AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off is one of the most important references for candidates preparing for the Air Force Common Admission Test. Candidates who score equal to or above the AFCAT written exam cut off can become eligible for the next stage of the selection process, subject to the conditions prescribed by the Indian Air Force.
On this page, candidates can check the AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off for SSB/AFSB, including AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2 cut off marks from previous years. The year-wise data can help candidates understand the cut off trend and set a realistic target score for upcoming AFCAT examinations.
AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Written Exam Marks | 300 Marks |
| Total Questions | 100 Questions |
| Marks Per Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Negative Marking | -1 Mark |
| Next Selection Stage | AFSB Interview |
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Portal |
AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off for SSB/AFSB
The table below shows the AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off for AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2 examinations. These marks represent the written examination cut off used to shortlist eligible candidates for the next stage of the selection process.
| Year | AFCAT 1 Cut Off | AFCAT 2 Cut Off |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 121 | 140 |
| 2024 | 137 | 139 |
| 2023 | 155 | 151 |
| 2022 | 157 | 157 |
| 2021 | 165 | 157 |
| 2020 | 153 | 155 |
| 2019 | 133 | 142 |
| 2018 | 155 | 140 |
| 2017 | 150 | 160 |
| 2016 | 132 | 148 |
| 2015 | 126 | 144 |
AFCAT Cut Off Trend – Last 5 Years
| Exam | Cut Off Marks |
|---|---|
| AFCAT 2 2025 | 140 |
| AFCAT 1 2025 | 121 |
| AFCAT 2 2024 | 139 |
| AFCAT 1 2024 | 137 |
| AFCAT 2 2023 | 151 |
| AFCAT 1 2023 | 155 |
| AFCAT 2 2022 | 157 |
| AFCAT 1 2022 | 157 |
| AFCAT 2 2021 | 157 |
| AFCAT 1 2021 | 165 |
Is AFCAT SSB Cut Off the Same as AFSB Cut Off?
Candidates frequently search for the term AFCAT SSB Cut Off. However, candidates qualifying through AFCAT are called for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing process.
Therefore, when candidates search for “AFCAT cut off for SSB”, they are generally referring to the AFCAT written examination cut off required to qualify for the AFSB stage.
What is a Good Score in AFCAT?
There is no fixed score that guarantees qualification because the AFCAT cut off changes from one examination cycle to another. Looking at previous year cut off trends, candidates should avoid preparing only for the minimum expected cut off.
A target of around 160 marks or above can provide a useful preparation benchmark based on several previous AFCAT cut offs. Candidates capable of scoring higher should continue attempting to maximize their score because the final cut off cannot be predicted with certainty before the result.
Highest AFCAT Cut Off in Previous Years
Among the AFCAT cut offs shown above for 2015–2025, one of the highest was 165 marks in AFCAT 1 2021. This demonstrates why candidates should prepare for a score comfortably above the expected cut off instead of targeting only the minimum qualifying marks.
Lowest AFCAT Cut Off in Recent Years
In the year-wise data listed above, AFCAT 1 2025 recorded a cut off of 121 marks. The significant variation between different examination cycles shows that previous year cut offs should be used as a reference rather than as a guaranteed prediction for a future AFCAT examination.
How AFCAT Cut Off is Used for AFSB Shortlisting
The AFCAT written examination is the first major screening stage for candidates applying through AFCAT entry. Candidates must obtain the required marks fixed for the examination cycle. Candidates shortlisted after the written examination proceed to the Air Force Selection Board process as applicable.
AFSB testing evaluates candidates beyond their written examination performance. Therefore, merely clearing the AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off should not be considered sufficient preparation for final selection.
AFCAT Selection Stages
| Stage | Selection Process |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | AFCAT Online Written Examination |
| Stage 2 | AFSB Testing / Interview |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination |
| Stage 4 | Final Merit / Selection as applicable |
AFCAT Exam Marking Scheme
| Response | Marks |
|---|---|
| Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark |
| Unattempted Question | 0 Mark |
The AFCAT examination contains 100 questions for a total of 300 marks. Because one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer, candidates should focus on both speed and accuracy.
How to Use AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off for Preparation
Candidates can use the AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off to understand how competitive the examination has been across different years. Instead of treating the previous cut off as the exact target for the next exam, aspirants should keep a higher score target.
For example, if previous AFCAT cut offs have generally remained around 140–160 marks in several cycles, candidates can aim beyond this range during mock tests. Maintaining a score above the previous year cut off with good accuracy can provide better preparation for the actual examination.
Important Links
| AFCAT Official Website | Click Here |
| Indian Air Force Career Website | Click Here |
| AFCAT Syllabus | Click Here |
AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off – FAQs
What is AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off?
AFCAT Previous Year Cut Off refers to the minimum written examination marks fixed for previous AFCAT examination cycles for shortlisting candidates for the next stage of the selection process.
What was AFCAT 1 2025 cut off?
The AFCAT 1 2025 cut off was reported as 121 marks.
What was AFCAT 2 2025 cut off?
The AFCAT 2 2025 cut off was reported as 140 marks.
How many marks are there in AFCAT?
The AFCAT written examination consists of 100 questions carrying a total of 300 marks.
How many marks are awarded for a correct AFCAT answer?
Candidates receive 3 marks for every correct answer. One mark is deducted for each incorrect answer, while no marks are awarded or deducted for an unattempted question.
What is a safe score for AFCAT AFSB?
There is no officially fixed safe score. Based on previous cut off trends, candidates may use 160+ marks as a strong preparation target, but actual qualification depends on the cut off declared for that particular AFCAT cycle.
Does clearing AFCAT cut off guarantee final selection?
No. Clearing the AFCAT written cut off only moves a candidate towards the subsequent selection stages. Candidates must also successfully complete the AFSB process, medical requirements and final merit conditions.
Is AFCAT SSB called AFSB?
For candidates appearing through AFCAT, the selection-board stage is known as the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). The phrase “AFCAT SSB” is commonly used by aspirants while searching for information about this stage.
Where can I check the official AFCAT cut off?
Candidates should check their AFCAT result/scorecard and the official Indian Air Force AFCAT portal for the cut off and instructions applicable to their examination cycle.