The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year. By qualifying the different stages of AFCAT, candidates can expect to get recruited in various posts like that of Flying (Pilot), and Ground Dutymen (Technical & Non-Technical branches) along with NCC Special Entry across India.
This year, the AFCAT (1) exam will be conducted in more than 100 cities across India. AFCAT 2022 will be conducted in CBT or Computer Based Test mode. As per the AFCAT notification 2022, the AFCAT 2 exam is being conducted to fill up 283 vacancies. The question paper will contain 100 questions from AFCAT and 50 questions from EKT or Engineering Knowledge Test (for technical candidates – ground duty). To attempt all the questions, the candidates will be given 120 minutes for AFCAT and 45 minutes for EKT.
Buddy4Study has compiled and updated all the information related to AFCAT in this article so that aspiring candidates can get a better idea of what they can expect from this selection exam.
AFCAT Status and Updates:
- IAF will open the online AFCAT 2 application form correction window 2022 on 15th July 2022, which will remain open till 18th July 2022.
- AFCAT 2 admit card will be released on IAF’s official website on 10th August 2022.
- Click to read the AFCAT 2 notification
AFCAT – Key Highlights
It is essential for candidates who have registered and applied for the AFCAT exam to prepare for the exam with the right strategy. Here are a few key points that they should keep in mind:
AFCAT Key Highlights
Name of Examination | AIR FORCE COMMON ADMISSION TEST (AFCAT- 02/2022) |
Exam Conducting body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
AFCAT Recruitment Official Website | https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT |
Application Start and End Date | 1st to 30th June 2022 |
AFCAT 2 application form 2022 correction facility | 15th July 2022 (10 AM) to 18th July 2022 (5 PM) |
AFCAT (1) Exam Date | 12th, 13th, 14th February 2022 |
AFCAT (2) Exam Date | 26th, 27th, 28th August 2022 |
Mode of Exam | Online (computer-based test) |
Credentials required to download AFCAT Admit Card | Registration Number
Password |
Compulsory documents to carry on exam day | Colour Print of the Admit card
Valid Photo ID Proof Two passport photographs Aadhar Card of the candidate |
Duration of AFCAT Exam | AFCAT – 2 hours (120 minutes)
EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) – 45 Minutes |
Maximum Marks | AFCAT – 300 Marks
EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) – 100 Marks |
Marking System | Correct answer: 3 marks
Incorrect Answer: (-1) mark Unattempted Answer: NIL |
AFCAT – Important Dates and Events
Indian Air Force has announced a few important events and their dates for the AFCAT exam.
AFCAT Exam Dates (AFCAT 1) 2022
Exam Events | Important Dates |
Release of short notification | 1st December 2021 |
Commencement of Application Form | 1st December 2021 (From 10 AM) |
Dates for submission of online AFCAT applications | 30th December 2021 |
AFCAT 2022 Admit Card Release | January/February 2022* |
AFCAT 2022 Exam | 12th, 13th, 14th February 2022 |
AFCAT Result Release | 9th March 2022 |
Course Commencement | January 2022* |
*Exact dates yet to be released
AFCAT Exam Dates (AFCAT 2) 2022
Exam Events (2022) | Important Dates |
Release of notification | 19th May 2022 |
Dates for submission of online applications | 1st June 2022 |
AFCAT (2) 2022 Admit Card Release | 30th June 2022 |
AFCAT (2) 2022 Exam | 26th, 27th, 28th August 2022 |
AFCAT Result Release | September 2022* |
*Exact dates yet to be released
AFCAT – Eligibility Criteria
Candidates who wish to apply for AFCAT have to fulfil the predetermined eligibility criteria to register and sit for the exam. The below description highlights the eligibility criteria of AFCAT in various terms.
There are 5 factors related to the eligibility criteria, as highlighted below:
- Nationality
- Age
- Marital Status
- Physical Standards
- Medical standards
Nationality
As per AFCAT eligibility criteria, a candidate should be an Indian citizen (according to the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955).
Age
- The age limit for the aspiring candidates in Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry should be between 20 and 24 years as on 1st January 2023. This means that the candidate should be born between 2nd January 1999 and 1st January 2003 (both dates inclusive).
- There is a relaxation of 2 years (upper age limit) for candidates (Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry) holding a valid and current Pilot License issued by DGCA (India). Candidates should be born between 2nd January 1997 to 1st January 2003 (both dates inclusive).
- The age limit for the aspiring candidates in Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branch should be between 20 and 26 years as on 1st January 2023. This means that the candidate should be born between 2nd January 1997 and 1st January 2003 (both dates inclusive).
