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.
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 |
Subjects Covered: English, Physics, and Mathematics
Total Questions: 70
Time Duration: 60 minutes
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 20 | 20 |
| Physics | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 70 | 70 |
Subjects Covered: English, Reasoning, and General Awareness (RAGA)
Total Questions: 50
Time Duration: 45 minutes
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 20 | 20 |
| RAGA | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 50 | 50 |
Subjects Covered: English, Physics, Mathematics, and RAGA
Total Questions: 100
Time Duration: 85 minutes
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| English | 20 | 20 |
| Physics | 25 | 25 |
| Mathematics | 25 | 25 |
| RAGA | 30 | 30 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
Comprehension
Vocabulary
Grammar (Noun, Pronoun, Verb, Preposition, Conjunction)
Error Detection
Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms and Phrases
Laws of Motion
Work, Energy and Power
Gravitation
Thermodynamics
Motion of a System of Particles
Properties of Bulk Matter
Kinematics
Electrostatics
Electromagnetic Induction and Alternating Currents
Optics and Waves
Sets, Relations and Functions
Complex Numbers
Quadratic Equations
Matrices and Determinants
Permutation and Combination
Probability
Trigonometry
Limits and Continuity
Differential and Integral Calculus
Statistics
Air Force Group Y syllabus is almost the same for some subjects. Check here the group Y detail syllabus, which is given below:
Same syllabus as Group X.
Coding-Decoding
Series (Number and Alphabet)
Blood Relations
Distance and Direction
Venn Diagrams
Non-verbal Reasoning
Analogy
History and Geography
Civics and Polity
Current Affairs (National and International)
Basic Science
Economy and Banking
Indian Constitution
Sports and Awards
Medium of Exam: English only
Minimum Marks to Qualify: Determined after normalization
Negative Marking: 0.25 marks deducted for each incorrect answer
Selection Process:
Online Written Test
Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Adaptability Test I & II
Medical Examination
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:
Covers: Physics, Mathematics, English
NCERT Physics Class 11 & 12 – Strong foundation for concepts
Arihant Physics for Airmen Group X
Objective Physics by D.C. Pandey (Arihant) – For practice MCQs
NCERT Mathematics Class 11 & 12 – Clear basics first
Arihant Maths for Airmen Group X (Technical Trades)
Objective Mathematics by R.D. Sharma – For problem-solving practice
Wren & Martin High School English Grammar & Composition
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi (Arihant)
Air Force Group X English Guide by Arihant Experts
Covers: English, Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA)
Wren & Martin English Grammar
Objective General English by S.P. Bakshi
Air Force Group Y English by Arihant
Lucent’s General Knowledge – Comprehensive GK
Manorama Yearbook – For updated current affairs
Arihant’s Guide for Group Y (Non-Technical Trades)
Fast Track Objective Arithmetic by Rajesh Verma – For reasoning & math basics
A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning by R.S. Aggarwal
Arihant’s Air Force X & Y Group Practice Set & Solved Papers
Kiran’s Air Force Group X & Y Model Papers
Major Kalshi Classes Books – Specific to Airmen preparation
Examcart Airforce X & Y Group Combo Guide
Start with NCERTs for Physics & Math to build concepts.
Solve previous year papers (5–10 years).
Practice online mock tests regularly.
For current affairs, follow monthly magazines like Pratiyogita Darpan.
Comprehension, error correction, tenses, vocabulary, synonyms/antonyms
One-word substitutions, active/passive, direct/indirect speech, idioms & phrases
Basic physics: Mechanics, Optics, Electrodynamics, Thermodynamics
Modern physics: Nuclear, Semiconductors, Communication Systems
Algebra, Calculus, Trigonometry, Geometry, Statistics, Probability
Coordinate Geometry, Matrices & Determinants, Differential Equations
Verbal & Non-verbal series, coding-decoding, puzzles, analogies, blood relations, direction sense, syllogisms, mirror cubes etc.
Current affairs, history, geography, polity, economics, science & tech, awards, abbreviations
4. What are the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) standards?
1.6 km run: ≤ 6.5 min
10 push‑ups, 10 sit‑ups, 20 squats — must be completed within set times
5. What follows after the written exam?
Candidates go through:
Document Verification (DV)
Physical Fitness Test (PFT)
Adaptability Tests I & II
Medical Examination
Focus on CBSE Class 12 textbooks for technical subjects.
Use standard reasoning and GK resources.
Solve previous-year papers and mock tests in exam-like time conditions.
Practice regular fitness training to meet PFT benchmarks.
Regular revision with short notes, flashcards, and time-bound tests
| 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 |
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.
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.
1. What’s the difference between Group X and Group Y?
Group X (Technical) covers English, Physics, and Mathematics (12th-grade CBSE level)
Group Y (Non-Technical) includes English, Reasoning, and General Awareness (GK)
2. How is the written exam structured?
Group X
20 questions (English), 25 (Physics), 25 (Math) — 70 marks, 60 min online MCQ test
Group Y
20 (English), 30 (RAGA) — 50 marks, 45 min online MCQ test
Combined Paper (X+Y)
20 English, 25 Math, 25 Physics, 30 RAGA — 100 marks, 85 min
3. What is the marking scheme?
✔️ +1 for correct answers
❌ -0.25 for wrong answers
0 for unattempted questions
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