AFCAT 1 2026 Notification Released: 340 Vacancies, Exam Date & Online Application
The AFCAT 1 2026 Notification is officially out, announcing 340 vacancies across Flying and Ground Duty branches. The application window is open from 17 Nov to 19 Dec 2025. Review this guide for full details on eligibility, selection criteria, and exam requirements before submitting your application.
The Indian Air Force has published the comprehensive AFCAT 1 2026 notification for the recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) sectors. Aspiring candidates can access the full notification on the official portal at afcat.edcil.co.in to review essential recruitment guidelines.
This notification outlines the complete eligibility criteria, branch-wise vacancies, selection stages, exam syllabus, and training schedules. Prospective candidates planning to sit for the AFCAT 1 2026 exam should carefully examine the details below to ensure they meet all necessary standards.
AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 Out
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT 1 2026 Notification, offering 340 job openings for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) roles. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) remains a premier competitive exam for candidates aspiring to serve as commissioned officers in the prestigious Indian Air Force.
Check: AFCAT 1 Exam Updates 2026
AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 Overview
The following overview summarizes critical data points, including the recruitment board, specific branches, course commencement dates, and the formal application schedule for the AFCAT 01/2026 cycle.
| 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 | 340 |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Application Start Date | 17 November 2025 (11:00 AM) (Active) |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 December 2025 (11:30 PM) (Revised) |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in/ |
AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 PDF
The AFCAT 1 2026 Notification PDF serves as the official handbook for the Flying and Ground Duty recruitment process. All applicants are strongly advised to thoroughly read the document to confirm they meet the required criteria for AFCAT 01/2026. Access the official notification via the direct link provided below.
Click Here to Download: AFCAT 1 2026 Official Notification PDF
AFCAT 1 2026 Apply Online 2025
The online application process for AFCAT 1 2026 is officially live. Applicants are encouraged to complete their registration early to avoid technical bottlenecks. The final deadline for submission is 19 December 2025 (23:30 hrs). Please ensure all details are verified before the cutoff date as no late submissions will be entertained.
Click Here to Apply Online for AFCAT 1 2026
AFCAT 1 Vacancy 2026
The AFCAT 1 2026 notification highlights vacancies across Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches, creating pathways for both men and women to join the IAF. Openings are available for Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) through both AFCAT and NCC Special Entry routes.
| Entry Type | Branch | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | — | — | 34 | 4 |
| Ground Duty Technical (AE-L) | 3 | 3 | 100 | 23 | |
| Ground Duty Technical (AE-M) | 9 | 9 | 38 | 9 | |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | — | — | WS: 21 Admin: 18 Lgs: 9 Accts: 8 Edn: 2 Met: 1 |
WS: 5 Admin: 12 Lgs: 2 Accts: 2 Edn: 2 |
|
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% of CDSE vacancies (PC) | — | 10% of AFCAT vacancies (SSC) | — |
AFCAT 1 2026 Important Dates
The application portal for AFCAT 01/2026 is fully operational. Please note that the last date to submit the application has been extended to 19 December 2025 (23:30). Candidates should leverage this extension to review the exam schedule, admit card release timelines, and selection procedures defined in the notification to ensure a smooth application experience.
- Application Start Date: 17 November 2025 (11:00 AM)
- Application Last Date: 19 December 2025 (11:30 PM)
- Exam Date: 31 January 26 (Saturday).
- Exam Name: AFCAT 1 2026 / NCC Special Entry
- Course Commencement: January 2027
AFCAT 1 2026 Application Process
Applications for AFCAT 01/2026 are accepted exclusively through the Indian Air Force's official recruitment portal. Follow these steps to register successfully:
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Visit the official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in/
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Locate and click the "AFCAT 1 2026 Apply Online" button.
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Complete the registration using a valid email ID and active mobile number.
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Enter all personal, educational, and communication details accurately.
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Upload digital copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and necessary certificates.
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Pay the non-refundable application fee (expected to be ₹550 including GST).
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Finalize the submission and save a hard copy of the application form for your records.
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Pattern
The AFCAT online exam features 100 multiple-choice questions with a maximum score of 300 marks. The total duration is 2 hours. Each correct answer earns +3 marks, while an incorrect attempt results in a deduction of 1 mark.
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 the Technical Branch are required to attempt the EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) to assess their core technical proficiency.
- Duration: 45 minutes
- Number of Questions: 50
- Maximum Marks: 150
The EKT is scheduled to be held immediately following the primary AFCAT exam on the same day.
FAQs
The online application window for AFCAT 1 2026 commenced on 17 November 2025 and remains open until 19 December 2025 (11:30 PM). Candidates should visit the official website to complete their registration.
A total of 340 vacancies have been officially announced across the Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches.
Eligibility criteria include an age bracket of 20–24 years (born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007), 10+2 level qualifications in Physics and Mathematics, and a graduation degree with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks.