Updated 2 July 2026 · Verified against official IAF sources
AFCAT 2026 Notification Released: Apply Online, Dates & Eligibility
The Indian Air Force has released two AFCAT cycles in 2026. AFCAT 02/2026 applications have just closed and the exam is set for 8 August 2026. Here is every officially confirmed date, eligibility rule, vacancy number, and application step you need — with clear labels for what is confirmed and what is still pending.
On this page — tap to view sections
Quick Answer: Is AFCAT 2026 Notification Out?
This guide focuses on AFCAT 02/2026, the current active cycle, while also covering AFCAT 01/2026 as a reference point and giving you an honest, clearly-labelled outlook on AFCAT 2027.
Important Update
⚠ Application window closed for AFCAT 02/2026
The Indian Air Force extended the AFCAT 02/2026 last date from 19 June 2026 to 21 June 2026 (2359 hrs). If you missed this deadline, applications are no longer being accepted for this cycle. See What to do if you missed the deadline.
ℹ AFCAT 2027 is not officially announced
You may see other websites showing "expected" dates for AFCAT 2027 written as if they are confirmed. They are not. Based on the usual pattern, the Indian Air Force is likely to release AFCAT 01/2027 around November–December 2026, but no official date exists yet. Bookmark this page — we will update it the moment the real notification drops.
AFCAT 2026 Timeline: What Happened, What's Next
AFCAT 02/2026 Active Cycle
- 112 May 2026Advance notice published
Short notice appeared on the official portal ahead of the full notification.
- 220 May 2026Detailed notification & application link released
Full notification published; online applications opened at 1100 hrs.
- 319 → 21 Jun 2026Last date extended
Original deadline of 19 June was pushed to 21 June 2026 (2359 hrs).
- 4Expected ~Jul 2026Admit card release Expected
Not yet released as of this update. Typically issued about 2–3 weeks before the exam.
- 58 Aug 2026Written exam (AFCAT + EKT)
Confirmed exam date for AFCAT 02/2026.
- 6Expected ~Sep 2026Result & cut-off Expected
Based on the AFCAT 01/2026 pattern (result came ~6 weeks after the exam).
- 7Jul 2027Course commences
Selected candidates join training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal.
AFCAT 01/2026 Reference Cycle — Completed
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released | 9 November 2025 |
| Application window | 17 November – 19 December 2025 |
| Admit card | 22 January 2026 |
| Written exam | 31 January 2026 |
| Result & cut-off | 11 March 2026 |
| Course commences | January 2027 |
What is AFCAT? Who Should Apply?
AFCAT is the most direct route into the Indian Air Force as a commissioned officer without going through NDA at age 17-19. It suits graduates (or final-year students) aged 20 and above who want an officer career in flying, engineering, or administrative roles within the Air Force.
✈ Flying Branch
Fighter Pilot, Transport Pilot, and Helicopter Pilot roles. The most competitive branch, with the strictest medical and age criteria.
⚙ Ground Duty (Technical)
Aeronautical Engineering — Electronics or Mechanical. Ideal for engineering graduates. Requires clearing an additional Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).
🗂 Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, and Weapon Systems. Open to graduates from varied academic backgrounds.
Two additional entry routes run alongside the main AFCAT exam:
- NCC Special Entry — for Flying Branch candidates with an NCC 'C' Certificate (Air Wing). Skips the written exam and goes straight to AFSB.
- GATE Score Entry — for Ground Duty (Technical) candidates with a valid GATE score. No AFCAT written exam required.
AFCAT Eligibility 2026: Age, Education & Other Criteria
Age Limit
| Branch | Age Range | Born Between |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry) | 20–24 years | 2 Jul 2003 – 1 Jul 2007 |
| Flying Branch (with valid Commercial Pilot Licence) | 20–26 years | Relaxed up to 2 years earlier |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical), incl. GATE Entry | 20–26 years | Within the same reckoning window |
ℹ Reckoning date changes every cycle
AFCAT 01/2026 used 1 January 2027 as its reckoning date, while AFCAT 02/2026 uses 1 July 2027. Always match the reckoning date to the specific cycle you are applying for — don't mix them up.
Educational Qualification
| Branch | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 50% marks each in Physics & Maths at 10+2, plus a 3-year graduation degree (60%) OR BE/B.Tech (60%) |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 50% each in Physics & Maths at 10+2, plus a 4-year Engineering/Technology degree (60%) |
| Ground Duty — Administration/Logistics | Graduation, any discipline, minimum 60% |
| Ground Duty — Accounts | B.Com (3-year), minimum 60% |
| Ground Duty — Education | Post-graduation (MA/MSc/MBA/MCA), min. 50% aggregate, with 60% in graduation |
| Ground Duty — Meteorology | PG in a Science stream, min. 50% aggregate, with 55% in Maths/Physics at graduation |
Final-year students: You can apply while still completing your final year, as long as you have no current backlog and can show proof of passing (with the required percentage) by the deadline stated in that cycle's notification — this was 30 May 2027 for AFCAT 02/2026.
Other Key Conditions
- Nationality: Must be an Indian citizen under the Citizenship Act, 1955.
- Marital status: Must be unmarried at the time the course begins; marriage during training leads to discharge and repayment of training costs.
- Gender: Both men and women can apply for every branch, including Flying.
- Medical & physical fitness: Must meet IAF height, weight, vision and general fitness standards — checked in detail at the AFSB stage (see Selection Process).
⚠ Don't rely on unverified "reservation" claims
Several websites mention age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates in AFCAT. We could not confirm this in the official notification text. Always check the current notification directly on afcat.edcil.co.in before assuming a relaxation applies to you.
AFCAT 2026 Important Dates
| Event | AFCAT 01/2026 | AFCAT 02/2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Notification | 9 Nov 2025 | 20 May 2026 |
| Application opens | 17 Nov 2025 | 20 May 2026 |
| Application closes | 19 Dec 2025 | 21 Jun 2026 (extended) |
| Admit card | 22 Jan 2026 | Expected ~3 weeks before exam |
| Written exam | 31 Jan 2026 | 8 Aug 2026 |
| Result & cut-off | 11 Mar 2026 | Expected ~Sep 2026 |
| Course begins | Jan 2027 | Jul 2027 |
Not Announced AFCAT 01/2027 dates do not exist yet. Third-party "expected" dates (commonly November–December 2026 for notification) are estimates based on past patterns only — not official.
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancies: Branch-wise Breakdown
| Branch | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (SSC) | 30 | 5 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Weapon Systems | 21 | 5 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Administration | 50 | 12 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Logistics | 4 | 2 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Accounts | 5 | 2 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Education | 2 | 2 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Meteorology | 1 | 2 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Published in the detailed notification PDF | |
Two seats within Ground Duty (Non-Technical) are reserved for law-qualified candidates.
| Cycle | Total Tentative Vacancies | Course Starts |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT 01/2026 | 340 | January 2027 |
| AFCAT 02/2026 | 379 | July 2027 |
| AFCAT 2027 | Not announced | — |
How to Apply for AFCAT Online (Step-by-Step)
ℹ For future cycles
AFCAT 02/2026 applications are closed. These steps apply the next time a fresh AFCAT notification opens — keep this guide bookmarked.
- Visit the official portal — go to afcat.edcil.co.in, the only official AFCAT application website.
- Register — click "Candidate Login," then "Not Yet Registered? Register Here." Enter your name, valid email ID, and mobile number to create your login.
- Fill the application form — log in and complete your personal details, educational qualifications, and branch/entry preference carefully. Aadhaar is mandatory for registration.
- Upload documents — upload a recent passport-size photo, signature, and left-hand thumb impression in the prescribed format and file size.
- Pay the application fee — pay ₹550 + 18% GST via net banking, debit/credit card, or UPI. NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt from this fee.
- Review and submit — check every field carefully. Details cannot be edited after final submission. Save and print your confirmation page.
⚠ Double-check before you click Submit
The official notification is explicit: once submitted, application details cannot be changed. If you make an error, your only option is to register again with a different email ID and pay the fee again — the earlier fee is not refunded.
Documents Required for AFCAT
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory for registration)
- Recent passport-size colour photograph (as per prescribed format)
- Scanned signature and left-hand thumb impression
- Class 10 and 12 mark sheets and certificates (original + photocopies for AFSB stage)
- Graduation/PG degree and mark sheets (original/provisional)
- Final-year certificate from your College Principal, stating aggregate percentage and likely result date (if applicable)
- NCC 'C' Certificate (for NCC Special Entry candidates)
- Valid GATE scorecard (for GATE Score Entry candidates)
- No-Objection Certificate from employer, if you work in a Government/PSU/Armed Forces job
- A second photo ID — PAN, Passport, Driving Licence, or Voter ID
AFCAT Selection Process: Every Stage Explained
- 1Written Exam (AFCAT + EKT)
Computer-based test at your chosen centre. Technical-branch candidates also take the EKT the same day. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates skip this stage entirely and go straight to AFSB.
- 2AFSB Testing (5 days)
Day 1 — Screening: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT). Only those who clear Day 1 continue.
Day 2–4 — In-depth assessment: Psychological tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and a Personal Interview. Flying Branch candidates also take the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test.
Day 5 — Conference: All assessors jointly decide your final recommendation. - 3Medical Examination
AFSB-recommended candidates are medically examined at the Institute of Aviation Medicine (Bengaluru) or Air Force Central Medical Establishment (New Delhi).
- 4Final Merit List & Joining
A final merit list decides your branch allotment and joining letter, based on your combined performance and vacancy availability. Training begins at Air Force Academy, Dundigal.
