The Indian Air Force conducts the Airmen Group X and Group Y examinations to recruit candidates for technical and non-technical trades. It is one of the most sought-after defence exams in India for candidates who have completed 10+2 or a Diploma. Aspirants planning to appear for the Air Force X, Y Group Exam 2026 must understand the updated syllabus and exam pattern to prepare effectively. Here’s a detailed breakdown of the syllabus, exam pattern, and marking scheme.
Overview of Air Force X, Y Group Exam 2026
Air Force x and Y syllabus are given below:
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Indian Air Force Group X and Y Exam 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Level | National |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Duration | 60 to 85 minutes (based on group) |
| Negative Marking | Yes (0.25 marks for each wrong answer) |
| Official Website | https://airmenselection.cdac.in |
Air Force X, Y Group Exam Pattern 2026
Air Force Group X (Technical Trades) Exam Pattern
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Subjects Covered: English, Physics, and Mathematics
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Total Questions: 70
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Time Duration: 60 minutes
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 20 | 20 |
| Physics | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 70 | 70 |
Air Force Group Y (Non-Technical Trades) Exam Pattern
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Subjects Covered: English, Reasoning, and General Awareness (RAGA)
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Total Questions: 50
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Time Duration: 45 minutes
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 20 | 20 |
| RAGA | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 50 | 50 |
Air Force Group X & Y (Both Trades) Syllabus
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Subjects Covered: English, Physics, Mathematics, and RAGA
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Total Questions: 100
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Time Duration: 85 minutes
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 20 | 20 |
| Physics | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| RAGA | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Air Force Group X Syllabus 2026
Air Force Group X English Syllabus
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Comprehension
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Vocabulary
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Grammar (Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Preposition, Conjunction)
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Error Detection
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Synonyms and Antonyms
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Idioms and Phrases
Air Force Group X Physics Syllabus
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Laws of Motion
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Work, Energy and Power
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Gravitation
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Thermodynamics
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Motion of a System of Particles
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Properties of Bulk Matter
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Kinematics
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Electrostatics
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Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
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Optics and Waves
Air Force Group X Mathematics Syllabus
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Sets, Relations and Functions
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Complex Numbers
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Quadratic Equations
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Matrices and Determinants
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Permutation and Combination
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Probability
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Trigonometry
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Limits and Continuity
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Differential and Integral Calculus
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Statistics
Air Force Group Y Syllabus 2026
Air Force Group Y syllabus is almost the same for some subjects. Check here the group Y detail syllabus, which is given below:
Air Force Group Y English Syllabus
Same syllabus as Group X.
Reasoning and General Awareness (RAGA)
Reasoning
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Coding-Decoding
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Series (Number and Alphabet)
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Blood Relations
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Distance and Direction
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Venn Diagrams
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Non-verbal Reasoning
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Analogy
General Awareness
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History and Geography
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Civics and Polity
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Current Affairs (National and International)
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Basic Science
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Economy and Banking
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Indian Constitution
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Sports and Awards
Important Points to Remember
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Medium of Exam: English only
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Minimum Marks to Qualify: Determined after normalization
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Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer
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Selection Process:
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Online Written Test
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Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
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Adaptability Test I & II
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Medical Examination
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Best Books to Cover Air Force X and Y Syllabus 2026
The best books to cover the Indian Air Force X and Y Group syllabus 2026, subject-wise. These books are helpful for both Group X (Technical) and Group Y (Non-Technical) trades:
For Group X (Technical)
Covers: Physics, Mathematics, English
Physics:
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NCERT Physics Class 11 & 12 – Strong foundation for concepts
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Arihant Physics for Airmen Group X
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Objective Physics by D.C. Pandey (Arihant) – For practice MCQs
Mathematics:
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NCERT Mathematics Class 11 & 12 – Clear basics first
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Arihant Maths for Airmen Group X (Technical Trades)
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Objective Mathematics by R.D. Sharma – For problem-solving practice
English:
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Wren & Martin High School English Grammar & Composition
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Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
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Air Force Group X English Guide by Arihant Experts
For Group Y (Non-Technical)
Covers: English, Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA)
English:
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Wren & Martin English Grammar
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Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
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Air Force Group Y English by Arihant
Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA):
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Lucent’s General Knowledge – Comprehensive GK
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Manorama Yearbook – For updated current affairs
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Arihant’s Guide for Group Y (Non-Technical Trades)
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Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma – For reasoning & math basics
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A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
Combo & Practice Books:
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Arihant’s Air Force X & Y Group Practice Set & Solved Papers
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Kiran’s Air Force Group X & Y Model Papers
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Major Kalshi Classes Books – Specific to Airmen preparation
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Examcart Airforce X & Y Group Combo Guide
Tips for Preparation:
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Start with NCERTs for Physics & Math to build concepts.
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Solve previous year papers (5–10 years).
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Practice online mock tests regularly.
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For current affairs, follow monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan.
