The AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a gateway for aspirants who wish to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. To crack this competitive exam, a sound knowledge of Static GK, especially topics like “Know Your Armed Forces”, is essential. This topic not only appears frequently in AFCAT but also helps aspirants develop a deep understanding of the structure, ranks, commands, and key assets of the Indian Armed Forces.
AFCAT 2 2025 Exam Static GK – Know Your Armed Forces
✈️ Overview of Indian Armed Forces
The Indian Armed Forces are divided into three major services:
- Indian Army – Land-based military operations
- Indian Navy – Naval and maritime defense
- Indian Air Force – Aerial warfare and defense
These forces operate under the Ministry of Defence (MoD), Government of India.
🛡️ Key Command Structure
| Service | Chief Title | Current HQ Location |
|---|---|---|
| Indian Army | Chief of Army Staff (COAS) | New Delhi |
| Indian Navy | Chief of Naval Staff (CNS) | New Delhi |
| Indian Air Force | Chief of Air Staff (CAS) | New Delhi |
| Tri-Services | Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) | New Delhi |
🪖 Commands of Armed Forces
Indian Army Commands (7)
- Northern Command – Udhampur, J&K
- Western Command – Chandimandir, Haryana
- Southern Command – Pune, Maharashtra
- Eastern Command – Kolkata, West Bengal
- Central Command – Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh
- South Western Command – Jaipur, Rajasthan
- Army Training Command (ARTRAC) – Shimla, Himachal Pradesh
Indian Air Force Commands (7)
- Western Air Command – New Delhi
- Eastern Air Command – Shillong
- Central Air Command – Prayagraj
- Southern Air Command – Thiruvananthapuram
- South Western Air Command – Gandhinagar
- Maintenance Command – Nagpur
- Training Command – Bengaluru
Indian Navy Commands (3)
- Western Naval Command – Mumbai
- Eastern Naval Command – Visakhapatnam
- Southern Naval Command – Kochi
🏅 Rank Structure in Armed Forces
Commissioned Officer Ranks
Indian Army
- Lieutenant
- Captain
- Major
- Lieutenant Colonel
- Colonel
- Brigadier
- Major General
- Lieutenant General
- General
- Field Marshal (Honorary)
Indian Navy
- Sub Lieutenant
- Lieutenant
- Lieutenant Commander
- Commander
- Captain
- Commodore
- Rear Admiral
- Vice Admiral
- Admiral
- Admiral of the Fleet (Honorary)
Indian Air Force
- Flying Officer
- Flight Lieutenant
- Squadron Leader
- Wing Commander
- Group Captain
- Air Commodore
- Air Vice Marshal
- Air Marshal
- Air Chief Marshal
- Marshal of the Air Force (Honorary)
🧭 Important Training Academies
| Academy | Location | For |
|---|---|---|
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | Khadakwasla, Pune | Tri-Services (Pre-Commission) |
| Indian Military Academy (IMA) | Dehradun, Uttarakhand | Army |
| Officers Training Academy (OTA) | Chennai & Gaya | Army (Short Service Commission) |
| Indian Naval Academy (INA) | Ezhimala, Kerala | Navy |
| Air Force Academy (AFA) | Dundigal, Telangana | Air Force |
| Defence Services Staff College (DSSC) | Wellington, TN | Mid-level Training |
| College of Air Warfare | Secunderabad | IAF |
| College of Defence Management (CDM) | Secunderabad | Joint Services |
🚁 Key Defence Exercises
- Garuda – India-France (Air Force)
- Yudh Abhyas – India-USA (Army)
- Varuna – India-France (Navy)
- Sampriti – India-Bangladesh (Army)
- Malabar – India-USA-Japan-Australia (Quad Naval Exercise)
- Vajra Prahar – India-USA (Special Forces)
- Mitra Shakti – India-Sri Lanka (Army)
- Desert Knight – India-France (Air Force)
🚀 Major Indigenous Defence Equipment
Indian Army
- Arjun MBT (Main Battle Tank)
- Pinaka Rocket System
- Akash Surface-to-Air Missile
Indian Navy
- INS Vikrant (Indigenous Aircraft Carrier)
- Scorpene-class Submarines (Kalvari-class)
- Talwar-class Frigates
Indian Air Force
- HAL Tejas (Light Combat Aircraft)
- Sukhoi Su-30MKI
- Rafale Fighter Jets
- Netra AEW&CS (Airborne Early Warning)
🇮🇳 Tri-Services Commands
- Andaman and Nicobar Command (ANC) – Port Blair (First Tri-Services Command)
- Strategic Forces Command (SFC) – Manages India’s nuclear arsenal
🎖️ Defence Awards & Decorations
| Gallantry Awards | Wartime | Peacetime |
|---|---|---|
| Param Vir Chakra | Highest | — |
| Maha Vir Chakra | Second Highest | — |
| Vir Chakra | Third Highest | — |
| Ashoka Chakra | — | Highest |
| Kirti Chakra | — | Second Highest |
| Shaurya Chakra | — | Third Highest |
📝 Final Tips for AFCAT 2 2025 Preparation
- Focus on static facts related to ranks, commands, and training institutions.
- Revise key defence exercises and tri-service commands.
- Use mnemonics or mind maps to retain command locations.
- Practice previous year AFCAT GK questions.
📚 Conclusion
“Know Your Armed Forces” is a high-scoring section for all AFCAT aspirants. It reflects not only your general awareness but also your interest and respect towards the Armed Forces. Make this section your strength to ace the AFCAT 2 2025 exam with confidence.
