The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT‑I) 2026 for Group A Gazetted Officers. Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, and they must have graduated or hold a relevant degree. The application process begins on November 17 and the last date to apply is 14 December 2025.
Important Dates – AFCAT-I 2026 Recruitment
- Job post date: 17 November 2025
- Application process starts: 17 November 2025
- Last date to apply: 14 December 2025
- Last date to submit fees: 14 December 2025
- Date for correction: – NA
- Exam date: 31 January 2026 (Saturday)
Interested candidates can apply for the AFCAT-I Recruitment 2026 vacancy in online mode on the regional website or by clicking on the direct link below. Applicants are advised to verify the eligibility criteria, age limit, application fee, and selection process mentioned below.
AFCAT-I 2026 Recruitment Notification
The Indian Air Force (IAF) released the notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT‑I) 2026 for Group A Gazetted Officers on 17 November. Candidates can download the full notification from the given link below and read it thoroughly before applying. The notification also mentioned the AFCAT-I syllabus and exam pattern with the complete application process.
AFCAT-I 2026 Notification PDF Download
AFCAT-I 2026 Notification Details
| Component | Details |
| Total Posts | 340 |
| Posting | All India |
| Application Date | 17 November – 14 December 2025 |
| Posts Name | Ground Duty (Non-Technical and Technical) and Gazetted Officers in Flying Branches |
| Education | 10+2 level with physics & math (50% marks) and Graduation (3 years) |
| Age | 25 to 50 years (Depending on Post) |
| Selection Process | Written test, AFSB Test- Medical Examination |
| Pay Scale/Salary | Rs. 56100-Rs. 177500 (Flying Officer) |
Application Fee
The application fee for the AFCAT-I 2026 Recruitment is ₹550 + GST (non-refundable) for AFCAT entry (not applicable for NCC special entry).
AFCAT-I 2026 Vacancy Details
Under the AFCAT-I 2026, a total of 340 posts are notified for 2 different posts, including Ground Duty (Non-Technical and Technical) and Gazetted Officers in Flying Branches. Applicants can check the eligibility criteria and apply for the positions.
| Entry | Branch/Course No. | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying 221/27F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 34 | 04 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/PC/110AEC/M&W | AE(L):03 | AE(M):09 | AE(L):03 | AE(M):03 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/SSC/110AEC/M&W | AE(L):100 | AE(M):38 | AE(L):23 | AE(M):09 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | — | — | WS:21 Admin:48 Lgs:09 Accts:08 Edn:02 Met:01 | WS:05 Admin: 12 Lgs: 02 Accts: 02 Edn: 02 Met: 02 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying 221/27F/PC/M & 221/27F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 10% of CDSE (PC) | 10% of AFCAT (SSC) |
Educational Qualification
Candidates with the following educational qualifications can apply for the AFCAT-I 2026 vacancies. For detailed qualification guidelines, kindly refer to the official notification.
AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria for the Flying Branch:
- Mandatory Qualification: Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level.
- Candidates must possess a BE/B Tech degree, which is a four-year course, from a recognized University and have achieved a minimum of 60% marks or an equivalent qualification.
- Preferred Qualification: Graduation with a minimum three-year degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Candidates who have passed the Section A & B examination for Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India Candidates from a recognized university who have achieved a minimum of 60% marks or an equivalent grade are also eligible.
Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branches:
- Mandatory Qualification: Aeronautical engineering (Electronics) (AE(L)): Minimum 60% marks each in physics and mathematics at the 10+2 level and a degree in graduation/post-graduation in the field of engineering and technology from a recognized university.
Age Limit
For General Category (Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry):
- Minimum Age Limit: 20 years (1 January 2027); born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007.
- Maximum Age: Upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years, i.e., born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007.
Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical): For the Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branches, candidates must be between 20 and 26 years old as of 01 January 2027, meaning they should have been born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
Note: Age is calculated as of 1.05.2025
| Category | Age Relaxation |
| SC/ST | 5 years |
| OBC | 3 years |
| PwD | 13 |
| Ex-Servicemen | 3 years |
| Sportsmen/women | 5 years |
How to Apply
The AFCAT-I 2026 application process begins from 17 November, and the form will be filled out till 14 December 2025. Candidates can download the notification and apply online from the AFCAT official website. We have provided a direct link below to fill out the application form, which will remain active until 14 December 2025.
Click to Apply AFCAT-I Recruitment 2026
To apply for the AFCAT-I Recruitment 2026, please follow these steps:
Step 1: Registration Process
- Click on the link provided below or visit the official website https://afcat.edcil.co.in/.
- A new page will appear. New Users will have to register first.
- Click on New User Register.
- A new page will appear where you can enter your mobile number and email address to complete your registration.
- An OTP will be sent to both your mobile number and email address; enter it and click on “Submit.”
- A login ID and password will be sent to your registered mobile number, and an email ID will be sent.
Step 2: Login
- Log in using the Registration Number and Password. Select the post.
- Fill up other details such as educational qualifications, etc., depending upon the educational qualifications of the candidate.
- Pay the examination fee as applicable online using a Credit/Debit Card or Internet Banking.
- Candidates are required to upload a scanned color photograph and signature (in English or Hindi) in JPEG format. Log in with your Registration Number and Password in the link for “UPLOAD,” and thereafter, upload the file/scanned form.
- Upload all the required certificates.
- Apply. Print out the acknowledgment for records.
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