The Indian Air Force (IAF) has conducted the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 examination for candidates seeking admission to Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. The examination is part of the AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment cycle for 379 vacancies.
Candidates who appeared in the examination can use the AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key and their individual response sheet to check the answers they marked during the online examination and calculate their probable score.
According to the official AFCAT 02/2026 notification, the Question Paper with Answer Key and Individual Response is made available through the candidate’s webpage login during the objection-management period. For this cycle, the official notification specifies the window from 09 August 2026 at 5:00 PM to 11 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Candidates should therefore log in to the official AFCAT portal and download their question paper, answer key and response details within the prescribed period.
AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key Latest Update
The AFCAT 02/2026 examination was conducted on 08 August 2026. The recruitment is being conducted for 379 vacancies in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches.
The official notification provides a specific objection-management mechanism through which candidates can view:
- Question Paper
- Answer Key
- Individual Response
- Correct Answers
- Candidate’s Marked Responses
The official notification specifies that these materials are available in the candidate’s webpage login from 09 August 2026 at 1700 hours until 11 August 2026 at 1700 hours.
Candidates should complete any objection, if required, before the deadline because the notification states that queries relating to the question paper, answer key and response sheet will not be entertained after the objection-management period.
AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Examination Name | Air Force Common Admission Test |
| Cycle | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Recruitment Year | 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Answer Key | Available in Candidate Login |
| Response Sheet | Available |
| Question Paper | Available |
| Objection Window | 09–11 August 2026 |
| Objection Start | 09 August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Objection Last Time | 11 August 2026, 5:00 PM |
| Result | To Be Announced |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
The official notification confirms the answer-key and individual-response-sheet procedure for AFCAT 02/2026.
AFCAT 02/2026 Exam Date
The AFCAT 02/2026 examination was conducted on 08 August 2026.
The examination is an important stage for candidates applying for officer-entry opportunities in the Indian Air Force. Candidates who qualify the written examination are considered for the subsequent selection stages according to the applicable AFCAT recruitment rules.
The AFCAT examination assesses candidates in areas including:
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning
- Military Aptitude
What Is AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key?
The AFCAT answer key allows candidates to compare the answers given in the examination with the answers provided by the examination authority.
The candidate response sheet is particularly important because it shows the responses recorded against the questions attempted by the candidate.
Using both documents, candidates can estimate their probable marks before the official result is announced.
AFCAT Answer Key Contains
- Question number
- Correct answer
- Candidate’s response
- Question paper information
- Response details
- Objection facility, where applicable
AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key and Response Sheet
For AFCAT 02/2026, the official procedure is somewhat different from examinations where a public PDF answer key is simply uploaded for everyone.
The official notification specifically states that the Question Paper with Answer Key and Individual Response will be made available through the candidate’s webpage login during the objection-management period.
Therefore, candidates should use their registered login credentials to access the information.
This is important because candidates should not depend only on unofficial answer keys available on coaching websites or social media.
AFCAT 02/2026 Objection Window
Candidates who believe that an answer has been incorrectly marked in the official answer key can use the prescribed objection facility.
Objection Window
Start: 09 August 2026 at 5:00 PM
Last Date: 11 August 2026 at 5:00 PM
The official notification states that no queries relating to the question paper, answer key or individual response sheet will be entertained after the specified deadline.
Candidates should therefore review their responses as soon as possible.
How to Download AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key
Candidates can follow the steps below:
Step 1: Visit the AFCAT Website
Open the official AFCAT recruitment portal.
Step 2: Login
Enter your registered login credentials.
These may include the details used during the AFCAT application process.
Step 3: Open Candidate Dashboard
After successful login, open the candidate’s webpage/dashboard.
Step 4: Find Answer Key/Response Link
Look for the link related to:
Question Paper with Answer Key and Individual Response
Step 5: Open the Link
Click on the available link to view your question paper, answer key and recorded responses.
