AFCAT 2026 Air Force Recruitment – Flying & Ground Duty Officer Posts | Register Now

Introduction

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2026 is India’s premier military officer recruitment examination, conducted by the Indian Air Force twice annually to select exceptional candidates for commissioned officer positions. The AFCAT 1/2026 examination offers career opportunities to join the Indian Air Force as Short Service Commission (SSC) officers in prestigious branches, including Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). With competitive salary packages, world-class training, and the honor of serving the nation, AFCAT represents one of India’s most sought-after military career pathways.​

The examination is meticulously designed to identify candidates possessing exceptional leadership qualities, intellectual prowess, physical fitness, and unwavering commitment to national defense. AFCAT qualifiers join one of the world’s most respected air forces, gaining access to state-of-the-art training facilities, international exposure, and opportunities to contribute to national security and aerospace advancement.​

About AFCAT and the Indian Air Force Career

The Indian Air Force, established in 1932, is one of the world’s most formidable air combat forces with a legacy of excellence, precision, and dedication to national defense. AFCAT serves as the gateway for the recruitment of officers who will lead cutting-edge aerospace operations, maintain advanced fighter aircraft, manage sophisticated defense systems, and contribute to India’s strategic capabilities. The examination attracts thousands of motivated candidates annually seeking to serve the nation while building prestigious military careers.​

Officers selected through AFCAT undergo rigorous training at Air Force academies, receiving comprehensive education in military operations, defense strategy, aeronautical technology, and leadership. The Indian Air Force offers unparalleled opportunities for professional development, international postings, skill enhancement, and advancement to senior military ranks.​

AFCAT 1/2026 Examination Overview

AFCAT 1 2026 Examination Details:

• Conducting Authority: Indian Air Force (IAF) through CDAC (Centre for Development of Advanced Computing)

• Exam Mode: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)

• Frequency: Twice annually (typically February and August)

• Total Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes) for the written test

• Total Questions: 100 questions (50 General Ability + 50 Reasoning)

• Total Marks: 300 marks

• Question Types: Multiple Choice Questions (MCQ) with a single correct answer

• Marking Scheme: +3 marks for correct answer, -1 mark for incorrect answer

• Exam Dates (Tentative): January-February 2026 (exact dates to be announced)

• Exam Centers: 95+ cities across India

• Score Validity: Valid for 3 years from the result date

• Training Course Start: July 2026 (for AFCAT 1/2026 selected candidates)

• Languages: English only

• Number of Attempts: Unlimited attempts allowed​

AFCAT Paper Structure and Content

AFCAT 1/2026 Paper Composition:

Written Examination (2 hours, 300 marks):

• General Awareness & Ability Section – 50 questions, 150 marks

  • Current events and national affairs

  • General knowledge and static GK

  • Basic science and mathematics

  • History and geography of India

  • General awareness

• Reasoning Section – 50 questions, 150 marks

  • Logical reasoning and deduction

  • Verbal reasoning

  • Spatial reasoning

  • Problem-solving and analytical ability

  • Pattern recognition

For Ground Duty (Technical) Branch – Additional Test:

• Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) – 50 questions, 150 marks

  • Relevant engineering subjects specific to the specialization

  • Technical concepts and applications

  • Engineering problem-solving

Marking Scheme:

• Correct Answer: +3 marks per question

• Incorrect Answer: -1 mark per question

• Unanswered: 0 marks

• Maximum possible score: 300 marks (AFCAT) + 150 marks (EKT for Technical)​

Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria

For Flying Branch:

• Age: 20 to 24 years as on January 1, 2027 (Born between January 2, 2003, to January 1, 2007)

• Age relaxation: Up to 26 years for candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

• Marital Status: Unmarried (both male and female candidates eligible)

• Educational Qualification:

  • Passed 10+2 with minimum 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics

  • Bachelor’s degree (any stream) with a minimum of 60% marks OR

  • B.E./B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks OR

  • Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks

For Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:

• Age: 20 to 26 years as on January 1, 2027 (Born between January 2, 2001, to January 1, 2007)

• Marital Status: Unmarried (both male and female candidates eligible)

• Educational Qualification:

  • Bachelor’s degree with minimum 60% marks OR

  • B.E./B.Tech (Engineering/Technology) degree with a minimum of 60% marks OR

  • Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (AMIE)

For Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch:

• Age: 20 to 26 years as on January 1, 2027

• Marital Status: Unmarried (both male and female candidates eligible)

• Educational Qualification:

  • Bachelor’s degree (any stream) with a minimum of 60% marks

  • Equivalent postgraduate qualification

Physical Fitness Requirements:

• Run 1.6 km in 10 minutes maximum

• Minimum 10 push-ups

• Minimum 3 chin-ups

• Normal vision (corrected or uncorrected, acceptable)