ℹ Merit-list formula — verify before relying on it
Sources disagree on whether your AFCAT written score itself carries into the final merit list, or whether only AFSB performance decides it. This dossier could not resolve this with full certainty — always check the exact wording in the current notification.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online, computer-based |
| Language | English only |
| Questions | 100 |
| Total marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Correct answer | +3 marks |
| Wrong answer | −1 mark |
| Unattempted | 0 (no penalty) |
| Section | Approx. Questions |
|---|---|
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | ~30–32 |
| Verbal Ability (English) | ~20–25 |
| General Awareness | ~20–25 |
| Numerical Ability | ~15–18 |
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Questions | 50 |
| Total marks | 150 |
| Duration | 45 minutes, right after AFCAT |
| Streams | Mechanical, Computer Science, Electronics & Communication, Electrical & Instrumentation, Civil |
| AFCAT 01/2026 cut-off | 110 overall + 80 in EKT (both required) |
⚠ Ignore claims that EKT was removed
Some older articles claim EKT was discontinued after 2023. This is incorrect — EKT is confirmed active in both AFCAT 01/2026 and AFCAT 02/2026.
AFCAT Syllabus 2026
English
Comprehension, error spotting, sentence completion, synonyms & antonyms, cloze test, idioms & phrases, one-word substitution, sentence rearrangement.
Reasoning & Military Aptitude
Verbal and non-verbal reasoning, number/alphabet series, Venn diagrams, syllogism, blood relations, coding-decoding, direction sense.
General Awareness
History, polity, economics, geography, basic science, environment, sports, defence affairs, current affairs, important personalities.
Numerical Ability
Class 10 level: number system, HCF/LCM, time & work, time & distance, percentage, profit & loss, ratio, interest, probability.
EKT — Stream-wise Topics
| Stream | Core Topics |
|---|---|
| Mechanical | Thermodynamics, Strength of Materials, Fluid Mechanics, Manufacturing, Machine Design |
| Computer Science | Data Structures, Operating Systems, DBMS, Computer Networks, Programming |
| Electronics & Communication | Analog/Digital Electronics, Communication Systems, Signals & Systems, Microprocessors |
| Electrical & Instrumentation | Circuit Theory, Control Systems, Power Systems, Electrical Machines |
| Civil | Structural Analysis, Building Materials, Surveying, Soil Mechanics |
AFCAT Salary & Career Growth
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Level 10, 7th CPC) | ₹56,100/month, rising to ₹1,77,500 within the level |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500/month |
| Flying Allowance (Flying Branch) | ~₹25,000/month |
| Technical Allowance (Ground Duty Technical) | ~₹10,000/month |
| Training stipend (at AFA) | ₹56,100/month |
Other allowances may apply depending on posting: Transport, Field Area, Special Compensatory (Hill Area), Siachen, House Rent/free accommodation, and Dearness Allowance.
Career Progression
| Rank | Typical Timeline |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer | On commissioning |
| Flight Lieutenant | Early service years |
| Squadron Leader | ~6 years of service |
| Wing Commander | Selection-based |
| Group Captain and above | Merit-based selection boards |
ℹ Permanent Commission is offered — don't believe otherwise
The official AFCAT-01/2026 notification lists both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) for men and women. Some outdated articles wrongly claim only SSC is available through AFCAT — that is incorrect.
Other Benefits
- Life insurance cover of ₹1 crore or more
- Free medical care for officer and dependents at Military Hospitals
- Fully furnished accommodation or House Rent Allowance
- Sponsored higher education (e.g., M.Tech at IITs) for Technical Branch officers
- Defined leave structure and pension on completing qualifying service
AFCAT Preparation Strategy
- Start with General Awareness and Reasoning — they reward consistent daily revision more than last-minute cramming.
- Practise Numerical Ability daily; questions are Class 10-level but speed matters under the 2-hour limit.
- Read English comprehension passages daily to build both vocabulary and reading speed.
- Attempt full-length mock tests to build the timing instinct — 100 questions in 120 minutes leaves just over a minute per question.
- If applying for Ground Duty Technical, dedicate separate, focused time to your EKT stream — it has its own 80-mark qualifying cut-off.
- Start AFSB preparation (group discussion practice, current affairs, physical fitness) well before your result — the timeline between result and AFSB call-up can be short.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
⚠ Frequent application & preparation errors
- Submitting the form without checking every field — details cannot be edited after submission.
- Guessing wildly on the exam to "attempt everything" — negative marking of −1 makes random guessing costly.
- Ignoring EKT preparation until after the AFCAT result — it is tested the same day as AFCAT, not later.
- Applying under the wrong age-reckoning date by copying a date from a different AFCAT cycle's notification.
- Trusting unofficial "leaked cut-off" or "guaranteed selection" claims from social media or YouTube.
