AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a national level examination conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to select eligible candidates for various branches of the Air Force. The exam is conducted twice a year, usually in February and August, and the application process begins a few months before the exam date. AFCAT is one of the most sought-after exams among the youth of India who aspire to serve the nation and join the Air Force. To crack the exam, candidates need to have a thorough understanding of the AFCAT Exam Pattern, including the format and structure of the exam. In this article, we will discuss the AFCAT Exam Pattern in detail.
AFCAT Exam Pattern
The AFCAT Exam is conducted in two phases: the Written Test and the SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview. The Written Test consists of four sections, which are General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude. Each section carries a certain weightage, and the total duration of the exam is two hours.
Section-wise Analysis of AFCAT Exam Pattern
1. General Awareness: This section is designed to test the candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, general knowledge, and history. The questions are usually based on national and international events, politics, economics, sports, science, and technology. The weightage of this section is 25 marks, and there are usually 25 questions in this section.
2. Verbal Ability in English: This section is designed to test the candidate’s proficiency in the English language. The questions are based on grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence completion. The weightage of this section is 30 marks, and there are usually 30 questions in this section.
3. Numerical Ability: This section is designed to test the candidate’s mathematical skills. The questions are based on arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics. The weightage of this section is 15 marks, and there are usually 15 questions in this section.
4. Reasoning and Military Aptitude: This section is designed to test the candidate’s analytical and reasoning skills. The questions are based on verbal and non-verbal reasoning, spatial ability, and data interpretation. The weightage of this section is 20 marks, and there are usually 20 questions in this section.
Note: Each correct answer carries three marks, and there is a negative marking of one mark for each incorrect answer. Candidates are advised to attempt the questions carefully and avoid guessing the answers.
AFCAT Syllabus
To prepare for the AFCAT Exam, candidates must have a thorough understanding of the syllabus. The syllabus for the Written Test is as follows:
1. General Awareness: Current Affairs, Sports, Geography, Culture, History, Politics, Civics, Environment, Science and Technology, and other related subjects.
2. Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms, Antonyms, and other related topics.
3. Numerical Ability: Number Systems, Simplification, Time and Work, Percentage, Ratio and Proportion, Average, Profit and Loss, Simple and Compound Interest, and other related topics.
4. Reasoning and Military Aptitude: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Ability, Data Interpretation, and other related topics.
SSB Interview
After qualifying for the Written Test, candidates are called for the SSB Interview, which is conducted in two stages: Stage I and Stage II. Stage I includes the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test, Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT), and the document verification process. Candidates who clear Stage I are called for Stage II, which includes the Psychology Test, Group Testing Officer’s Task (GTO) Test, and the
