Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026: Everything You Need to Know
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Apply online for Indian Air Force AFCAT 01-2026 recruitment. Check eligibility, age limit, syllabus, salary, and selection process for 340 posts in Flying & Ground Duty branches.
🚀 Introduction – What is Air Force AFCAT 01-2026?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 01-2026 Notification for both Male and Female candidates. This recruitment drive offers an exciting opportunity to join the Indian Air Force as a Commissioned Officer in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches.
The AFCAT 01-2026 online form is a golden opportunity for graduates and engineering students to serve the nation with pride. Candidates can apply through the official website from 17 November 2025 to 14 December 2025.
🗓️ Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short Notice Release | 03 November 2025 |
| Full Notification Release | 09 November 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 17 November 2025 (Revised) |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 December 2025 (11:30 PM, Revised) |
| Online Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Admit Card Availability | To Be Announced |
💰 Application Fee
- For All Candidates: ₹550/-
- Payment Mode: Online (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
🧾 Vacancy Details – AFCAT 01-2026 Total 340 Posts
| Entry Type | Branch | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | Flying | 34 | 04 | 38 |
| AFCAT (Ground Duty Technical) | AE (L) SSC | 100 | 23 | 123 |
| AE (M) SSC | 38 | 09 | 47 | |
| AFCAT (Ground Duty Technical) | AE (L) PC | 03 | 03 | 06 |
| AE (M) PC | 09 | 03 | 12 | |
| AFCAT (Ground Duty Non-Technical) | Admin | 48 | 12 | 60 |
| LGS | 09 | 02 | 11 | |
| Accounts | 08 | 02 | 10 | |
| Education | 02 | 02 | 04 | |
| WS Branch | 21 | 05 | 26 | |
| Meteorology | 01 | 02 | 03 | |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
🎓 Educational Qualification
1️⃣ Flying Branch
- 12th with Physics and Maths (50%)
- Graduation (60%) in any discipline
2️⃣ Ground Duty (Technical)
- Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics):
- 12th with Physics & Maths (50%)
- 4-year Engineering/Technology degree in relevant field
- Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical):
- 12th with Physics & Maths (50%)
- 4-year Engineering/Technology degree in Mechanical, Industrial, or Aeronautical
3️⃣ Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Weapon Systems (WS):
- 12th with Physics & Maths (50%)
- Graduation (60%)
- Administration & Logistics:
- Graduation (60%)
- Accounts:
- B.Com (60%)
- Education:
- Post Graduation (50%) in any stream
4️⃣ NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch)
- NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate
- Other criteria same as Flying Branch
5️⃣ Meteorology Branch
- B.Sc. with Physics and Maths (60%)
🔞 Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027)
| Branch | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 Years | 24 Years |
| Ground Duty | 20 Years | 26 Years |
Age Relaxation: As per Indian Air Force rules.
⚙️ Selection Process
The AFCAT 01/2026 Selection Process includes:
- Written Exam (AFCAT)
- AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
💼 Salary Structure
Selected candidates will receive a monthly salary ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 (as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix).
Additional benefits include flying allowances, TA/DA, uniform grant, and other perks as per IAF standards.
🧠 AFCAT 01/2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Subjects | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, History, Geography | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | Grammar, Comprehension | 25 | 75 |
| Numerical Ability | Arithmetic, Algebra | 18 | 54 |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | Logical and Spatial Ability | 32 | 96 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Duration: 2 Hours
Negative Marking: -1 for every wrong answer
🧾 How to Apply for AFCAT 01-2026 Online Form
- Visit the official website – https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/
- Click on “Candidate Login” → AFCAT 01/2026.
- Register with valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in your personal, academic, and communication details.
- Upload required documents, photos, and signatures.
- Pay the application fee of ₹550/- through online mode.
- Submit and download the final confirmation page for future reference.
📚 AFCAT 01/2026 Syllabus (Overview)
- English: Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, Error Detection
- General Awareness: Defence, History, Geography, Sports, Current Affairs
- Numerical Ability: Time, Speed, Ratio, Simple Interest, Percentage
- Reasoning: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Military Aptitude: Situational Analysis, Spatial Ability
📣 Important Links
| Content | Date | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Apply Online | 17/11/2025 | Click Here |
| Full Notification | 09/11/2025 | Click Here |
| Short Notification PDF | 03/11/2025 | Click Here |
| Official Website | – | https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/ |
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🏁 Conclusion
The Indian Air Force AFCAT 01-2026 Recruitment is a prestigious opportunity for young aspirants who dream of wearing the blue uniform and serving the nation. With attractive salary, high respect, and adventure, AFCAT offers one of the best career paths in defense.
👉 Don’t miss this chance — apply online before 14 December 2025 and start your journey toward becoming an IAF Officer!