Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Notification: Eligibility, Salary, How to Apply

The Indian Air Force (IAF) invites Indian citizens (both men and women) to apply for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT-01/2026). This test serves as the gateway to join the IAF as a Group 'A' Gazetted Officer in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. An NCC Special Entry is also available for the Flying Branch. These courses are scheduled to commence in January 2027.

Important Dates

Vacancy Details

Selection Process

1. Online Application: Candidates must first submit their application online via the official AFCAT website.
2. AFCAT Written Exam: All applicants (except NCC Special Entry) will be called for the online AFCAT examination.
3. AFSB Interview: Candidates who qualify the written exam will be called for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview. (NCC Special Entry candidates are called directly for AFSB testing).
4. AFSB Stage-I: This is a screening test on the first day, including an Officer Intelligence Rating Test and a Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT). Candidates who qualify move to the next stage.
5. AFSB Stage-II: This stage lasts for five days and includes Psychological tests, Group Tests, and an Interview.
6. CPSS (For Flying Branch): Candidates recommended for the Flying Branch will also undergo the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS). This is a once-in-a-lifetime test.
7. Final Merit List: A final merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in the written exam and the AFSB tests.
8. Medical Examination: Recommended candidates must be found medically fit by the appropriate medical establishment.
9. Training: Finally, candidates are detailed for training at the Air Force Academy based on merit and available vacancies.

How to Apply

• Visit Official Website: Go to the AFCAT website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in.

• Register: Click on "Sign up" and register using your full name, mobile number, and email ID. Verify using the OTPs received.

• Sign In: Log in using the generated User ID and password.

• Fill Application Form: Complete all required fields, including Personal Details, Qualification Details, and Course Preference.

• Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your:

• Recent Passport Size Colour Photograph (100KB - 200KB)
• Signature (80KB - 150KB)
• humb Impression (50KB - 100KB) (Left for males, Right for females)
• Pay Fee: Pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 550/- + 18% GST online. (This fee is not applicable for NCC Special Entry candidates ).
• Submit & Print: After successful payment, submit the application and take a printout of the final form for your records.

Important Links

Exam Pattern & Syllabus

Exam Pattern:

• Exam Mode: Online Objective Type
• Subjects: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test.
• Duration: 02 Hours
• Questions: 100
• Max Marks: 300
• Marking Scheme: +3 marks for every correct answer, -1 mark for every incorrect answer, and 0 marks for un-attempted questions.

Syllabus :

• English: Comprehension, Detect Error, Sentence Completion, Synonym/Antonym, Idioms and Phrases.

• General Awareness: History, Geography, Sports, Indian Polity, Economy, Basic Science, Current Affairs (National & International), Defence.

• Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Time & Distance. (Matriculation Level) .
• Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.