Age Criteria as per Marital Status
The marital eligibility criteria for the aspiring candidates are highlighted below:
Marital Status | Age |
Unmarried Candidates | 20 -24 Years |
Married Candidates | Above 25 Years |
Widows/Widowers/divorcees | Above 25 Years |
Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the AFCAT exam 2022 must have the minimum educational qualification from a recognized university board as indicated in the table below:
AFCAT Educational Qualifications for Different Posts
AFCAT Post | Educational Qualification | |
Flying Branch | Minimum 60% aggregate each in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2
OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India OR Minimum 60% aggregate in B.Tech/B.E degree or equivalent OR Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or equivalent. |
|
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch | Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)} | Minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level besides a minimum of 4 years graduation/integrated post-graduation
degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognized University OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India or Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) in the following disciplines:-
|
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (L)} | Minimum 50% aggregate each in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 (minimum of 4 years graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/ Technology from recognized University)
OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India or Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) OR Graduate membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies or equivalent in the electronics-related disciplines such as:
|
|
NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch) | Minimum 60% aggregate each in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2
OR Minimum 60% aggregate in 3 years graduation degree in any equivalent NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate acquired on or after 1st January 2017 (mandatory) OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India or Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers OR Minimum 60% aggregate in B.Tech/ B.E or any other equivalent OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India |
|
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches | Accounts | Minimum 60% aggregate in 3 years B.Com degree or equivalent |
Administration and Logistics | Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India
OR Minimum 60% aggregate in 3 years graduation degree in any equivalent |
Physical Standards
- All applicants must be mentally and physically fit.
- An exam will be conducted to examine the mental and physical health of the aspiring candidates
Height and Weight Parameters
Candidates have to carefully check the minimum and maximum height (acceptable) from the table below.
Physical Requirement for Technical and Ground Duty Branch
Post | Minimum Height | |
Ground Duty (Technical/ Non-technical) Branch | Women | Men |
157.5 cms. | 152 cms. |
Note – Men and women from Lakshadweep will get a concession of 2 cms. in the minimum acceptable height. Gorkhas belonging to hills of North-Eastern region of India, Kumaon and Garhwal will get a concession of 5 cms.
Physical Requirement for Flying Branch
Post | Leg Length | Minimum Height | Sitting Height | Thigh Length |
Flying Branch | Maximum – 120 cms. | 162.5 cms. | Maximum – 96 cms. | Maximum – 64 cms. |
Minimum – 99 cms. | Minimum – 81.6 cms. |
Note – No concession is provided for age and region.
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Visual Parameters
For Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
Sub Branch | Maximum Limits of Refractive Error | Colour Vision | Visual Acuity Errors |
Logistics | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | CP-III | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.
Wearing of Glasses will be compulsory. |
Myopia: -3.50 D Spherical | |||
Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical | |||
Administration | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | CP-II | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in each eye |
Myopia: -3.5 Spherical | |||
Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical in any meridian | |||
Meteorology | Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical in any meridian | CP-II | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.
Wearing Glasses will be compulsory. |
Myopia: -3.5 D Spherical | |||
Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | |||
Accounts and Education | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | CP-III | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.
Wearing of Glasses will be compulsory. |
Myopia: -3.50 D Spherical | |||
Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical |
For Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
Maximum Limits of Refractive Error | Colour Vision | Visual Acuity Errors |
Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Spherical | CP-II | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye.
Candidates will have to wear glasses when advised. |
Myopia: -3.50 D Spherical | ||
Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cylindrical |
For Flying Branch
Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia | Colour vision CP-1 | |
Hypermetropia : +2.0 D Spherical | ||
Manifest Myopia: Nil | ||
Retinoscopic Myopia: – 0.5 in any meridian permitted | ||
Astigmatism : +0.75 D Cylindrical (with + 2.0 D Maximum) | ||
Handheld Stereoscope | All BSV Grades | |
Cover test for distant and near | Latent divergence/convergence recovery – rapid and complete. | |
Maddox Rod Test | At 33 cms | Eso – 6 prism D |
Hyper -1 prism D | ||
1 Hypo -1 prism D | ||
Exo -16 prism D | ||
At 6 meters | Exo -6 prism D | |
Eso- 6 prism D | ||
Hyper -1 prism D | ||
Hypo -1 prism D | ||
Convergence | up to 10 cm | |
Binocular Vision | Applicants must have good binocular vision (fusion and stereopsis with good amplitude and depth). |
Note – Candidates wearing spectacles regularly are not eligible for flying branch.
