The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT 1 Notification for 2026 on its official website. The AFCAT exam is one of the most prestigious defence entrance exams in India, offering a career opportunity in IAF as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. This recruitment also includes NCC Special Entry for courses commencing in January 2027.
With the announcement of the AFCAT 01/2026, the Indian Air Force aims to induct dedicated and skilled officers, who will lead various technical and administrative operations. Through this recruitment drive, candidates can apply online from 17th November 2025 to 14th December 2025 via the official website https://afcat.edcil.co.in. The AFCAT 1 2026 written exam will be conducted on 31st January 2026 (Saturday) across multiple centres in India. In this article, you will get the eligibility criteria, exam details and useful information.
AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 – Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026 |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 years |
| Application Start Date | 17th November 2025 |
| Last Date for Application Submission | 14th December 2025 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Eligibility for the Post | Any Graduate, B.Tech/B.E, Any Post Graduate |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
AFCAT 1 2026 : Vacancy Breakdown
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Vacancies | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) | |||
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 34 | 04 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/PC/110AEC/M&W 220/27T/SSC/110AEC/M&W | AE(L): 03 AE(M): 09 | AE(L): 03 AE(M): 03 | AE(L): 100 AE(M): 38 | AE(L): 23 AE(M): 09 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | — | — | Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 21 Admin: 48 Lgs: 09 Accts: 08 Edn: 02 Met: 01 | Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 05 Admin: 12 Lgs: 02 Accts: 02 Edn: 02 Met: 02 | |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 221/27F/PC/M and 221/27F/SSC/M&W | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC | |||
Note: Vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on service requirements.
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 1 2026
Educational Qualifications:
- Flying Branch: For Flying Branch, candidates must have the following educational qualifications:
- 10+2 with 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics, and
- Graduation with 60% marks in any discipline / B.E. / B.Tech. / AMIE / ASI (India) / Aeronautical Society of India.
- Ground Duty (Technical): For Ground Duty (Technical), candidates must have following educational qualifications:
- Minimum 50% in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and 60% in Engineering/Technology in specific disciplines (Electronics, Electrical, Computer, Mechanical, Mechatronics, etc.).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): For Ground Duty (Non-Technical), , candidates must have following educational qualifications:
- Graduation/Post-graduation with 60% marks depending on the branch (Admin, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology).
Must Read: For detailed educational qualifications – Click here to read the AFCAT 1 Notification 2026.
Expert Tip: Candidates must verify their marks and subjects carefully before applying to avoid disqualification during document verification or AFSB.
Age Limits:
| Branch / Entry Type | Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027) | Date of Birth Range | Remarks / Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry) | 20 to 24 years | Born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive) | Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years (born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007) for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (DGCA, India) |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches | 20 to 26 years | Born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive) | No further relaxation specified |
Tips: Always double-check your date of birth and ensure it matches the one mentioned in your Matriculation / 10th certificate, as no change will be allowed later.
Nationality:
- The candidate must be a citizen of India (as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955).
AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 17th November 2025 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14th December 2025 (11:30 PM) |
| Admit Card Release Date | 22nd January 2026 |
| Exam Date (AFCAT) | 31st January 2026 (Saturday) |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
How to Apply for AFCAT 1 2026
The application process details as mentioned in the AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 are as follows:
- Mode of Application: Online only
- Direct Link: Click here to apply online for AFCAT 01/2026 (Available on 17th November 2025)
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official AFCAT website.
- Click on “Candidate Login” → “AFCAT 01/2026”.
- Complete the registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill out personal, educational, and communication details.
- Upload scanned photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Verify all details and submit the application.
- Download and print the application form for future use.
Application Fee:
- For AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + 18% GST (Non-refundable)
- For NCC Special Entry: No fee
- Payment Mode: Online via Debit/Credit card, Net banking, or UPI.
Documents Required:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature and thumb impression
- Aadhaar card (last 4 digits mandatory)
- Valid ID proof (PAN, Voter ID, Passport, etc.)
- Educational certificates
Tip: Apply well before the deadline to avoid server issues. Double-check eligibility and ensure documents meet the format requirements.
AFCAT 1 Notification 2026: Salary Breakdown
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Post / Rank | Flying Officer |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Pay Level (Defence Matrix) | Level 10 (as per 7th CPC) |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 per month |
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 per month (fixed during training) |
| Allowances | Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, and other applicable field allowances |
| Insurance Coverage | ₹1.25 Crore (Air Force Group Insurance Society – AFGIS) |
| Other Benefits | Free accommodation, medical facilities, subsidized canteen, and leave travel concessions |
Selection Process: AFCAT 1 Notification 2026
- Stages:
- Online Written Exam (AFCAT)
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview (for successful written candidates & all NCC candidates)
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Picture Perception, Group Discussion
- Stage II: Psychology, Group Tests, Interview
- For Flying Branch: Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Shortlisting/Merit: Merit prepared on total marks (written + AFSB); must clear both stages separately.
Tips: Success in AFSB demands strong reasoning, personality, and physical fitness. Prepare in advance for all three dimensions – academic, psychological, and physical.
Job Profile
- Role & Responsibilities:
- As a Group A Gazetted Officer, responsibilities vary by branch:
- Flying: Operating and commanding sophisticated aircraft in national security roles
- Ground Duty (Technical): Handling advanced technical assets, engineering support, systems maintenance
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Administration, finance, logistics, education, meteorology, weapon systems management
- As a Group A Gazetted Officer, responsibilities vary by branch:
- Nature of Job: Permanent (PC for Men in select branches), Short Service Commission (SSC), or as per branch/entry as specified above.
FAQs – AFCAT 1 Notification 2026
What is the qualification for AFCAT in Indian Air Force?
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics and hold a Graduation or B.E./B.Tech degree with at least 60% marks from a recognized university.
What is AFCAT salary?
The starting salary for an AFCAT Flying Officer is ₹56,100 per month (Pay Level 10) plus allowances, reaching up to ₹1,77,500 per month with benefits.
What is the last date to fill AFCAT Form 2026?
The last date to submit the AFCAT 01/2026 online application form is 14 December 2025 (11:30 PM).
What is the fee for AFCAT exam?
The application fee for AFCAT is ₹550 + 18% GST, while NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from paying the fee.
How many attempts for AFCAT?
There is no official limit on the number of AFCAT attempts — candidates can apply as long as they meet the age and eligibility criteria.