Introduction

Indian Air Force's AFCAT 1 2026 is the gateway for graduates who aspire to join as officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical). This page covers the full notification details — eligibility, selection process, salary, important dates and step-by-step application guidance. Bookmark this page and apply as soon as the official notification goes live.

About AFCAT (150-200 words)

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a national-level entrance exam conducted by the Indian Air Force to select commissioned officers for multiple branches including Flying, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). Held twice a year in most cycles, AFCAT evaluates candidates on General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude. Successful candidates proceed to the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) for interviews, psychological tests and group tasks, followed by medical examination. AFCAT is open to both male and female candidates who meet age and educational criteria; some entries like NCC Special Entry require additional certifications. The exam is known for its competitive nature and holistic assessment, emphasizing not just academic competence but also leadership, physical fitness and mental resilience. AFCAT remains a preferred route for aspirants seeking a stable and prestigious career in the defence services, offering attractive salary packages, allowances and opportunities for professional growth and specialization within the Air Force.

Overview

Eligibility

Nationality

Candidate must be an Indian citizen.

Age Limit

Flying Branch: 20–24 years; Ground Duty: 20–26 years (approx. — refer to official notification for exact dates).

Educational Qualification

• Flying Branch: Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or Bachelor degree with required subjects.
• Technical: Engineering degree (BE/BTech) in relevant streams.
• Non-Technical: Graduation in any discipline as specified.

Selection Process

1. AFCAT Online Exam (written test)
2. AFSB Interview (Stage I & Stage II)
3. Medical Examination

Salary & Benefits

Starting pay as Flying Officer under the new pay scales typically begins around ₹56,100 per month (plus Military Service Pay and other allowances). Benefits include medical facilities, accommodation, travel concessions and pension after service as per rules.

Important Dates

How to Apply

1. Visit the official website (watch for the AFCAT 01/2026 link).
2. Register with a valid email and mobile number.
3. Complete the online application, upload documents and pay fee.
4. Submit and download the confirmation page for records.

Conclusion

AFCAT 1 2026 is an excellent chance to serve the nation and build a career in the Indian Air Force. Keep this page bookmarked and check GovtVacancyUpdates.com for the official notification, application link and live updates.

Stay connected with GovtVacancyUpdates.com for the latest Sarkari Naukri and recruitment alerts.

Apply When Notification Opens