AFCAT (I) Notification 2024 Out for 317 Posts
The Indian Air Force has issued an AFCAT (1) 2024 notification for 317 flying, technical, weapon systems, administration, logistics, accounts, education, meteorology, and NCC Special Entry Flying positions. The Indian Air Force is looking for eligible Indian citizens (both men and women) to join their ranks as Group 'A' Gazetted Officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Online The AFCAT examination is scheduled on 16 Feb 24, 17 Feb 24 and 18 Feb 24 (tentatively).
AFCAT Notification 2024
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a highly competitive examination held by the Indian Air Force to select candidates for the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) Branch, and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch. The Indian Air Force administers the AFCAT exam twice a year, and candidates can apply online.
Shortlisted candidates are called for Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing after passing the AFCAT online examination.
Applicants for the AFCAT Ground Duty (Technical Branch) must take the AFCAT online examination and the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). On the other hand, candidates from the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch must take only the AFCAT exam.
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Important information related to AFCAT (I) Examination 2024 |
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Exam Conducting Organisation |
Indian Air Force |
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Name of Exam |
Air Force Common Admission Test |
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Application Dates |
01 December to 30 December 2023 |
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Total Vacancies |
317 |
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Post(s) |
Flying Branch and Ground Duty Staff (Technical & Non-Technical)/ NCC Special Entry |
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Application Mode |
Online |
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Exam Mode |
Online |
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Frequency of Exam |
Twice a Year |
Important Dates: AFCAT 1 Examination 2024
All the important dates for AFCAT Recruitment 2024 are given in the table below:
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Event |
Date |
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Notification Released on |
01-12-2023 |
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Application Start Date |
01-12-2023 |
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Last Date to Apply |
30-12-2023 |
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AFCAT Admit Card |
To be released |
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AFCAT Exam Date |
16 Feb 24, 17 Feb 24 and 18 Feb 24 (tentatively). |
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AFCAT Result Date |
To be announced |
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AFCAT Interview Date |
To be announced |
Important Links for AFCAT Examination 2023
The application links for the AFCAT 1 will remain active on the IAF's website till 30 December 2023. All other relevant links for AFCAT 2024 are given in the table below.
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Official Notification |
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Apply Link |
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Website |
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AFCAT Admit Card Link |
Available Soon |
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AFCAT Result Link |
Available Soon |
AFCAT 2024 Vacancy Details
The detailed AFCAT 2024 notification also includes the Indian Air Force (IAF) vacancy details. This time, a total of 317 vacancies have been announced, for which candidates will be chosen based on the final AFCAT Exam merit list. The branch-wise vacancy breakup for the AFCAT EXAM 2024 is given in the table below:
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Branch |
Course Name |
Vacancies |
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Men (SSC) |
Women (SSC) |
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AFCAT Entry |
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Flying |
217/25F/SSC/M & W |
28 |
10 |
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Ground Duty (Technical) |
216/25T/SSC/ 106AEC/M & W |
AE(L) : 104 AE(M) : 45 |
AE(L) : 11 AE(M) : 05 |
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Ground Duty (Non-technical) |
216/25G/SSC/M & W |
Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 15 Admin: 44 Lgs: 11 Accts: 11 Edn: 08 Met: 09 |
Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 02 Admin: 06 Lgs: 02 Accts: 02 Edn: 02 Met: 02 |
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NCC Special Entry |
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Flying |
217/25F/PC/M and 217/25F/SSC/M & W |
10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
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Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 2024
Nationality:
To be eligible for this examination, the candidate must be an Indian citizen as per the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955.
AFCAT Age Limit (as on 01 January 2025) & Marital Status
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Branch |
Age Limit |
Marital Status |
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Flying Branch & NCC Special Entry |
Candidate must be between 20 – 24 years, i.e. born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2005.
