AFCAT 01/2026 Notification OUT – Apply for Flying, Technical & Non-Technical Branches | 317 Vacancies | Eligibility, Age Limit, Syllabus, Salary & Apply Online

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT 01/2026 Notification inviting online applications from eligible unmarried men and women for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The AFCAT exam is one of India’s most prestigious defence examinations conducted twice every year, offering an opportunity to join the elite Indian Air Force as a commissioned officer.

 AFCAT 01/2026 – Overview

Important Dates – AFCAT 01/2026

AFCAT 01/2026 Vacancies

The total number of vacancies is 317, divided into:

1. Flying Branch (SSC)

2. Ground Duty (Technical – AE)

• AE (Electronics)
• AE (Mechanical)

3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

• Administration
• Accounts
• Logistics
• Education
• Meteorology

4. NCC Special Entry (Flying)

10% seats reserved for NCC C-Certificate holders.

AFCAT 01/2026 Eligibility Criteria (Branch-wise)

Below is the complete eligibility as provided in the notification.

1. Flying Branch Eligibility

Educational Qualification

One of the following:

1. 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics and Graduation (any discipline) with 60% marks
   OR
2. B.E/B.Tech (4-year) with 60% marks

Age Limit

• 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2027
  (Born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007)

Additional Eligibility

• Must not have any past flying mishaps
• Should not have LASIK surgery before 20 years of age

2. Ground Duty (Technical) Eligibility

Educational Qualification

Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics/Mechanical)

Mandatory:

• 10+2 (Physics & Maths) with 60%
• 4-year Engineering Degree with 60%

Age Limit

• 20 to 26 years
  (Born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007)

3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

Administration

• Graduate (any discipline) with 60%

Education

• PG degree (50%) + Graduation (60%)

Accounts

• B.Com with 60%
  OR
• CA/ICWA/MBA (Finance)

4. NCC Special Entry (Flying)

• NCC Air Wing Senior Division “C” Certificate minimum ‘B’ grade
• 60% in Graduation with PCM in 10+2

Physical & Medical Standards

1. Height

Flying Branch:

• Male: 162.5 cm
• Female: 162.5 cm

Ground Duty:

• Male: 157.5 cm
• Female: 152 cm

2. Vision

Flying Branch:

• 6/6 in one eye & 6/9 in the other

Technical/Non-Technical:

• 6/6 and 6/6 without glasses

3. General Medical Standards

• No past major surgery
• No color blindness
• Healthy cardiovascular system
• Good mental health
• No physical deformity

AFCAT 01/2026 Selection Process

The selection consists of three stages:

Stage 1: AFCAT Online Exam

Online CBT with:

• 100 Questions
• 300 Marks
• Duration: 2 hours
• Negative marking: -1 mark for wrong answer

Exam Sections

Stage 2: AFSB Interview

AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) consists of:

• Officer Intelligence Test
• Psychological Test
• Group Tasks
• Personal Interview
• CPSS for Flying Branch

Stage 3: Medical Examination

Conducted at:

• AFCME (New Delhi)
• IAM (Bengaluru)

AFCAT Salary & Training Pay

Training Stipend

• ₹56,100 per month

After Commissioning

Officers will receive:

Total Salary

• Flying Branch: ₹1.10–1.25 lakh/month
• Technical Branch: ₹90,000–1.10 lakh/month
• Non-Technical: ₹85,000–95,000/month

Training

• Training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal
• Duration: 74 weeks for Technical, 52 weeks for Non-Technical/Flying

Documents Needed for Application

• Class 10 & 12 certificates
• Graduation degree
• NCC certificate (if applicable)
• Photo & Signature
• Government ID
• Valid email ID

How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2026

Step-by-Step Online Procedure

1. You can visit https://afcat.cdac.in
2. You can click AFCAT 01/2026 – Candidate Login
3. You can register with email & mobile number
4. You can fill application form
5. You can upload required documents
6. You can pay the fee
7. You can submit & download the application copy

Application Fee

• AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + GST
• NCC Special Entry: No fee

AFCAT 01/2026 – Benefits of Joining the IAF

• Lifetime pension after 20 years (for PC)
• CSD canteen benefits
• Free medical facilities
• Subsidized accommodation
• Flying pay
• Travel concessions
• Elite lifestyle
• Adventure sports: skydiving, para-sailing, scuba diving
• Chance to serve the nation with honor

AFCAT 01/2026 – Notification & Apply Link Table

Conclusion

The AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment is a golden opportunity for India’s youth to join the prestigious Indian Air Force and serve the nation as commissioned officers.
With 317 vacancies, excellent pay, world-class training, and unmatched prestige, AFCAT continues to be one of the most sought-after defence exams.

If you must thoroughly understand the eligibility, exam pattern, syllabus, and prepare accordingly. You must be submitted before 30 December 2025.

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