The AFCAT syllabus covers English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude. Understanding the official pattern first helps candidates divide preparation time sensibly and avoid studying topics outside the exam’s scope.
AFCAT exam pattern
| Component | Official scheme |
|---|---|
| Questions | 100 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Correct answer | +3 marks |
| Incorrect answer | -1 mark |
| Unattempted | 0 marks |
| Language | English |
Section-wise AFCAT syllabus
English
Comprehension, error detection, sentence completion, vocabulary, synonyms and antonyms, cloze tests, idioms and phrases, analogy, sentence rearrangement, one-word substitution and related language usage.
General Awareness
History, geography, sports, national and international organisations, art and culture, personalities, environment and ecology, Indian polity, economy, basic science, science and technology, national and international current affairs, and defence.
Numerical Ability
Decimals and fractions, time and work, averages, percentages, profit and loss, ratio and proportion, simple and compound interest, time and distance, races, trains, boats and streams, mensuration, probability, number systems, series, mixtures, roots, HCF and LCM, heights and distances, statistics and exponents.
Reasoning and Military Aptitude
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning questions test pattern recognition, logical thinking, spatial ability and decision speed.
Difficulty standard
The official syllabus states that Numerical Ability is at matriculation level, while the other subjects are generally at graduation level. Candidates should therefore combine basic calculation fluency with graduate-level reading, awareness and reasoning practice.
How to prepare
- Take a diagnostic test and record section-wise accuracy.
- Build mathematics and grammar foundations before heavy mock testing.
- Study current affairs daily and revise them weekly.
- Use timed reasoning sets to improve selection speed.
- Maintain an error log and reattempt repeated mistakes.
Section-wise weekly plan
Use four core study blocks every week. Assign two blocks to the weakest section, one to the second-weakest section and one mixed block to the remaining areas. Keep a fifth block for a timed sectional test and analysis. This flexible structure is more effective than giving identical time to every subject.
Accuracy and negative marking
The +3/-1 scheme makes question selection important. During practice, record attempted questions, correct answers, incorrect answers and accuracy percentage. Do not increase attempts until the error rate is under control. In a mock, move ahead when a question is unfamiliar or calculation-heavy and return only if time remains.
Recommended study resources
Start with the official syllabus and model papers, then use one reliable concept source per subject. Maintain short notes for current affairs, vocabulary and formulas. Too many books can slow revision; repeated practice from a focused set of resources normally produces clearer progress.
Common preparation mistakes
- Ignoring General Awareness until the final weeks.
- Attempting full mocks before learning basic concepts.
- Guessing frequently despite negative marking.
- Reading solutions without reattempting the question.
- Depending on unofficial dates or eligibility claims.
Recommended next steps
Use the 90-day AFCAT preparation strategy, explore AFCAT coaching in Thane, and practise through the online mock test series.
Official reference: AFCAT scheme and syllabus. Exam rules can change; always verify the current notification.
Frequently asked questions
How many questions are in AFCAT?
The official scheme lists 100 questions in a two-hour paper.
Is there negative marking?
Yes. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
What is the level of AFCAT Mathematics?
Numerical Ability is at matriculation level, while the other subjects are generally at graduation level.