage and skill. Then, there is the major deciding factor, of job security! With the uncertainty of a job in the outside world, the Air Force guarantees you a job that cannot be taken away from you on the basis of retrenching or cost cutting!
Not to mention, the full medical coverage for you and your family, even dependant parents. You start earning from the minute you start your training. Flight cadets receive a stipend of approximately Rs.56,000/- per month. Where else can you get such a great incentive to start your career of serving the nation with pride! The average salary approximately, for the Flying Branch is Rs.82,000/-, Technical Branch is Rs.71,000/- and Ground Duty Branch is Rs.68,000/-
Now that you are aware of the qualifications required, and what you can expect in return; let’s take a look at how you can ensure that you give your 100% best.
What all steps are to be taken for preparing and getting through AFCAT
The AFCAT question paper consists of 100 multiple choice questions to be solved in 2 hours. Each question carries 3 marks but 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. However, the candidates who wish to join the Technical Branch are required to sit for an extra paper called Engineering Knowledge Test or EKT which is for 45 minutes. Follow the subsequent steps diligently to prepare well and get through AFCAT:
Know Your Syllabus
Go through the syllabus to get a thorough understanding of the subjects and topics covered.
Analyse Yourself
Look out for the important topics in each section and test your knowledge level by taking an AFCAT mock test.
Prepare Notes
While studying, start making notes on topics that seem difficult to you. Breaking down complex matters, not only makes it easier for you to understand but also helps you remember better.
Logical Reasoning
Nearly 35% of the AFCAT question paper is on this. Practise as much as possible with AFCAT previous year papers.
Brush Up Your English
Read Newspapers and magazines in English to hone your vocabulary and increase your fluency in the language.
Time and Time Again
During the course of your preparation, keep checking your knowledge through the AFCAT test series which times you. This will help you to know where you stand in terms of solving the AFCAT paper in 2 hours.
Accuracy and Speed
Your best friends in the AFCAT exam. Speed is not the only factor. You have to be confident about the correct answer as well.
Groom Yourself
Remember, your overall personality will be an integral part of getting through the exam. A well informed candidate with optimum knowledge will be one who can crack the AFCAT exam.
Do it For Yourself
In the end, make sure you are giving the exam because you want to be a part of this illustrious career, not because you feel the need to prove yourself to others.
Read Up!
Enhance your knowledge of current affairs by reading newspapers or subscribing to online news sites.
Achieve Your Goal
Go through the syllabus thoroughly and tackle the easiest topics first. This will help you in identifying your areas of concern and give you the ability to spend more time on complex topics. Check your progress and level of understanding by solving the AFCAT previous year papers. With the comprehensive programme that Eduwhere has designed especially for AFCAT candidates, you will be able to have a better grip of your weak areas. An AFCAT mock test will give you the ability to approach the exam in the right manner in the stipulated time. Eduwhere is a platform dedicated to preparation of competitive exams. The widespread programme for AFCAT enhances your chances of excelling in the exam. Get set and get ready to fly!
Good luck!
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a government recruitment exam conducted twice a year on a national level, by the Indian Air Force for all branches except the medical and dental branches. Every year around 2 lakh candidates appear for the Air Force Common Admission Test. According to the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), an average of 10,000 candidates only, are able to meet the cut off every season for recruitment. The shortlisted candidates are then called for interviews by the AFSB. After the interview round,you are sent for a medical examination. The all India merit list is then prepared based on the performance of the candidates subject to clearing the medical exam.
The journey you are about to embark upon is long and tiring but, “a soldier never gives up“.
With this in mind and your head held high, take the first step and let’s get started.
Eligibility and Criteria
The main requirement for AFCAT is that the candidate must be an Indian and should not be married. However, married candidates above the age of 25 are eligible but they will not be provided married accommodation. Also, they cannot live with their family, during the training period. Both male and female candidates are eligible, though the eligibility conditions vary for some branches.
The candidate should be in the age group of 20 to 24 years for the Flying Branch. For candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by the DGCA, the upper age limit is 26 years. The eligible age group for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch is 20 to 26 years.
