AFCAT Preparation Tips 2024: Study Plan, Important Topics, How to Prepare

Updated By Aarushi Jain on 16 Feb, 2024 02:25

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AFCAT Preparation Tips 2024

AFCAT Preparation Tips 2024: The Indian Air Force is set to conduct the AFCAT 1 2024 on February 16, 17, and 18, 2024, across AFCAT 2024 exam centres in India. Candidates, with a month remaining for preparations, need to finalize their study plans. AFCAT 2024 evaluates candidates for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches, including the NCC Special Entry for Courses starting in January 2025. The Indian Air Force has announced 317 vacancies for AFCAT 1/2024.

Securing a position in the Indian Air Force is a cherished goal for many in the Defense sector. Aspiring candidates aim to give their best, navigate the recruitment process successfully, and attain a coveted role as an officer in the Indian Armed Forces.

If you are one of the candidates aspiring to crack the AFCAT exam through self-preparation, this guide is for you. Here, we will explore the top AFCAT preparation tips 2024 to excel in the exam from the comfort of your home. For newcomers, putting in dedicated effort and a proper AFCAT preparation strategy 2024 is crucial to cracking the AFCAT exam on the first attempt.

Also Read: 

AFCAT 2024 Exam Highlights

Before we dive into the AFCAT 2024 preparation tips, let us quickly have a look at the exam highlights of AFCAT 2024:

Particulars

Details

Exam Name

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 2024)

Conducted by

Indian Air Force (IAF)

Exam Level

National Level

Mode of Exam

Online

Time Duration

2 hours for AFCAT & 45 minutes for EKT

Marking Scheme

3 marks for every correct answer

Negative Marking Scheme

1 mark for every incorrect answer

AFCAT Selection Process

  • Written Exam
  • AFSB Interview
  • Medical Examination

Official Website

https://afcat.cdac.in/

Top AFCAT 2024 Preparation Tips: 1 Week Before the Exam

Here is a suggested master plan that AFCAT 2024 aspirants should follow one week before the exam:

  • Focus on Weak Areas: Review mock test results to identify and address remaining weak points with targeted practice.
  • Efficient Revision: Use tools like mind maps or flashcards for quick and focused revision.
  • Practice Past Papers: Solve AFCAT previous years' papers under timed conditions to build stamina and refine time management.
  • Mock Tests & Analysis: Take 2-3 full-length mock tests, analyzing strengths and weaknesses meticulously.
  • Time Management Mastery: Practice effective time allocation across sections during mock tests, adjusting your strategy based on performance.
  • Shortcut Techniques: Learn and apply time-saving shortcuts for specific question types in each section.
  • Prioritize Rest: Ensure 7-8 hours of sleep for optimal alertness and focus during the exam.
  • Healthy Habits: Maintain a balanced diet, regular exercise, and manage stress with relaxation techniques.
  • Positive Mindset: Visualize success, stay calm, and trust in your preparation.
  • Stay Updated: Keep abreast of recent national, international, and defence-related news for the General Awareness section.
  • Check Official Website: Regularly visit the AFCAT website for updates or last-minute changes.
  • Exam Center Familiarity: Visit the AFCAT 2024 exam centre in advance to avoid logistical surprises on exam day.
  • Pack Smart: Carry essential documents, AFCAT 2024 admit card, stationery, water bottle, and a light snack if allowed.

Also Read:

Simple Interest and Compound Interest for AFCATEnglish Grammar Rules for AFCAT
How to Answer Reading Comprehension in AFCAT?Dos and Donts for AFCAT Exam

Section-Wise AFCAT Preparation Tips by Experts

When candidates have access to the right books and a preparation plan in place, they can easily clear AFCAT. Here are some curated subject-wise preparation tips for the AFCAT exam that will help candidates easily ace the AFCAT exam.

Tips for AFCAT 2024 English Preparation

  • To build a good vocabulary, keep a note of all the new words you come across when reading different books and materials. Try to understand their meaning and apply those words when speaking in English or practising writing. 