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Candidates must be unmarried at the start of the course, and marriage, is not permitted while training. A candidate who marries during his training period will be discharged and obligated to reimburse the government for all expenses incurred on his behalf. |
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Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
Candidate must be between 20 – 26 years, i.e. born between 02 January 1999 to 01 January 2005. |
Educational Qualification for AFCAT 2024
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Branch |
Educational Qualification |
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Flying Branch |
Candidates must have passed with a minimum of 50% marks in Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level, as well as (aa) a three-year degree course in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. OR (ab) a four-year BE/B Tech degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. OR (ac) Candidates who have passed Sections A and B of the Associate Membership Examination of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% or equivalent. |
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Ground Duty (Technical) Branch |
(aa) Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)} |
Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, as well as a four-year degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/ Technology from a recognised university, OR they must have passed Sections A and B of the Associate Membership examination of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India, or the Graduate Membership examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent disciplines. |
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(ab) Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)} |
Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, as well as a four-year degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognised university, OR they must have passed Sections A & B of the Associate Membership examination of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks, or equivalent disciplines. |
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Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches |
(aa) Weapon Systems (WS) Branch |
Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks in Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level, as well as (aaa) a three-year degree course in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. OR (aab) a four-year BE/B Tech degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. |
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(ab) Administration & Logistics |
Passed 10+2 and a Graduate Degree (minimum three-year degree course) in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent, Or cleared section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. |
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(ac) Accounts Branch |
Passed 10+2 and graduated with 60% or higher from a recognised university in any of the following fields:- (aaa) Bachelor of Commerce (minimum three-year course) (aab) Bachelor of Business Administration (with a finance specialisation)/ Bachelor of Management Studies (with a finance specialisation)/ Bachelor of Business Studies (with a finance specialisation) (aac) CA/ CMA/ CS/ CFA qualified. (aad) Bachelor of Science in Finance. |
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(ad) Education |
Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation with 50% marks in any discipline, including integrated courses offering PG (single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry), and Graduation with 60% marks in any discipline. |
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(ae) Meteorology |
Passed 10+2 and BSc with Physics and Mathematics with at least 60% marks or equivalent, or four-year Graduation in Engineering/Technology discipline with at least 60% marks or equivalent streams. |
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Note: For further details, candidates are advised to refer to the official notification.
Physical & Medical Standards for AFCAT 2024
During their induction, all candidates should meet the basic physical fitness standards that will allow them to complete the training successfully and subsequent service in various climatic and work environments. Candidates will be subjected to a variety of tests at AFSB while reporting to the SSB.
Flying Branch will have a minimum height of 162.5 cm. Acceptable leg length, thigh length, and sitting height measurements for such aircrew will be as follows: -
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Sitting height Minimum |
Minimum |
81.5 cm |
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Maximum |
96.0 cm |
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Leg Length |
Minimum |
99.0 cm |
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Maximum |
120.0 cm |
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Thigh Length |
Maximum |
64.0 cm |
Note: The minimum acceptable height for entry into ground duty branches will be 157.5 cm and 5 cm less (152.5 cm) for Gorkhas and individual belonging to North-Eastern regions of India and hilly regions of Uttarakhand. In case of candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum acceptable height can be reduced by 2 cm (155.5 cm).
Physical Standards (For Females)
Height: The minimum height for various branches is as follows:-
(i) Flying Branch – 162.5 cm
(ii) Other Branches – 152 cm
Note: For other branches only – a lower minimum height of 147 cm will be accepted for candidates from the North East region or hilly regions of Uttarakhand. The minimum acceptable height for candidates from Lakshadweep will be 150 cm.
Weight. Weight should be in accordance with the height and age standards specified in Appendix 'B' to this notification. Female candidates can have variations of up to one standard deviation.
AFCAT Online Application Process
Candidates can apply for this position in the Indian Air Force (IAF) online through the AFCAT CDAC's official website only. Fill out the form by following these steps:
- Visit the AFCAT_CDAD Official Website.
- Click on the AFCAT 01/2024 under Candidate Login Tab on the homepage.
- To register yourself, enter your name, email address, phone number, and so on.
- Log in and carefully fill out the form with your desired selection entry, Personal, Educational, and other required details.
- Upload the required documents in the prescribed format, namely a photo, signature, and thumb impression.
- Choose your exam city and proceed to pay your exam fee.
- Download and take a printout of the final application form for future reference.
AFCAT 2024 Application Fees
Candidates applying for AFCAT will be required to pay the below-mentioned application fee, whereas candidates applying for NCC special entry and Meteorology will not be required to pay when submitting the application form. The application fee should be paid online only. IAF will not accept cash or demand drafts (DD) for application fee payment.
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Entry |
Fees |
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AFCAT |
Rs. 250/- (Non-refundable) |
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NCC Special entry |
Not Applicable |
Note:
- Candidates are advised to save/download the transaction details/receipt for future reference.
- Fees/Intimation charges, once paid, will NOT be refunded or held in reserve for any other examination or selection.
AFCAT 2024 Selection Process:
The AFCAT selection process is divided into stages. Candidates who pass all the following stages and are on the final merit list will be considered for the position.
- The first stage will consist of a written exam (AFCAT). Prior to the announcement of the results, the marks earned by candidates appearing in different shifts will be normalised to rationalise them by using a statistical method.
- Candidates who pass AFCAT will be called up for the SSB Test, including Picture Perception and Discussion tests, Psychological tests, and so on.
- Candidates must also be physically fit when they appear for the SSB Interview because they will be subjected to various physical tests.
- Finally, the candidates' medical fitness will be evaluated.
Date and Duration of AFCAT Training
All training courses are set to begin in the first week of January 2025. Training at Air Force Training Establishments lasts approximately 74 weeks for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches and 52 weeks for Ground Duty (Non-technical) Branches.
AFCAT 2024 Exam Pattern
The AFCAT Written Exam will be objective type based multiple choice questions. In order to receive an AFSB call letter, one must obtain the minimum qualifying marks.
- There will be a negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
- If a question is not attempted, no marks are deducted.
The AFCAT exam subjects, time limit, and maximum marks will be as follows:-
|
Exam |
Subject(s) |
No. of Questions |
Max Marks |
Duration |
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AFCAT |
General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
100 |
300 |
120 minutes (02 hours) |
Note: An online Practice Test for AFCAT is available on the IAF website.
AFSB Testing
The AFSB testing will be divided into three stages, as shown below:-
(i) The first stage: On the first day, an officer intelligence rating test, as well as a picture perception and discussion test, will be administered. The Stage-I test is a screening test, only those who pass will be subjected to further testing. All Stage-I qualified candidates will be subjected to a document check to determine their eligibility for the branches for which they have applied. Candidates who do not qualify in Stage I or meet the required eligibility criteria would be sent back on first day itself.
(ii) The second stage: On Day 1 (Evening), a psychological test will be administered, followed by group tests and interviews over the next five days.
(iii) For Flying Branch: Only recommended candidates would be subjected to the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS). This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Candidates who have previously failed the CPSS/PABT or who have been suspended from flying training at the Air Force Academy will not be eligible.
AFCAT 2024 Exam Schedule
The AFCAT will be held over three days, according to the schedule below:
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Activity |
16 Feb 24, 17 Feb 24 and 18 Feb 24 |
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Shift 1 |
Shift 2 |
Shift 1 |
Shift 2 |
Shift 1 |
Shift 2 |
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Candidate Reporting Time |
08:00 hrs |
13:00 hrs |
08:00 hrs |
13:00 hrs |
08:00 hrs |
13:00 hrs |
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Verification of Admit Card & ID Proof, Photography and Candidate Seating |
08:00- 09:45hrs |
13:00- 14:45 hrs |
08:00- 09:45hrs |
13:00- 14:45 hrs |
08:00- 09:45hrs |
13:00- 14:45 hrs |
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Reading of Instructions by Candidates |
09:45- 10:00 hrs |
14:45- 15:00 hrs |
09:45- 10:00 hrs |
14:45- 15:00 hrs |
09:45- 10:00 hrs |
14:45- 15:00 hrs |
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AFCAT |
10:00- 12:00 hrs |
15:00 - 17:00 hrs |
10:00- 12:00 hrs |
15:00 - 17:00 hrs |
10:00- 12:00 hrs |
15:00 - 17:00 hrs |
Note: Candidates will not be permitted to enter the exam centre, under any circumstance, after the pre-exam verification process has commenced for both Shift-I and Shift-II.
