The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 01/2026 Notification, opening doors for aspiring candidates to join as Commissioned Officers in the prestigious Flying and Ground Duty branches. If you’re dreaming of soaring high in the skies or contributing to national defense on the ground, this is your chance! With 340 vacancies announced for courses commencing in January 2027, the AFCAT 1 2026 exam is a golden opportunity for graduates and engineering enthusiasts alike.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the AFCAT 01/2026 Notification—from eligibility criteria and important dates to the application process, exam pattern, and preparation tips. Whether you’re a first-time applicant or gearing up for another shot, read on to stay ahead in the race to become an IAF officer.
What is AFCAT and Why Should You Apply for 01/2026?
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the gateway to a rewarding career in the Indian Air Force. Conducted twice a year, it recruits men and women for Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) roles in:
- Flying Branch: For pilots in transport, fighter, and helicopter streams.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Roles in aeronautical engineering, electronics, and mechanical fields.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Positions in administration, logistics, accounts, education, and meteorology.
The AFCAT 01/2026 Notification emphasizes inclusivity, with vacancies open to both genders. Serving in the IAF isn’t just a job—it’s a life of discipline, adventure, and patriotism. With competitive salaries, perks like housing and medical benefits, and opportunities for growth, it’s no wonder thousands apply every cycle.
Key Highlight: A total of 340 vacancies have been announced, including 38 in Flying Branch, 188 in Ground Duty (Technical), and 114 in Ground Duty (Non-Technical).
Important Dates for AFCAT 01/2026: Mark Your Calendar
Timing is everything in competitive exams. Here’s a quick overview of the AFCAT 1 2026 schedule based on the official notification:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | November 9, 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | November 17, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 14, 2025 |
| AFCAT Written Exam | January 31, 2026 (Tentative) |
| Admit Card Release | January 2026 (Expected) |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
Note: Some sources mention applications starting from November 10, but the official IAF update confirms November 17. Always verify on the portal. Download the AFCAT 01/2026 Notification PDF from afcat.cdac.in for the latest updates.
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 01/2026: Are You Qualified?
Before hitting “Apply,” ensure you meet the AFCAT eligibility requirements. The IAF maintains strict standards to select the best talent.
Age Limit
- Flying Branch: 20-24 years as of January 1, 2027 (born between January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2007).
- Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical): 20-26 years as of January 1, 2027 (born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007).
- Upper age relaxation for specific categories (e.g., up to 26 for Flying if pursuing flying training).
Educational Qualifications
- Flying Branch: Graduation with at least 60% marks in any discipline OR BE/B.Tech with 60%. Must clear Section D of CPSS or PABT.
- Ground Duty (Technical): BE/B.Tech in specified engineering streams (e.g., Aeronautical, Electronics) with 60% aggregate.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation with 60% for Administration/Logistics; MBA/MCA with 50% for specific roles; MA/MSc with 50% for Education.
Physical and Medical Standards
Candidates must be unmarried, meet height/weight criteria (e.g., 162.5 cm for Flying), and pass a medical exam. Vision standards are rigorous—perfect eyesight for pilots.
Marital status: Unmarried for all entries. Final-year students can apply provisionally.
How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2026: Step-by-Step Guide
Applying for the AFCAT exam is straightforward via the online portal. Follow these steps to submit your AFCAT 1 2026 application form:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to afcat.cdac.in.
- Register Online: Click on “AFCAT 01/2026 Registration” and enter your email, mobile number, and basic details.
- Fill the Form: Provide personal, educational, and address information accurately.
- Upload Documents: Scan and upload your photo (80-100 KB, JPG) and signature (10-20 KB, JPG).
- Pay the Fee: ₹550 (plus GST) for all categories except exempted ones (e.g., SC/ST). Pay via card/net banking.
- Submit and Print: Review, submit, and take a printout of the application.
Pro Tip: Use a strong password and keep login credentials safe. Applications open at 11:00 AM on November 17 and close at 5:00 PM on December 14. No offline mode is available.
AFCAT 01/2026 Exam Pattern and Syllabus: What to Expect
The AFCAT written exam is a computer-based test (CBT) designed to test your aptitude and knowledge.
Exam Pattern
- Duration: 2 hours for AFCAT; additional 45 minutes for EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) for Technical branches.
- Questions: 100 MCQs for AFCAT (300 marks); 50 MCQs for EKT (150 marks).
- Marking: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong.
- Sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, Military Aptitude.
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | 100 | 300 |
| EKT (Technical) | 50 | 150 |
Syllabus Overview
- General Awareness: History, Geography, Civics, Environment, Basic Science, Defense, Art, Culture, Current Affairs.
- Verbal Ability: Comprehension, Error Detection, Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms.
- Numerical Ability: Decimal Fractions, Time & Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage.
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Ability.
- EKT: Mechanical, Computer Science, Electrical/Electronics (branch-specific).
Post-written exam: AFSB Interview (3-5 days) including psychological tests, group tasks, and medicals.
Vacancy Details for AFCAT 01/2026: Branch-Wise Breakdown
The AFCAT vacancies 2026 are distributed as follows:
- Flying Branch: 38 (PC/SSC for men & women).
- Ground Duty (Technical): 188 (Aeronautical Engg – Electronics/Mechanical; men & women).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 114 (Admin, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology; men & women).
These numbers are tentative and subject to change. Check the official PDF for reservations (SC/ST/OBC/EWS).
Preparation Tips to Crack AFCAT 01/2026 on Your First Attempt
With the exam just weeks away, strategic prep is key. Here’s how to ace the AFCAT 1 2026 syllabus:
- Understand the Pattern: Solve previous years’ papers to get the feel.
- Daily Study Plan: Dedicate 2 hours each to GK/English/Math/Reasoning. Use apps like Testbook or Adda247 for mocks.
- Current Affairs: Read newspapers (The Hindu) and follow IAF updates.
- Physical Fitness: Start jogging and yoga for AFSB.
- Books to Grab:
- AFCAT by Arihant.
- Quantitative Aptitude by R.S. Aggarwal.
- Manorama Yearbook for GK.
- Join Coaching? Online platforms like Doon Defence Dreamers offer tailored courses.
Aim for 200+ in AFCAT for a strong cutoff chance.
Conclusion: Your Journey to the Indian Air Force Starts Now
The AFCAT 01/2026 Notification is a call to action for every patriot ready to serve. With applications kicking off on November 17, don’t delay—gather your documents, revise the eligibility, and apply today. Remember, joining the IAF is about more than a uniform; it’s about defending the skies and inspiring the nation.
Download Official Notification
To apply visit – https://afcat.edcil.co.in/
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