Step 6: Check Responses
Compare the answers you marked with the correct answers shown by the authority.
Step 7: Calculate Your Score
Use the official marking scheme to estimate your probable marks.
Step 8: Raise Objection
If you believe an answer is incorrect, use the objection-management facility within the prescribed deadline.
Step 9: Save the Details
Download or save the available response and answer-key information for future reference.
AFCAT 02/2026 Marking Scheme
The AFCAT examination follows a marking system in which candidates receive marks for correct answers and lose marks for incorrect answers.
For AFCAT, the commonly applicable marking scheme is:
| Response | Marks |
| Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark |
| Not Attempted | 0 Marks |
The examination is conducted for 300 marks for the AFCAT paper.
Candidates should calculate their estimated score carefully using the response sheet rather than relying solely on memory of the questions.
How to Calculate AFCAT 02/2026 Expected Marks
Candidates can use the following formula:
Expected Score = (Number of Correct Answers × 3) − (Number of Wrong Answers × 1)
Example
Suppose a candidate has:
- 70 correct answers
- 20 incorrect answers
- Remaining questions not attempted
Then:
70 × 3 = 210
20 × 1 = 20
Therefore:
Expected Score = 210 − 20 = 190 Marks
This is only an estimated score based on the recorded responses and should not be treated as the final result.
AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key Objection
If a candidate finds an answer that appears incorrect, they should carefully verify the question and official answer before submitting an objection.
Before Raising an Objection
Candidates should:
- Read the complete question.
- Check the answer provided by IAF.
- Compare it with the relevant concept or source.
- Confirm that the question number is correct.
- Provide appropriate supporting information if requested.
- Submit the objection before the deadline.
- Save the objection confirmation.
Candidates should avoid submitting objections without a valid basis.
Why Is the AFCAT Answer Key Important?
The answer key is important because it helps candidates:
- Check their recorded answers.
- Estimate their marks.
- Identify incorrect answers.
- Assess their chances of qualifying.
- Raise objections against questionable answers.
- Prepare for the next stage.
- Understand their examination performance.
However, the answer key does not constitute the final result.
The final result and qualifying status are determined by the Indian Air Force according to the applicable recruitment rules.
AFCAT 02/2026 Cut Off
The AFCAT 02/2026 Cut Off will be announced by the Indian Air Force along with or around the result stage, according to the recruitment process.
Candidates should not treat coaching-institute expected cut-offs as official.
The actual cut-off can depend on:
- Examination difficulty
- Number of candidates
- Candidate performance
- Number of vacancies
- Normalisation/evaluation procedure, where applicable
- Overall competition
Candidates should wait for the official AFCAT result and cut-off information.
AFCAT 02/2026 Result
After completion of the answer-key and objection process, the Indian Air Force will process the examination results.
Candidates should regularly check the official AFCAT portal for the result announcement.
The result will determine which candidates are shortlisted for the subsequent selection process.
Candidates who qualify should carefully follow the instructions issued by the Indian Air Force regarding the next stage.
AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process
The recruitment process broadly involves:
Stage 1 – AFCAT Written Examination
Candidates appear for the AFCAT computer-based examination.
Stage 2 – AFSB
Candidates shortlisted through the written examination proceed to the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) process according to the applicable rules.
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Candidates recommended through the selection process undergo the prescribed medical examination.
Stage 4 – Final Merit
Final selection is made according to merit, eligibility, medical fitness and applicable recruitment rules.
Candidates should read the official AFCAT notification for the complete branch-wise selection requirements.
Important Instructions for AFCAT Candidates
Candidates should remember the following points:
- Check the answer key only through the official candidate login.
- Do not share your login credentials.
- Download/save your response sheet where possible.
- Check the objection deadline carefully.
- Submit objections before the deadline.
- Keep proof of any objection submitted.
- Do not assume an unofficial answer key is final.
- Wait for the official result and cut-off.
