AFCAT Preparation Tips 2026 - How to Score 200+ Marks

AFCAT Preparation Tips 2026

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 2026 is a national-level test that is administered by the Indian Air Force to recruit candidates in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. It is a competitive test which is used to assess the candidates on General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude.

Candidates should have a focused study plan, good time management and practice to pass the AFCAT 2026 exam with a good score. Understanding the exam pattern and solving previous years' question papers can help boost confidence and improve accuracy. Regular revision and mock tests are also key to scoring high. Candidates should check the AFCAT Preparation Tips 2026, how to score 200+ and more below.

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AFCAT Exam 2026 Overview

AFCAT 2026 is held twice a year in online mode, followed by the AFSB Interview and a medical test. This exam is ideal for students looking to build a career in the Indian Air Force. Before knowing  how to prepare for AFCAT, candidates should check an overview of AFCAT 2026:

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AFCAT Preparation Tips 2026

AFCAT 2026 is a competitive national level test that is administered by the Indian Air Force to select recruits to the Flying and Ground Duty branches. Scoring 200+ marks in this exam requires a combination of smart planning, consistent practice, and a clear understanding of the syllabus and exam pattern.

1. Understand the Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

AFCAT consists of 100 multiple-choice questions, divided into four sections:

• General Awareness

• Verbal Ability in English

• Numerical Ability

• Reasoning and Military Aptitude

Each correct answer awards 3 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for each incorrect answer. The total exam duration is 2 hours.

2. Cover the Complete Syllabus Thoroughly

Focus on building strong fundamentals in all subjects:

• General Awareness: Current affairs, defence updates, history, geography and basics of science.

• English: Vocabulary, comprehension, idioms, synonyms, antonyms, and grammar.

• Numerical Ability: Percentages, profit and loss, time-speed-distance, ratios and averages.

• Reasoning and Military Aptitude: Spatial reasoning, pattern recognition, and logical thinking.

3. Make Your AFCAT Study Plan

• Allocate some time to each subject each week.

• Establish goals on a daily basis and update.

• Allow time to take practice papers and mock tests.

4. Practice AFCAT PYQs Regularly

• Study previous  year question papers to know the types of questions that are asked.

• Attempt mock tests in a timed environment to build speed and accuracy.

• Review test results to find weak areas and improve them.

5. Revise and Stay Consistent

• Revise important formulas, facts and vocabulary frequently.

• Stay up to date on events and news of defence.

• Be consistent in studying for 2-3 hours each day for a few months.

Read More: AFCAT Previous Year Question Paper with Solution

How to Score 200+ Marks in AFCAT 2026 Exam

A high score of 200 and above in the AFCAT 2026 exam would provide a good chance of clearing the written examination and getting into the merit list of Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.

These are expert-based AFCAT preparation tips that can guide and increase your performance, whether you are a beginner or repeater. With consistent effort, smart strategies, and quality AFCAT study material, it is very achievable to score 200+ marks in AFCAT 2026.

1. English Preparation Strategy

The English section can be high-scoring with the right approach.

• Build vocabulary by learning new words daily.

• Practice reading comprehension and close tests to improve understanding.

• Pay attention to grammar rules: tenses, articles, prepositions and sentence construction.

• Revise common idioms and phrases that are often asked in the exam.

Tip: Practice regularly to improve accuracy and reading speed.

2. General Awareness Preparation Strategy

This section tests knowledge of current events and general knowledge topics.

• Stay updated with the latest national and international news.

• Cover important topics like Indian history, geography, polity, economy, and science.

• Pay attention to the news related to defence, including military exercises, ranks, and new equipment.

• Keep track of major sports events, awards, and government schemes.

Tip: Make short notes for quick revision before the exam.

3. Numerical Ability Preparation Strategy

Numerical ability requires speed, clarity of concepts, and regular practice.

• Concentrate on such important areas as percentages, profit and loss, time and work, ratios, averages and simple/compound interest.

• Practice solving basic math problems quickly and accurately.

• Learn shortcuts and tricks to save time in calculations.

Tip: Use timers while solving questions to improve time management.

4. Reasoning and Military Aptitude Preparation Strategy

This section can help improve the overall score if practiced consistently.

• Prepare common topics like series, coding-decoding, blood relations, direction tests, and figure-based problems.

• Practice different types of reasoning questions daily.

• Focus on understanding patterns rather than memorizing answers.

Tip: Accuracy is more important than speed in this section.

AFCAT Study Materials for 2025 Exam

The 28 AFCAT Previous Years' Solved Papers (2025 - 2011) provide valuable insights into the exam pattern and types of questions asked in previous years. This resource covers the Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches, helping candidates prepare thoroughly for the upcoming AFCAT exam.

These are not only solved papers that will give you a feel of the level of difficulty in the exam but will also provide you with an idea of time management and confidence. With detailed solutions, they are perfect for those looking to refine their skills and strengthen their AFCAT exam preparation.

Click Here: 28 AFCAT Previous Years Solved Papers (2025 - 2011) Book

AFCAT Preparation Tips 2026 FAQs

Q1. What is the AFCAT 2026 syllabus?

The syllabus of AFCAT 2026 has four key parts, which are English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude. Applicants to the technical branches must also prepare the EKT.

Q2. What is the best way to begin preparing the AFCAT?

The first thing to do in order to prepare for your AFCAT exam is to have a basic knowledge of the exam pattern and syllabus. Next, create a study plan that will consist of daily practices, reviewing concepts, and frequent practice mock tests with reliable AFCAT study material.

Q3. When to apply for AFCAT 2026?

The process of AFCAT 2026 application is anticipated to begin a few months ahead of the exam- typically in December in the February cycle, and in June in the August cycle. Continue visiting the official site for more updates.

Q4. Is 200 a safe score in AFCAT?

Yes, scoring 200+ marks in AFCAT is considered a good score and increases the chances of qualifying for the AFSB interview and being shortlisted for the merit list in various branches.