  • Watch the spellings along with the words’ synonyms and antonyms. Keep one to two hours aside each week for learning and 30 minutes for revision. 15 minutes can be spent on the weekend for a comprehensive revision session.

  • Make a habit of reading newspapers and journals, which will help you build a strong vocabulary keep you updated about current events and increase your general awareness.

  • Other important topics that will require practice are antonyms and synonyms, filling in the blanks, error detection, tenses, and basic grammar. Once candidates are thorough with these topics, the English section for AFCAT will become easier to crack. 

Tips for AFCAT 2 2024 General Awareness Preparation

  • Some of the best sources for local, regional, national and global news are magazines and newspapers. They will keep candidates informed about several topics such as politics, food, fashion, sports, and a wide range of different interests.

  • Different audiobooks and news broadcasts are also good sources of information and general knowledge. Listening to podcasts can retain more information and save time than reading newspapers.

  • The internet also serves as a great source of information as one can use various search engines like Yahoo, Google, and Bing to find answers to any questions within a matter of seconds. By making use of these websites on a routine basis, one can learn about several topics, discover current trends and news, and develop new topics of interest.

Tips for AFCAT 2024 Numerical Ability Preparation

  • When preparing for the numerical ability section of the AFCAT, there are a few topics that candidates need to pay attention to and tips to crack the AFCAT. These topics are time and work, simple and compound interest, profit and loss, percentage, series completion, Venn diagram, etc.

  • By understanding the logic behind the formulas for these different topics, candidates will be able to arrive quickly at the solution to any problem presented.  

  • One of the best ways to remember formulas is to write them on sticky notes and paste them on a board above the study table or in the room, so whenever one is present in any of those spaces, one can take a glance at those formulas.

Tips for AFCAT 2024 Reasoning and Military Aptitude Preparation

  • There are some important parts in the reasoning section- Venn diagrams, pattern completion, the odd one out, missing figures, blood relations, embedded figures, sequencing, etc.

  • Candidates also need to practise questions based on 2D and 3D figures in order to gain a better understanding of the spatial ability test. It is mostly because the candidates’ visualisation plays a key role in passing the test with a good score.

  • Always solve previous years’ question papers to gain better insight into the kinds of questions that appear in the exams. It will also help you with time management during practice.

Best AFCAT Preparation Tips 2024: Ace the Exam in One Go

As the exam dates are near, candidates begin wondering, “how to prepare for AFCAT 2024?” While there’s no set structure for this answer, there are some best practices that one can follow. Many aspirants create a customized AFCAT preparation structure based on their strengths and weaknesses. Others follow the best practices they can learn. As long as candidates can score high, feel free to refer to any AFCAT preparation tips. Mentioned below are 3 best practices that will help you master your exam preparation tips for AFCAT 2024:

Remember the Formulae

The AFCAT 2024 syllabus consists of subject numerical ability that covers topics like:

  • Percentage

  • Ratio & Proportion

  • Average

  • Profit & Loss

  • Time and Work

  • Simple Interest & Compound Interest

  • Decimal and Fraction

  • Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams)

Remembering all of these formulae is crucial to ace the AFCAT exam. Moreover, it will strengthen your preparation for AFCAT 2024. You can remember the formulae by creating pneumonics, creating sticky notes to revise at night before sleep, learning and revising formulas 4 times a day for 10 minutes each, or by creating a chart of all important formulas and pasting it near the study table. This way you can learn all the formulas by heart and tips to crack AFCAT 2024.

Daily Reading

While preparing for AFCAT 2024, candidates must read credible information from the right sources daily. Primarily, because the AFCAT 2024 syllabus comprises the General Knowledge subject that has quite a high weightage in the exam. Moreover, aspirants can use technological advancements to their advantage and read news online (only from credible and established websites). Apart from reading newspapers and magazines, aspirants need to focus on the latest books, important (National and International) news, winners in sports, etc. No information is irrelevant when it comes to preparing for AFCAT 2024. Aspirants need to add new words to their vocabulary every day. This will significantly help you in mastering the AFCAT 2024 preparation.

