The Indian Air Force has released the detailed AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 for the recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. This includes both Technical and Non Technical roles. AFCAT is one of the most popular defence entrance examinations for graduates who want to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Air Force.
Through AFCAT 1 2026, the IAF is offering a total of 340 vacancies for men and women across different branches. The official notification has been published on the portal afcat.edcil.co.in, where candidates can find complete information on eligibility criteria, age limits, educational qualification, selection process, exam pattern, salary, and training details.
The online application window will remain open from 17 November 2025 to 14 December 2025. Candidates planning to appear for AFCAT 1 2026 should carefully read the notification and ensure that they meet all the prescribed conditions before applying.
AFCAT 1 2026 Overview
The key highlights of AFCAT 1 2026 are as follows:
- Exam Name: AFCAT 1 2026 and NCC Special Entry
- Conducting Body: Indian Air Force
- Branches Covered: Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non Technical
- Course Commencement: January 2027 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad
- Application Mode: Online only
- Vacancies: 340 across different branches and types of commission
This exam provides an excellent opportunity for young graduates to join the Indian Air Force as Permanent Commission or Short Service Commission officers, depending on the branch and entry type.
AFCAT 1 2026: Quick Summary
Particulars |
Details |
|---|---|
Exam Name |
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026 |
Conducting Authority |
Indian Air Force (IAF) |
Branches |
Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non Technical) |
Total Vacancies |
340 |
Course Commencement |
January 2027 |
Application Start Date |
17 November 2025, 11:00 AM |
Application Last Date |
14 December 2025, 11:30 PM |
Expected Exam Date |
31 January 2026, Saturday |
Mode of Application |
Online |
Official Website |
afcat.edcil.co.in |
AFCAT 1 2026 Important Dates
Candidates must keep track of the important dates so that they do not miss any stage of the process:
- Application Start Date: 17 November 2025, 11:00 AM
- Application Last Date: 14 December 2025, 11:30 PM
- Exam Name: AFCAT 1 2026 and NCC Special Entry
- Tentative Exam Date: 31 January 2026, Saturday
- Course Commencement: January 2027
The exact schedule for the admit card release and further stages will be updated on the official website in line with the detailed notification.
AFCAT 1 2026 Vacancy Details
The 340 vacancies notified under AFCAT 1 2026 are distributed across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. Vacancies are offered under AFCAT Entry and NCC Special Entry for both Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission roles.
Simplified Vacancy Structure
- AFCAT Entry – Flying Branch
- Men SSC: 34
- Women SSC: 4
- Ground Duty Technical (AE L)
- Men PC: 3
- Women PC: 3
- Men SSC: 100
- Women SSC: 23
- Ground Duty Technical (AE M)
- Men PC: 9
- Women PC: 9
- Men SSC: 38
- Women SSC: 9
- Ground Duty Non Technical (various branches)
- Men SSC:
- Weapon Systems: 21
- Administration: 18
- Logistics: 9
- Accounts: 8
- Education: 2
- Meteorology: 1
- Women SSC:
- Weapon Systems: 5
- Administration: 12
- Logistics: 2
- Accounts: 2
- Education: 2
- Men SSC:
- NCC Special Entry – Flying Branch
- 10 percent of CDSE vacancies for Permanent Commission
- 10 percent of AFCAT vacancies for Short Service Commission
Candidates must refer to the official notification to check branch wise and gender wise vacancy distribution in detail before selecting their preferences.
AFCAT 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility conditions vary according to the branch. Candidates must satisfy all the criteria regarding nationality, age and educational qualification.
1. Nationality
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
2. Age Limit (as on 1 January 2027)
- Flying Branch:
- Age between 20 and 24 years
- Born between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2007
- Ground Duty (Technical and Non Technical):
- Age between 20 and 26 years
- Born between 2 January 2001 and 1 January 2007
Relaxation rules, if any, will be as per the official notification of the Indian Air Force.
3. Educational Qualification
- Flying Branch
- Passed 10 plus 2 with Physics and Mathematics
- Graduation in any discipline or BE or BTech with at least 60 percent marks
- Ground Duty Technical Branch
- Degree in Engineering or Technology in relevant disciplines from a recognised university
- Ground Duty Non Technical Branch
- Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60 percent marks from a recognised university
Candidates should verify detailed branch wise educational requirements in the official AFCAT 1 2026 notification.