AFCAT Syllabus 2024
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Subjects |
Chapter/Topics |
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English |
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General Awareness |
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Numerical Ability |
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Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
Note:
Numerical Ability Questions will be of Matriculation level. The questions in other subjects will be of graduation level (Indian University).
AFCAT (I) 2024 Admit Card
The AFCAT Admit Card 2024 has not yet been released. The Indian Air Force will make the AFCAT (I) Admit Card 2024 available on its official AFCAT website. Candidates who have successfully submitted their application form and examination fee can access their admit card by logging in with their registered email address and password. The link to the Admit Card will also be emailed to the candidate's registered email address. We have provided a step-by-step process to download the admit card here.
- Visit the AFCAT examination's official website @afcat.cdac.in.
- Select AFCAT 01/2024 from the Candidate Login drop-down menu.
- Enter your registered email address, password, and Captcha, then click the login button.
- Your AFCAT Admit Card will be displayed on the screen.
- Check that all the information on your AFCAT Admit Card is correct.
- Print the AFCAT 01/2024 Admit Card after downloading it.
When the admit cards are available, candidates must download them and bring them to the examination centre. Candidates will not be permitted to enter the examination hall unless they have an AFCAT hall ticket.
AFCAT 1 Result 2024
The AFCAT Written Exam is being held in February 2024, and the results are expected to be released within 15 to 20 days of the written exam. To check the result, candidates can follow the below-mentioned steps:
- Go to the AFCAT website’s Candidate login, or use the direct link provided above in the important links.
- Enter your Registration ID, Password, and CAPTCHA code carefully.
- Your result will be shown on the screen.
- Download the outcome and print it out for future reference.
After the written exam results get announced, the AFSB will conduct the SSB process for all shortlisted candidates and call them to take part in the recruitment process.
AFCAT-1 Cut-Off 2023
AFCAT 1 Cut-Off 2023 was released on 13 March 2023, which was purely based on the difficulty level, number of vacancies, and number of candidates who appeared.
|
Exam |
AFCAT |
EKT |
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AFCAT 1 – 2023 |
155 |
- |
AFCAT Previous Year(s) Cut-Off
Knowing the AFCAT cut-off from the previous year can help candidates determine trends and estimate their realistic chances of passing the exam. It also indicates the exam's difficulty level.
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Exam |
AFCAT |
EKT |
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AFCAT-2 2022 |
157 |
- |
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AFCAT-1 2022 |
157 |
- |
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AFCAT 2 2021 |
157 |
18 |
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AFCAT-1 2021 |
165 |
30 |
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AFCAT 2 2020 |
155 |
40 |
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AFCAT 1 2020 |
135 |
40 |
AFCAT Salary and Allowance
During their one-year training, flight cadets will be paid a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100/-. On commissioning, they will be paid as per the 7th Pay commission. Further details are given in the table below:
|
Rank |
Pay as per Defence Matrix |
Level |
MSP |
|
Flying Officer |
Rs.56100 – 177500 |
10 |
Rs. 15500 |
Other Allowances:-
Furthermore, allowances are applicable to pay based on the nature of duty/place of posting and include Flying, Transport, Technical, Field Area, Special Compensatory (Hill area), Special Force, Siachen, Island Special Duty, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer, Area and Remote Locality Allowance, and so on.
Insurance:
- Serving officers are eligible for the Rs. 1.10 crore insurance cover (on contribution).
- Flying Branch Officers are eligible for an additional cover of Rs. 15 lakhs (on contribution).
AFCAT Previous Year Paper
Many successful candidates believe and recommend that solving AFCAT Previous Year Papers is one of the best ways to prepare. It will assist in understanding various aspects of the exam, such as the difficulty level of the exam, the exam pattern, the weightage of topics, the type of question to be asked from a specific topic, the exact time it takes to attempt the exam, and so on. All of these things will help you prepare for your exam.