- Follow the official AFCAT portal for subsequent AFSB instructions.
AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key Objection Process
Candidates who appeared in the AFCAT 02/2026 examination can review the question paper, official answer key and their individual responses through their candidate login during the prescribed objection-management period.
According to the official AFCAT 02/2026 notification, the Question Paper with Answer Key and Individual Response is available in the candidate’s webpage login from 09 August 2026 at 5:00 PM to 11 August 2026 at 5:00 PM. After the deadline, queries regarding the question paper, answer key and response sheet will not be entertained.
How to Raise an AFCAT Answer Key Objection
Candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit the official AFCAT portal.
- Log in using the registered credentials.
- Open the candidate dashboard.
- Select the Question Paper with Answer Key & Individual Response option.
- Check the questions and answers carefully.
- Identify the question against which you want to raise an objection.
- Select the appropriate objection option.
- Provide the required explanation or supporting details, if requested.
- Submit the objection before the deadline.
- Save the objection confirmation for future reference.
Candidates should raise objections only when they have a genuine reason to believe that the official answer is incorrect.
AFCAT 02/2026 Marking Scheme
The official notification specifies the following marking scheme:
| Answer | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark |
| Unattempted Question | 0 Marks |
The notification also states that normalisation of marks is undertaken when the examination is conducted in more than one shift.
Therefore, candidates should understand that their raw calculated marks may not necessarily be identical to the marks considered for the final result if normalisation is applicable.
AFCAT Score Calculation Formula
Candidates can calculate their approximate raw score using:
Raw Score = (Correct Answers × 3) − (Incorrect Answers × 1)
For example, if a candidate answers:
- 65 questions correctly
- 15 questions incorrectly
- Other questions unattempted
Then:
65 × 3 = 195
15 × 1 = 15
Estimated Raw Score = 195 − 15 = 180 Marks
This is only an estimated raw score. The final score may be affected by the official evaluation and normalisation process.
AFCAT 02/2026 Expected Cut Off
The AFCAT 02/2026 Cut Off is an important factor for candidates waiting for the result.
The official cut-off should be considered final only after it is published by the Indian Air Force.
Candidates should not confuse unofficial expected cut-offs published by coaching institutes with the official qualifying marks.
Factors Affecting AFCAT Cut Off
The cut-off can depend on:
- Difficulty level of the examination
- Number of candidates appearing
- Number of vacancies
- Overall candidate performance
- Shift-wise performance
- Normalisation
- Recruitment requirements
The AFCAT 02/2026 notification provides for normalisation when there is more than one examination shift.
AFCAT 02/2026 Result
After completion of the answer-key and objection process, the Indian Air Force will process the examination results.
Candidates should check their result through the official AFCAT portal using their candidate login details.
The result will indicate whether the candidate has qualified for the next stage of the selection process.
Candidates who qualify the written examination should carefully follow all instructions regarding the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB).
AFCAT 02/2026 AFSB Selection Process
Candidates shortlisted after the written examination are required to proceed through the subsequent selection stages according to the applicable AFCAT rules.
The broad process includes:
Stage 1 – AFCAT Online Examination
Candidates appear for the computer-based AFCAT examination.
Stage 2 – AFSB Testing
Candidates qualifying in the written examination are called for the Air Force Selection Board process.
The AFSB process assesses candidates on various officer-selection parameters.
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Candidates recommended after the AFSB process undergo the prescribed medical examination.
Stage 4 – Final Merit List
Final selection is based on the applicable merit, eligibility, medical fitness and recruitment rules.
Candidates should carefully read the official notification for branch-specific requirements.
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancies
The AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment notification provides vacancies for different branches and courses of the Indian Air Force.
Candidates should check the official notification for the detailed branch-wise vacancy distribution because vacancies can be subject to applicable conditions and changes.
The official Indian Air Force website is the appropriate source for the latest recruitment information.