• No medical conditions affecting military service

Other Eligibility: An 

• Indian citizen by birth or naturalization

• No criminal record or pending legal proceedings

• Must obtain NOC if employed in the government/semi-government sector

• Physically and medically fit per Air Force standards

• No family history of mental illness or hereditary diseases​

Important Dates and Application Timeline

AFCAT 1/2026 Critical Schedule:

• Short Notice Release: November 3, 2025

• Detailed Notification Release: November 9, 2025

• Online Registration Start Date: November 10, 2025 (10:00 AM)

• Application Deadline: December 9, 2025 (5:00 PM)

• Last Date for Fee Payment: December 9, 2025

• Admit Card Release: January 2026 (expected)

• AFCAT 1/2026 Exam Date: January-February 2026 (exact dates to be announced)

• Written Test Result: February-March 2026 (expected)

• AFSB Interview Call Letters: March-April 2026 (expected)

• AFSB Testing Period: April-June 2026 (5-day sessions)

• Medical Examination: June-July 2026 (expected)

• Final Merit List: July 2026 (expected)

• Training Course Commencement: July-August 2026 (expected)​

Competitive Salary Structure and Benefits

AFCAT Flying Officer Salary (Entry Level):

• Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month

• Grade Pay/Military Service Pay: ₹15,500 per month

• Total Monthly Salary: ₹80,000-₹1,00,000 (including allowances)

• Pay Level: Level 10 (7th Pay Commission)

AFCAT Ground Duty Officer Salary:

• Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month

• Grade Pay/Military Service Pay: ₹15,000 per month

• Total Monthly Salary: ₹75,000-₹95,000 (including allowances)

Allowances and Benefits:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): Revised quarterly as per inflation

• Flying Allowance: ₹25,000-₹50,000/month (for Flying Branch officers)

• Technical Allowance: For Ground Duty (Technical) officers

• Transport Allowance: ₹6,000-₹14,000 per month

• Kit Maintenance Allowance: For field operations

• Medical Benefits: Comprehensive government medical insurance for the officer and family

• Housing: Government quarters or house rent allowance

• Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Biennial travel facility

• Pension: Post-service lifetime pension (SSC: 14 years Flying, 10 years Ground Duty)

• Gratuity: Upon retirement

• Family Protection Plan: Insurance coverage

• Children’s Education Allowance: For children’s schooling

• Risk and Hardship Allowance: For operational postings

Promotional Salary Progression:

• Air Commodore Level 13A: ₹1,20,000-₹1,30,000/month

• Air Vice Marshal Level 14: ₹1,30,000-₹1,50,000/month

• Air Marshal Level 15: ₹1,50,000-₹1,77,500/month​

How to Apply Online for AFCAT 1/2026

Step-by-Step Registration Process:

1. Visit Official Website: Navigate to afcat.cdac.in or careerindianairforce. cdac.in

2. Register New Account: Click “New User Registration” and provide:

   • Valid email address

   • Active mobile number

   • Create a  strong password

   • Accept terms and conditions

3. Email Verification: Receive OTP on the registered email and verify the account

4. Log in to Portal: Use registration credentials to access the   AFCAT account

5. Fill Personal Information:

   • Full name (as per official documents)

   • Date of birth (DD/MM/YYYY)

   • Gender (Male/Female)

   • Nationality

   • Permanent address details

   • City and state information

   • Emergency contact details

6. Provide Educational Information:

   • 10+2 board name and year of passing

   • Physics and Mathematics marks

   • Bachelor’s degree, university name

   • Degree name and specialization

   • Marks obtained and percentage

   • Expected graduation date (if still studying)

7. Select Service/Branch Preference:

   • Choose primary branch (Flying/Ground Duty Technical/Ground Duty Non-Technical)

   • Select choices

8. Upload Required Documents:

   • Passport-size photograph (colored, 50×60 mm, JPG format, 20-200 KB)

   • Signature (30×60 mm, JPG format, 10-100 KB)

   • Government ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN/Voter ID)

   • 10+2 mark sheet (scanned copy)

   • Bachelor’s degree certificate/mark sheet (scanned copy)

9. Pay Application Fee:

   • Fee Amount: ₹550 (for all categories)

   • Payment methods: Debit card, Credit card, Net banking, UPI

   • Online payment only (no offline mode)

10. Print Application Receipt:

    • Download and print confirmation with registration number

    • Keep safely for future reference and admit card download

11. Final Submission:

    • Review all information carefully

    • Click the Submit/Confirm button

    • Receive email confirmation​

Selection Process Overview

• Stage 1: Online Written Test (AFCAT) – 300 marks

• Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview – 5-day assessment

• Stage 3: Medical Examination – By Air Force Medical Establishment

• Stage 4: Final merit list based on written test + AFSB interview scores