The AFCAT is the main entrance examination conducted by the Indian Air Force for recruiting candidates as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in various branches, which is held twice a year.
This is a national-level test that opens up great opportunities in serving in the Air Force for both men and women. The three major career streams available through AFCAT include the Flying Branch, which has operations for fighter, transport, and helicopter fleets; the Ground Duty Technical Branch for Aeronautical Engineers in Mechanical and Electronics streams; and the Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch for Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, and Meteorology.
The AFCAT 1 exam is scheduled to be conducted on January 31, 2026. Admit cards will be available from January 22 onwards. The recruitment drive aims to select officers in the January 2027 course at the Air Force Academy.
AFCAT 1: Eligibility Criteria
The candidates should be Indian citizens. Class 10 and Class 12 mark sheets, Aadhaar, valid email ID and phone number should be kept ready.
Age Limit:
Flying Branch: 20–24 years
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20–26 years
Educational Qualification
Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
60% marks in Physics and Mathematics at the Class 12 level.
Minimum 4-year graduation or integrated post-graduation degree in Engineering/Technology
Flying Branch:
Graduation (3 years or more) with 60% marks
Must have studied Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level.
BE/B.Tech with 60% marks from a recognised university
Technical Branch:
4yr degree in Engineering/Technology OR cleared Sections A & B of AMIE or Aeronautical Society of India with 60% marks
Application Fee
Rs 550 + GST
Candidates can choose the five preferred cities out of a total of 104 exam centres.
How to Apply for AFCAT 1 2026
Visit https://afcat.edcil.co.in/
Click on the “AFCAT 1 2026” registration link.
Complete registration and create login ID
Fill the application form
Upload documents, photograph, and signature
Pay the fee and submit the form and save the confirmation page.
Exam Pattern of AFCAT 1
The three-stage selection procedure for AFCAT 1 consists of an online written examination, an AFSB interview, and a medical test.
Those selected through all stages will undergo training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. The written test carries 100 questions for a total of 300 marks and is to be completed in two hours. It covers four main sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning — with an additional component of Military Aptitude. The pattern tests a mixture of knowledge, comprehension, and analytical skills necessary in the training of officers.