Keep a Check on your Physical and Medical Fitness

To clear the AFCAT 2024, candidates need to maintain their physical and medical fitness along with their studies. This will strengthen your AFCAT 2024 preparation level. Aspirants are requested to follow through the below-mentoned to clear the physical and medical tests for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing:

  • Maintain the standard weight and height in accordance with the standards specified by the conducting authority. 

  • Increase your endurance by walking and jogging daily

  • Start working out several times at least 28 weeks before you are scheduled to take the physical fitness test

  • Manage your time effectively to balance your studies and physical fitness properly

These tips will help you prepare for the AFCAT 2024 exam comprehensively.

How To Prepare for AFCAT in 30 Days - Master Study Plan

Given below is a monthly AFCAT 2024 preparation plan for the candidates who want to know "how to prepare for AFCAT 2024":

Days

Tasks

Day 1 – Day 30

  • Read newspaper daily for at least 1 hour. 
  • Check out the current affairs.

Day 1 – Day 10

  • Practise maths questions for at least 5-6 hours daily.
  • Prepare notes for all important formulae and concepts.

Day 11 – Day 15

  • Solve reasoning questions for at least 5-6 hours daily
  • Practise a variety of questions related to reasoning.

Day 15 – Day 20

  • Learn antonyms and synonyms
  • Try to learn new words
  • Solve a variety of questions

Day 20 – 30

  • At last, practise all type of questions.
  • Solve at least 2-3 previous years question papers.

1-Month Preparation Strategy for AFCAT 2024

To support candidates in their preparation, we have devised a one-month AFCAT preparation strategy 2024 to boost your chances of success in the exam:

  • Understand the Exam: Thoroughly examine the syllabus and exam pattern to know details like the number of questions, time limits, and marking schemes for each section.
  • Identify Strengths & Weaknesses: Evaluate your skills in each section through mock tests or practising sample questions. Use this assessment to pinpoint areas that need more focus.
  • Gather Resources: Choose study materials, such as textbooks, online courses, or coaching modules that match your learning style. Important resources include previous year's papers and mock tests.
  • General Awareness: Concentrate on current affairs, static GK (politics, history, geography), defence news, and science & technology. Stay updated by reading newspapers, and magazines, and using GK apps.
  • Quantitative Reasoning: Refresh basic Math (arithmetic, algebra, geometry) and practice solving problems within set time limits. Use online resources and mock tests for targeted practice.
  • Verbal Ability: Revise your vocabulary, grammar, and comprehension skills. Practice reading passages quickly and answering critical thinking questions.
  • Reasoning & Logic: Enhance analytical and problem-solving skills with puzzles, syllogisms, and data interpretation questions. Practice different reasoning question types from mock tests.
  • Master the Concepts: Focus on understanding, not just memorizing, formulas and theories. Use clear explanations from study materials and solve diverse question types for each section.
  • Regularly Practice: Take mock tests every 2-3 days to assess your progress. Identify areas for improvement and work on enhancing speed and accuracy under timed conditions.
  • Focus on Weak Areas: Dedicate more time to sections where you face challenges. Seek online tutorials or explanations for specific topics that you find difficult.
  • Analyze Mock Test Results: Recognize recurring mistakes and patterns in errors. Eliminate them through targeted practice and revision.

Best Books for AFCAT Preparation 2024

Candidates will find a lot of study material in the market. Many would get constant suggestions and references from fellow candidates as well as teachers for AFCAT 2024 preparation tips. Aspirants should rather focus on researching and finding the best AFCAT preparation books that will strengthen their AFCAT 2024 preparation level. Refer below to find some of the best books for AFCAT 2024:

AFCAT 2024 Book Name

Author Name 

Published By

High School English Grammar and Composition

Rao N, D, V, Prasada

S.Chand Publishing

Popular Master Guide, AFCAT 

R.Gupta

Ramesh Publishing

AFCAT- The first step DDE

Unknown

DDE-DEFENCE DIRECT EDUCATION

Word Power Made Easy

Norman Lewis

Goyal Publishing

SSB Interview: The Complete Guide

NK Natarajan

Unknown

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 

Arihant Experts

Arihant Publication

Manorama Yearbook 

Philip Mathew

Malayala Manorama

AFCAT Preparation Tips 2024 for EKT

The AFCAT EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) preparation process demands strategic planning and laser-like attention. Here are some AFCAT preparation tips to ace the EKT exam:

