Is AFCAT Tougher Than NDA?

AFCAT, or Air Force Common Admission Test, is generally an easier test than NDA, the National Defence Academy exam, due to its easier syllabus with fewer subjects and lower competition intensity for graduates.

NDA requires advanced math and science preparation from Class 11–12 level, making it tougher overall, while AFCAT targets working professionals with moderate reasoning and awareness focus.

AFCAT Overview

AFCAT full form stands for Air Force Common Admission Test. It is conducted by the Indian Air Force twice yearly for Flying Branch and Ground Duty for both Technical and Non-Technical roles.

AFCAT Eligibility

Eligibility requires:

• Graduation with minimum 60%

• Physics and Math at 10+2 for Flying Branch

• Age limit: 20–24 / 26 years

• Graduates/postgraduates apply through afcat.cdac.in or afcat.edcil.co.in

AFCAT 1 2026 Notification

• Notification released: November 2025

• Vacancies: 340

• Registration: November 17 to December 14, 2025

• Exam date: January 31, 2026

Exam Comparison: AFCAT vs NDA

NDA Exam Pattern

• Two papers:

  • Mathematics: 300 marks

  • General Ability Test: 600 marks

• Total: 900 marks

• Duration: 2.5 hours each

• Covers Class 12-level math (algebra, calculus, vectors) and in-depth GK/English

• Success rate: under 1%

AFCAT Exam Pattern

• 100 MCQs for 300 marks in 2 hours:

  • General Awareness – 25 questions

  • Verbal Ability – 30 questions

  • Numerical Ability – 20 questions

  • Reasoning/Military Aptitude – 25 questions

• EKT (50 questions) for technical branches only

Cutoff Comparison

• NDA cutoff: ~350/900

• AFCAT cutoff: ~140–160/300

• No negative marking myths — both have it

Syllabus and Preparation for AFCAT

AFCAT syllabus emphasizes:

• Current affairs

• History and Geography

• Basic math (percentages, ratios)

• English (comprehension, synonyms)

• Spatial reasoning

It can be prepared in 3–6 months.

NDA requires 1–2 years of rigorous coaching for math, physics, and chemistry depth.

AFCAT suits graduates avoiding SSB immediately after 12th. Both lead to an AFSB interview (no flying test for non-flying).

Application and Results

• Access AFCAT login at afcat.cdac.in

• Registration for AFCAT recruitment 2025/2026 involves:

  • Online form

  • Photo and signature upload

Results (e.g., AFCAT 2 2025 out September 2025) are available via individual login showing section-wise marks with no cutoff.

Visit the official website afcat.cdac.in / afcat.edcil for vacancy 2025 details and syllabus.

Final Verdict

NDA edges in difficulty due to its volume and youth focus, but AFCAT offers direct commissioning for experienced candidates and selection depends on career stage.