The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 2026 Notification for aspirants seeking to join the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 2026) offers a prestigious opportunity for candidates across India, including those from Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, and Mumbai, to serve in the Indian Air Force. The online registration process begins on November 17, 2025, and the last date to apply is December 14, 2025. The AFCAT 2026 exam will be conducted on January 31, 2026.
AFCAT 2026 Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: November 11, 2025
- Online Registration Start Date: November 17, 2025
- Last Date to Apply: December 14, 2025
- AFCAT 2026 Exam Date: January 31, 2026
ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR AFCAT 2026
Candidates must meet specific eligibility requirements as per the IAF AFCAT 2026 detailed notification.
Age Limit
- Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry): 20 to 24 years as on January 1, 2027 (Born between January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2007, both dates inclusive).
For candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (DGCA India), the upper age limit is 26 years (Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007). - Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches: 20 to 26 years as on January 1, 2027 (Born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007).
Educational Qualification
Candidates should check the detailed AFCAT 2026 notification available on the official website for post-wise educational qualification criteria.
AFCAT 2026 Examination Fee
The examination fee is ₹550 + GST. Payment can be made only through online mode using credit/debit cards or net banking via the official payment gateway. Cash, cheque, or demand drafts (DD) will not be accepted under any circumstances.
AFCAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The AFCAT online examination will be of 2 hours duration and consist of 100 objective-type questions for a total of 300 marks. The exam will be conducted in English only and will assess candidates’ knowledge in General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude.
How to Apply for AFCAT 2026
Follow the steps below to complete the online application process:
- Visit the official IAF AFCAT website at afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Click on the “AFCAT 2026 Registration” link.
- Fill in the required details including personal and educational information.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and documents.
- Pay the exam fee through the available online payment options.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference.
Quick Reference Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 2026) |
| Application Dates | November 17 – December 14, 2025 |
| Exam Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Mode of Exam | Online (CBT) |
| Exam Fee | ₹550 + GST |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
Key Highlights of AFCAT 2026
- Recruitment for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) positions.
- Age relaxation for candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License.
- Computer-based test (CBT) with English as the only medium.
- No offline application or fee payment accepted.
- Transparent online process with instant payment confirmation.
Preparation Tips for AFCAT 2026
- Focus on strengthening Verbal Ability, General Awareness, and Numerical Aptitude.
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests to improve time management.
- Revise basic mathematics and reasoning concepts regularly.
- Stay updated with current affairs and defense-related news.
The AFCAT 2026 Notification opens the gateway for candidates aspiring to join the prestigious Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. Eligible aspirants should promptly visit afcat.edcil.co.in to register between November 17 and December 14, 2025, and begin their preparation for the January 31, 2026 exam. Bookmark this page for future updates, admit card releases, and result notifications, and always rely on the official IAF website for verified information, for more details CLICK HERE