  • Understand the Exam: To organise your preparation successfully, familiarise yourself with the AFCAT EKT syllabus, exam structure, and marking system.
  • Syllabus Analysis: Examine the complete syllabus and prioritise topics depending on their weightage and your proficiency. Concentrate on fundamental engineering courses including electrical, electronics, mechanical, and computer science.
  • Use Only Authentic Study Materials: Gather trustworthy study materials such as textbooks, reference books, and internet resources to thoroughly cover the complete syllabus.
  • Time Management: Make a study plan that allows you to devote enough time to each course and topic. Give tough subjects additional time while guaranteeing frequent revisions.
  • Solve Previous Year Question Papers: Solve these question papers and mock exams to better grasp the exam format, identify weak areas, and enhance your time management.
  • Conceptual Clarity: Rather than relying primarily on rote learning, develop a deep conceptual comprehension of the material. Clear out any confusion by consulting established textbooks or subject matter specialists.
  • Numerical Difficulties: Engineering disciplines sometimes entail numerical difficulties. To improve your problem-solving abilities and speed, practice answering a range of numerical questions.
  • Online Resources: Make use of online platforms, educational websites, and mobile applications that include AFCAT EKT-specific study materials, quizzes, and practice examinations.
  • Take Timed Mock Tests: Take AFCAT mock tests regularly to measure your level of preparation, identify weak areas, and increase your speed and accuracy. Analyse your performance and focus on areas that need to be improved.
  • Keep Up to Date: Keep up to speed on current events, technological advancements, and developments in the area of engineering, as these subjects may be covered in the test.
  • Maintain a Positive Attitude: Maintain a positive attitude throughout your preparation and take care of your physical and mental well-being. Get enough sleep, consume a nutritious diet, and indulge in regular exercise or relaxation activities.

AFCAT Preparation Tips 2024 for AFSB Interview

Here are some tips and tricks for preparing for the AFCAT AFSB interview:

  • Know Air Force Details: Start by understanding Air Force ranks, missiles, commanders, and aircraft. This knowledge is crucial for AFCAT AFSB interview preparation.
  • OIR Preparation: Brush up on your math skills to excel in the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test. Practice solving problems quickly to enhance your performance.
  • Picture Perfection Test: Familiarize yourself with the types of pictures you'll encounter in the Picture Perfection Test. Practice identifying objects in pictures to improve your performance.
  • Stay Calm and Focused: Maintain calmness and focus during the test. This will help you perform better in various aspects of the AFCAT AFSB interview.
  • Read Newspapers Daily: Stay updated with current events by reading newspapers daily. This will enhance your awareness and knowledge, crucial for the interview.
  • Improve Communication Skills: Work on improving your communication skills as it plays a vital role in the AFSB interview. Practice effective communication to express yourself confidently.

Bes Books for AFSB Preparation 2024

There are several AFCAT preparation books available in the market that can help students prepare for AFCAT exam. But it is important to understand the features of different books prior to the investment of time and money in them. Take a look at this list of AFCAT preparation books that will help prepare for the AFCAT exam:

Name of the Book

Name of the Publishers

Features

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

Arihant Publishers

This book contains all the subjects covered in the AFCAT exam: GK, Maths, English, and Reasoning.

It also includes sample question papers for students to practice for the exam.

R. Gupta’s AFCAT Exam

Ramesh Publication

This book is quite helpful for students who are practising for the AFCAT exam.

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Workbook

Kiran Publication

Candidates can find a huge volume of practice questions along with previous years’ questions in the book.

It is also enriched with updated study material and questions on general awareness.

