The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is one of the most prestigious defence exams in India, conducted twice every year by the Indian Air Force. It gives aspirants the opportunity to serve as commissioned officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. For students dreaming of joining the Indian Air Force, understanding the AFCAT exam pattern and syllabus 2026 is the first step towards success. At Lakshya Academy, Delhi, we provide the best AFCAT coaching in India with expert faculty, updated study material, and proven strategies to help aspirants stay ahead of the competition.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
The AFCAT 2026 exam will be conducted in an online computer-based mode. The duration of the test is two hours, and candidates will attempt 100 questions carrying a total of 300 marks. Each correct answer awards +3 marks, while each wrong answer deducts 1 mark. Questions left unattempted do not carry any penalty.
Unlike many competitive exams, AFCAT does not have any sectional time limit. This means candidates must manage their time wisely across all four sections of the test. The four sections included in AFCAT 2026 are:
- General Awareness
- English (Verbal Ability)
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude
These areas test a candidate’s knowledge of current affairs, communication skills, basic mathematics, logical reasoning, and aptitude for defence services.
AFCAT Syllabus 2026 – Section Wise
The AFCAT syllabus 2026 is designed to test both academic knowledge and aptitude skills. A detailed breakdown is given below:
- English (Verbal Ability): This section includes comprehension passages, error detection, synonyms and antonyms, sentence completion, idioms and phrases, cloze tests, one-word substitution, analogy, and vocabulary-based exercises. It checks grammar, vocabulary, and communication ability.
- General Awareness: Topics include history, geography, polity, economics, general science, defence-related knowledge, art and culture, sports, national and international organizations, important personalities, environment and ecology, and current affairs.
Numerical Ability: The mathematics portion is of elementary level and covers percentage, average, ratio and proportion, profit and loss, simple and compound interest, time and distance, time and work, probability, number system, mixtures and allegation, fractions, area and perimeter, clocks, and problems on races or boats and streams.
Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test: This section focuses on both verbal and non-verbal reasoning. Questions include series, coding-decoding, analogy, classification, blood relations, puzzles, Venn diagrams, mirror and water images, embedded figures, figure completion, and logical sequencing. With consistent practice, this section can become one of the most scoring parts of the exam.
Why Understanding the Exam Pattern Matters
Knowing the AFCAT exam pattern 2026 and AFCAT syllabus 2026 allows aspirants to prepare in a structured and focused manner. Many candidates waste valuable time on irrelevant topics, but with the right guidance, preparation becomes efficient and goal-oriented.
At Lakshya Academy, the best AFCAT coaching in Delhi and India, our expert mentors — Dev Sir for Mathematics, Jeet Sir for English, and Gaurav Sir and Amravati Ma’am for General Studies — provide complete support and preparation strategies. With personalized guidance, updated study material, and regular practice sessions, we ensure that every student is exam-ready.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about AFCAT 2026
Q1. What is the AFCAT exam?
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level exam conducted by the Indian Air Force for selection into Flying and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. It is held twice a year and offers aspirants the opportunity to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers.
Q2. What is the AFCAT exam pattern 2026?
The AFCAT 2026 exam will be a computer-based test of two hours with 100 questions carrying 300 marks. Each correct answer gives +3 marks, while each wrong answer deducts 1 mark. There is no sectional timing, so candidates need to manage their time across all sections.
Q3. What is the AFCAT syllabus 2026?
The AFCAT syllabus 2026 includes English (comprehension, grammar, synonyms and antonyms, vocabulary), General Awareness (current affairs, defence knowledge, science, history, geography, polity, economy), Numerical Ability (time and distance, percentages, averages, profit & loss, probability, ratios), and Reasoning with Military Aptitude (series, coding, puzzles, figure completion, blood relations, classification).
Q4. Is AFCAT tough to crack?
AFCAT is competitive but not tough if approached with discipline and the right strategy. With focused preparation, practice of previous year papers, and expert guidance, aspirants can clear it successfully. At Lakshya Academy, Delhi, we provide the best AFCAT coaching with structured courses and experienced faculty to make the journey easier.
Q5. Which is the best coaching for AFCAT in Delhi?
For aspirants looking for the best AFCAT coaching in Delhi, Lakshya Academy is the most trusted choice. With a team of expert faculty like Dev Sir for Mathematics, Jeet Sir for English, and Gaurav Sir & Amravati Ma’am for General Studies, Lakshya Academy has a proven track record of producing successful results in AFCAT and other defence exams.
Q6. How should I start preparing for AFCAT 2026?
The best way to begin is by first understanding the AFCAT exam pattern and syllabus 2026, then creating a study timetable. Regular mock tests, revision of current affairs, and conceptual clarity in mathematics and reasoning are crucial. Joining a reputed institute like Lakshya Academy ( BEST ACADEMY FOR AFCAT PREPARATION IN INDIA ) ensures disciplined preparation with expert mentorship.
Final Thoughts
The AFCAT 2026 exam is not only a test of knowledge but also of accuracy, time management, and smart strategy. To succeed, candidates should prepare systematically across all four sections, practice regularly, and focus on minimizing negative marking.
At Lakshya Academy, Delhi, we are committed to providing the best AFCAT coaching in India with structured programs, updated study materials, and regular test series. If you aspire to join the Indian Air Force and are preparing for AFCAT 2026, Lakshya Academy is your trusted partner in turning your dream into reality.