AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 Out, Check Application Date and Eligibility

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 for the recruitment of officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is one of the most sought-after exams for candidates aspiring to serve in the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. The short notice for AFCAT 01/2026 has been released, and the detailed notification will soon be available on the official website @afcat.cdac.in.

AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 Out

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT 1 2026 Notification for recruitment to the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is one of the most popular competitive exams among defence aspirants who dream of serving the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force.

The AFCAT exam is conducted twice a year by the IAF. Through this exam, both male and female candidates can apply for permanent and short service commissions. If you are aiming to join the Air Force, AFCAT 1 2026 is an excellent opportunity to begin your preparation early.

AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 Overview

The overview section provides a summary of key details such as the conducting body, branches, course start date, and online application schedule for AFCAT 01/2026.

AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 PDF

The official AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 PDF has been released by the Indian Air Force, announcing the recruitment of officers in Flying and Ground Duty branches. This PDF contains detailed information about eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, selection process, and exam pattern. Candidates are advised to carefully read the notification before applying to ensure they meet all the requirements for AFCAT 01/2026.

Click Here to Download AFCAT 1 2026 Notification 2025

AFCAT 1 2026 Apply Online 2025

The AFCAT 1 2026 online application process will begin on 10 November 2025 (11:00 AM) and continue till 9 December 2025 (11:30 PM). Eligible men and women can apply online through the official portal — https://afcat.cdac.in. Applicants must fill out accurate details, upload required documents, and pay the prescribed fee to complete the form successfully. It is recommended to apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute server issues.

AFCAT 1 2026 Important Dates

The short notice of AFCAT 01/2026 mentions that the application process will begin shortly on the official portal. The detailed schedule, including the exam date, admit card release, and training timeline, will be updated once the official notification is released.

• Application Start Date: 10 November 2025 (11:00 AM)
• Application Last Date: 9 December 2025 (11:30 PM)
• Exam Name: AFCAT 1 2026 / NCC Special Entry
• Course Commencement: January 2027

AFCAT 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for AFCAT 1 2026 must fulfill the eligibility criteria defined by the Indian Air Force. The eligibility varies depending on the branch — Flying or Ground Duty.

1. Nationality:

• The candidate must be a citizen of India.

2. Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027):

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007)

• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years (born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007)

3. Educational Qualification:

• Flying Branch: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and hold a Graduation Degree (minimum 60% marks) or equivalent.

• Ground Duty (Technical): Must have a degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized university.

• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.

AFCAT 1 2026 Application Process

The application for AFCAT 01/2026 will be accepted only through online mode on the official website of the Indian Air Force. Candidates should follow these steps once the link is activated:

1. Visit the official website – https://afcat.cdac.in

2. Click on the “AFCAT 1 2026 Apply Online” link.

3. Register with your email ID and mobile number.

4. Fill in the required personal, academic, and communication details.

5. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and relevant certificates.

6. Pay the required application fee (expected ₹550 including GST).

7. Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.

AFCAT 1 2026 Selection Process

The selection procedure for AFCAT 1 2026 consists of multiple stages to assess the candidates’ aptitude, intelligence, and personality traits.

1. Online Written Examination (AFCAT)

2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview

3. Medical Examination

Candidates who qualify in all stages will be selected for training at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad.

AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Pattern

The AFCAT written exam is conducted online and consists of 100 multiple-choice questions carrying a total of 300 marks. The duration of the exam is 2 hours.

Each correct answer is awarded +3 marks, while 1 mark is deducted for every wrong response.

Section-wise Distribution

Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)

Candidates applying for Technical Branch must appear for the EKT, which tests basic engineering knowledge.

• Duration: 45 minutes
• Number of Questions: 50
• Maximum Marks: 150

The EKT is conducted immediately after the AFCAT exam on the same day.

AFCAT 1 2026 Salary Structure

Candidates selected through AFCAT are commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.

• Rank: Flying Officer
• Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month (Level 10 of 7th CPC)
• Additional Benefits: MSP, Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, and other admissible perks as per IAF rules.

The AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 opens a prestigious opportunity for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force as officers. With the short notice now released, interested candidates should start preparing their documents and check the eligibility details carefully. The complete notification with the application link will soon be available on the official website — afcat.cdac.in.