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AFCAT 01/2026 Notification: Apply for Flying & Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Posts | Indian Air Force Commission | Last Date 28 Dec
Latest Update (November 2025): Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official AFCAT 01/2026 Notification inviting online applications for commissioning as Flying Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches through Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). NCC Special Entry for Ground Duty also included.
This is the most prestigious IAF recruitment of 2026 for graduates/postgraduates aged 20-24 years. Online applications start from 1 December 2025 and close on 28 December 2025 (11:30 PM) at official portal afcat.cdac.in. Training commences January 2027 at Air Force Academy (AFA).
Official Notification PDF: Download AFCAT 01/2026 Full Notification PDF
Important Dates for AFCAT 01/2026 |
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| Notification Release: | 19 November 2025 |
| Online Application Starts: | 01-12-2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online: | 28-12-2025 (23:30 hrs) |
| Admit Card Download: | January 2026 (Tentative) |
| AFCAT Exam Date: | February 2026 (Tentative) |
| AFSB Interview: | March–April 2026 |
| Training Commences: | January 2027 |
Application Fee |
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| All Categories: | ₹550/- (Non-refundable) |
| Pay online via Debit/Credit Card/Net Banking. No exemption. | |
Age Limit (as on 01-01-2027) |
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| Flying Branch: |
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| Ground Duty (Technical): |
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| Ground Duty (Non-Technical): |
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| NCC Special Entry: |
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Important Links |
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| Apply Online: | afcat.cdac.in (Live from 1 Dec) |
| Official Website: | AFCAT Portal |
| Notification PDF: | Download AFCAT 01/2026 PDF |
| Join Our Community: |
 WhatsApp
 Telegram
 Reddit
|
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 01/2026
| Branch | Educational Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Bachelor's degree (min 60%) + 50% marks in Maths & Physics at 10+2 | 20-24 years |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | B.E./B.Tech (min 60%) in Electronics/Mechanical/Electrical/Computer Engg | 20-26 years |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Bachelor's degree (min 60%) in any discipline | 20-26 years |
| NCC Special Entry | Bachelor's degree (min 60%) + NCC 'C' Certificate | 20-24 years |
Note: Final year students eligible if degree completed by July 2026. Physical fitness mandatory.
AFCAT 01/2026 Salary & Training Details
| Component | Amount (₹) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Flying Officer) | 56,100 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | 15,500 |
| Flying Allowance | 25,000 |
| DA + HRA + Transport | 30,000+ |
| Gross Salary | ₹1,27,000+ |
Training: 74 weeks at Air Force Academy (AFA) + ₹56,100 stipend during training. Insurance ₹1.25 Crore.
AFSB Testing Process – AFCAT 01/2026
- Stage-I: Officer Intelligence Rating + Picture Perception & Discussion (Screening)
- Stage-II: Psychological Tests + Group Tests + Interview (5 days)
- Flying Branch: CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System) – once in lifetime
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 01/2026
- Visit afcat.cdac.in
- Click "AFCAT 01/2026" → New Registration
- Fill personal, educational & branch preference details
- Upload photo & signature
- Pay ₹550 fee → Submit
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - AFCAT 01/2026
Important Instructions for AFCAT 01/2026
Read these instructions carefully before applying at afcat.cdac.in.
- Only unmarried male/female candidates eligible for Flying Branch.
- AFSB testing involves 5-6 days – plan travel accordingly.
- CPSS for Flying Branch is once-in-lifetime – no retest.
- Bring original 10th/12th/Graduation certificates for AFSB document check.
- TA claim: AC-III/Chair Car fare for first-time AFSB appearance.
- Physical fitness mandatory – running 4km in 15 min, chin-ups, etc.
- No narcotics/ drugs allowed – tested during medicals.
- Final merit based on written + AFSB marks + medical fitness.