Medical Standards for Flying Branch
The aspiring candidates should not have gone through any operation or injury in the past few years and they must not have any disease. The medical scenarios that can lead to rejection are:
- Non-articular rheum Unilateral /bilateralism ( e.g., lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago, etc.).
- Loss of cervical lordosis when associated with clinically restricted movements of the cervical spine.
- Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders
- Osteoarthrosis, Spondylosis and Degenerative joint disease
- Granulomatous Disease of the spine
- Compression fracture of vertebra
- Multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C) disorders including SLE, Polymyositis and Vasculitis.
- Arthritis / Spondylosis
- Ankylosing Spondylitis
- Scheuermann’s Disease (Adolescent Kyphosis)
- Unilateral/bilateral cervical ribs with a demonstrable neurological or circulatory deficit
- Spondylolisthesis / Spondylolysis
- Any other abnormality as so considered by the specialist
AFCAT – Admit Card
Until now, the exact dates for the release of the AFCAT admit card has not been announced. Once the dates are finalised, IAF would publish it on their official website. Upon availability, candidates can collect/download their respective admit cards by logging into https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/.
After the AFCAT admit card download link is made active, candidates have to follow the below-mentioned steps to download their admit cards:
- Visit the official website of IAF – https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/
- Go to Candidate Login
- Click on AFCAT 02/2022
- Once the download link is active, log in using the username, password and CAPTCHA code
- When the admit card appears on the screen, download it and take a printout for future references
Note: For any error in the AFCAT admit card (incorrect information, spelling mistake, etc.), candidates must contact the given helpline numbers 1800-11-2448 (toll-free number), 011 – 23013690 (Direct), 23010231 [extension – 7610, 7645, 7646) or email to afcatcell@cdac.in between 09:30 AM to 01:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on all days.
AFCAT – Guidelines for Exam Day
Candidates must follow the online test instructions and guidelines set by IAF authority. The test instructions will help the candidates to attempt the computer-based exam without any hassles. Given below is a list of online test instructions set by the Indian Air Force panel that candidates need to abide by:
- The candidate/s must report to the examination centre at least an hour before the allotted exam time.
- Candidates reporting after the reporting time mentioned in the hall ticket, will not be allowed to enter the examination hall.
- The candidate/s must compulsorily bring the coloured admit card (hard copy). The test centre officials will verify it and then allow the candidate to sit for the examination.
- Bring along a valid photo identity (ID of College, Passport, Driving License, Aadhaar Card, Pan Card, Voters ID Card).
- Bring a blue/black ballpoint pen and clipboard.
- Do not bring xeroxed admit cards as the examination authority will scan the admit card through the barcode present in the original admit card.
- Duplicate AFCAT admit card would not be issued at the examination centres if a candidate’s original admit card is torn or lost.
- Admit cards must be in good condition. Dismantled, disfigured or mutilated admit cards compromising the details of the candidate will not be accepted.
- A seat with Roll Number will be allotted to each candidate. They should find and sit on their allocated seats only.
- No baggage is allowed inside the examination hall.
Items Allowed Inside AFCAT Exam Centre
Candidates are advised to bring the following documents to the examination hall. Without these documents, candidates won’t be allowed to enter the examination venue.
- A hard copy of Admit Card (coloured)
- Valid ID proof such as the Driving licence or Pan card
- 2 passport-sized photographs
- Blue/black ballpoint pen
Items Not Allowed Inside AFCAT Exam Centre
- Mobile phones/pagers
- Geometry/pencil box
- Writing pad, pen drives, log table
- Any extra papers
- Calculator
- Electronic pen/scanner
- Slide rulers and log tables
AFCAT – Exam Centres
The AFCAT exam will be conducted in more than 100 cities. Most AFCAT exam centres are present in district headquarters and major cities. To make things easier, IAF conducts the examination across all the cities in India via online mode.
The exam centre allotted to each candidate will be printed on their respective admit cards. Please note that the candidates cannot make the changes once the preferred centres are submitted by them during the application process.
