AFCAT 2 2025: Previous Year Cut-Offs & Expected Cut-Off This Year

Do you know which exam is conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) twice a year? Well, it is the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT),  which is one of the most renowned competitive exams in India. Aspiring candidates can get an immense opportunity to serve India as Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical), and even Gazetted Officers in Flying. As more than a thousand candidates appear for this exam every cycle, it is vital to clear the cut-off marks to get shortlisted for the next process.

This article highlights the AFCAT cut-off trends, including previous year cut-offs as well as expected cut-offs for 2025. Along with this, aspirants will find the strategic preparation plan and how to use the right tools, such as the AFCAT previous year question paper book, AFCAT books, and much more.

Now, the question is, why is a cut-off in AFCAT essential?

The AFCAT cut-off refers to the minimum score required to qualify for the initial stage and proceed to the next one. Once a candidate gets shortlisted with the set cut-off, they are called for the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interview. However, the cut-off for AFCAT depends on  certain key factors, mentioned below-

• The number of candidates appearing in the exam.

• The number of positions released.

• The difficulty level of the question paper per cycle.

• The preparation strategy & final performance. 

Considering all these factors helps candidates to prepare well and set realistic expectations with the score. 

To move further, it is important to understand the previous year's cut-off for AFCAT. Let's identify patterns by analyzing the years 2018-2024.

AFCAT Cut-Offs (2018–2024)

AFCAT 2 2025: Expected Cut-Off 

As per the previous year cut off, trends, and vacancies released by the IAF, the expected cut off for  AFCAT 2 2025 may be-

• AFCAT Cut-Off (Out of 300): 155–160 marks

• EKT Cut-Off (Out of 150): 15–20 marks

It is predicted that the question papers will have a moderate difficulty level. The English and reasoning part will contain tricky questions. While students are recommended to focus on general awareness to maintain the overall scope.

Read More: AFCAT 2 2025: Important Topics to Revise Before the Exam

What are the Effective Tips to Prepare for AFCAT 2 2025?

Clearing the expected AFCAT 2 2025 cutoff is one of the milestones to get shortlisted for the next stage, i.e., AFSB  interview call. Candidates need to follow certain preparation strategies and tips to prepare for AFCAT 2 2025. Let's explore-

Make Use of the Right Resources:

Making use of the right study tools and resources is one of the most important strategies for AFCAT 2 2025 preparation. Candidates should include the resources listed below:

1. Standard AFCAT Books: They help to cover reasoning, general awareness, English, numerical ability, etc.

2.  AFCAT Preparation Book: It is a guide to practice exam-related questions, mock tests, and review solved examples for revision.

3. AFCAT Previous Year Question Paper Book: It helps students to get familiar with the exam pattern and the topics that are frequently repeated by the IAF. 

Know the Exam Pattern:

Each question carries 3 marks and 1 negative marking for incorrect answers. The EKT question paper consists of 50 questions carrying 150 marks, and the allotted time is 45 minutes.

Check the Previous Year's Cut-Off:

Checking the previous year's cut gives an idea about the competitive level.  It is advised for aspirants to have a goal to score over the expected cutoff, ie, 170-180 marks.

Focus on Improving Time Management Skills:

Many candidates fail to score more, not because of a lack of knowledge, but due to poor time management. It is better to allocate time for each section smartly. An allocation of time gives an opportunity to never miss the questions that carry high-scoring options.

Practice Mock Tests:

Practice mock tests regularly to fine-tune your AFCAT exam strategy and reduce stress. Mock tests are not only important to be prepared for the actual exam environment, but they also help to focus on the weak areas that lead to targeted revision. Candidates can prepare by combining the AFCAT preparation book with full-length mock tests and chapter-wide practice sets.

What are the Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them?

There are some common mistakes that many students neglect, and due to that, they fail to clear the expected cutoff. Let's explore those mistakes and how to avoid them:

More Attention on a Particular Subject: It is vital to keep a balance of all subjects while preparing for AFCAT 2 2025. You might be good at English or reasoning, but ignoring mathematics due to its difficulty level can cost you a score.

Neglecting Negative Marking for Wrong Answers:  This is one of the most common mistakes where students forget about negative marking and just keep guessing blindly. Thus, attempt the question only when you are 100% sure about the answer to avoid negative marking.

Not Allocating Time for Revision: Review GK facts, formulas, and grammar rules properly in the last week to stay energetic and maintain score effectively.

Sample Last Week Plan

FAQs on AFCAT 2 2025

What is the expected cut-off for AFCAT 2 2025?

It is 155-160 marks for AFCAT and 15-20 marks for EKT as per the exam difficulty level.

Which study material should I use for AFCAT preparation?

Prepare by combining the AFCAT books for all subjects along with the AFCAT PYQs and AFCAT preparation books.

Is it mandatory to take the EKT exam?

Yes, if you are preparing for technical branches, then it is mandatory.

How many months of preparation are enough for AFCAT?

A focused preparation for 3-4 months, followed by regular practicing through mock tests, is enough to clear the expected cut-off.

How many times can a candidate attempt AFCAT?

Well, there is no limit on attempts for AFCAT, but a candidate needs to meet the eligibility criteria.

Do cut-offs vary every year?

Yes, the cut-off varies depending on the number of vacancies released, difficulty levels, and performance of candidates.

Can I clear the cutoff of AFCAT through self-study?

Yes, with focused revision using the AFCAT preparation book and the previous year's question bank, you can clear the expected cut-off.

Wrapping Up

The expected cutoff for AFCAT 2 2025 will be 155-160. Thus, to get shortlisted, you need to prepare strategically using AFCAT previous question papers and other books. With consistent revision, time management, and regular practice through online mock tests, you can clear the cut-off and get shortlisted for the next selection stage of your dream career at the Indian Air Force.