If you are searching for the AME exam, the first thing to know is that the term is used for more than one thing. For a student after 12th, it usually means the entrance exam for admission into an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) program. For a working engineer, it can mean the DGCA licence examinations. This page covers the first one: SOACET, the entrance exam for School of Aeronautics (SOA), Neemrana. It also explains how it differs from the DGCA exams, so you do not prepare for the wrong one.
The AME entrance exam is the test a student takes to get admission into an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program. AME is the course that trains you to inspect, repair and certify aircraft, and it leads towards a DGCA licence.
SOACET is the entrance exam of School of Aeronautics (SOA). It is conducted online, and it is the route into SOA’s three programs:
SOACET is held every year and is linked to admission and scholarships, so your result can matter beyond getting a seat.
Some other organisations also conduct AME entrance exams in India. Each has its own organiser, dates, pattern and participating institutes, so always read the official notice of the exam you plan to give. This page is only about SOACET.
(The word AME also means Aviation Medical Examiner, a doctor who does pilot medical checks. That has nothing to do with this exam.)
This is the most common confusion, so here it is in plain terms.
| Feature | AME Entrance Exam (SOACET) | DGCA AME Licence (Module) Exams |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Admission into a program | Licence to certify aircraft maintenance |
| Who takes it | Students after 12th, diploma or B.Sc. candidates | People who have completed approved AME training |
| Conducted by | School of Aeronautics | DGCA, through its online examination system |
| When | Once a year, before the admission cycle | In sessions announced by DGCA |
| Passing it gives you | A chance at admission and scholarship | Progress towards your AME licence |
Dates below are based on the currently published SOACET 2027 schedule. Always recheck the latest official notice on soacet.org before you plan, as dates can be revised.
| Event | Date / Timeline |
|---|---|
| Registration opens | 1 November 2026 |
| Last date to apply | 31 March 2027 |
| Admit card | April 2027 (expected) |
| SOACET exam date | First week of May 2027 |
| Result | Third week of May 2027 |
| Counselling | Last week of May 2027 |
In short, for the AME program you need:
B.Sc. (PCM) graduates and diploma holders in relevant engineering streams can also be eligible. For the B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering program, the requirements differ slightly.
Check the full criteria, including the lateral-entry routes, on the AME eligibility page.
The exact sections and topics of SOACET are listed in the official notice, so use that as your final checklist. Until you have it in front of you, there is a safe way to start. Because eligibility needs 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, begin with your Class 11–12 PCM fundamentals. They will help you whatever the final topic list is.
| Step | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Step 1 | Write every topic on one sheet. |
| Step 2 | Mark each one strong, average, or weak. |
| Step 3 | Spend most of your time on the average and weak topics. |
| Step 4 | Revisit the strong topics only for quick revision. |
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Negative marking | As given in the official notice |
| Same pattern for AME and B.Tech? | No, the pattern differs between the two programs |
| Question type, duration, number of questions, total marks, language | As given in the latest official notice |
Negative marking (if applicable) changes how you should attempt the paper. Once you know the exact rules from the official notice, decide in advance how you will handle questions you are unsure about. Also check which pattern applies to the program you are applying for.
Registration is online. The usual steps are:
Keep these ready before you start, so the form takes one sitting:
You can apply on the Apply Online page. For what happens after the exam, see the full AME admission process.
You do not need a complicated plan. These habits work for most students:
Adjust the subjects once you have the official topic list. The shape of the plan stays the same.
| Weeks | Focus | What to Do |
|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1–2 | Class 11 Fundamentals | Revise concepts and formulae. Solve basic questions from each chapter. |
| Weeks 3–4 | Class 12 Fundamentals | Same method. Note every topic you find difficult for later revision. |
| Weeks 5–6 | Timed Practice | Solve topic-wise questions with a timer. Review every wrong answer thoroughly. |
| Week 7 | Full-Length Mocks | Take 2–3 mocks in real exam conditions. Practise your negative-marking strategy. |
| Week 8 | Final Revision | Go through your mistake notes and formula sheet. Rest well before exam day. |
Always follow the exact exam-day rules given in your official notice.
Always follow the exact exam-day rules given in your official notice.
SOACET is the entrance route into School of Aeronautics. After the exam, you can choose between B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering, AME and the Integrated program. You do not have to decide before the exam, but it helps to know the difference:
To read more, see the AME program, the B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering program and the Integrated B.Tech + AME program. You can also check AME course fees before you apply.
SOA runs SOACET, so please compare your options before you decide, and take admission only where the course and approvals meet your needs.
Ans. It usually means the entrance exam for admission into an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program. SOACET is the entrance exam for School of Aeronautics. A different set of exams, the DGCA module exams, are for the AME licence.
Ans. Registration opens on 1 November 2026 and closes on 31 March 2027. The SOACET exam is scheduled for the first week of May 2027. For the exact date and other updates, see the dates table above and the latest official notice.
Ans. 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics, minimum aggregate marks as specified in the official notice (generally 45–50%), and a minimum age of 16 years. See the eligibility page for the full details.
Ans. SOACET is conducted online (Computer-Based Test).
Ans. Please check the official notice for the exact marking scheme, including any negative marking.
Ans. The official notice lists the sections and topics. Start with your Class 11–12 PCM fundamentals, then use the official list to plan your preparation.
Ans. No. The entrance exam is for admission. The DGCA exams are for the AME licence after you complete the course.
Ans. Yes, if you meet the eligibility conditions. Diploma and B.Sc. (PCM) candidates can also enter through lateral-entry routes. See the eligibility page.
Ans. Register online through the Apply Online page, fill in the form, upload documents and pay the fee.
Ans. SOACET is the entrance route for SOA’s B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering, AME and Integrated B.Tech + AME programs. Your eligibility for each program depends on your qualification. See the eligibility page.
Ans. Once a year, before the admission cycle. If you miss a cycle, you need to wait for the next one.
Ans. Follow the instructions in the official notice and contact the helpline given there immediately.
Ans. Use the preparation guide for a practice plan. Use only official or well-reviewed practice material.
Not sure which program or exam is right for you? Talk to the admissions team through our Contact page. They can help you with eligibility, dates and the application process.
SOACET 2027 (School of Aeronautics Common Entrance Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the LNVM Society for admission and scholarship into aviation programs at School of Aeronautics, Neemrana.
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