AFCAT Exam Cities
Agartala | Berhampur (Odisha) | Chennai |
Ajmer | Belagavi | Coimbatore |
Ahmedabad | Bengaluru | Dehradun |
Aizawl | Bhagalpur | Delhi and NCR |
Alwar | Bhilai | Dhanbad |
Allahabad | Bhopal | Diu |
Ambala | Bhubaneswar | Dibrugarh |
Amritsar | Bhuj | Durgapur |
Aurangabad | Bikaner | Faridabad |
Bathinda | Chandigarh | Ganganagar |
Gaya | Imphal | Jodhpur |
Ghaziabad | Indore | Jorhat |
Gorakhpur | Itanagar | Kannur |
Guntur | Jabalpur | Kanpur |
Gurugram | Jaipur | Kakinada |
Guwahati | Jalandhar | Kochi |
Gwalior | Jalpaiguri | Kohima |
Haldwani | Jammu | Kolhapur |
Hissar | Jamshedpur | Kolkata |
Hyderabad | Jhansi | Kota |
Kurukshetra | Meerut | Meerut |
Leh | Mumbai | Madurai |
Lucknow | Muzaffarpur | Nagpur |
Ludhiana | Mysore | Nasik |
Mangalore | Mangalore | Nizamabad |
Noida | Puducherry | Rourkela |
Panaji | Pune | Sambalpur |
Patiala | Rajkot | Shillong |
Patna | Ranchi | Shimla |
Port Blair | Roorkee | Silchar |
Sonipat | Thrissur | Varanasi |
Solapur | Tirunelveli | Vellore |
Srinagar | Tirupati | Vijayawada |
Thane | Udaipur | Visakhapatnam |
Thiruvananthapuram | Vadodara | Warangal |
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AFCAT – Exam Pattern
The upcoming AFCAT (1) exam will be conducted online for all candidates and EKT for technical candidates. The exam will be an objective or MCQ-type with multiple options and will be held on 2 consecutive days.
Candidates, with the help of AFCAT exam pattern, can get a clear idea regarding the sectional distribution of questions and marks.
Stages | Sections covered | Questions Asked | Maximum Marks | Time limit |
AFCAT | General Awareness
Verbal Ability in English Numerical Ability Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
100 questions | 300 marks | 120 minutes |
EKT | Mechanical
Computer Science Electrical & Electronics |
50 Questions | 150 marks | 45 minutes |
- Candidates will be awarded 3 marks for every correct answer
- They will lose 1 mark for each incorrect answer
- No marks will be awarded or deducted for questions that are left unattempted
- Questions will be based on the metric system of Weights and Measures (wherever applicable)
AFCAT Marking Scheme
Type of Answers | Marks Allotted |
Correct Answer | 3 |
Wrong Answer | -1 |
Unattempted | NIL |
AFCAT – Syllabus
As per the AFCAT notification, AFCAT (1) syllabus is divided into 4 sections:
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- General Awareness
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test
Candidates are required to study the topics highlighted below to crack the first part of the exam.
AFCAT (1) Syllabus
Verbal Ability in English | Numerical Ability | General Awareness | Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
Comprehension
Error Detection Sentence Completion/Filling in of the correct word Synonyms Antonyms Testing of Vocabulary Idioms Phrases |
Decimal
Fraction Time and Work Average Profit & Loss Percentage Ratio & Proportion and Simple Interest Time & Distance (Trains/Boats & Streams) |
History
Geography Civics Politics Current Affairs Environment Basic Science Defence Art Culture Sports, etc. |
Verbal skills and Spatial abilities
Data interpretation Rotated blocks Analogy Sets based on arrangements Missing Character Hidden figures Embedded Figure |
EKT Syllabus
For Electrical & Electronics Engineering
Fundamental Engineering | Allied Engineering | Specialised Branch |
Engineering Physics
Engineering Mathematics Engineering Drawing |
Switching Theory
Computer Networks Radar Theory Network Theory Design Instrumentation Information Technology |
Microwave Engineering
Analog and Digital Electronics Electronic Devices Telecommunication Systems Microwave Engineering Control Engineering Electrical Engineering |
For Computer Science Engineering
Fundamental Engineering | Allied Engineering | Specialised Branch |
Engineering Physics
Engineering Mathematics Engineering Drawing |
Control Engineering
Telecommunication Systems Electrical Engineering Radar Theory Instrumentation Antenna and Wave Propagation Microwave Engineering |
Information Technology
Network Theory Design Analog and Digital Electronics Computer Networks Switching Theory Electronic Devices |
For Mechanical Engineering
Fundamental Engineering | Allied Engineering | Specialised Branch |
Engineering Physics
Engineering Mathematics Engineering Drawing/ Engineering Graphics |
Aerodynamics
Flight Mechanics Aircraft Structures Power Plant Engineering. Industrial Engineering Automotive Engineering |
Thermodynamics
Fluid Mechanics/Hydraulic Machines Engineering Mechanics Materials Science Thermodynamics Manufacturing Science Machine Drawing |
AFCAT – Recommended Books
Candidates need to prepare well for the topics highlighted as per the AFCAT syllabus to score well in the upcoming entrance test.
