Indian Air Force AFCAT: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially announced AFCAT Recruitment 2026 for 340 vacancies in the Flying and Ground Duty branches. This is your chance to join India’s elite defence force as a Group A Gazetted Officer. Online registration is now open from November 17 to December 14, 2025 at afcat.edcil.co.in.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 2026: Quick Overview
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is conducted by IAF to select officers for Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) positions.
| Recruitment Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 1/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 340 Posts |
| Application Window | 17th Nov to 14th Dec 2025 |
| Written Exam Date | 31st January 2026 |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Application Fee | ₹250/- (Non-Refundable) |
AFCAT Vacancy 2026: Branch-Wise Distribution
Here’s the breakdown of 340 vacancies:
| Branch | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying | 34 | — | — | — | 38 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 100+ | — | 50+ | — | 188 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 60+ | — | 50+ | — | 114 |
| Total | 340 |
Note: PC = Permanent Commission, SSC = Short Service Commission.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | 17th November 2025 (11:00 AM) |
| Registration Closes | 14th December 2025 (11:30 PM) |
| Written Exam Date | 31st January 2026 |
| Results | To be announced |
| AFSB Interview | February-March 2026 |
| Medical Exam | After AFSB clearance |
| Course Starts | January 2027 |
Hurry: Registration window closes on 14th December 2025.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
Educational Qualification
| Branch | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying | 10+2 with 50% in Physics & Maths + Any Graduation (60% marks minimum) |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 10+2 with Physics & Maths + 4-Year B.Tech/Engineering (60% marks) |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 10+2 + Any Graduation (60% marks minimum) |
Age Limit (as of 1st July 2026)
| Branch | Age Range |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2002 – 1 Jan 2006) |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years (Born between 2 Jan 2000 – 1 Jan 2006) |
| NCC Special Entry | 20 to 24 years |
Additional Requirements:
- Must be unmarried (if below 25 years)
- Indian citizen (Nepal/Bhutan citizens also eligible)
- Must meet physical fitness standards
Salary Structure: Attractive Package
AFCAT officers receive excellent salaries and benefits:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer (Commissioned) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Pay Matrix Level 10) |
| Additional Benefits | DA, HRA, Medical, Pension |
| Career Growth | Promotion prospects and overseas postings |
Selection Process: 3-Stage Process
Stage 1: Written Examination
- 100 MCQs + 50 EKT questions (for technical branches)
- 120 minutes duration
- English language only
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB)
- Intelligence rating test
- Picture perception & discussion test
- Group task exercises & interview
Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Conducted by Air Force Medical Centers
- Final merit list prepared based on overall performance
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 2026
Follow these 7 simple steps:
- Visit afcat.edcil.co.in
- Click “AFCAT 1 2026” registration link
- Complete registration and create login ID
- Fill application form with all details
- Upload photograph and signature
- Pay ₹250/- fee online
- Download and save confirmation page
Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
| Download Notification | Download Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q 1: What is the AFCAT exam pattern?
A: AFCAT consists of 100 MCQs (General Aptitude + Reasoning) in 120 minutes. Technical branches have an additional 50 EKT questions. There is negative marking of 1/3 mark for wrong answers.
Q 2: Can female candidates apply for AFCAT?
A: Yes, both men and women are eligible for AFCAT recruitment 2026. Women can apply for all branches including Flying, and IAF offers SSC and PC options.
Q 3: What is the application fee for AFCAT 2026?
A: The application fee is ₹250 (non-refundable) payable online through Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.
online for Indian Air Force AFCAT 2026 before December 14, 2025 at afcat.edcil.co.in. Join India’s elite defence force as a Commissioned Officer and build an outstanding military career. Start your application today!
Disclaimer: All information is based on official IAF notification. Verify details on afcat.edcil.co.in before applying.