The AFCAT 2/2027 exam has not been held yet. Based on the Indian Air Force's usual cycle, the exam is expected around August 2027, with the notification likely in May or June 2027. So there is no official or "leaked" cutoff for AFCAT 2 2027 right now. Below is an expected range based on past-year trends, useful for planning your target score as you prepare.
What is the AFCAT Cutoff?
The AFCAT cutoff is the minimum score, out of 300 marks, that a candidate must secure in the written exam to be shortlisted for the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interview. The Indian Air Force does not fix this number in advance. It depends on:
- Difficulty level of that session's paper
- Total number of candidates who appear
- Number of vacancies available for that cycle
- The normalisation process used across shifts
- Branch-wise requirements (Flying, Technical, Non-Technical)
AFCAT 2 2027 Exam Pattern
Paper | Questions | Marks | Duration | Marking Scheme |
AFCAT (all branches) | 100 | 300 | 2 hours | +3 for correct, −1 for incorrect |
Technical branch candidates also take the EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test): 50 questions, 45 minutes, with negative marking.
AFCAT 2 2027: Expected Timeline
Event | Expected Date |
Notification | May-June 2027 |
Application Window | June-July 2027 |
Written Exam (CBT) | August 2027 |
Result & Cutoff | 3-4 weeks after the exam |
AFSB Interview | Following the result |
These are estimates based on past cycles. UPSC and IAF notifications will confirm exact dates closer to the time.
AFCAT Cutoff: Previous Year Trends
Exam | Cutoff (out of 300) |
AFCAT 1 2025 | 121 |
AFCAT 2 2025 | 140 |
AFCAT 1 2024 | 137 |
AFCAT 2 2024 | 139 |
AFCAT 1 2023 | 155 |
AFCAT 2 2023 | 151 |
AFCAT 1 2022 | 157 |
AFCAT 2 2022 | 157 |
AFCAT 1 2021 | 165 |
AFCAT 2 2021 | 157 |
The cutoff has generally ranged between 120 and 165 marks over the last several years, with a mild downward trend in the last two to three cycles.
AFCAT 2 2027 Expected Cutoff (Estimated)
Based on the pattern above, a reasonable working target for AFCAT 2 2027 is:
Category | Expected Cutoff (out of 300) |
General (all branches) | 135-160 |
Flying Branch | 140-165 |
Ground Duty (Technical) | 130-155 |
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 125-150 |
These are indicative ranges for preparation planning only, not an official prediction. Treat 150+ marks as a safer target regardless of category, since a tougher paper or fewer vacancies can push the cutoff up in any cycle.
Factors That Can Push the AFCAT 2 2027 Cutoff Up or Down
- Vacancies announced: Fewer vacancies usually mean a higher cutoff.
- Number of applicants: A sharp rise in applicants increases competition.
- Paper difficulty: An easier paper pushes the cutoff higher since more candidates score well.
- Shift-wise normalisation: Marks are normalised across shifts, which can slightly shift individual cutoffs.
How to Prepare for a Safer Score
- Aim to comfortably clear 150+ marks rather than just the historical minimum.
- Focus equally on General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability and Reasoning, since all four carry similar weight.
- Practice full-length mock tests under the 2-hour time limit to build speed and accuracy.
