AFCAT 01/2026 Notification: Complete Guide to Join the Indian Air Force as an Officer
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a prestigious gateway for Indian citizens aspiring to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) as commissioned officers. Conducted twice a year, AFCAT offers young men and women an opportunity to serve the nation in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry branches. The AFCAT 01/2026 notification has been released, inviting eligible candidates to apply for the upcoming selection process. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the AFCAT 01/2026 notification, including key dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, and preparation tips to help aspirants ace the exam and secure a prestigious career in the IAF.
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Notification Summary
The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 01/2026 notification for recruiting 340 officers across various branches: Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical, and NCC Special Entry. Online applications will be accepted from 17th November 2025 to 14th December 2025, with the AFCAT exam scheduled for 31st January 2026. This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity to join the Indian Air Force as Short Service Commission (SSC) officers for courses commencing in January 2027.
Download Official Notification PDF
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 09 November 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | 17 November 2025 |
| Online Application End Date | 14 December 2025 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| AFSB Interview Dates | To be announced |
| Training Start Date | December 2026 / January 2027 |
Vacancy Details (Branch-wise)
| Branch | Vacancies | Type of Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 100 approx | SSC Men & Women (Permanent Commission for Flying) |
| Ground Duty Technical | 110 | SSC Men & Women |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 100 | SSC Men & Women |
| NCC Special Entry Flying | 10 | SSC for NCC Air Wing Cadets |
Note: Vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on organizational requirements.
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Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2027 (Relaxation up to 26 years for commercial pilot license holders)
- Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2027
Educational Qualifications
- Flying Branch: Graduation with minimum 60% marks or equivalent CGPA. Candidates with a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA India are also eligible.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Engineering degree in relevant disciplines (e.g., Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science) with at least 60% marks.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation with minimum 60% marks in relevant disciplines like Management, Law, Accounts, etc.
- NCC Special Entry: NCC ‘C’ certificate holders with graduation degree.
Physical Standards
Candidates must meet prescribed physical and medical standards, be unmarried at the time of joining, and follow guidelines on tattoos, narcotics, and fitness outlined in the official notification.
Selection Process
- AFCAT Written Examination: Online Computer-Based Test covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude.
- AFSB Interview: Candidates who qualify in AFCAT are called for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
- Medical Examination: Candidates clearing AFSB must pass medical tests as per Indian Air Force standards.
Exam Pattern & Syllabus
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 25 | |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 25 | |
| Numerical Ability | 25 | 25 | 2 hours (120 min) |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
Syllabus Highlights
- General Awareness: History, Geography, Politics, Economics, Science, Current Affairs
- Verbal Ability: Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms
- Numerical Ability: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, Data Interpretation
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, spatial ability, military knowledge basics.
How to Apply Online
- Visit the official AFCAT website: https://afcat.cdac.in
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill out the online application form with accurate personal, educational, and contact details.
- Upload scanned passport-size photograph and signature as per specifications.
- Pay the application fee online (except NCC Special Entry candidates).
- Submit the application and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Application Fee
- General/OBC candidates: Rs. 550 + GST (non-refundable)
- SC/ST/Ex-servicemen and NCC Special Entry candidates: Exempted from fee payment
Training & Salary Details
- Training Location: Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
- Training Duration:
- Flying and Ground Duty Technical Branches: 62 weeks
- Ground Duty Non-Technical Branches: 50 weeks
- Salary on Commissioning: Starting pay of Rs. 56,100/- per month as per 7th CPC matrix, along with allowances such as Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, etc.
- Additional Privileges: Furnished accommodation, medical cover, canteen facilities, leave, loan facilities, and adventure sports activities.
Preparation Tips for AFCAT 2026
- Understand the exam pattern and syllabus thoroughly.
- Practice mock tests regularly for time management and accuracy.
- Strengthen general knowledge and current affairs by reading newspapers and monthly magazines.
- Focus on verbal and numerical aptitude through dedicated study material and online resources.
- Work on physical fitness to prepare for the AFSB stage.
- Review past year AFCAT question papers for better insight.
FAQs
Q1: What is the minimum educational qualification for AFCAT 01/2026?
A1: Graduation with at least 60% marks for Flying and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches; Engineering degree for Ground Duty Technical branch.
Q2: Can female candidates apply for AFCAT 01/2026?
A2: Yes, female candidates are eligible to apply for Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Q3: Is there any age relaxation for candidates with a commercial pilot license?
A3: Yes, upper age limit is relaxed up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid DGCA-issued commercial pilot license.
Q4: How can I apply for NCC Special Entry through AFCAT?
A4: NCC ‘C’ certificate holders can apply under NCC Special Entry scheme; the application process is through a separate tab on the official AFCAT website.
Q5: What is the exam fee for AFCAT 01/2026?
A5: Rs. 550 + GST for General/OBC candidates; no fee for SC/ST/Ex-servicemen and NCC Special Entry candidates.
Q6: When will the training commence for selected candidates?
A6: Training will begin in the last week of December 2026 or the first week of January 2027 at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.
Conclusion
AFCAT 01/2026 is a golden opportunity for aspiring officers to join the prestigious Indian Air Force. With dedication, preparation, and determination, candidates can achieve their dream of serving the nation with pride. Embrace the challenge and take the first step towards a glorious career in the skies.