AFCAT 1 2026 Application Process
The application process for AFCAT 1 2026 is completely online and will be conducted through the official portal afcat.edcil.co.in.
Step by Step Guide
- Visit the official website afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Click on the link labelled “AFCAT 1 2026 Apply Online”.
- Complete the registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Log in and fill in personal, educational and communication details.
- Upload scanned images of photograph, signature and required certificates in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online. The fee is expected to be around Rs 550 including GST.
- Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates are advised not to wait until the last date and to complete the application process well in advance to avoid technical issues.
AFCAT 1 2026 Selection Process
The selection procedure for AFCAT 1 2026 involves multiple stages designed to assess the overall suitability of candidates for a career in the Air Force.
The stages are:
- Online Written Examination (AFCAT)
- Engineering Knowledge Test (for Technical Branch applicants)
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Medical Examination
Only those candidates who qualify in the written test are called for the AFSB interview. Final merit is prepared based on performance in written examination, AFSB interview and medical fitness, subject to vacancy position and branch preferences.
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Pattern
The AFCAT exam is conducted online and consists of multiple choice questions.
AFCAT Written Exam Pattern
- Number of Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marking Scheme:
- Correct answer: 3 marks
- Wrong answer: 1 mark deducted
Section wise distribution:
Section |
Questions |
Marks |
|---|---|---|
General Awareness |
20 |
60 |
Verbal Ability in English |
30 |
90 |
Numerical Ability |
15 |
45 |
Reasoning and Military Aptitude |
35 |
105 |
Total |
100 |
300 |
Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)
For candidates applying for Technical Branch:
- Number of Questions: 50
- Total Marks: 150
- Duration: 45 minutes
The EKT is conducted immediately after the AFCAT exam on the same day.
AFCAT 1 2026 Salary And Benefits
Candidates selected through AFCAT are commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.
- Rank: Flying Officer
- Pay Scale: Rs 56,100 to Rs 1,77,500 per month at Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission
- Additional Benefits: Military Service Pay, Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance where applicable, and other perks and allowances as per IAF rules
Along with an attractive salary, officers are entitled to benefits such as free medical facilities, canteen facilities, accommodation, leave travel concessions and pension benefits as per prevailing norms.
Conclusion
The AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 has opened a prestigious opportunity for both male and female candidates who aspire to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. With 340 vacancies across Flying and Ground Duty branches, this exam offers a structured pathway into a respected and challenging defence career.
Interested candidates should carefully go through the detailed notification available on afcat.edcil.co.in, check their eligibility, keep documents ready and submit the online form between 17 November 2025 and 14 December 2025. Early preparation for the AFCAT written exam and AFSB interview will significantly improve the chances of success.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. When will the AFCAT 1 2026 online application process begin?
The AFCAT 1 2026 online application process will start on 17 November 2025 at 11:00 AM. The last date to submit the form is 14 December 2025 up to 11:30 PM. Applications can be submitted only through the official website afcat.edcil.co.in.
2. How many vacancies are available under AFCAT 1 2026?
A total of 340 vacancies have been announced across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches, including Technical and Non Technical roles for both men and women. Vacancies are available under AFCAT Entry as well as NCC Special Entry.
3. Who can apply for the Flying Branch through AFCAT 1 2026?
Candidates can apply for the Flying Branch if they are citizens of India, aged between 20 and 24 years as on 1 January 2027, have passed 10 plus 2 with Physics and Mathematics, and hold a graduation degree or equivalent with at least 60 percent marks from a recognised university.
4. What is the exam pattern for AFCAT 1 2026?
The AFCAT written exam is conducted online and consists of 100 multiple choice questions carrying a total of 300 marks. The duration of the exam is 2 hours. Sections include General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude. There is negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
5. What is the official website for AFCAT 1 2026 notification and online form?
The official website for AFCAT 1 2026 is afcat.edcil.co.in. Candidates can read the detailed notification, check eligibility and submit the online application form through this portal within the specified dates.
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