At some time in our life, don't we all dream to join The Air Force? If that's true for you, this is the article for you. But first, let's understand what AFCAT is.

AFCAT stands for The Air Force Common Admission Test and is administered by the Indian Air Force at the National Level. In February and September, the exam is conducted twice every year to select Class-I Gazette Officers in Flying and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical). AFCAT is an exam for both male and female candidates who wish to join the Indian Air Force.

The minimum educational requirement generally consists of a 60 per cent score in math and physics in Class 12 and a four-year degree in B.Tech/BE or an Engineering degree, which varies by discipline. There are even age limits prescribed for the exam that is different for different branches.

DO’S AND DON'TS FOR AFCAT

Before such a critical examination, candidates usually go through a lot of stress and anxiety. Hence, you must be informed of the AFCAT's do's and don'ts to overcome this obstacle. Following these do's and don'ts for AFCAT will help you ace your exam:

DO’S FOR AFCAT

Since this is a very important exam conducted from time to time, here are some do’s to follow before the exam:

Read the official guidelines by IAF

There are so many notifications, guidelines, and updates released by the IAF regularly for the AFCAT. Keep yourself updated with all the latest news, including-

any short notices, selection procedure, application forms, last date to apply, eligibility criteria, Syllabus and format, online test dates, admit card, the result, and the exam fees, which is currently 250 rupees. Make sure to go to the official website only.

Check Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Exam Pattern and Syllabus are two of the most important things that must be kept in mind to prepare for any exam. Check the crucial topics to cover, marking scheme etc. The AFCAT Exam Syllabus includes General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test. The question paper comprises 100 objective questions, and the total marks allotted to the test are 300. Make sure the Syllabus is updated.

Prepare a Study Schedule

To ace any test, you must first create a thorough study programme before beginning the preparation. A study plan allows you to keep track of all of your topics and the time you need to dedicate to each one. Following Study Schedules help to instil discipline in a person, which is reasonably necessary before a vital examination. The task of finishing the Syllabus on time becomes much easier if you stick to your study timetable.

Practice with Mock Tests and Analyze Results

The next step on the to-do list is practice with the help of mock tests. Speed and accuracy demand practice. Mock tests simulate an actual exam-like situation so that you can practice to the best of your abilities. Mock tests have a lot of benefits. While analyzing your simulated results, you learn how to manage time during the exam and get a chance to correct any mistakes you might be making. Mock tests also give you a reality check of how well prepared you are.

Revision

Revision is the last step to do before any examination. There are two reasons why revision is significant. It aids in recalling information such as statistics, concepts, and approaches that you have previously learned, for starters. Second, if done correctly, it will boost your confidence and minimise your worry, ensuring that you are well prepared for the test. Once you're done with the complete revision, you should be ready and confident for the test.

Get enough sleep

The majority of individuals require 7-8 hours of sleep to perform at their best. Pay attention to your body, and don't overlook the importance of sleep. For even better results, divide your sleeping hours. Take out time and give yourself a break once in a while. Also, eating healthy is another vital thing to do. It not only energises you but helps you retain concepts better.

DON’TS FOR AFCAT

Since this is a very important exam conducted from time to time, here are some don’ts to follow before the exam:

Don’t lose your calm

During test preparation, stress and anxiety are two variables that go hand in hand. These conditions might harm the outcome. It has been seen on many occasions that candidates who are extremely worried or agitated lose marks.

When you're anxious, your memory and attention decrease, which might cause you to "blank out" on the exam. If you become comfortable with the exam structure, you can overcome your exam dread. Strenuous practice improves exam preparation and confidence.

Don’t cram anything just before the exam

Starting a new topic just before the exam is not a good idea. First, it will frustrate you, and second, you will lose time that you could have spent revising the more essential topics. Also, it's possible that you won't recall everything on exam day because of the retention and short-term memory processes. So it's better to stick to what you've already done and master that.

Don’t study a topic without understanding it

AFCAT is a highly competitive exam with millions of candidates and minimal vacancies every year. It is essential to be well prepared to ace it. Do not just go through the topics without understanding and learning them, and do not just leave topics or chapters for the night before the exam. It is crucial to develop an in-depth understanding of the topics and chapters to score good marks. Do not take the exam lightly.

Do not compare your preparation

We all study in various ways, and it's essential to focus on your preparations and learning strategies than comparing them to your friends and colleagues. It's critical to keep studying the way you've been since you're your greatest judge on what works for you. Assuming what works for your peers will also work for you may backfire in the long run.

Take breaks in between your tedious routines, and do not forget to enjoy the journey, for ultimately, it is the journey that will matter more than the final destination. We wish you all the best!