The Indian Air Force has released the detailed AFCAT 1 2026 notification on November 9, 2025. The online application window will remain open from November 17 to December 14, 2025, for Flying Branch and Ground Duty posts. Eligible candidates who have completed 10+2 with Physics and Maths can apply online through the official website, afcat.cdac.in.
The AFCAT 1 2026 notification includes 340 vacancies for Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) and Gazetted Officer posts in the Flying Branch. Candidates must have secured at least 50% marks in Physics and Maths at the 10+2 level and must also hold a graduation degree with a minimum of 60% marks, or a BE/BTech degree with 60% marks. The AFCAT 1 2026 written exam will be held on January 31, 2026.
AFCAT 1 2026 Overview
AFCAT 1 2026 has been officially released at afcat.cdac.in. The key details are as follows:
-
Exam Name: Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 1 2026
-
Conducting Body: Indian Air Force
-
Posts: Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
-
Total Vacancies: 340
-
Application Mode: Online
-
Registration Dates: November 17 to December 14, 2025
-
Exam Date: January 31, 2026
-
Selection Process: Written Test, AFSB Interview, Medical Examination
-
Course Commencement: January 2027
-
Official Website: afcat.cdac.in
AFCAT 1 2026 Notification PDF
The detailed AFCAT 1 2026 PDF is available on the official website. The notification includes post-wise eligibility, age limits, branch-wise vacancies and detailed syllabus. Candidates should read the notification before applying to ensure they meet all requirements.
AFCAT 1 2026 Important Dates
-
Short Notification: November 3, 2025
-
Detailed Notification: November 9, 2025
-
Application Form Begins: November 17, 2025
-
Last Date to Apply: December 14, 2025
-
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Date: January 31, 2026
-
Result: March 2026 (tentative)
-
Course Commencement: January 2027
AFCAT 1 2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has announced 340 vacancies for Flying Branch and Ground Duty posts. The Flying Branch includes 34 vacancies for men and 4 for women. A detailed vacancy breakup is available in the official notice.
AFCAT 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the nationality, age and educational requirements to apply.
Nationality and Marital Status
-
Must be an Indian citizen.
-
Must be unmarried at the time of the course commencement.
Age Limit (as on January 1, 2027)
Flying Branch:
-
20 to 24 years
-
Born between January 2, 2003 and January 1, 2007
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical):
-
20 to 26 years
-
Born between January 2, 2001 and January 1, 2007
Educational Qualifications
Flying Branch
-
10+2 with 50% marks each in Physics and Maths
-
Graduation with 60% marks OR BE/BTech with 60%
Ground Duty (Technical)
-
10+2 with Physics and Maths (50% each)
-
Four-year degree in Engineering or Technology with 60%
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
-
Admin & Logistics: Graduation with 60%
-
Accounts: B.Com with 60%
-
Education: PG with 50% and Graduation with 60%
-
Meteorology: 10+2 and BSc with Physics and Maths (60%) or a four-year Engineering degree with 60%
How to Apply for AFCAT 1 2026
Candidates can apply online from November 17, 2025, by following these steps:
-
Visit afcat.cdac.in
-
Click on the “Candidate Login” tab
-
Select “AFCAT 1/2026” and register as a new user
-
Fill in the required basic details
-
Log in with your registration credentials
-
Complete the application form
-
Upload the required documents in the correct format
-
Pay the application fee
-
Submit the form and download a copy for future use
Application Fee
-
AFCAT Entry Fee: Rs. 550 plus GST
-
Payment Mode: Debit card, credit card or net banking
-
NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt from the fee
AFCAT 1 2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of three stages:
-
Online Written Exam (AFCAT & EKT)
Candidates applying for the Technical branch must also appear for the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). -
AFSB Interview
Candidates who clear the written exam will be called for the Air Force Selection Board Interview at designated centres. -
Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by AFSB will undergo a detailed medical examination.
The final merit list will be prepared based on performance in the written exam and AFSB interview, subject to medical fitness.
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Pattern
AFCAT Exam
-
Questions: 100
-
Marks: 300
-
Duration: 2 hours
EKT (for Technical Branch)
-
Questions: 50
-
Marks: 150
-
Duration: 45 minutes
Candidates will receive 3 marks for each correct answer and 1 mark will be deducted for each incorrect answer.
