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AFCAT 1 2026 Notification Out : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 1 2026 Notification, which has been eagerly awaited by youth across the country who dream of building a prestigious career in the Air Force. AFCAT is a national-level entrance exam through which candidates are selected for the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches as Group A Gazetted Officers. This time, a total of 340 vacancies have been announced under AFCAT 01/2026, making it a major recruitment for the upcoming session.
According to the notification, the online applications for AFCAT 01/2026 will begin on 17 November 2025 and will continue until 14 December 2025. Interested candidates can visit the official website afcat.cdac.in and fill out the application form within the given timeline. The detailed notification was made available on 09 November 2025, which clearly mentions eligibility, selection process, exam pattern, and all other important information.
This recruitment is a golden opportunity for all those young individuals who dream of wearing the Air Force uniform and aspire for a disciplined, prestigious, and adventurous career. AFCAT not only provides employment but also offers personality development, leadership skills, and a priceless opportunity to serve the nation.
AFCAT 01/2026 – Overview
In this section, all essential points related to the AFCAT 1 2026 exam are explained in simple language.
AFCAT 01/2026 is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Air Force to select eligible candidates for various technical and non-technical posts. Through this recruitment, candidates are appointed as Group A Gazetted Officers, which is considered a highly prestigious rank in the Air Force. The exam is conducted entirely online, and selected candidates then undergo the AFSB Test and Medical Examination.
The online application process is very simple, and candidates can fill the form on the official portal starting from 17 November 2025. The last date to apply is 14 December 2025, so candidates are advised not to wait until the final day and apply as early as possible.
A total of 340 posts will be filled through AFCAT 01/2026, which includes Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). Detailed information is provided below in the table and sections.
AFCAT 1 2026 Notification
The short notice of AFCAT 01/2026 has brought relief to all the aspirants who have been waiting for this recruitment. The Indian Air Force has clearly stated that the recruitment process is being conducted for the July 2026 batch. This means the selected candidates will begin their training in mid-2026.
The detailed notification includes all important points such as eligibility criteria, educational qualification, age limit, selection process, exam fee, and exam date. The AFCAT exam is open for both male and female candidates, ensuring equal opportunity across categories.
The notification states that appointments in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches will be made under the Short Service Commission (SSC), while some posts will also offer Permanent Commission. Candidates with NCC Air Wing C Certificate receive special benefits under NCC Special Entry.
AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying for AFCAT 01/2026, checking eligibility is the most essential step. The Indian Air Force has set clear educational qualifications and age limits for this exam.
The first parameter is educational qualification: For the Flying Branch, graduation with at least 60% marks from any recognized university is mandatory. Additionally, candidates must have scored at least 50% marks in Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level. For the Technical Branch, an engineering degree is required, while for the Non-Technical Branch, graduation with 60% marks in any subject is sufficient.
The second parameter is age limit, which varies according to the branch. For the Flying Branch, the age limit is 20 to 24 years, while for Technical and Non-Technical branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years. Age will be calculated based on 01 January 2027.
AFCAT 1 2026 Vacancy
A total of 340 posts are being recruited under AFCAT 01/2026. These posts are divided into Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical categories.
Recruitment in the Flying Branch will be conducted under SSC, while in Ground Duty Technical, posts are available under Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics & Mechanical). In the Non-Technical branch, various posts such as Administration, Logistics, Accounts, and Education are available.
Additionally, extra seats are provided in the Flying Branch through NCC Special Entry, based on CDSE and AFCAT seats. This is a great opportunity for candidates holding an NCC Air Wing C Certificate.
AFCAT 1 2026 Important Dates
All important dates related to AFCAT 01/2026 are provided below. Candidates must keep these dates in mind to complete the application process on time.
- Short Notice Release: 03 November 2025
- Detailed Notification Release: 09 November 2025
- Online Application Start: 17 November 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 14 December 2025
- AFCAT 01/2026 Exam Date: 31 January 2026
The exam will be computer-based and conducted at designated centers.
AFCAT 01/2026 Application Fees
For all categories—General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, and PWD—the application fee is fixed at ₹500.
Payment can be made online through debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI. Candidates should keep the e-receipt safe for future reference.
AFCAT 01/2026 Selection Process
The AFCAT selection process is divided into three major stages:
1. Online Written Examination (AFCAT Exam)
This computer-based exam consists of 100 questions from General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, and Military Aptitude.
2. AFSB Interview Test
Candidates who qualify the written test are called for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, which includes Group Discussion, Psychology Test, Interview, and Physical Test.
3. Medical Test
Candidates who clear AFSB are sent for a medical examination at MH or base hospitals.
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How to Apply Online for AFCAT 1 2026?
The AFCAT application process is fully online. Follow the steps below to apply:
Step 1: Visit the official website afcat.cdac.in
Step 2: Click on the “AFCAT 01/2026 Application” link
Step 3: Click on Registration and fill in basic details
Step 4: After registration, you will receive login details
Step 5: Login and fill the complete application form
Step 6: Upload documents (photo, signature, certificates)
Step 7: Pay the application fee online
Step 8: Submit the form and take a printout
Conclusion
AFCAT 01/2026 is a major opportunity for all youths who dream of joining the Indian Air Force and serving the nation. This recruitment not only offers a secure and prestigious career but also nurtures discipline, bravery, and leadership qualities.
If you are eligible and wish to become part of the Air Force, make sure to apply before 17 November 2025. All updates related to AFCAT are included in this article so that you don’t miss any important information.