- Waiting until the last day to pay the application fee — payment gateway delays near deadlines are common.
Should You Apply? Decision Guide
✅ Who should apply
- Graduates or final-year students aged 20–26 meeting the branch-specific education criteria
- Engineering graduates seeking Ground Duty (Technical) or the Flying Branch with strong Physics/Maths marks
- Candidates with an NCC 'C' Certificate or a valid GATE score seeking a faster entry path
- Anyone seeking a Government officer career with structured growth, pension, and job security
❌ Who should not apply (yet)
- Candidates below 20 or above the upper age limit for their target branch and cycle
- Candidates who do not meet the minimum 10+2 Physics/Maths percentage for Flying or Technical branches
- Married candidates unwilling to remain unmarried through the training period
- Candidates unsure of meeting medical/physical standards — get a preliminary check before investing months in preparation
✔ If you missed the AFCAT 02/2026 deadline
You cannot apply for this cycle now. Use this time to prepare thoroughly for the next cycle, likely to be announced around November–December 2026 (unconfirmed). Bookmark this page and the official portal for the next notification.
➡ What to do next right now
If you already applied for AFCAT 02/2026: watch for your admit card and start structured preparation immediately — the exam is on 8 August 2026. If you missed this cycle: begin syllabus preparation now so you're ready the moment AFCAT 2027 is announced.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the AFCAT 2026 notification out?
Yes. AFCAT 02/2026 was released on 20 May 2026 for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical). AFCAT 01/2026 was released earlier, on 9 November 2025. AFCAT 2027 has not been announced yet.
What is the AFCAT 02/2026 exam date?
The AFCAT 02/2026 written exam is scheduled for 8 August 2026 (Saturday).
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
The original last date was 19 June 2026. The Indian Air Force extended it to 21 June 2026 (2359 hrs). Applications are now closed for this cycle.
How many vacancies are there in AFCAT 02/2026?
379 tentative vacancies have been announced across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The Indian Air Force states these numbers are tentative and may change.
What is the age limit for AFCAT 2026?
For AFCAT 02/2026, Flying Branch candidates must be 20 to 24 years old as on 1 July 2027 (up to 26 years with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence). Ground Duty candidates must be 20 to 26 years old as on the same date.
Is AFCAT 2027 notification released?
No. As of this update, AFCAT 2027 has not been officially announced by the Indian Air Force. Based on the usual pattern, it is expected around November–December 2026, but this is not confirmed.
What is the salary after clearing AFCAT?
Newly commissioned officers start at a basic pay of ₹56,100 per month (Level 10) plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500 per month, along with branch allowances. In-hand pay is typically in the ₹85,000 to ₹1,25,000 range depending on branch and posting.
What is the AFCAT exam pattern?
AFCAT has 100 questions worth 300 marks, to be solved in 2 hours. Each correct answer gets 3 marks and each wrong answer loses 1 mark. Ground Duty (Technical) candidates also take the EKT: 50 questions, 150 marks, 45 minutes.
Can final-year students apply for AFCAT?
Yes, provided you have no current backlog and can prove you passed with the required percentage by the deadline stated in that cycle's notification.
Does AFCAT offer Permanent Commission?
Yes. The official notification lists both Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission for men and women. Claims that only Short Service Commission is available are outdated and incorrect.
Is there negative marking in AFCAT?
Yes. Each correct answer earns 3 marks, and each wrong answer loses 1 mark, in both AFCAT and EKT.
What happens after I clear the AFCAT written exam?
You proceed to AFSB testing (5 days), followed by a medical examination, and then a final merit list decides your branch allotment and joining letter.
Can women apply for the AFCAT Flying Branch?
Yes. Women are eligible for all AFCAT branches, including Flying Branch, on the same terms as men.
Official Resources
| Resource | Detail |
|---|---|
| Official application portal | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Alternate official portal | afcat.cdac.in |
| IAF careers site | careerairforce.gov.in |
| AFCAT Helpdesk | [email protected] · +91-9513252077 |
| AFCAT Cell (registration/payment/admit card) | 020-25503105 / 020-25503106 (Mon–Sat) |
| Toll-free helpline | 1800-11-2448 |
| DISHA Cell (eligibility queries) | 011-23013690 |
⚠ Beware of fake notifications
The Indian Air Force does not charge any "processing fee" beyond the standard ₹550 + GST exam fee. Never pay anyone claiming to guarantee your selection or admit card outside these official channels.
Next Steps & Summary
- If you applied for AFCAT 02/2026: track your admit card and prepare for the 8 August 2026 exam.
- If you missed this cycle: start syllabus preparation now for the next, expected around late 2026.
- Bookmark afcat.edcil.co.in and this page for verified updates.
- Cross-check any date, vacancy, or salary claim you see elsewhere against the official notification before trusting it.
