Is serving the nation your dream? Do you wish to join IAF (Indian Air Force)? So, here is an opportunity for you to become part of the services; after clearing AFCAT exam or EKT, you can join the technical or non-technical department. However, most of you are unaware of the basic difference between these government exams.
AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test, conducted by IFA for the recruitment of people in various designations in the Indian Air Force. This examination is held two times a year in the months of June and December. The selection process is done for three branches of IFA, namely,non-technical, technical, and flying branches. However, candidates interested in joining the technical branch have to clear one more exam after AFCAT, and that is EKT.
It stands for Engineering Knowledge Test. It is also conducted by the Indian Air Force but with the sole purpose of selecting the desirable candidates for the technical posts of the Ground Duty branch.
However, there is a slight difference in the exam pattern of AFCAT and EKT. But the syllabus of both the exams is completely different from each other. Therefore, let’s take a look at what those differences are.
Branches you apply for
There are 3 branches for which the Indian Air Force conduct AFCAT exam; these include-
- Flying Branch
- Non-Technical Branch (Ground-Duty officers)
- Technical Branch (Ground-Duty officers)
Now you must be thinking about how many branches you can apply for, and what about EKT? What branches does it involve? How to apply for EKT? So, here are answers to all these questions. When you fill the form for AFCAT, you can select the branches you want to opt for. That means you have a choice to select either one or two or all three branches. Moreover, you don’t have to fill in any different forms for EKT, as when you opt for the technical branch, you automatically become eligible to take the EKT exam. Therefore, applicants who select a technical branch have to give EKT.
Exam pattern
The below-given table will give you a clear picture of the exam pattern of both these exams, including question count, negative marking, and other details. Moreover, it will help you understand how to strategize your studies and preparations for these examinations.
| Content | EKT | AFCAT |
| Time Duration | 45 minutes | 120 minutes |
| Syllabus | Electronics EngineeringMechanical EngineeringElectrical EngineeringComputer Sc. Engineering | General AwarenessNumerical AbilityVerbal AbilityMilitary and Reasoning Aptitude |
| Maximum Marks | 150 | 300 |
| Total Number of Questions | 50 | 100 |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for every correct answer | +3 for every correct answer |
| Negative Marking | -1 for every wrong answer | -1 for every wrong answer |
Selection stages
An aspirant has to clear the three phases for the non-technical branches. The first one is a written online paper. After clearing the written exam, an AFSB interview is conducted, and the last stage is to clear the medical examination in order to get selected. But when you opt for the ground duty (technical) branches, it is mandatory to clear the EKT exam, which is scheduled after the AFCAT online test. Thereafter, you have to clear the other two rounds similar to AFCAT to get the post.
Now, here you must pay attention that AFCAT and EKT exams are held on the same date. Many aspirants get confused because of this; hence, do note that after giving the AFCAT exam, you will get an hour gap, and then the candidates who have opted for the technical branch give EKT. Thus, you all need to understand this very clearly that everyone has to clear the AFCAT exam irrespective of the branch. Whereas, if you are opting for a technical branch, then you have to give both AFCAT and EKT.
Another question that might haunt your mind is, what if you choose all three branches and clear AFCAT but fail in EKT. In this case, you will be getting a call for an interview for the post of the other two branches except for the technical branch. Furthermore, if you clear both AFCAT and EKT, you are eligible for all three branch interviews. But will you receive a call if you clear EKT and fail in clearing AFCAT? The answer is no! Even if you clear EKT, it is mandatory to clear AFCAT. Then only you will be called for the interview; otherwise, not.
The above-mentioned information includes all the necessary details regarding the AFCAT and EKT exams. Do ensure that you read the guidelines properly and prepare for your exams accordingly. Therefore, do not miss out on any detail, as your negligence can become a hindrance in your preparations and selection. Thus, read it thoroughly, so you do not get stuck or confused during preparations. Good luck with your exam!
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