The Indian Air Force (IAF) has published the detailed notification for AFCAT 1 Recruitment 2026-27, inviting applications for Commissioned Officer positions in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. A total of 284 vacancies have been announced under this recruitment drive.
The online application process begins on 12 November 2026 and will remain open until 11 December 2026. Eligible candidates can apply through the official AFCAT website, afcat.edcil.co.in.
Aspirants interested in joining the Indian Air Force through AFCAT 1 2026 should read the complete article to understand the eligibility conditions, vacancy details, selection process and other important requirements.
AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 Out
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued the AFCAT 01/2027 Notification for the selection of Commissioned Officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a highly sought-after defence examination among candidates aspiring to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Air Force.
Interested applicants can check the complete recruitment details and download the official notification PDF through the link provided below.
AFCAT 1 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Branches | Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Vacancy | 284 |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Start Date | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026 |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in/ |
AFCAT 1 Exam 2026: Important Dates
| Events | Dates |
| AFCAT 1 2027 Notification | 2 November 2026 |
| Commencement of Application Form | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 11 December 2026 |
| AFCAT Admit Card 2027 |
To Be Announced
|
| AFCAT Exam Date 2027 |
31 January 2027 (Sunday)
|
| Course Commences From |
To Be Announced
|
AFCAT 1 Vacancy 2026
The Indian Air Force has announced a total of 284 vacancies under AFCAT 1 Recruitment 2026-27 for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Aspirants can check the branch-wise and category-wise vacancy distribution in the table below to understand the available opportunities before applying.
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
| AFCAT | Flying | 223/28F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 28 | 8 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) | 222/28T/PC/112AEC/M&W; 222/28T/SSC/112AEC/M&W | 5 | 2 | 54 | 27 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(M) | AE(M) | 8 | 2 | 18 | 8 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Weapon Systems | 222/28G/PC/M&W; 222/28G/SSC/M&W | — | — | 25 | 5 |
| AFCAT | Administration | 222/28G/PC/M&W; 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 1 | 1 | 34 | 17 |
| AFCAT | Logistics (Lgs) | 222/28G/PC/M&W; 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| AFCAT | Accounts (Accts) | 222/28G/PC/M&W; 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| AFCAT | Education (Edn) | 222/28G/PC/M&W; 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| AFCAT | Meteorology (Met) | 222/28G/PC/M&W; 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 1 | 1 | — | — |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 223/28F/PC/M; 223/28F/SSC/M&W | 10% of CDSE vacancies | — | 10% of AFCAT vacancies |
10% of AFCAT vacancies
|
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) | 222/28T/PC/112AEC/M&W; 222/28T/SSC/112AEC/M&W | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(M) | 222/28T/PC/112AEC/M&W; 222/28T/SSC/112AEC/M&W | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 |
| Total | All applicable branches | — | 20 | 11 | 177 | 76 |
AFCAT 1 2026 Apply Online 2026
The online registration link for AFCAT 1 2026-27 has been activated on 12 November 2026. Eligible candidates can complete the registration process and submit their application forms through the official AFCAT website.
The application window will remain open until 11 December 2026. Candidates can use the direct application link provided below to access the registration portal.
Apply Online For AFCAT 1 Recruitment 2026 Link – Active
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| All Candidates |
Rs. 550/- + GST (Non-refundable)
|
How to Apply for AFCAT 1 2026?
The application for AFCAT 01/2027 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:
- Visit the official website – https://afcat.edcil.co.in/
- Click on the “AFCAT 1 2027 Apply Online” link.
- Register with your email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the required personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and relevant certificates.
- Pay the required application fee (expected ₹550 including GST).
- Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
AFCAT 1 Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates applying for AFCAT 1 2027 must fulfil the prescribed age limit and educational qualification requirements for their preferred branch, including Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branches. The eligibility conditions are explained below.
Age Limit
| Post/Branch | Age Limit | Date of Birth |
| Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry) | 20–24 Years |
02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007
|
| Flying Branch (NCC Special Entry) | 20–24 Years |
02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007
|
| Flying Branch (CPL Holders) | 20–26 Years |
02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007
|
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 20–26 Years |
02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007
|
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 20–26 Years |
02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007
|
Post-Wise Education Qualification
| Post/Branch |
Educational Qualification
|
| Flying Branch |
Minimum 50% marks separately in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, along with any one of the following:
|
| Graduation |
Minimum three-year degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 60% marks.
|
| BE/BTech |
Four-year engineering degree with a minimum of 60% marks from a recognised university.
|
| Professional Qualification |
Passed Sections A and B examinations of the Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with at least 60% marks.
|
| Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) |
Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, along with a degree in Engineering or Technology at graduation/post-graduation level from a recognised university.
|
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
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 35 | 105 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
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 Salary (Post-wise)
| Post Name | Salary (Rs.) |
| Flying Officer | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Flight Lieutenant | Rs. 61,300-1,93,900 |
| Squadron Leader | Rs. 69,400 – 2,07,200 |
| Wing Commander | Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12400 |
| Group Captain | Rs. 1,30,600-2, 15,900 |
| Air Commodore | Rs. 1,39,600-2,17,600 |
| Air Vice Marshal | Rs. 1,44,200-2,18,200 |
| Air Marshal HAG Scale | Rs. 1, 82, 200-2,24,100 |
| HAG+Scale | Rs. 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
| VACS/Airforce Cdr/ Air Marshal (NFSG) | Rs. 2,25,000/-(fixed) |
| CAS | Rs. 2,50,000/-(fixed) |
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