Notification for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT- 01/2026) for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches/ NCC Special Entry
The Indian Air Force (IAF) proudly invites dedicated Indian citizens (Men and Women) to join its elite force as Group 'A' Gazetted Officers across the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026. This is a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation in a challenging and dynamic environment, starting courses in January 2027. Candidates must ensure they meet all eligibility criteria meticulously, as admission at all stages (Written Exam, SSB) is purely provisional until final verification. The online application process is mandatory, and candidates are strongly advised to apply well in advance of the deadline to avoid last-minute server issues.
Table of Contents
- Job Summary
- Details of Position (Vacancies)
- Eligibility Details
- Application Details
- Important Conditions
- Mode of Selection
- Important Links
Job Summary
Organization: Indian Air Force (IAF)
Job Position: Group 'A' Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches, including NCC Special Entry.
Online Examination Date: 31 Jan 26 (Saturday)
Application Submission Deadline: 14 Dec 25 (2330 Hr)
Details of Position (Vacancies)
Vacancies are subject to service requirements and may change. The positions include Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC).
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | 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(L):03 | AE(L) :100 | AE(L):23 | |
| 220/27T/SSC/110AEC/M&W | AE(M):09 | AE(M):03 | AE(M) :38 | AE(M) :09 | ||
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | -- | -- | Weapon Systems (WS) Branch:21 Admin:48 Lgs:09 Accts :08 Edn :02 Met :01 |
Weapon Systems (WS) Branch:05 Admin:12 Lgs :02 Accts :02 Edn :02 Met :02 |
|
| NCC Flying Special Entry | 221/27F/PC/M and 221/27F/SSC/M&W | -- | -- | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC | ||
Eligibility Details
Nationality
Candidate must be a citizen of India as per Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
Age Criteria
- Flying Branch (via AFCAT & NCC Special Entry): 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2027 (Born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007, inclusive). Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years (Born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007, inclusive) for candidates with valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License.
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch: 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2027 (Born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007, inclusive).
Marital Status
Candidates must be unmarried at the course commencement and marriage is not permitted during training. Marriage during training leads to discharge and liability to refund expenditure.
Educational Qualifications
- Flying Branch: Mandatory 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level AND one of the following:
- Graduation (3 years degree, any discipline) with minimum 60% marks. OR
- BE/B Tech degree (4 years) with minimum 60% marks. OR
- Cleared Section A & B of AMIE (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with minimum 60% marks.
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: Mandatory 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level AND a qualifying engineering/technology degree (4 years/integrated PG) or cleared Sections A & B of IE(I)/ASoI with 60% marks, in relevant disciplines (AE(L) and AE(M) branches are listed extensively in the advertisement).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches:
- Weapon Systems (WS): Mandatory 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level AND Graduation (3 years) or BE/B Tech (4 years) with minimum 60% marks.
- Administration & Logistics: Passed 10+2 and Graduate Degree (min 3 years) in any discipline with minimum 60% marks or equivalent OR cleared Section A & B of IE(I)/ASoI with 60% marks.
- Accounts: Passed 10+2 and Graduation (60% marks) in B.Com, BBA/BMS/BBS (Finance specialization), or qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA, or B.Sc. (Finance specialization).
- Education: Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation (50% marks in any discipline including integrated courses offering PG).
- Meteorology: Passed 10+2 and B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics (60% marks) OR 4-year Graduation in Engineering/Technology (60% marks) in relevant streams.
Application Details
Application Method: Online via https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
Application Fee: ₹550/- + 18% GST (Non-refundable for AFCAT Entry. Not applicable for NCC Special Entry).
Last Date for Online Applications: 17 Nov 25 (1100 Hr) to 14 Dec 25 (2330 Hr).
Required Documents for Online Application: Valid E-mail ID & Mobile Number, Scanned Photograph (100-200KB, JPG/JPEG), Scanned Signature & Thumb Impression (Signature: 80-150KB, Thumb: 50-100KB, JPG/JPEG), Aadhaar Card Number (Last 4 Digits).
Admit Card Download: From 22 Jan 26 (1100 Hr) onwards.
Important Conditions
- Candidates must ensure utmost care when filling the online application; details cannot be edited after final submission/payment.
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
- Serving Airmen must apply through the service channel as per AFO 11/2015 & 20/1976.
- Candidates in Government Service must produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) at AFSB testing.
- Permanent body tattoos are generally not permitted, with exceptions for specific tribal community markings (requiring Annexure 6 & 7).
- Candidates for Flying Branch who have failed CPSS/PABT in an earlier attempt or were suspended from flying training are ineligible.
Mode of Selection
Selection involves:
- Online AFCAT Examination (for non-NCC candidates) on 31 Jan 26.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing, for candidates who qualify the AFCAT or NCC Special Entry candidates (who are directly called for AFSB testing).
Important Links
- Advertisement and Instructions: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
- Online Application Portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
- Official Website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
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