Table of Contents
ToggleIndian Air Force AFCAT 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) stands as one of the most powerful and technologically advanced air forces in the world. For young aspirants who dream of flying fighter jets, managing advanced aircraft systems, or leading teams in administration and logistics, joining the Indian Air Force as an officer is a prestigious and life-changing opportunity.
To recruit officers for various branches, the Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). According to the latest update, the AFCAT 2026 examination for officer roles is scheduled to be held on 31 January 2026. This exam opens the gateway for both men and women to join the Air Force as commissioned officers under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC).
This detailed guide covers everything you need to know about AFCAT 2026, including notification details, important dates, eligibility criteria, branches, vacancies, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, salary, training, application process, and preparation strategy.
What is AFCAT?
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a national-level competitive examination conducted by the Indian Air Force to select candidates for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches.
Candidates who qualify AFCAT and subsequent selection stages are commissioned as Class-I Gazetted Officers in the Indian Air Force. AFCAT is conducted twice a year:
- AFCAT 1 (January cycle)
- AFCAT 2 (August cycle)
The AFCAT 2026 (AFCAT 1) exam is scheduled for 31 January 2026.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 2026 – Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Courses | Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission & Short Service Commission |
| Selection Stages | Written Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
AFCAT 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
Candidates should regularly check updates to avoid missing deadlines.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| AFCAT 2026 Notification Release | December 2025 |
| Online Application Start | December 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Mid-January 2026 |
| AFCAT 2026 Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Result Declaration | February 2026 |
| AFSB Interview | March–April 2026 |
| Final Merit List | May–June 2026 |
| Training Commencement | 2026 |
AFCAT 2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force announces vacancies branch-wise along with the official notification. Vacancies depend on operational requirements and may vary.
Expected Branch Availability
| Branch | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Yes | Yes |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Yes | Yes |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Yes | Yes |
Branches Offered Through AFCAT 2026
1. Flying Branch
The Flying Branch is the most popular choice among AFCAT aspirants. Officers in this branch are trained as:
- Fighter Pilots
- Transport Pilots
- Helicopter Pilots
Key Responsibilities
- Flying military aircraft
- Participating in combat missions
- Search and rescue operations
- Transporting troops and equipment
This branch demands excellent physical fitness, sharp reflexes, and strong mental ability.
2. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
This branch is suitable for engineering graduates who want to work with aircraft systems and advanced technology.
Sub-Branches
- Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)
- Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics)
Responsibilities
- Maintenance of aircraft and weapons
- Handling radar and avionics systems
- Ensuring technical efficiency and safety of aircraft
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
This branch focuses on management, administration, finance, education, and logistics.
Sub-Branches
- Administration
- Logistics
- Accounts
- Education
- Meteorology
Responsibilities
- Personnel management
- Supply chain and logistics
- Financial planning and auditing
- Training and education
- Weather forecasting for operations
AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
To apply for AFCAT 2026, candidates must meet nationality, age, and educational qualification requirements.
Nationality
- Candidate must be a citizen of India.
AFCAT 2026 Age Limit
Flying Branch
- Age: 20 to 24 years
- Born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2006
- Upper age limit up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
- Age: 20 to 26 years
- Born between 02 January 2000 and 01 January 2006
AFCAT 2026 Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
- Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks, and
- Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level with minimum 60% marks each
OR - BE/BTech degree with minimum 60% marks
Ground Duty (Technical)
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)
- BE/BTech in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Electrical, Automobile, or related fields with 60% marks
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics)
- BE/BTech in Electronics, Telecommunication, Electrical & Electronics, or related fields with 60% marks
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Administration & Logistics: Graduation with minimum 60% marks
- Accounts: B.Com with minimum 60% marks
- Education: Post-graduation with required percentage
- Meteorology: MSc in relevant subjects with minimum 60% marks
AFCAT 2026 Physical and Medical Standards
Candidates must meet IAF medical standards, including:
- Proportionate height and weight
- Good eyesight and hearing
- No permanent tattoos (except permitted areas)
- Overall physical fitness
AFCAT 2026 Exam Pattern
AFCAT Written Examination
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 75 |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 32 | 96 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative marking: –1 mark for each wrong answer
Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT)
- Applicable only for Technical Branch
- 50 questions, 150 marks
- Duration: 45 minutes
AFCAT 2026 Syllabus (Overview)
General Awareness
- History, Geography, Polity
- Current Affairs
- Defence awareness
English
- Vocabulary
- Grammar
- Comprehension
- Sentence correction
Numerical Ability
- Arithmetic
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time & Work
- Speed & Distance
Reasoning & Military Aptitude
- Verbal and non-verbal reasoning
- Spatial ability
- Logical reasoning
AFCAT 2026 Selection Process
- AFCAT Written Exam
- AFSB Interview
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Salary and Allowances in Indian Air Force
Pay Structure
- Flying Officer (Level 10): ₹56,100 per month (basic pay)
Allowances
- Military Service Pay
- Flying Allowance
- HRA or accommodation
- Transport Allowance
- Medical facilities
Training After Selection
Selected candidates undergo training at:
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad
Training duration varies by branch and includes:
- Physical training
- Academic instruction
- Flying or technical training
- Leadership development
How to Apply for AFCAT 2026
- Visit the official AFCAT website
- Register with email ID and mobile number
- Fill online application form
- Upload documents and photograph
- Pay application fee
- Submit and download confirmation page
AFCAT 2026 Preparation Strategy
- Understand syllabus and exam pattern
- Practice previous year papers
- Improve time management
- Focus on current affairs
- Maintain physical fitness for AFSB
Why Choose AFCAT as a Career Option?
- Prestigious officer rank
- Attractive salary and benefits
- Leadership and adventure
- Job security
- Opportunity to serve the nation
Conclusion
The Indian Air Force AFCAT 2026 exam scheduled for 31 January 2026 is a golden opportunity for aspirants who wish to become officers in one of India’s most respected defense forces. With proper planning, disciplined preparation, and dedication, clearing AFCAT can lead to a rewarding and honorable career in the Indian Air Force.
FAQs:
The AFCAT 2026 exam is scheduled for 31 January 2026 for officer recruitment in the Indian Air Force.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
Yes, AFCAT is conducted twice a year – AFCAT 1 (January) and AFCAT 2 (August).
AFCAT 2026 offers recruitment in:
Flying Branch
Ground Duty (Technical)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Yes, both men and women are eligible to apply for AFCAT 2026 as per branch-wise eligibility.
Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (up to 26 years for CPL holders)
Ground Duty Branches: 20 to 26 years
Candidates must have a graduation or engineering degree with minimum 60% marks, depending on the branch.
Comments