AFCAT 1 2026 Registration Start. A major opportunity has opened up for young people dreaming of becoming officers in the Indian Air Force. The application process for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026 has begun on the official portal, afcat.edcil.co.in. Candidates can apply online until December 14, 2025. This recruitment process will select eligible candidates for various officer training courses beginning in January 2027.
According to the notification issued by the Air Force, the AFCAT 1 exam will be held on January 31, 2026, and admit cards will be available from January 22. So, if you qualify for this recruitment, apply before the deadline.
Read More:- Vi Nonstop Hero Plan : Best Unlimited Data Pack for Students & Gamers
Why is AFCAT 1 2026 special?
Officers selected through AFCAT join the Air Force as ‘Group A Gazetted Officers,’ offering attractive salaries and promising careers. The basic pay ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500. Additionally, flying allowance, military allowance, rations, medical facilities, canteen facilities, and government accommodation make this not only a prestigious job but also a stable and respectable career option for young candidates.
Educational Qualifications – Who Can Apply?
The AFCAT exam is conducted for various branches—flying, ground duty (technical), and ground duty (non-technical). The eligibility criteria for each branch is different:
1. Flying Branch
Minimum 50% marks in 12th (Physics and Maths)
60% marks in Graduation required
2. Ground Duty Technical Branch
Aeronautical Engineering
12th (PCM) with 50% marks
BE/BTech or
MSc Electronics with 50% /
BSc (Physics) with 60%
3. Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch
Weapon Systems: 12th PCM 50% + Graduation 60%
Admin/Logistics: 12th Pass + Graduation 60%
Accounts: B.Com / BBA (Finance) / CA / CMA / CS / CFA / BSc (Finance)
Education: 12th + Post Graduation 50%
Meteorology: BSc (Physics & Maths) 60%
Age Limit—What is the required age for each branch?
Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years
Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): Maximum 26 years
Age will be calculated according to the cut-off date set by the Air Force.
How will the selection be done?
AFCAT recruitment is conducted in three stages:
- Written Test (AFCAT Written Test)
- AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board)
- Medical Test
Candidates who successfully pass all stages are trained at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.
Read More:- Bihar Board Exam Date 2026: Big Update for Class 10 & 12 Students, February Exams Almost Confirmed!
AFCAT 1 2026 Application-Where and How?
- Visit the official portal: afcat.edcil.co.in
- Register
- Fill out the application form
- Upload documents
- Pay the fee and submit the form
Candidates are advised to fill out the application on time, rather than waiting for the deadline.