Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026

AFCAT 01/2026 - Complete Job Notification & How to Apply

This post summarises the official Indian Air Force AFCAT Notification (AFCAT-01/2026) for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) and NCC Special Entry. Read the official PDF before applying. Links to official sources are included below.

Official notification (PDF): AFCAT 01/2026 Official Notification (PDF)

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Quick facts - what every applicant needs to know

• Application window: 17 November 2025 (1100 hrs) to 14 December 2025 (2330 hrs).
• AFCAT exam date: 31 January 2026 (Saturday).
• Where to apply: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
• Branches: Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) and NCC Special Entry.
• Intake: Course commencement for successful candidates is part of the 2027 intake (refer to official PDF for exact training dates).

Vacancies & type of commission

Seat breakup and exact vacancies are listed in the official notification and are tentative (subject to service requirements). The Indian Air Force offers both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) depending on branch and gender - check the PDF table for branch-wise details.

Highlights

• Permanent Commission for eligible branches (men and women where applicable).
• SSC tenures vary by branch - for example Flying branch SSC and Ground Duty SSC have differing initial tenures and extension rules.
• Grant of Permanent Commission to SSC may be subject to later policy decisions and availability.

Who can apply - eligibility at a glance

Nationality & age

Only Indian citizens are eligible. Age limits (as on 01 January 2027):

• Flying Branch (AFCAT/NCC): 20 to 24 years (born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2007). Upper age relaxable to 26 for candidates holding a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2001 and 01 Jan 2007).
• Marital status: Candidates must be unmarried at the commencement of training.

Educational requirements (summary)

Minimum educational requirements differ by branch. Key points:

• Flying Branch: 50% in Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 and either a three-year graduation with required marks or a BE/BTech (4 years) with required marks (see PDF for exact % cutoffs and acceptable alternatives).
• Ground Duty (Technical): Engineering/technology or related postgraduate qualifications as specified in the notification (branch-wise discipline list in the official PDF).

Selection process - step by step

1. Online application & payment (if applicable) - submit at the AFCAT portal and retain confirmation.
2. AFCAT written exam - written/online test; shortlisting will be provisional pending document verification.
3. Service Selection Board (AFSB/SSB) tests - shortlisted candidates undergo AFSB/SSB and other interviews/tests.
4. Medical examination & document verification - final offer subject to medical fitness and verification.

How to apply - practical checklist

1. Read the official PDF completely before starting the application.
2. Ensure your Date of Birth on your application matches your matriculation or higher-secondary certificate (no later corrections in many cases).
3. Prepare scanned documents: educational certificates, photo, signature, ID proof and (if applicable) DGCA CPL. Check file formats and size limits on the portal.
4. Fill the form carefully on AFCAT portal, pay fee if required, and save/print confirmation.
5. Keep originals ready for verification and monitor email/portal for admit cards and call letters.

Documents to keep ready (typical)

• Matriculation / Secondary School Certificate (DOB proof).
• Higher Secondary, Graduation or Degree certificates and mark sheets.
• DGCA CPL (if applying with CPL for age relaxation).
• Category certificates (SC/ST/OBC) if applicable, passport-size photographs and photo ID (Aadhaar/PAN/Passport).

Important links

• Official Notification PDF - AFCAT 01/2026
• AFCAT Application Portal

Practical tips to strengthen your application & exam prep

• Confirm eligibility (age, educational cutoffs) before applying to avoid wasted fees.
• Flying branch applicants must ensure 50% in Physics & Maths at 10+2 and required graduation marks; keep DGCA CPL handy if applicable.
• Start AFSB/SSB preparation early - group tasks, personal interview, psychological tests and physical fitness matter.
• Prepare document scans in required formats to avoid upload failures on the portal.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When is the last date to apply?

Answer: The application window is from 17 Nov 2025 (1100 hrs) to 14 Dec 2025 (2330 hrs). Apply at the AFCAT portal before the deadline.

Where can I download the official notification?

Answer: Download the official notification PDF here: AFCAT 01/2026 Notification PDF.

What is the AFCAT exam date?

Answer: AFCAT written exam is scheduled for 31 January 2026 (Saturday). Registered candidates will be able to download admit cards from the portal.

Can a married candidate apply?

Answer: No - candidates must be unmarried at the commencement of training. Candidates who marry during training may be subject to discharge and other conditions as per rules.

I hold a DGCA Commercial Pilot License - does it help?

Answer: Yes. Candidates holding a valid/current DGCA CPL may be eligible for upper age relaxation for the Flying branch (upper limit relaxable to 26 years). Keep the CPL for documentation.