The AFCAT 1 2026 Answer Key provides official solutions for all questions asked in the AFCAT 1 2026 exam, conducted by the Indian Air Force in January 2026. Candidates can use the answer key to cross-check their responses, estimate probable scores, and analyze their performance before the official results are released.
With 100 objective questions in the AFCAT paper, each correct answer earns +3 marks, while incorrect answers incur a penalty of -1 mark. The EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test), applicable for technical branch candidates, has its own marking scheme.
Using the AFCAT 1 2026 answer key, aspirants can:
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Estimate marks in AFCAT and EKT (if applicable)
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Identify strong and weak areas for future preparation
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Understand expected cutoffs and selection trends
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Plan strategies for upcoming AFCAT exams
Doon Defence Dreamers recommends using the answer key carefully to evaluate performance and refine preparation techniques, ensuring better results in the AFCAT selection process.
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
The AFCAT exam pattern assesses candidates’ reasoning, general awareness, verbal ability, and numerical skills.
| Paper | Section / Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 2 hours total | +3 correct, -1 wrong, 0 unattempted |
| AFCAT | Verbal Ability in English | 20 | 60 | 2 hours total | +3 correct, -1 wrong, 0 unattempted |
| AFCAT | Numerical Ability | 20 | 60 | 2 hours total | +3 correct, -1 wrong, 0 unattempted |
| AFCAT | Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 20 | 60 | 2 hours total | +3 correct, -1 wrong, 0 unattempted |
| EKT (Technical Branch Only) | Subject Specific | 50 | 150 | 45 minutes | +3 correct, -1 wrong, 0 unattempted |
Total Marks: AFCAT = 300, EKT = 150 (Technical), Total = 450 (if EKT applicable)
Note: Candidates must clear AFCAT cutoff to be eligible for AFSB interview.
Smart question selection is crucial; candidates should attempt only those questions they are confident about.
AFCAT 1 2026 Question Paper & Answer Key
AFCAT Paper
| Set | Question Paper | Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| Set A | Download PDF | Coming Soon |
| Set B | Download PDF | Coming Soon |
| Set C | Download PDF | Coming Soon |
| Set D | Download PDF | Coming Soon |
EKT (Technical Branch Only)
| Set | Question Paper | Answer Key |
|---|---|---|
| Set A | Download PDF | Coming Soon |
| Set B | Download PDF | Coming Soon |
| Set C | Download PDF | Coming Soon |
| Set D | Download PDF | Coming Soon |
AFCAT 1 2026 Syllabus Overview
General Awareness: History, Geography, Politics, Current Affairs, Defence, Economics, Science & Technology
Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, Synonyms/Antonyms, Grammar, Sentence Completion
Numerical Ability: Simplification, Average, Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Algebra, Time & Work, Profit & Loss, Geometry, Trigonometry
Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Verbal and Non-Verbal reasoning, Spatial Ability, Analogy, Series, Coding-Decoding, Blood Relations
EKT Syllabus (for technical candidates) includes:
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Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Science, or Electronics Engineering topics as per branch
Total Marks and Selection Process
| Stage | Marks |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Written Exam | 300 |
| EKT (if applicable) | 150 |
| AFSB Interview | 900 |
| Total Evaluation | 1200 (or 1350 for technical branch including EKT) |
Candidates must clear the minimum AFCAT cutoff to be called for the AFSB Interview, which includes Psychological Tests, Group Tasks (GTO), Personal Interview, and Medical Examination.
Good Attempts and Expected Cutoff 2026
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Recommended AFCAT attempt: 65–80 questions
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Expected accuracy: 80–85%
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Expected AFCAT cutoff: 145–155 / 300
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Expected Final Cutoff (Including AFSB): 720–740 / 1200
AFCAT Cut Off Last 10 Years List
| Year | AFCAT-1 | AFCAT-2 |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 121 | — |
| 2024 | 137 | 139 |
| 2023 | 155 | 151 |
| 2022 | 157 | 157 |
| 2021 | 165 | 157 |
| 2020 | 153 | 155 |
| 2019 | 133 | 142 |
| 2018 | 155 | 140 |
| 2017 | 150 | 160 |
| 2016 | 132 | 148 |
(Data – UPSC official cut off notices)
Topic-Wise Weightage (AFCAT)
| Section | Questions | Weightage |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | Moderate to High |
| Verbal Ability | 20 | Moderate |
| Numerical Ability | 20 | Moderate |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 20 | Moderate |
| EKT (Technical Branch) | 50 | High |
Observation: Current affairs and reasoning questions carry the highest weightage. Candidates should focus on accuracy and time management.
Insights and Preparation Tips
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Focus on current affairs, basic mathematics, and English vocabulary
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Practice previous year AFCAT papers and mock tests
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Avoid random guessing due to negative marking
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For technical branch candidates, revise EKT syllabus thoroughly
FAQs – AFCAT 1 2026
Q1. When is AFCAT 1 2026 written exam?
A: 31 January 2026
Q2. How many questions in AFCAT paper?
A: 100 objective questions (plus 50 in EKT for technical branch)
Q3. What is the marking scheme?
A: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted
Q4. What is the expected cutoff?
A: 145–155 marks (AFCAT), 720–740 including AFSB
Q5. How many stages in AFCAT selection?
A: Written Exam → EKT (if applicable) → AFSB → Medical
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