The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026, inviting applications from Indian citizens (both men and women) to join as Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical), and through NCC Special Entry. This recruitment drive is for courses commencing in January 2027 at the Air Force Academy.
Successful candidates will be granted Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches, with opportunities for Permanent Commission (PC) in certain Ground Duty roles.
Key Highlights
- Total Vacancies: 340
- Exam Date: 31 January 2026 (Saturday)
- Application Portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in (official AFCAT portal managed by EDCIL)
Important Dates
- Online Application Start: 17 November 2025 (11:00 hrs)
- Original Last Date: 14 December 2025 (23:30 hrs)
- Extended Last Date: 19 December 2025 (23:30 hrs) – The IAF has extended the deadline to allow more aspirants to apply.
- AFCAT Online Exam: 31 January 2026
Candidates are advised to apply early to avoid last-minute issues. The application process is entirely online, and no offline modes are accepted.
Branches and Vacancies
The 340 vacancies are distributed across the following branches (as per the official notification):
- Flying Branch: Approximately 38 posts (SSC for men and women)
- Ground Duty (Technical): Approximately 188 posts
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Approximately 114 posts
Additionally, NCC Air Wing ‘C’ certificate holders can apply through the NCC Special Entry for the Flying Branch (10% of vacancies reserved).
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be Indian citizens and unmarried at the time of course commencement.
Age Limits (as on 01 January 2027)
- Flying Branch (AFCAT and NCC Special Entry): 20 to 24 years (born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007, both dates inclusive).
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years (born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007, both dates inclusive).
Age relaxation applies as per government rules for certain categories.
Educational Qualifications
- Flying Branch: Graduation (minimum 60% marks) with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or BE/B.Tech.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Engineering degree in specified disciplines (e.g., Aeronautical Engineering – Electronics or Mechanical) with minimum 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks.
Detailed branch-wise qualifications are available in the official notification PDF.
Application Process
- Visit the official portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
- Register and fill the online application form with accurate details.
- Upload required documents (photograph, signature, educational certificates).
- Pay the examination fee (if applicable).
- Application Fee: Rs. 550 + GST (non-refundable) for AFCAT Entry. No fee for NCC Special Entry.
- Payment is online only.
Always refer to the official notification for document specifications and guidelines.
Examination Details
The AFCAT is an online exam consisting of 100 questions (maximum 300 marks), with a duration of 2 hours.
Exam Pattern
- Subjects: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude.
- Marking Scheme: +3 marks for each correct answer; -1 mark for each wrong answer (negative marking).
- Candidates applying for Ground Duty (Technical) must also appear for the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) (50 questions, 150 marks, 45 minutes).
Syllabus Overview
- General Awareness: History, Geography, Civics, Polity, Current Affairs, Environment, Basic Science, Defence, Art, Culture, Sports.
- Verbal Ability: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms/Phrases.
- Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Time & Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Simple Interest.
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Orientation.
The syllabus is designed to test a candidate’s overall aptitude for officer-like qualities.
Selection Process
- AFCAT Online Exam (and EKT for Technical branches).
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing: Includes Stage I (Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Picture Perception & Discussion) and Stage II (Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, Interview).
- Document Verification.
- Medical Examination.
NCC Special Entry candidates may be directly called for AFSB if they hold a valid ‘C’ certificate.
Final merit list is based on performance in AFCAT/AFSB and medical fitness.
Why Join the Indian Air Force?
Serving as a Commissioned Officer in the IAF offers an adventurous career with opportunities in aviation, technology, administration, and leadership. Selected candidates undergo rigorous training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, and are commissioned as Flying Officers.
Final Advice for Aspirants
With the application window extended till 19 December 2025, this is the perfect time to complete your registration. Download the official notification PDF from https://afcat.edcil.co.in for the most accurate and detailed information. Start your preparation early, focusing on the syllabus and practicing mock tests.
If you meet the criteria, don’t miss this opportunity to serve the nation. Best of luck – aim high and fly higher!