The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially unveiled the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 01/2026 notification, marking a prestigious opportunity for aspiring youth to embark on a career as commissioned officers. This recruitment drive aims to fill 340 vacancies for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. The online application window is set to open on 17th November 2025 and will conclude on 14th December 2025.
This campaign is a gateway for both men and women to join the IAF, offering a chance to serve the nation with honour and pride. The selection process is comprehensive, designed to choose candidates with the right blend of intellect, physical fitness, and officer-like qualities.
AFCAT 01/2026: Key Highlights at a Glance
For a quick overview of the recruitment drive, refer to the table below:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Name | AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 340 (Approx) |
| Post Name | Flying Officer |
| Application Dates | 17th November – 14th December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 31st January 2026 (Tentative) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Branch-Wise Age Limit & Educational Qualification
The eligibility criteria are branch-specific. The crucial date for age calculation is 01 January 2027.
| Branch | Age Limit | Essential Educational Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years | Graduation (Minimum 60%) from a recognized university with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. Or BE/B.Tech (Minimum 60%). |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 20 to 26 years | BE/B.Tech degree in relevant streams (Minimum 60%) Or Cleared Sections A and B of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 20 to 26 years | Post-Graduation (Minimum 50%) in relevant fields like Administration, Logistics, Accounts, etc., as per the branch requirement. |
Selection Process & Application Fee
The path to becoming an Air Force officer is multi-staged and rigorous.
Selection Stages:
- AFCAT Online Examination: The first screening test.
- SSB Interview: A 5-day intensive process testing intelligence and personality.
- Medical Examination: To ensure physical and medical fitness.
- Merit List: Final selection based on performance in all stages.
Application Fee:
- All Candidates: ₹ 550 (No fee exemption for any category).
- Payment Mode: Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking.
How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2026
Aspiring candidates are advised to follow these steps for a successful application:
- Review Notification: Thoroughly read the official notification on afcat.cdac.in to confirm eligibility.
- Access Portal: Click on the ‘AFCAT 01/2026 Apply Online’ link active from 17th November.
- Complete Registration: Fill in basic details to generate login credentials.
- Fill Application Form: Log in and carefully enter personal, communication, and educational details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and thumb impression as per specified dimensions and format.
- Fee Payment: Proceed to pay the application fee online.
- Final Submission: Review the entire form, submit it, and download/print the confirmation page for all future references.
This is a call to the nation’s brightest to step forward and secure a place in the Indian Air Force. With the written exam scheduled for the end of January 2026, candidates have a clear timeline to begin their preparations. Aim high!
If you have any questions or face issues during the application process, feel free to comment below.
Important Links
| Notification | Click Here |
| Application Form | Click Here |
| Notification Video | Click Here |
| How to Make A Resume | Click Here |
| Download App | Click Here |
| Website | Click Here |
| SC, ST, OBC, Certificate (Video) | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Contact Our Online Application Team | Click Here |
