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Defence · English guide

AFCAT English: verbal ability at +3, −1

AFCAT is 100 questions in two hours, with three marks for a right answer and one off for a wrong one. Verbal Ability in English is one of four sections — and its vocabulary questions are the fastest marks in the paper.

Updated 15 Oct 2026 · Pattern as of AFCAT 2026 (as reported)

AFCAT EnglishAt a glance
Paper
100 Q · 300 marks · 2 hours
Marking
+3 / −1
English section
Verbal Ability (about 25 Q)
Paper language
English only

In short

  • AFCAT: 100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours; +3 / −1.
  • Verbal Ability in English is one of four sections; reported splits vary by cycle, commonly around 25 questions.
  • The paper is conducted only in English — reading speed helps every section.
  • Most asked: comprehension, error detection, sentence completion, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, one-word substitution.
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What AFCAT English asks

  • Comprehension — a short passage with 4–5 questions.
  • Error detection and sentence completion — standard grammar rules.
  • Synonyms and antonyms — common exam words.
  • Idioms and phrases, one-word substitution — many repeat across AFCAT cycles.
  • Analogy and vocabulary in context.

How to prepare

  1. Revise 20 words, 10 idioms and 10 one-word substitutions a day — previous AFCAT papers are the best source.
  2. Cover the 15 grammar rules that error detection uses most (see our error spotting guide).
  3. One short passage a day, timed.
  4. Full 2-hour mocks weekly: English should take about 20 minutes, leaving time for numerical ability and reasoning.

More exam guides

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AFCAT English — questions students ask

How many English questions are in AFCAT?

Verbal Ability in English is one of four sections in a 100-question paper. Reported splits vary by cycle, most commonly around 25 questions. Check the official AFCAT notice for your cycle.

What is the marking scheme in AFCAT?

Three marks for each correct answer and one mark deducted for each wrong answer. Unattempted questions carry no marks.

Study the topics

Free lessons for what AFCAT asks

Vocabulary

50 Most Asked Idioms and Phrases for SSC, Bank & Defence Exams (with Meanings)

The idioms and phrases that repeat across SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, CDS and AFCAT papers — with meanings, example sentences, and a revision method that makes them stick.

Vocabulary

One Word Substitution List for SSC, CDS & AFCAT — 60 Most Repeated (with Roots)

The one-word substitutions most often asked in SSC CGL, CHSL, MTS, CDS and AFCAT, grouped by theme with word roots that let you work out new ones on the day.

Grammar

Error Spotting Rules: 20 Rules That Cover Most SSC, Bank & Defence Questions

The 20 grammar rules behind most spot-the-error questions in SSC CGL, CHSL, bank exams, CDS and NDA — each with a wrong and right example and the trap the examiner sets.

Practise AFCAT English the way it is set.

Previous year questions, mocks in your exam's pattern, every answer explained, and an AI teacher you can ask at any hour. Free to start.

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