AAI JE ATC Exam Pattern 2026: CBT Structure, Marking and Stages

Only one written paper stands between you and the AAI Junior Executive (Air Traffic Control) shortlist: a two-hour computer-based test of 120 questions. Every stage after it, from the voice test to background verification, is qualifying. That makes the AAI JE ATC exam pattern simple on paper and unforgiving in practice, because the CBT score alone decides your rank.

This page explains the CBT structure as used in recent cycles, the marking rules, a section-by-section approach, what each later stage checks, and how to plan your two hours. It is based on the 2025 cycle under Advertisement No. 02/2025/CHQ, since no new ATC advertisement had been verified on the Airports Authority of India website by 5 November 2026. If the next advertisement changes the pattern, follow the advertisement.

Table of Contents

Exam Pattern at a Glance

CBT Pattern: Section-Wise Breakdown

The CBT is split into two parts of 60 marks each. Recent cycles have used the structure below.

Part A: General Sections

Part A tests the general skills every graduate is expected to have. English is the largest block at 20 marks, followed by reasoning and numerical ability at 15 each and general awareness at 10. The level is moderate, comparable to other graduate-level government recruitment tests, so speed and accuracy matter more than depth.

Part B: Physics and Mathematics

Part B carries 60 marks and is stated as a combined Physics and Mathematics block. In recent papers it has been split roughly evenly between the two subjects, with questions at Class 11 and 12 level and a few at graduation depth. Because it is half the paper, Part B usually decides who clears the cut-off and who misses it.

Language and Format

• Question type: Multiple-choice questions with four options and one correct answer.

• Language: The paper is bilingual (English and Hindi), except for the English section, which is in English only.

• Sectional timing: No separate sectional time limit has been reported for recent cycles; you manage the full 120 minutes yourself.

• Admit card: Issued online through the AAI website before the exam; there is no postal copy.

Marking Scheme and Negative Marking

The 2023 and 2025 cycles were both reported to have no negative marking. AAI sets the marking rule in each advertisement, so confirm it in the next one before you plan your attempt strategy.

What the Pattern Means for You

• Every question is worth the same: A one-line GK question and a three-step Physics numerical both carry one mark. Do not get stuck on a long question while easier ones wait.

• A wrong guess costs nothing: With no reported penalty, mark an answer for every question before time runs out. A blank always scores zero; an educated guess may not.

• Part B is where ranks are made: Most well-prepared candidates score high in Part A. The gap between a selected and a non-selected candidate usually comes from Physics and Mathematics.

• High cut-offs punish small slips: The 2025 unreserved cut-off was reported at 108 out of 120. At that level, three or four careless errors can move you below the line.

Section-Wise Strategy

The levels and targets above are indicative, drawn from the structure of recent papers and the reported cut-offs, not from any official statement.

English Language

Start with error spotting, fill in the blanks and vocabulary questions, which take 20 to 30 seconds each, and leave the reading passage for the end of the section. Read each sentence fully before choosing an answer; most lost marks here come from rushing, not from not knowing the rule.

General Intelligence and Reasoning

Series, analogy, coding-decoding and blood relations can be solved quickly with practice. If a seating arrangement or puzzle looks long, mark it and come back. Fifteen questions should take no more than 12 to 15 minutes.

General Aptitude and Numerical Ability

Use approximation when the options are far apart, and learn fraction-percentage equivalents so you do not divide by hand. Data interpretation sets can eat time; attempt them after the single-line questions.

General Knowledge and Awareness

Answer what you know in the first five minutes and move on. Guess the rest, since there is no reported penalty. Aviation questions (AAI, DGCA, ICAO, airports) are a small but steady source of marks.

Physics and Mathematics

Do a first pass for direct formula questions, unit and dimension questions, and standard results in calculus and trigonometry. Then return to multi-step numericals. Keep rough work neat and labelled so you can recheck quickly in the review window.

Stages After the CBT

Candidates are shortlisted from the CBT, category-wise, for the remaining stages. In the 2025 cycle, 536 candidates were reported to have been shortlisted for 309 posts. All later stages are qualifying.

Application Verification

Your original certificates are matched with the details in your online form: degree and mark sheets showing Physics and Mathematics, date of birth proof, category or disability certificates, and a no-objection certificate if you are a government employee. A mismatch here ends your candidature regardless of your CBT score.

Voice Test

Air traffic controllers speak to pilots over radio all day, so the voice test checks clarity of speech, pronunciation, fluency and voice quality. It is pass or fail. Reading aloud daily and practising clear spoken English is the most useful preparation.

Psychoactive Substances Test

This test screens for psychoactive substances. A confirmed positive result leads to disqualification. Tell the medical team about any prescribed medicines you take.

Psychological Assessment

The assessment checks traits suited to a high-responsibility job: attention, decision-making under pressure, and stability. There is no syllabus; answer honestly and consistently.

Physical Medical Examination

Candidates must meet the medical standards prescribed for the ATC post. The detailed standards are given in the advertisement and its annexures, so read them before applying if you have any doubt about eyesight, hearing or another condition.

Background Verification

The offer of appointment is issued after background verification. Under the 2025 advertisement, as reproduced in published summaries, selected candidates also had to sign a surety bond of Rs. 7 lakh to serve AAI for at least three years after training.

How the Final Merit Works

The final selection list is prepared from CBT marks, category-wise, among candidates who clear every qualifying stage. In practice, this means:

1. Your CBT score sets your rank. The qualifying stages do not add marks.

2. Failing any later stage removes you, and the next eligible candidate in merit may move up.

3. Ties are resolved by the rules in the advertisement, so check that section when it is published.

A worked example: suppose the unreserved cut-off is 108. A candidate with 110 who clears every later stage is selected; a candidate with 115 who fails the voice test is not. The CBT gets you in the door, and the later stages decide whether you stay.

Time Management and Exam-Day Strategy

• Use two passes: On the first pass, answer anything you can solve in under a minute. On the second, return to marked questions.

• Order to suit your strength: Many candidates finish Part A first to bank marks quickly; others start fresh with Part B. Test both orders in mocks and pick one.

• Watch the clock at 60 minutes: By the halfway mark you should have finished Part A or most of Part B, depending on your order.

• Reach early: Carry the admit card and a valid photo ID, and follow the reporting time printed on the admit card.

Practising in the Exam Format

No official mock or practice test for this exam could be verified on the AAI website, so AAI does not appear to host one publicly. The closest official material is the advertisement and the exam notices on the official website, https://www.aai.aero/.

Pattern Changes and Older Pages

The 120-question, two-part structure has been consistent across the 2023 and 2025 cycles. Older pages may still show 150 questions or a separate technical section, so follow the official advertisement rather than an old summary. AAI posts advertisements, exam notices and results in the careers section of its website.