The big update is here as per the outed notice. The Indian Air Force has released the official AFCAT-1 2026 notification and now the invitation is out to apply for flying and ground duty including technical and non-technical branches as per your wish. Aspirants who eagerly want to join the Indian Air Force as Commissioned Officers can now apply for AFCAT online carefully. This application process begins from 10th of November 2025 and will remain open until 14th December 2025. Stay tuned for further notice with shield defence academy.
AFCAT 1 2026 – Overview
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 2026) |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Official Website | https://afcat.cdac.in |
| Application Start Date | 10 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 31 January 2026 (10 AM – 12 Noon) |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty (Technical / Non-Technical) |
AFCAT 1 2026 – Important Dates
| Events | Dates |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Notification Release | 10 November 2025 |
| Online Registration Starts | 10 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 December 2025 |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Admit Card Release | January 2026 |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
AFCAT 1 2026 Vacancy Details
| Branch | Type of Commission | Gender |
| Flying | SSC | Men & Women |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | PC & SSC | Men & Women |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | PC & SSC | Men & Women |
AFCAT 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
| Branch | Age Limit (as on 01 Jan 2027) | Educational Qualification |
| Flying Branch | 20 – 24 years | Graduation (any discipline) with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 llvel or B.E/B.Tech. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 20 – 26 years | 10+2 with Physics & Maths and a four-year Engineering/Technology degree. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 20 – 26 years | Graduation for Admin & Logistics; B.Com for Accounts; MBA/MCA/MSc for Education. |
AFCAT 1 2026 Selection Process
| Stage | Details |
| Stage 1 | Written Examination (AFCAT / EKT for Technical Branch) |
| Stage 2 | AFSB Interview – Psychological Test, Group Tasks & Personal Interview |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination – Final Fitness Test |
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability (English) | 30 | 90 |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 30 | 90 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Marking Scheme:
+3 marks for each correct answer, −1 mark for each wrong answer.
Step by Step Process To Apply AFCAT-1 2026
- Step 1 : Visit the official IAF website – https://afcat.cdac.in
- Step 2 : Click on “AFCAT 01/2026 Apply Online.”
- Step 3 : Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Step 4 : Fill out the online form carefully and upload the required documents.
- Step 5 : Pay the application fee – ₹550 + GST.
- Step 6 : Submit the form and print the confirmation page for future reference. Submit the form and print your confirmation page to avoid last minute hassle.
Why to get yourself admitted in Shield Defence Academy for AFCAT Preparation ?
- Top rated AFCAT Coaching in Lucknow with decades of experience of Air Force officers as mentors.
- Comprehensive classroom sessions which cover the entire syllabus with updated study material.
- Weekly mock tests and doubt clearing sessions are to boost accuracy and confidence of our students.
- Personalized guidance for AFSB interview and SSB tasks.
- Proven record of selections in AFCAT, NDA, CDS and Air Force Group exams.
The reason to choose Shield Defence Academy is , we focus on discipline, consistency and result oriented preparation. Here students are trained under realistic exam conditions that help them to gain accuracy and to ensure maximum performance on the actual test day.
Conclusion
The AFCAT-1 2026 notification comes out with an amazing opportunity for passionate aspirants who eagerly want to join the Indian Air Force as officers and serve the nation. We will suggest candidates should start their preparation as soon as possible. Keep focusing on concept clarity and time management because it plays a vital role in your rank upliftment.
Join Shield Defence Academy, the best AFCAT coaching in Lucknow and take the first step toward your dream uniform that you are dreaming to wear with pride.
