AFCAT Preparation Tips 2026: Subject-Wise Strategy, Best Books & 30-Day Study Plan
Preparing for AFCAT 2026? Start Smart, Not Hard
The AFCAT 1 2026 exam, scheduled for 31 January 2026, is the gateway to becoming a Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer in the Indian Air Force. With limited time left, random study will not work.
What you need is:
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Clear understanding of the exam
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A subject-wise approach
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Smart revision
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Mock-driven practice
This guide explains how to prepare for AFCAT 2026 from scratch or at the last stage, using a practical, exam-oriented strategy.
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AFCAT Exam Overview 2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) |
| Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Negative Marking | ❌ –1 mark for wrong answer |
| Subjects Covered | General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude |
How to Prepare for AFCAT 2026 (Winning Approach)
Cracking AFCAT does not require extreme difficulty-level preparation. It requires:
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Concept clarity
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Speed
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Accuracy
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Calm exam temperament
✅ Step 1: Understand the AFCAT Syllabus & Pattern
Know what to study and what to skip. AFCAT focuses on:
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Basic maths (up to 10th level)
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Practical reasoning
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Functional English
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Current + static awareness
👉 Avoid over-studying advanced maths or deep theory.
✅ Step 2: Create a Realistic Study Plan
A good AFCAT plan balances:
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Daily concept study
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Practice questions
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Mock analysis
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Revision
🕒 Ideal daily study time: 4–6 hours
Subject-Wise AFCAT Preparation Tips 2026
🧠 General Awareness (GA)
This section can save or destroy your score.
What to Focus On:
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Current Affairs (last 8–10 months)
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Defence & aviation news
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Awards, ranks, exercises
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Static GK (history, polity basics, geography)
Preparation Tips:
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Read current affairs daily (short notes)
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Revise weekly using self-made notes
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Attempt GA sectionals regularly
👉 Avoid memorising unnecessary facts.
📘 Verbal Ability (English)
One of the highest scoring sections.
Important Topics:
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Reading comprehension
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Error spotting
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Fill in the blanks
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Synonyms & antonyms
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Sentence improvement
Preparation Tips:
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Revise grammar rules first
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Read editorials or quality articles daily
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Practice English questions every day (15–20 minimum)
🔢 Numerical Ability (Maths)
Maths in AFCAT is simple but time-based.
Important Topics:
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Percentage
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Ratio & proportion
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Time & work
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Average
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Profit & loss
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Speed, time & distance
Preparation Tips:
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Strengthen basics
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Learn shortcut methods
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Practice timed question sets
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Avoid lengthy calculations in the exam
🧩 Reasoning & Military Aptitude
This section checks logical thinking, not theory.
Important Topics:
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Analogy
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Series
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Coding-decoding
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Blood relations
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Direction sense
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Figure-based questions
Preparation Tips:
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Practice daily (speed matters)
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Identify common patterns
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Solve previous AFCAT papers
30-Day AFCAT Study Plan (Quick Strategy)
📅 Days 1–15
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Complete full syllabus once
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Practice topic-wise questions
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Build short notes
📅 Days 16–25
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Start full-length mocks
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Analyze mistakes deeply
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Revise weak areas
📅 Days 26–30
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Light revision only
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GA & formula revision
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No new topics
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Stay calm and confident.
Best Books for AFCAT Preparation 2026
Choose limited but reliable books.
| Subject | Recommended Books |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Lucent’s General Knowledge |
| English | Objective General English – R.S. Aggarwal |
| Maths | Quantitative Aptitude – R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning – R.S. Aggarwal |
👉 Do not use too many books. Revision beats variety.
How to Prepare for AFCAT at Home?
You can crack AFCAT without coaching if you:
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Follow a fixed routine
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Use mock tests seriously
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Revise consistently
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Analyse mistakes honestly
Online resources + discipline = success.
NaukriBee Insight
AFCAT is not about brilliance — it’s about balance.
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Many candidates fail due to poor time management
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GA & English can boost scores quickly
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Maths & reasoning need practice, not fear
👉 Candidates who practice mock tests with analysis have the highest selection chances.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is AFCAT 2026 difficult?
No. The exam is moderate, suitable for graduates with focused preparation.
2. Can I crack AFCAT in 1 month?
Yes, with a structured plan and daily practice.
3. How many mocks should I attempt?
At least 10–15 full-length mocks before the exam.
4. Is coaching necessary for AFCAT?
No. Self-study + mocks are enough for most candidates.
5. Which section is most scoring?
English and Reasoning are generally high-scoring.
6. Is negative marking there?
Yes. –1 mark for each wrong answer.
7. Can average students clear AFCAT?
Yes. Consistency matters more than academic brilliance.
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