How to Prepare for AFCAT 2026 Along with Graduation

Time Management Tips for Students Preparing for AFCAT

It may seem like managing college life and preparing for AFCAT is balancing two swords simultaneously, but believe me, it's very much possible if you plan strategically. Thousands of students each year clear the AFCAT exam and inch closer to becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force.

So, if you are a student or a graduate, working towards your degree with aspirations of that blue uniform, this article is going to walk you through how to prepare for AFCAT 2026 in conjunction with your graduation without losing your mind or your marks.

Understanding the AFCAT Exam First

Before we obtain any tips on preparing, it might help to first obtain a general understanding of the exam. 

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is held twice a year by the Indian Air Force, generally in February and August. This exam will become your gateway to entering the Air Force as a commissioned officer in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) Branch, and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch.

AFCAT Exam Pattern Overview

Each question carries 3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for a wrong answer.

So, your preparation must balance accuracy and speed, two things that college students often struggle with due to tight schedules. Let’s fix that.

Why Start Preparing for AFCAT During Graduation?

If you begin preparing during your graduation period, you will get sufficient time to develop concepts, and you will have less tension in your last year. Moreover, AFCAT is more concept-based and regular than mugging up thick concepts. The following are the reasons why early preparation is beneficial:

• You have extra attempts while still in college.
• English basics, maths, and reasoning are fresh.
• Time management and discipline are shaped.
• You keep yourself oriented towards your Air Force dream even during college chaos.

In short, the earlier you start, the easier it becomes.

Step-by-Step Strategy to Prepare for AFCAT Along with Graduation

Let’s break this down into simple, doable steps so you can balance your college syllabus and AFCAT preparation smartly.

Step 1: Understand the Syllabus and Exam Pattern Inside Out

This is where most students go wrong; they jump straight into mock tests without knowing what’s actually in the syllabus.

Here’s a quick subject-wise breakdown:

English

• Comprehension
• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Error Detection
• Idioms & Phrases
• Cloze Test
• Sentence Completion

General Awareness

• Current Affairs (last 6–8 months)
• Indian History & Geography
• Polity & Economy
• Defense-related news
• Science & Technology

Numerical Ability

• Time, Speed & Distance
• Ratio & Proportion
• Simple & Compound Interest
• Profit & Loss
• Average
• Percentage

Reasoning & Military Aptitude

• Figure Classification
• Pattern Completion
• Analogies
• Spatial Ability
• Venn Diagrams

You don’t have to study all of this in one go; plan it topic-wise and go slowly but steadily.

Step 2: Make a Practical Time Table

College life is chaotic; assignments, projects, fests, and exams can throw off your routine anytime. So skip the rigid schedule and create a flexible study plan that adapts to your life.

Here’s an example of a realistic weekly plan:

Even if you study only 1-2 hours a day, that's more than enough when you are consistent.

Step 3: Focus on Concept Building, Not Rote Learning

While studying for your graduation, you're already learning academic courses. So, do not stuff yourself with rote study. Create concepts instead.

For example:

• When you study percentages or ratios in college maths, link them with AFCAT numerical ability topics.
• Read English novels or newspapers; this helps in comprehension and vocabulary.
• Watch defence or news documentaries; this indirectly increases your overall awareness.

In short, make your daily activities part of your preparation.

Step 4: Keep English and GK as Daily Habits

English and General Awareness aren't overnight topics; they're habits.

Attempt these small habits every day:

• Read the editorials of The Hindu or Indian Express (15 mins).
• Take down 5 new words along with their meanings and usage.
• Watch a 10-minute defence current affairs video on YouTube.
• Follow Centurion Defence Academy's updates for original defence news and analysis.

These tiny steps will make a huge difference in your vocabulary and awareness over time.

Step 5: Use the Right Study Materials

You don’t need a library on your desk. Just pick one or two reliable books per subject and stick with them. Some recommended resources are:

• English: Arihant's "Objective General English" by S.P. Bakshi
• GK: Lucent's General Knowledge + Monthly Current Affairs PDFs
• Maths & Reasoning: RS Aggarwal’s Quantitative Aptitude + Reasoning Book
• AFCAT-Specific Prep: Centurion Defence Academy’s AFCAT Study Material (highly structured and exam-oriented)

Always prioritise quality over quantity.

Step 6: Practice with Mock Tests and PYQs

Once you’re confident with the syllabus, start giving mock tests and solving previous year question papers (PYQs).

Here’s why:

• You’ll understand question patterns and difficulty levels.
• You’ll learn to manage time under pressure.
• You’ll discover your weak areas.

Ideally, start mock tests 3-4 months before the exam. Take one full-length test every weekend and analyse your performance.

Step 7: Balance College Studies and AFCAT Revision

Don't frighten yourself with college exams into making long AFCAT breaks. Even for semester exams, dedicate a minimum of 15–30 minutes a day to revising GK or English.

AFCAT is not about preparing at the last moment; it's about routine.

If you prepare even a bit a day, you will score better than those who prepare just in the last couple of weeks.

Step 8: Take Guidance from Experts

In case you are lost or unsure where to start, take admission in a good AFCAT coaching institute like Centurion Defence Academy. Professional help can save time and effort.

Centurion Defence Academy offers:

• AFCAT classes for all the sections separately.
• Personalised study schedules for students in colleges.
• Daily tests and monitoring of performance.
• Guidance by Air Force officers and seasoned faculty members.
• Use of the Centurion Digital App for online classes and saved sessions.

With proper mentorship, you’ll know exactly what to study and how much to study, making your preparation focused and stress-free.

Extra Tips to Ace AFCAT 2026 Along with Graduation

Let’s wrap up with some quick, practical tips:

1. Make Use of Travel Time: Listen to GK podcasts or English news during your travels.
2. Take Digital Notes: Use Notion or Google Keep for quick revision.
3. Be Regular: Even 1 hour of daily studying is better than 6 hours per week.
4. Prevent Burnout: Relax, socialise, and maintain a healthy routine.
5. Update Yourself: Defence current affairs (missiles, exercises, aircraft) keep coming, remain updated.
6. Visualise Your Goal: Picture yourself in that Air Force uniform whenever you feel lazy; it works wonders.

The Ideal AFCAT + Graduation Routine (Summary Table)

Final Words: Start Small, Stay Consistent

If you are preparing for AFCAT 2026 while at college, ensure that it is not all about ending your college life; it is all about maximising your degree. You don't have to be studying 8 hours a day; you just have to study smart and spread it out.

College is the ideal period of your life to develop your habits, discipline, and concentration- all the traits the IAF seeks in its officers.

So whether you are a first-year student or a last-year student, you can begin your dream today with AFCAT. So get charged up, get organised and keep your head in the clouds because that's where you belong.

And don't forget, if you are confused and disoriented, the appropriate course prep and the appropriate instructor and proper amount of focus can be the difference between simply writing the test, versus clearing.

Read more:

How to Prepare for AFSB Interview after AFCAT Exam?

Top 5 AFCAT Online Coaching Programs That Turn Average Students into Air Warriors