NEW DELHI: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has opened registration window for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026.
Candidates can submit applications on the official portal afcat.edcil.co.in until December 14.
The AFCAT 1 exam has been scheduled for January 31, 2026, while the admit cards will be available for download from January 22. The AFCAT 1 2026 recruitment aims to induct officers for the January 2027 course.
Eligibility criteria
Applicants must keep their Class 10 and 12 certificates, a valid email ID, phone number, and Aadhaar details ready before applying.
The candidates must be Indian citizens.
Age limit
Flying Branch: 20–24 years
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20–26 years
Educational qualification
Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Minimum 60 per cent marks in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
Minimum 4-year graduation / integrated post-graduation degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognised university
Flying Branch: Graduation (minimum 3 years) in any discipline with 60% marks
Must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
BE/B.Tech degree with a minimum of 60 per cent marks from a recognised university
Technical Branch: 4-year degree qualification in Engineering/Technology
OR cleared Sections A & B of the Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) / Aeronautical Society of India with 60% marks
Application fees
The application fee is Rs 550 plus GST. Candidates can select up to five preferred cities from a list of 104 exam centres.
How to apply for AFCAT One 2026
Step 1: Visit the official website, afcat.edcil.co.
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 the application fee and submit the form.
Step 7: Download and save a copy of the confirmation page for reference.
For direct link to register for AFCAT 1 2026, click here.
Exam pattern
The selection process for AFCAT 1 2026 will comprise three stages: online written examination followed by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, and a medical examination.
The successful candidates will be shortlisted for final training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
As per the exam pattern, the paper includes four sections—General Awareness, Verbal Ability (English), Numerical Ability, and Reasoning—along with a Military Aptitude Test.
The test comprises 100 questions worth 300 marks, to be completed in two hours.
Each correct answer carries 3 marks, while 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect response.