Buddy4Study advises candidates to prepare well for their upcoming exam with the help of the below-mentioned books that are recommended by candidates who cracked the exam successfully in the previous years.
Book | Author |
AFCAT for Flying, Technical & Ground Duty Branch with Solved Papers (English, Paperback) | Arihant Experts |
SSB Interview: The Complete Guide | Dr N.K. Natarajan |
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) | Arihant Experts |
Manorama Yearbook 2019 | Philip Mathew |
Let’s Crack AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test | SSBCrack |
Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Examinations | R. S. Aggarwal |
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Self Study Guide-cum-Practice Work Book – 1810 | Kiran Prakashan |
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Exam Guide: For Flying and Technical Branch (Popular Master Guide) | R. Gupta |
AFCAT Solved Papers and Practice Sets | Arihant Experts |
AFCAT – Answer Key
IAF will release the preliminary answer key on the official IAF website after the exams are conducted. Candidates can download the answer key in the form of a PDF. They can calculate their probable scores with the help of the answer key and response sheet, much before the results are declared.
AFCAT – Cut Off
Indian Air Force authority publishes the AFCAT cutoff after the results are announced. Candidates who qualify as per the cutoffs are eligible to take part in the AFSB interview.
AFCAT Cut Offs from 2014 to 2021
AFCAT | AFCAT Cut Off | EKT Cut Off |
AFCAT (2) 2021 | 157 | 18 |
AFCAT (1) 2021 | 165 | 30 |
AFCAT (2) 2020 | 155 | 40 |
AFCAT (1) 2019 | 133 | 50 |
AFCAT (2) 2018 | 140 | 55 |
AFCAT (1) 2018 | 155 | 60 |
AFCAT (2) 2017 | 160 | 60 |
AFCAT (1) 2017 | 150 | 60 |
AFCAT (2) 2016 | 148 | 60 |
AFCAT (1) 2016 | 132 | 52 |
AFCAT (2) 2015 | 144 | 52 |
AFCAT (1) 2015 | 126 | 55 |
AFCAT (2) 2014 | 123 | 45 |
AFCAT – Result
The schedule for AFCAT result is announced after the exams are conducted successfully. Once the notification for the results is out, candidates can check their results online by using their registration number and date of birth.
Candidates must download a copy of their result and verify the details highlighted below:
- Registration number
- Name of candidates
- AFCAT cut off
- Obtained score
- Qualifying status
Screenshot of AFCAT result
AFCAT – FAQs
When was the AFCAT notification published?
The AFCAT notification was released on 28th November 2020. Later, the detailed notification was published on 1st December 2020. For AFCAT 2, the notification was released on 19th May 2022.
How many vacancies are open for AFCAT?
Currently, a total of 283 vacancies are open for AFCAT.
What is the age limit for AFCAT recruitment?
The age limit for the flying branch is between 20 and 24 years, whereas the age limit for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch is between 20 and 26 years.
What is the selection process for the AFCAT exam 2022?
The selection process in AFCAT exam comprises 3 stages, which includes AFCAT Online Exam for all candidates & EKT ( for Technical candidates), AFSB Interview, and Final selection after medical examination.
What is the last date to apply online for the AFCAT 2022 exam?
The last date to apply online for the AFCAT 2022 exam was 3oth December 2021. For AFCAT 2, the application window was open till 30th June 2022.
Is there any negative marking in the AFCAT 2022 exam?
Yes. For every incorrect answer in AFCAT 2022, 1 mark will be deducted.
What if there are discrepancies in AFCAT admit cards?
Candidates should immediately contact the IAF examination authority to rectify any discrepancies in the admit card. Candidates must contact the given helpline numbers 1800-11-2448 (toll-free number), 011 – 23013690 (Direct), 23010231 [extension – 7610, 7645, 7646) or email to afcatcell@cdac.in between 09:30 AM to 01:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM on all days
Will the candidates appearing for class 10 be issued AFCAT Admit Cards?
No. Candidates appearing for class 10 are not eligible for the AFCAT exam. Only 10+2, Graduate and Postgraduate level candidates can apply for the AFCAT exam. For more information, read AFCAT eligibility criteria (www.exam.buddy4study.com/afcat-eligibility-criteria).