NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the short notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026, inviting applications from both men and women to join as Group A Gazetted Officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
The AFCAT 1 2026 exam will be held for courses commencing in January 2027. According to a short notice issued earlier, the online registration window will open on November 10, and remain open until December 9. Candidates can apply through the official AFCAT website, afcat.cdac.in.
The detailed notification, including the number of vacancies, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and selection procedure, will be available, once the registration window opens.
As per the eligibility criteria, the age limit for the Flying Branch is between 20 and 24 years, while for the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, it extends up to 26 years.
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with physics and mathematics and hold a graduate degree in a relevant discipline.
Those applying for technical branches must also meet specific engineering qualification requirements as per the official guidelines.
How to apply for AFCAT-1 2026
Step 1: Visit the official website, afcat.cdac.in.
Step 2: Click on the ‘AFCAT 1 2026’ registration link on the homepage.
Step 3: Complete the registration process and create a login ID.
Step 4: Fill the application form with personal, educational, and communication details.
Step 5: Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature
Step 6: Pay application fee and submit the form.
Step 7: Save a copy of the confirmation page for reference.
The selection process for AFCAT 1 2026 will comprise three stages — an online written examination, followed by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, and a medical examination.
Successful candidates will be shortlisted for final training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.