Last Minute Preparation Tips for AFCAT 2024

Here are a few last minutes tips for candidates preparing for the AFCAT exam:

  • Revise the Fundamentals: The days leading up to the test are not the time to study new ideas. Instead, concentrate on reviewing the foundations of all the topics that will most likely be addressed in the test.
  • Mock Exams: Taking mock exams will allow you to evaluate your level of preparation and discover your strengths and limitations. It will also give you an idea of what kind of questions to expect on the actual exam.
  • Time Management: It is critical to manage your time well throughout the exam. Practice answering questions in a timed environment to improve your speed and accuracy.
  • Focus on Your Weaknesses: Identify your weak points and attempt to improve them. Increase your confidence by spending more time revising these concepts and practising more questions.
  • Keep Yourself Calm and Relaxed: Exam tension might have a detrimental impact on your performance. Take pauses, remain hydrated, and get enough sleep to be calm and relaxed.
  • Read the Following Instructions Carefully: Make sure you thoroughly read the directions for each component of the test. This will ensure that you do not miss any important information.
  • Carry the Following Items: On the day of the exam, make sure you have everything you need, including your AFCAT admit card, ID evidence, and stationery.

AFCAT Exam Pattern 2024

The AFCAT exam pattern for the upcoming AFCAT 1 2024 exam is outlined below:

Exam

AFCAT

EKT (Only for Technical)

Mode of Exam

Online

Online

No. of Questions

100

50

Maximum Marks

300

150

Duration of Exam

2 hours (120 minutes)

45 minutes

Sections in Paper

General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test

Mechanical, Computer Science and Electrical & Electronics

Negative Marking

1 mark

1 mark

Analysis of the Latest AFCAT 2024 Exam Pattern

To perform well in the AFCAT exam, it is crucial to go through the latest exam pattern of AFCAT 2024. Knowing the exam pattern is one of the most important AFCAT preparation tips.  Here are some pointers on the AFCAT exam pattern that will be beneficial for students:

  • The selection process for AFCAT exam involves an Online Exam/EKT for the technical branch along with an AFSB interview and medical test.

  • The EKT and AFCAT exam will be conducted via online mode and will consist only of objective-type questions.

  • The EKT exam is only meant for technical candidates.

  • Each question will consist of 3 marks and 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer in both the AFCAT and EKT exams.

Want to know more about AFCAT

FAQs about AFCAT Preparation Tips

How can I prepare for AFCAT?

You should come up with a preparation strategy while preparing for AFCAT. Besides this, you are advised to prepare notes so that you can revise them on the exam day.

How can I prepare for AFCAT in 3 months?

You should try to solve the maximum number of mock test papers and previous years papers. Besides this, you should go through general awareness questions from History, Geography, Civics, Politics and other subjects mentioned in the syllabus.

How can I prepare for AFCAT without coaching?

You can start the preparation for AFCAT by preparing your own schedule. Besides this, you are advised to check all the important topics mentioned in the syllabus and then try to solve at least 3-4 questions examples of each type of questions.

Do questions repeat in AFCAT?

Yes, sometimes questions get repeated in AFCAT exam. However, the values mentioned in the question will not be the same as in the previous exam.

How many months are enough to prepare for the current affairs section of AFCAT?

No one is sure about the total time required for preparation. You are advised to keep yourself updated with the latest happenings to score well in the section.

How can I prepare for the Non-Technical Branch of AFCAT?

You are advised to check the exam pattern of AFCAT before starting the preparation. Besides this, the previous years question paper will also help you to prepare well for the Non-Technical Branch of AFCAT.

Is coaching necessary for AFCAT?

No, coaching for AFCAT is not necessary. AFCAT will test your basics of reasoning, quants, English and general awareness to examine how well you fit in the defence forces.

How difficult is the AFSB interview?

No, AFSB interview is not hard. Candidates who answer all the questions without losing confidence will surely be able to clear the interview round.

How to improve the numerical ability for AFCAT?

You should try to solve a maximum number of numerical problems from each topic in order to perform well in the numerical ability section of AFCAT.

What are the easy preparation tips for AFCAT?

Aspirants need to possess tunnel vision with an incredible focus on studies. Persistence, hard work, proper time management, and go-getter attitude are some of the easy preparation tips to crack AFCAT exam and AFSB interview.

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