The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026 for courses commencing in January 2027. This recruitment drive invites applications from Indian citizens (Men and Women) for Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer posts in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
Here are the complete details regarding the vacancies, key dates, eligibility, and the application process.
🗓️ AFCAT 01/2026: Important Dates
The application window is opening shortly. Candidates must note the following schedule:
| Event | Date |
| Official Notification Release Date | November 9, 2025 |
| Online Application Start Date | November 17, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 14, 2025 (Up to 11:30 P.M.) |
| AFCAT 01/2026 Exam Date | January 31, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
💸 Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee |
| AFCAT Entry (All Candidates) | ₹550/- + GST (Non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry/Meteorology Entry | ₹0/- (Exempted) |
✈️ AFCAT 01/2026: Vacancy Details (340 Posts)
A total of 340 vacancies have been announced across three main branches for the Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC).
| Branch | Entry Type | Commission | Men (Total) | Women (Total) | Total Vacancies |
| Flying Branch | AFCAT | SSC | 34 | 04 | 38 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | AFCAT | PC/SSC | 140 | 38 | 178 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | AFCAT | SSC | 90 | 23 | 113 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | PC/SSC | 10% seats of CDSE/AFCAT | 10% seats of AFCAT | Included in Flying Branch |
| Grand Total | 340 (Approx) |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility is determined based on Nationality, Age Limit, Educational Qualification, and Physical Standards.
1. Age Limit (As on 01 January 2027)
| Branch | Age Limit | Born Between (Both dates inclusive) |
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years | 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007 |
| Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech) | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007 |
Note: Upper age limit for Flying Branch is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA (India).
2. Educational Qualification
The minimum requirement is Graduation, but the specifics vary by branch:
| Branch | Educational Requirement |
| Flying Branch | Mandatory: Passed 10+2 with minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics. AND |
| Graduation (min 3 years) in any discipline with 60% marks OR B.E./B.Tech (4-year course) with 60% marks. | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Mandatory: Passed 10+2 with minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics. AND |
| Degree/Integrated Post-Graduation in Engineering/Technology in the relevant discipline with a minimum of 60% marks. | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Graduation (min 3 years) in any discipline with 60% marks OR Post-Graduation with 50% marks (depending on the specific non-technical sub-branch like Administration, Accounts, Logistics, etc.). |
💻 How to Apply Online
All applications must be submitted through the official AFCAT CDAC portal.
- Visit the Official Website: Go to the official IAF AFCAT portal:
https://afcat.edcil.co.in. - New User Registration: Click on “Candidate Login” and then “New User Register.” Complete the initial registration with your name, email ID, and mobile number. A login ID and password will be sent to your email.
- Log In and Fill Application: Log in using the credentials and fill in the detailed application form, selecting the preferred branch(es) (Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical).
- Upload Documents: Upload your scanned Photograph and Signature as per the specified dimensions and formats.
- Pay Examination Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway to pay the ₹550/- application fee (exempted for NCC/Meteorology entries).
- Final Submission: Review the entire form thoroughly, check the declaration, and click on “Submit.”
- Print Confirmation Page: Download and print the final submitted application form/Confirmation Page for future reference.
