AFCAT-I 2026 notification released, registration starts from November 10

AFCAT-I 2026 notification released, registration starts from November 10

The AFCAT 1 2026 recruitment is being conducted to select officers for the January 2027 course. The selection procedure will take place in three stages — first, an online written examination, then an Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview and finally, a medical examination.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026 through a short notification, inviting both male and female candidates to apply for Group A Gazetted Officer positions in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The AFCAT 1 2026 exam will be conducted for courses starting in January 2027.

As per the official notice, online applications will be accepted from November 10 to December 9 through the official AFCAT website — https://afcat.cdac.in/. The detailed notification, containing information about vacancies, exam pattern, eligibility criteria, and the selection process, will be released once the application window opens.

According to the eligibility criteria, candidates applying for the Flying Branch must be between 20 and 24 years of age, while those applying for the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches can be up to 26 years old. Applicants must have completed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and possess a graduation degree in a relevant field. Additionally, candidates interested in technical branches must fulfill the engineering qualification requirements specified in the official notification.

How to apply for AFCAT-1 2026: Step by step guide

1. Go to the official AFCAT portal: https://afcat.cdac.in/.
2. Click the “AFCAT 1 2026” registration link on the homepage.
3. Register by creating your account and login credentials.
4. Complete the online application form with your personal, educational and contact details.
5. Upload scanned copies of the required documents, your recent photograph and signature.
6. Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
7. Download and keep a copy of the confirmation/receipt page for your records.

Selection process: AFCAT-1 2026 selection will be conducted in three stages — an online written exam, the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview and a final medical examination.

Candidates who successfully clear all stages of the selection process will be selected for final training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. The AFCAT 1 2026 recruitment is being conducted to commission officers for the January 2027 training course.

FAQs

1. What is AFCAT-I 2026?
   Answer. AFCAT-I 2026 (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a national-level exam conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to recruit Group A Gazetted Officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
2. When will the AFCAT-I 2026 registration start?
   Answer. The online registration for AFCAT-I 2026 will begin on November 10, 2025 and will remain open until December 9, 2025.
3. When will the AFCAT-I 2026 exam be conducted?
   Answer. The AFCAT-I 2026 exam is expected to be held in early 2026 for courses commencing in January 2027.
4. Who can apply for AFCAT-I 2026?
   Answer. Both male and female Indian citizens who meet the age, educational and physical eligibility criteria prescribed by the Indian Air Force can apply.
5. What is the age limit for AFCAT-I 2026?
   Answer.

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years
• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years

6. What are the educational qualifications required?
   Answer. Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and hold a graduate degree in a relevant discipline. Technical branch applicants must also meet the engineering qualification criteria mentioned in the official notification.
7. What is the selection process for AFCAT-I 2026?
   Answer. The selection process includes three stages —

1. Online Written Examination
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
3. Medical Examination

8. How can I apply for AFCAT-I 2026?
   Answer. Candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT website — afcat.cdac.in — by completing registration, filling out the application form, uploading documents, and paying the exam fee.