English (Same for X & Y)
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Comprehension, error correction, tenses, vocabulary, synonyms/antonyms
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One-word substitutions, active/passive, direct/indirect speech, idioms & phrases
Physics (Group X)
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Basic physics: Mechanics, Optics, Electrodynamics, Thermodynamics
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Modern physics: Nuclear, Semiconductors, Communication Systems
Mathematics (Group X)
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Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics, Probability
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Coordinate Geometry, Matrices & Determinants, Differential Equations
Reasoning (Group Y)
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Verbal & Non-verbal series, coding-decoding, puzzles, analogies, blood relations, direction sense, syllogisms, mirror cubes etc.
General Awareness (Group Y)
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Current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, science & tech, awards, abbreviations
Physical & Medical Tests
4. What are the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) standards?
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1.6 km run: ≤ 6.5 min
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10 push‑ups, 10 sit‑ups, 20 squats — must be completed within set times
5. What follows after the written exam?
Candidates go through:
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Document Verification (DV)
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Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
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Adaptability Tests I & II
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Medical Examination
Preparation Tips
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Focus on CBSE Class 12 textbooks for technical subjects.
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Use standard reasoning and GK resources.
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Solve previous-year papers and mock tests in exam-like time conditions.
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Practice regular fitness training to meet PFT benchmarks.
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Regular revision with short notes, flashcards, and time-bound tests
Quick Reference Summary
| Group | Subjects | Marks/Time |
|---|---|---|
| X | English (20), Physics (25), Math (25) | 70 marks / 60 min |
| Y | English (20), RAGA (30) | 50 marks / 45 min |
| X+Y | English (20), Physics (25), Math (25), RAGA (30) | 100 marks / 85 min |
Air Force X Group Study Plan 2026
The Air Force Group X exam requires strong preparation in Physics, Mathematics, and English. A well-structured study plan of 3–4 months can help you crack the exam efficiently.
Start with understanding the syllabus and exam pattern. Divide your preparation into three phases: concept building, practice, and revision. In the first phase (45–60 days), focus on clearing basic concepts of Physics and Mathematics from NCERT books (Class 11 & 12). Study topics like motion, electricity, algebra, trigonometry, and calculus daily. Dedicate at least 2–3 hours to these subjects.
For English, spend 1 hour daily improving grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Focus on error detection, synonyms, antonyms, and sentence formation. Reading newspapers and practising previous year questions will help improve accuracy.
In the second phase (30–40 days), shift towards practice and speed improvement. Solve topic-wise questions, mock tests, and previous year papers regularly. Analyse your mistakes and work on weak areas. Maintain a formula notebook for quick revision of important formulas and concepts.
In the final phase (15–20 days), focus only on revision and full-length mock tests. Attempt at least one mock test daily and revise formulas, shortcuts, and important concepts. Time management is crucial, so practice solving questions within the given time limit.
Follow a daily routine: 2 hours Physics, 2 hours Mathematics, 1 hour English, and 1 hour revision/mock tests. Take short breaks to maintain focus and consistency.
Stay physically fit as the selection process also includes a physical fitness test. Maintain a healthy diet and proper sleep schedule.
Air Force Y Group Study Plan 2026
The Indian Air Force Group Y exam requires a smart and consistent preparation strategy focused on English, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Start by understanding the syllabus and exam pattern thoroughly. Divide your preparation into three phases: foundation, practice, and revision.
In the first phase (1–2 months), build strong basics. Focus daily on English grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension. Read newspapers and practice error detection, synonyms, and sentence formation. For Reasoning, cover topics like analogy, classification, and series. In General Awareness, study current affairs, basic science, and static GK.
In the second phase (next 1–2 months), begin intensive practice. Solve topic-wise questions and previous year papers. Take sectional mock tests every week to improve speed and accuracy. Analyze your mistakes and revise weak areas regularly. Make short notes for quick revision, especially for GK and important English rules.
In the final phase (last 30 days), focus completely on revision and mock tests. Attempt full-length tests 3–4 times a week and track your performance. Work on time management and avoid learning new topics at this stage. Revise formulas, vocabulary, and important facts daily.
Maintain a daily study routine of 4–6 hours, dividing time equally among subjects. Keep one day per week for revision. Stay physically fit as the selection also includes a physical fitness test.
FAQs
1. What’s the difference between Group X and Group Y?
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Group X (Technical) covers English, Physics, and Mathematics (12th-grade CBSE level)
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Group Y (Non-Technical) includes English, Reasoning, and General Awareness (GK)
2. How is the written exam structured?
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Group X
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20 questions (English), 25 (Physics), 25 (Math) — 70 marks, 60 min online MCQ test
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Group Y
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20 (English), 30 (RAGA) — 50 marks, 45 min online MCQ test
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Combined Paper (X+Y)
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20 English, 25 Math, 25 Physics, 30 RAGA — 100 marks, 85 min
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3. What is the marking scheme?
✔️ +1 for correct answers
❌ -0.25 for wrong answers
0 for unattempted questions
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