Educational Qualifications
The Indian Air Force has the following branches under which recruitments are done through AFCAT:
Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) Branch – Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) & Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch – Administration & Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology.
For most branches, it is mandatory to have passed 12th with a minimum of 60% in Maths and Physics each, along with graduation (3 years or 4 years) with a minimum of 60%.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch – Accounts, B. Com Degree (3 years) from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch – Education, An MBA/MCA or MA/MSc degree with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate of all papers put together in Post-Graduation (2 years) and 60% marks in graduation.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch – Meteorology, Post Graduate Degree with minimum 50% aggregate and minimum 55% marks in Maths and Physics each, at Graduation Level.
Why should one go for AFCAT?
In order to become a part of the esteemed Indian Air Force, you have to appear for an AFCAT exam. Whatever branch you may decide to join, you will be joining a team of dynamic leaders. Your training will enable you to face any adversity with great courage and skill. Then, there is the major deciding factor, of job security! With the uncertainty of a job in the outside world, the Air Force guarantees you a job that cannot be taken away from you on the basis of retrenching or cost cutting!
Not to mention, the full medical coverage for you and your family, even dependant parents. You start earning from the minute you start your training. Flight cadets receive a stipend of approximately Rs.56,000/- per month. Where else can you get such a great incentive to start your career of serving the nation with pride! The average salary approximately, for the Flying Branch is Rs.82,000/-, Technical Branch is Rs.71,000/- and Ground Duty Branch is Rs.68,000/-
Now that you are aware of the qualifications required, and what you can expect in return; let’s take a look at how you can ensure that you give your 100% best.
What all steps are to be taken for preparing and getting through AFCAT
The AFCAT question paper consists of 100 multiple choice questions to be solved in 2 hours. Each question carries 3 marks but 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer. However, the candidates who wish to join the Technical Branch are required to sit for an extra paper called Engineering Knowledge Test or EKT which is for 45 minutes. Follow the subsequent steps diligently to prepare well and get through AFCAT:
Know Your Syllabus
Go through the syllabus to get a thorough understanding of the subjects and topics covered.
Analyse Yourself
Look out for the important topics in each section and test your knowledge level by taking an AFCAT mock test.
Prepare Notes
While studying, start making notes on topics that seem difficult to you. Breaking down complex matters, not only makes it easier for you to understand but also helps you remember better.
Logical Reasoning
Nearly 35% of the AFCAT question paper is on this. Practise as much as possible with AFCAT previous year papers.
Brush Up Your English
Read Newspapers and magazines in English to hone your vocabulary and increase your fluency in the language.
Time and Time Again
During the course of your preparation, keep checking your knowledge through the AFCAT test series which times you. This will help you to know where you stand in terms of solving the AFCAT paper in 2 hours.
Accuracy and Speed
Your best friends in the AFCAT exam. Speed is not the only factor. You have to be confident about the correct answer as well.
Groom Yourself
Remember, your overall personality will be an integral part of getting through the exam. A well informed candidate with optimum knowledge will be one who can crack the AFCAT exam.
Do it For Yourself
In the end, make sure you are giving the exam because you want to be a part of this illustrious career, not because you feel the need to prove yourself to others.
Read Up!
Enhance your knowledge of current affairs by reading newspapers or subscribing to online news sites.
Achieve Your Goal
Go through the syllabus thoroughly and tackle the easiest topics first. This will help you in identifying your areas of concern and give you the ability to spend more time on complex topics. Check your progress and level of understanding by solving the AFCAT previous year papers. With the comprehensive programme that Eduwhere has designed especially for AFCAT candidates, you will be able to have a better grip of your weak areas. An AFCAT mock test will give you the ability to approach the exam in the right manner in the stipulated time. Eduwhere is a platform dedicated to preparation of competitive exams. The widespread programme for AFCAT enhances your chances of excelling in the exam. Get set and get ready to fly!
Good luck!
