Table of Contents
About the Post
Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026.
Candidates interested in joining the IAF as commissioned officers in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches can apply online. The online application process is open from 17th November 2025 to 19th December 2025. The online AFCAT examination is scheduled for 31st January 2026.
Recruitment Overview
| Parameter | Details |
| Recruitment Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 340 Posts |
| Exam Type | Online Written Exam & AFSB Interview |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 31st January 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 19th December 2025 |
Post Vacancy Details
| Branch | Vacancies |
| Flying Branch | 38 (SSC) |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 165 (AE(L): 126, AE(M): 59) |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 137 (Weapon Systems, Admin, Lgs, Accts, Edn, Met) |
| NCC Special Entry | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
| Total | 340 |
(Note: Vacancy breakdown includes Men & Women for Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) as applicable.)
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet the following educational and age criteria:
| Branch | Education Qualification | Age Limit (as on 01/01/2027) |
| Flying Branch | • Graduation (min 60%) with Physics & Maths at 10+2 level OR BE/B.Tech (min 60%). | 20 to 24 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007). (Relaxable to 26 years for CPL holders) |
| Ground Duty (Tech) | • BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline (min 60%). | 20 to 26 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007). |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | • Graduation (min 60%) OR Post Graduation (min 50%) in relevant fields (Admin, Accounts, Logistics, Education, Meteorology). | 20 to 26 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007). |
Pay Scale
Selected candidates will be commissioned as Flying Officers.
| Rank | Pay Level | Salary Structure |
| Flying Officer | Level-10 | ₹ 56,100 – ₹ 1,77,500 per month + MSP ₹ 15,500 + Allowances (Flying, Technical, Transport, etc.) |
Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹ 56,100/- per month during one year of training.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| AFCAT Entry | ₹ 550/- + GST (Non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | NIL |
| Payment Mode | Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking) |
Selection Process
| Stage | Type | Details |
| Stage 1 | Online Exam | • AFCAT Written Examination (for all except NCC Entry). |
| Stage 2 | AFSB Interview | • Stage-I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test & PPDT. • Stage-II: Psychological Test, Group Tests, Interview. |
| Stage 3 | CPSS | • Computerised Pilot Selection System (For Flying Branch only). |
| Stage 4 | Medical Exam | • Thorough medical fitness check. |
| Stage 5 | Merit List | • Based on Written Exam + AFSB performance. |
How to Apply?
Candidates must apply online at the official website afcat.edcil.co.in. Follow these steps:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit
https://afcat.edcil.co.in. - Click on “Candidate Login” and then “Sign Up”.
- Register with your Name, Email ID, and Mobile Number.
Step 2: Fill Application
- Log in with the User ID and Password sent to your email.
- Fill in Personal, Communication, and Qualification details.
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration.
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Upload scanned Photograph, Signature, and Thumb Impression.
- Ensure documents meet the specified size and format.
Step 4: Payment
- Pay the examination fee of ₹ 550 + GST (if applicable).
- NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from the fee.
Step 5: Submit & Print
- Verify all details carefully. You cannot edit after final submission.
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Application Start Date | 17th November 2025 |
| Application Last Date | 19th December 2025 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 31st January 2026 |
Important Links
| Description | Links |
| Apply Online | Click here |
| Official Notification | Click here |
| Last Date Extension | Click here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 19th December 2025.
What is the exam date for AFCAT 01/2026?
The online examination is scheduled for 31st January 2026.
Can I edit my application after submission?
No. Candidates cannot edit their details after clicking the “Submit” or “Make Payment” button.
Is Aadhaar Card mandatory for registration?
Yes, possessing an Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
What if I submit more than one application?
Only the latest submitted application (linked to your Aadhaar) will be accepted. Fees paid for previous applications will not be refunded.
Is there a fee for NCC Special Entry candidates?
No, candidates applying through NCC Special Entry are exempted from the application fee.
What is the age limit for Flying Branch?
20 to 24 years as on 01 Jan 2027. It is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
How much is the stipend during training?
Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹ 56,100/- per month during the one-year training period.
Can I attempt CPSS (Pilot Selection) again if I failed before?
No. CPSS is a once-in-a-lifetime test. If you have failed CPSS/PABT earlier, you are not eligible for the Flying Branch.
Is the application fee refundable?
No, the application fee of ₹ 550/- + GST is non-refundable.
Stay updated with APSC ORG official website for further details and notifications.
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