Q1. What is AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)?
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AFCAT is a national-level exam conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. It involves a written test, AFSB interview, medicals, and a final merit list, making it highly competitive. With Breakthrough Point’s AFCAT coaching, aspirants get structured training for both written and AFSB stages, ensuring they are fully prepared to clear this tough selection process.
Q2. Who can apply for AFCAT (age, education & nationality)?
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Only Indian nationals can apply. For Flying Branch, the age limit is 20–24 years (extendable to 26 years for CPL holders). For Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical), it is 20–26 years. Educational qualifications include graduation with at least 60% marks, while technical entries need an engineering degree. Breakthrough Point experts guide students on eligibility, subject choices, and the best-fit branch, avoiding confusion during application.
Q3. What is the pattern of AFCAT exam?
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The AFCAT written exam is of 2 hours, carrying 100 questions for a total of 300 marks. It covers Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude, and General Awareness. Each right answer earns 3 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for wrong answers. Breakthrough Point’s AFCAT mock tests and practice series replicate the real exam pattern, helping aspirants master both accuracy and speed.
Q4. Has the EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) become a part of AFCAT already?
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Yes, but only for technical branch applicants. EKT is a 45-minute paper testing core engineering knowledge. Its applicability may vary, so candidates must check the official AFCAT notification. Breakthrough Point provides special EKT coaching for engineering aspirants, ensuring they are well-prepared for both AFCAT and EKT requirements.
Q5. What branches can I join via AFCAT?
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Through AFCAT, aspirants can join Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical (Mechanical, Aeronautical, Electronics, etc.), Ground Duty Non-Technical (Logistics, Accounts, Administration, Education, Meteorology), and even newer streams like Weapon Systems. Breakthrough Point mentors help students choose the right branch based on their eligibility, interest, and long-term career goals in the Air Force.
Q6. What happens after the AFCAT written exam?
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Candidates clearing the written test are invited for the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interview. This involves psychology tests, GTO activities, personal interviews, and finally a medical examination. A merit list is then prepared. Breakthrough Point’s AFCAT + AFSB coaching program gives candidates first-hand experience of OLQ development, mock interviews, and GTO practice to maximize their chances of final selection.
Q7. What is the mode of application for AFCAT and where are the dates notified?
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Applications can only be submitted online through the official AFCAT portal (careerindianairforce.cdac.in). Notifications are published twice yearly (around December and June) with application windows, exam dates, and admit card releases. Breakthrough Point regularly updates students about AFCAT notifications, deadlines, and provides step-by-step guidance for hassle-free applications.
Q8. What is the AFCAT syllabus?
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The AFCAT syllabus includes:
English (Verbal Ability): Grammar, vocabulary, comprehension.
Numerical Ability: Algebra, arithmetic, geometry, statistics.
Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Spatial ability, verbal & non-verbal reasoning.
General Awareness: Defence, polity, geography, history, current affairs, science & tech.
Technical aspirants also attempt EKT, which covers mechanical, electronics, and computer science topics. Breakthrough Point provides detailed AFCAT syllabus notes, chapter-wise practice, and updated current affairs material so that aspirants cover all areas effectively.
Q9. What are the AFCAT cut-off marks?
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The AFCAT cut-off changes every cycle, depending on difficulty level and number of applicants. Typically, the AFCAT cut-off is 150–165/300, while EKT cut-offs range between 40–50/150. Candidates should target at least 10–15 marks above the expected cut-off. Breakthrough Point’s AFCAT test series keeps students aligned with expected cut-off levels and exam difficulty, reducing surprises on exam day.
Q10. Is there negative marking in AFCAT and what is the exam language?
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Yes, AFCAT has negative marking: +3 for correct answers and –1 for wrong answers. Accuracy is as important as speed. The entire exam, including EKT, is conducted only in English. Breakthrough Point trains AFCAT aspirants with bilingual teaching support but ensures they practice extensively in English to get comfortable with the exam language.