AFCAT 02/2026 Examination Pattern
The AFCAT examination tests candidates in multiple areas.
Important sections include:
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning
- Military Aptitude
Candidates should use the official syllabus and model papers published by the Indian Air Force for preparation. The IAF also provides official AFCAT model question papers for candidates.
AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key – Important Instructions
Candidates should keep the following points in mind:
- Check the answer key through the official candidate login.
- Verify your individual response sheet carefully.
- Calculate your score using the prescribed marking scheme.
- Remember the negative marking of one mark for an incorrect answer.
- Do not count unattempted questions as incorrect.
- Consider normalisation where applicable.
- Raise objections only within the prescribed period.
- Save screenshots or records of important information where appropriate.
- Do not share your login credentials with anyone.
- Follow the official website for the result and AFSB updates.
What After AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key?
Once candidates have checked the answer key and submitted any valid objections, they should wait for the official result.
The subsequent process can include:
Answer Key → Result → AFSB Call-Up → AFSB Testing → Medical Examination → Final Merit List
Candidates who qualify should keep their educational and other required documents ready for the next stage.
AFCAT 02/2026 Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When was AFCAT 02/2026 conducted?
The AFCAT 02/2026 examination was conducted in August 2026. Candidates should check their admit card and official AFCAT notices for their exact examination details.
Q2. When is the AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key available?
The official notification states that the question paper, answer key and individual response are available through the candidate login during the objection-management period beginning 09 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Q3. What is the last date to check the AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key?
The official notification specifies 11 August 2026 at 5:00 PM as the end of the objection-management period.
Q4. Can I raise an objection against the AFCAT answer key?
Yes. Candidates can raise objections through the prescribed objection-management facility during the official objection window.
Q5. What is the AFCAT marking scheme?
AFCAT awards 3 marks for each correct answer, deducts 1 mark for each incorrect answer, and awards 0 marks for an unattempted question.
Q6. Is there negative marking in AFCAT?
Yes. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
Q7. How can I calculate my AFCAT expected score?
Use:
Correct Answers × 3 − Incorrect Answers × 1
The resulting figure is an estimated raw score.
Q8. Will AFCAT marks be normalised?
The official notification states that normalisation is undertaken when the examination is conducted in more than one shift.
Q9. Where can I check the AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key?
Candidates should check their answer key and individual response through the official AFCAT candidate login.
Q10. What happens after the AFCAT written examination?
Candidates who qualify the written examination proceed to the subsequent AFSB selection process, followed by applicable medical and final-selection procedures.
Q11. Is the AFCAT answer key the final result?
No. The answer key is used to assess responses and, during the applicable window, raise objections. The final result is separately declared by the Indian Air Force.
Q12. Can I submit an answer-key query after the objection deadline?
The official AFCAT 02/2026 notification states that queries relating to the question paper, answer key and response sheet will not be entertained after 11 August 2026 at 5:00 PM.
Important Links
| Download Answer Key | Click Here |
| Download Admit Card | Click Here |
| Download Exam City Details | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here |
| AFCAT Official Website | Click Here |
Conclusion
The AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key is an important document for candidates who appeared in the Indian Air Force Common Admission Test. The official AFCAT 02/2026 notification provides access to the Question Paper, Answer Key and Individual Response through the candidate’s webpage login during the objection-management period.
Candidates should compare their recorded responses with the official answers, calculate their probable raw score and raise a valid objection if they identify an incorrect answer. The official marking scheme awards 3 marks for a correct answer, deducts 1 mark for an incorrect answer and gives no marks for an unattempted question.
Candidates should also remember that normalisation may apply when the examination is conducted in multiple shifts. Therefore, the calculated raw score should be considered an estimate rather than the final score.
After the answer-key process, candidates should wait for the AFCAT 02/2026 Result and subsequent AFSB-related updates. All important information should be verified through the official Indian Air Force/AFCAT portal.