The Air Force Common Admission test (AFCAT) is the gateway to various branches of the IAF Including Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). For the 2026 batch (AFCAT 1/2026). Inviting applications for men and women various branches. The Online application process for AFCAT 2026 will begin on 10th November 2025 and continue till 9th December 2025 through the Official Website afcat.cdac.in. As per AFCAT 2026 notification the Course will commence in January 2027, Offering candidates a chance to join Indian Air Force as Commissioned Officers. The Age limit on the Flying Branch 20 to 24 years, While for Ground duty Branches, It extends up to 26 years.
Overview :
- Conducting Body: Indian Air Force(IAF)
- Exam Name: AFCAT 1 2026.
- Branches: Flying Branch, Ground Duty – Technical & Non-Technical
- Mode: Online application and online written exam (CBT)
- Purpose Recruitment of Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in IAF.
Important Dates :
- Short Notifications Release : Early November 2025 (around 3 Nov)
- Detailed Notification / Application Starts : 10 November 2025
- Last Date of Application : 9 December 2025 (11:30)
- Exam Date : To be announced – expected Feb/March 2026
- Course Commencement : January 2027(for selected branch)
Vacancies :
- The Exact number of vacancies for each branch is still to be notified
- One source mentions “284” as total posts in the early notice.
- Vacancy details will be available in the full notification PDF
Eligibility Criteria :
Nationality
- Candidates must be a citizen of India.
Education Qualification :
- Flying Branch
- 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics (Minimum 50% each ) AND
- Graduation (3-years minimum) with at least 60% marks OR BE/BTech degree with 60%.
- Ground Duty – Technical
- 10+2 with physical & mathematics AND
- BE/BTech in relevant engineering/technology discipline.
- Ground Duty – Non Technical
- Graduation in any discipline from recognized University.
Other Criteria
- Medical fitness standard as per IAF norms (will be in detailed notification).
Age Limit :
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 Years, Upper age relaxation to 26 years for candidates holding valid/current commercial pilot Licence (CPL)
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non -Technical) : 20 to 26 years.
Salary :
- On Commissioning Selected officers are appointment at Pay Level 10 under the 7th Pay Commission Defence matrix : ₹ 56,100 – ₹1,77,500 for the rank of Flying Officer.
- During training (at the Air Force Academy), there is a fixed stipend of ₹ 56,100 per month.
- In Addition to basic pay, there is a Military Service Pay (MSP) which for many defence Officers is around ₹ 15,500/month.
Exam Pattern :
- AFCAT Paper
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Total Question: 100 questions (Objective type)
- Total Marks: 300 marks.
- Negative marking: Yes, typically 1 mark for incorrect answer
EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test)
-
- Duration: 45 Minutes.
- Questions: 50 Questions.
- Marks: 150 Marks.
Syllabus :
- General Awareness
- Verbal ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test
For EKT (Technical branch) the syllabus will cover major engineering discipline (Mechanical, Electrical & Electronics, Computer science, etc.) as specified in the full notification.
Application Process :
- Visit the official website: e.g. afcat.cdac.in or the IAF careers portal.
- Click on “New user Registration” to create your account (Mobile numbers, email etc.)
- Fill in the Online application form: personal details educational qualification, branch choice (Flying/Ground Duty Tech/Non-Tech).
- Upload document scanned photograph, signature, degree/marksheet, ID proof, etc.
- Pay the application fee (General/OBC/EWS category etc.) -typing fee – ₹550 +GST.
- Submit the application and download/print the confirmation page for your records.
- keep an eye admit card release, exam center allotment and further instruction.
- If the notification allows, there might be a correction window to rectify mistakes.
Selection Process :
- Written Examination (AFCAT paper + EKT if applicable)
- Shortlisting of Candidates based on written exam result and branch-wise cut-offs.
- Interview / AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) Process this includes psychological tests, group tasks, personal interview. etc.
- Medical Examination – For candidates recommended by AFSB, medical fitness as per IAF norms.
- Final Merit List & Course Commencement – Selected candidates will join course (e.g. January 2027)and then be commissioned as Officers.