The Indian Air Force has extended the registration deadline for AFCAT 01/2026. Candidates can now submit their online applications up to 19 December 2025 (2330 hrs). Aspirants who have not yet applied or wish to complete their application process should utilize this extended window to ensure their eligibility for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches. Do not miss this final opportunity to apply for courses commencing in January 2027.
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Registration Date Extended – Attention Aspirants!
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026, inviting applications from eligible Indian citizens (Men and Women) for induction as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches, along with NCC Special Entry. The selected candidates will commence their training courses in January 2027.
Important Dates
- Online Application Window:
17 November 2025 (1100 hrs) to 14 December 2025 (2330 hrs) - AFCAT Examination Date:
31 January 2026 (Saturday) - Admit Card Download:
From 22 January 2026 (1100 hrs) onwards - Official Website:
https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Entry Types and Vacancies
AFCAT Entry
Flying Branch (SSC)
- Men (SSC): 34
- Women (SSC): 04
Ground Duty (Technical)
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) – AE (L)
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) – AE (M)
- Permanent Commission (PC):
- AE (L): 03
- AE (M): 09
- Short Service Commission (SSC):
- AE (L): 03
- AE (M): 03
- Total Technical Vacancies (SSC):
- AE (L): 100 (Men), 23 (Women)
- AE (M): 38 (Men), 09 (Women)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – SSC
- Weapon Systems (WS): 21 (Men), 05 (Women)
- Administration: 48 (Men), 12 (Women)
- Logistics: 09 (Men), 02 (Women)
- Accounts: 08 (Men), 02 (Women)
- Education: 02 (Men), 02 (Women)
- Meteorology: 01 (Men), 02 (Women)
NCC Special Entry – Flying Branch
- Permanent Commission (Men): 10% of CDSE vacancies
- Short Service Commission (Men & Women): 10% of AFCAT vacancies
Note: Vacancies are tentative and subject to IAF service requirements. Final intake will be decided based on manpower needs effective January 2027.
Type of Commission
Permanent Commission (PC)
- Available for Men and Women
- Technical Branch officers serve till the age of superannuation as per rank
Short Service Commission (SSC)
- Flying Branch: 14 years (Men & Women)
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical):
Initial tenure of 10 years, extendable by 4 years - Grant of PC at a later stage is subject to service requirements and policies
- SSC officers are not eligible for pension
Eligibility Conditions
Nationality
- Candidate must be a citizen of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
Age Criteria (as on 01 January 2027)
Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Entry):
- 20 to 24 years
- Born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007
- CPL holders (DGCA India): upper age relaxable up to 26 years
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical):
- 20 to 26 years
- Born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007
Marital Status
- Candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement
- Marriage during training is not permitted and leads to discharge with recovery of training cost
Educational Qualifications
Flying Branch
- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
- PLUS any one of the following:
- Graduation (minimum 3 years) with 60% marks
- BE/B Tech degree with 60% marks
- Cleared Sections A & B of AMIE / Aeronautical Society of India with 60% marks
Ground Duty (Technical) – AE (L)
- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
- AND one of the following:
- MSc Electronics (50%) with BSc Physics (60%)
- Four-year Engineering / Technology degree (60%)
- AMIE / Aeronautical Society / IETE (Sections A & B) with 60% marks
Application Fee
- AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + GST (Non-refundable)
- NCC Special Entry: No examination fee
- Fee must be paid online after submitting the application form
AFCAT 01/2026 Examination Pattern
Exam Date
- 31 January 2026 (Saturday)
Candidates will not be allowed entry after 0800 hrs, once pre-exam verification begins.
Exam Structure
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Language | English only |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
Subjects Covered
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning
- Military Aptitude Test
Marking Scheme
- +3 marks for each correct answer
- −1 mark for each incorrect answer
- No marks for unattempted questions
