Importance of GK in AFCAT Exam 2026: Topics, Sample Questions & Strategies
Nigam Sharma23 Jan, 2026
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Importance of GK in AFCAT Exam: The AFCAT 1 exam is scheduled for 31st January 2026, making it a crucial milestone for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers in Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches. Among the various sections of the exam, General Knowledge (GK) plays a pivotal role in scoring and overall performance.
A strong command over GK not only helps candidates tackle objective-type questions in the AFCAT exam but also forms the foundation for the EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) and personality assessment in interviews. This article highlights the importance of GK for AFCAT 1 2026, the types of questions frequently asked, and proven strategies to enhance preparation, enabling aspirants to maximize their performance and confidence in the examination.
Importance of GK in AFCAT 1 Exam 2026
General Knowledge is an important component of the AFCAT exam as it assesses a candidate's awareness of the world around them. The Indian Air Force, being a prestigious and dynamic institution, values individuals who are not only skilled in technical and operational aspects but also well-informed about current affairs, history, geography, and general science. A strong foundation in GK reflects a candidate's intellectual curiosity, awareness of global and national events, and ability to stay informed, which are essential qualities for a future officer.Key Areas Covered in GK in AFCAT 1 Exam 2026
The GK section in AFCAT exam 2026 typically includes questions from the following areas:- Current Affairs: Questions related to recent events, both national and international, such as political developments, sports achievements, awards, and important appointments.
- History: This includes questions on Indian history, significant historical events, freedom movements, and important personalities.
- Geography: Questions related to physical geography, Indian geography, and world geography, including rivers, mountains, continents, and countries.
- General Science: Basic questions from physics, chemistry, and biology, focusing on fundamental concepts and recent scientific advancements.
- Defense and Military Knowledge: Questions related to Indian defense forces, military exercises, weapon systems, and notable operations.
- Static GK: This includes questions on general information such as books and authors, important dates, national symbols, and other miscellaneous facts.
Types of Questions Asked in GK In AFCAT 1 Exam 2026
To give a clearer picture, here are some examples of the types of questions that can be expected in the GK section of AFCAT:Current Affairs
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Who won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2023?
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Which country hosted the 2024 Summer Olympics?
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Who became the UN Secretary-General in 2026?
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Which Indian state launched the “Har Ghar Jal” scheme in 2025?
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Which country recently joined the BRICS bloc in 2025?
History
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Who was the first Governor-General of independent India?
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In which year did the Battle of Plassey take place?
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Who founded the Maurya Empire in India?
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Which Indian ruler is known for the construction of Fatehpur Sikri?
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Who led the Salt March in 1930?
Geography
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Which is the longest river in India?
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Name the highest mountain peak in South America.
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What is the capital city of Australia?
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Which desert is the largest in the world?
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The Ganga-Brahmaputra delta is located in which country?
General Science
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What is the chemical symbol for Gold?
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Who is known as the father of modern physics?
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What is the main gas responsible for global warming?
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What is the function of hemoglobin in the human body?
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Which vitamin is known as ascorbic acid?
Defense and Military Knowledge
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Which missile is known as the 'Agni' series in India's missile arsenal?
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Name the operation conducted by the Indian Army in Kargil in 1999.
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What is the rank of the highest-ranking officer in the Indian Air Force?
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INS Vikrant belongs to which branch of the Indian Armed Forces?
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Which system is used by India for missile defense against ballistic missiles?
Static GK
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Who wrote the book The Discovery of India?
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What is the national flower of India?
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Who is known as the Father of the Indian Constitution?
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What is the currency of Bhutan?
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In which year was the Reserve Bank of India established?
How to Prepare For GK In AFCAT Exam?
Preparing for the General Knowledge (GK) section in the AFCAT exam requires a strategic and disciplined approach. Given the wide range of topics covered, using reliable resources and staying consistently updated is crucial. Platforms like Defence Wallah, specifically focused on defence exams like AFCAT, can provide targeted study materials, practice questions, and expert guidance. Here are some effective strategies to help you prepare for the GK section in the AFCAT exam 2026:1. Reading Newspapers and Magazines: Regularly reading newspapers such as The Hindu, The Indian Express, and Monthly Magazine by Defence Wallah can help you stay updated with current affairs. Focus on news related to politics, the economy, sports, and international events.
2. Following News Websites and Apps: Utilize news websites and apps like Defence Wallah and Google News for real-time updates. Subscribe to daily news digests for a concise summary of important events.
3. Using GK Books and Study Guides: Books like 'Lucent's General Knowledge' and 'Manorama Yearbook' are excellent resources for comprehensive GK preparation. They cover a wide range of topics systematically.
4. Watching Educational Channels: Channels like Defence Wallah Youtube offer informative programs on history, geography, and science that can enhance your general knowledge.
5. Online Quizzes and Mock Tests: Participate in online quizzes and take mock tests to assess your knowledge and identify areas that need improvement. Websites like Physics Wallah offer practice tests specifically designed for AFCAT.
6. Notes and Revision: Make concise notes of important facts, dates, and events. Regularly revise these notes to reinforce your memory. Flashcards can also be a useful tool for quick revision.
7. Joining Study Groups: Engaging in discussions with peers in study groups or online forums can provide new insights and help in knowledge retention. Platforms like the Telegram Channel of Defence Adda have active communities focused on competitive exam preparation. General Knowledge plays a crucial role in the AFCAT exam, reflecting a candidate's awareness and intellectual curiosity.