AFCAT 01, 2026 EXAMINATION

Invites Men and Women from Indian Citizens as per Citizenship ACT 1955 to be a part of the Indian Air Force as Commissioned Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. REGISTRATION FOR ONLINE APPLICATION WILL OPEN ON 17 NOV 2025 (1100 Hr) AND CLOSE ON 14 DEC 2025 (2330 Hr).

Online applications are invited for the courses commencing in Jan 2027 for grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Online applications are also invited for NCC Special Entry Scheme (For flying branch).

AFCAT – 1, 2026 Exam: Air Force Common Admission Test commonly known as AFCAT is an entrance examination conducted by Indian Air Force to select eligible and desirable candidates for multiple posts in Flying and Ground Duty [Technical and Non-Technical]. Serving in such a commendable and respected field is an honour in itself. Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the complete details for 340 vacant posts at the flying branch and ground duties for both technical and non-technical posts through AFCAT 1 Notification 2026.

BRANCHES, COURSE NUMBER AND VACANCES

TYPE OF COMMISSION

SSC for Men & Women :
(i) The engagement period for Flying Branch SSC officers is fourteen years from the date of Commissioning.
(ii) The initial tenure for SSC officers in Ground Duty (Tech and Non-Tech) branches would be for a period of ten years. An extension of four years may be granted subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability and merit.
(iii) Grant of Permanent Commission (PC) (at a later date) would be considered subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability and merit and as per prevailing policies on the subject.
(iv) SSC officers are not entitled for grant of pension.

AGE

(a)Flying Branch : 20 to 24 years as on 01 Jan 2027 i.e. born between 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007 (both dates inclusive). Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 years i.e. born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007 (both dates inclusive).

(b) Ground Duty (Technical/ Non-Technical) Branches : 20 to 26 years as on 01 Jan 2027 i.e. born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007 (both dates Inclusive).

EDUCATION QUALIFICATIONS

(i) Flying Branch :

Bachelor Degree in Any Stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 Level / B.E / B.Tech Course

(ii) Ground Duty (Technical) Branch :

• Aeronautical Engineering Electronics : 10+2 Intermediate Minimum 60% Marks in Physics and Math and Minimum 4 Year Graduation / Integrated PG Degree in Engineering / Technology
• Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical : Candidates with Minimum 60% Marks Each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 Level and 4 Year Engineering / Technology Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering or Equivalent Degree

(iii) Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch :

Weapon Systems (WS) Branch :  Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and
(aaa) Graduation with minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. OR
(aab) BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.

Administration & Logistics : Passed 10+2 and Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent or {cleared section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.}

Accounts Branch : Passed 10+2 and done graduation in any of the following streams with 60 % marks or equivalent from a recognized university:-

AFCAT EXAMINATION FEE

After filling in the online application form, the examination fee of ₹550/- + GST (non-refundable) for AFCAT entry (not applicable for NCC special entry) may be paid online through the ‘Make Payment’ step on the main menu of the online application. No cash or cheque or demand draft (DD) will be accepted towards payment of examination fee. The examination fee can be paid using credit/ debit cards/ net banking through the payment gateway. Applicants are advised to follow the instructions/ steps given on the payment gateway, and also print/keep the transaction details for their records. After confirmation from bank that the payment is received, the “Payment Status” will display “Registration Number” which the candidate may note down for future correspondence. Simultaneously, the candidate will receive a confirmatory sms/ e-mail.

AFCAT 01/2026

(a) Scheme of Online Examination : All applicants whose applications are submitted by due date will be called for AFCAT at one of the examination centres on either 31st Jan 2026 (Saturday).

(i) Exam Schedule : The AFCAT will be conducted in two days as per the following schedule:-

(iii) The Online examination will consist of objective type questions and will be in English only.

(iv) Marking Scheme is as follows:-

(a) Three marks will be awarded for every correct answer.

(b) One mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.

(c) No marks for un attempted questions.

(b) Standard and Syllabus of the Examination :

English : Comprehension, Detect Error in Sentence, Sentence Completion/ Filling in of correct word, Synonym/ Antonym, Cloze Test or Fill in the Gaps in a paragraph, Idioms and Phrases, Analogy, Sentence Rearranging, Substitution in a Sentence/ One Word Substitution.

General Awareness : History, Geography, Sports, National & International Organisations, Art & Culture, Personalities, Environment & Ecology, Indian Polity, Economy, Basic Science Based Knowledge, Science & Technology, Current Affairs (National & International), Defence.

Numerical Ability : Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average/ Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Time & Distance and Races (Trains/ Boats & Streams), Area and Perimeter, Probability, Number System & Number Series, Mixture & Allegation Rules, Clocks.

Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test : Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

IMPORTANT DATES TO REMEMBER

DOWNLOAD FULL NOTIFICATION AFCAT – 01/2026 || CLICK HERE || APPLY ONLINE || CLICK HERE ||