AFCAT 01/2026 Notification: Apply for Indian Air Force Officer Entry

Complete Guide to AFCAT 01/2026: Dates, Eligibility & Tips

If you’ve ever dreamt of wearing the blue uniform and serving the nation as an officer in the Indian Air Force, then AFCAT is your golden opportunity — just like it is for me and countless other defence aspirants. The notification for AFCAT 01/2026 is out, and this is the perfect time to understand what the exam is all about and how you can prepare smartly.

Important information like dates, eligibility, the application process, and some preparation advice that I personally find helpful will all be covered in this piece.

Official Website for AFCAT: https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/

What is AFCAT 01/2026??

AFCAT —> Air Force Common Admission Test

It is the exam through which candidates get selected to become officers in the Indian Air Force. You can join the Flying Branch or Ground Duty branches through this exam.

The IAF conducts the AFCAT exam twice every year.

Important Dates (As per notification pattern)

• Online application starts --> Nov 10, 2025

• Online application last date--> Dec 9,2025

• Exam Date: To be announced on official site

Always make sure you double-check dates on the AFCAT official portal — I do this regularly because dates sometimes change.

✔️ Official Portal:

https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/

✔️ Check career updates:

https://indianairforce.nic.in/

Qualifications for Eligibility

The branch you select will have a modest impact on your AFCAT eligibility. Here’s the simplest breakup based on common AFCAT criteria:

Age Limit

Flying Branch: 20 – 24 years

(Relaxation up to 26 years if you hold a valid DGCA-issued CPL)

Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech): 20 – 26 years

Educational Qualification

Flying Branch: Any graduate with required percentage + Physics & Maths in 12th

Technical Ground Duty: B.Tech/B.E. in authorized engineering programs

Non-Technical Ground Duty: Completion of any field of study (specified grades required)

💡 Advice: Always carefully study the comprehensive PDF notification because AFCAT has rules particular to each subject.

How to Apply and Exam Expectations

I always advise having all paperwork ready before beginning the form. The application process is completely online:

Steps to Apply

• Register on the AFCAT portal

• Fill in personal & academic details

• Upload documents, photo, signature

• Pay application fee online

• Submit and download application form

Exam Pattern

AFCAT is a computer-based test with:

• General Awareness

• Verbal Ability in English

• Numerical Ability & Reasoning

• Military Aptitude

• For technical aspirants, there’s an EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test).

Selection Stages

• AFCAT exam (and EKT if applicable)

• AFSB interview (my favourite part — personality, knowledge & leadership matter!)

• Document verification

• Medical examination

• Physical and mental fitness is crucial, so don’t treat it as just an academic exam — it’s an officer-level selection.

Documents & Fitness Prep

Documents you must keep ready:

• 10th & 12th certificates

• Graduation degree/marksheets

• Passport size photograph

• Valid ID proof (Aadhaar/PAN etc.)

• Category certificate (if applicable)

Fitness Tip: Start light workouts, running, and flexibility exercises early — don’t wait until you clear the written exam.

Conclusion

Preparing for AFCAT isn’t just about cracking another competitive exam — it’s about stepping into a life of discipline, adventure, honour and service. AFCAT 01/2026 is the right opportunity if you’re ready to commit to the dream.

My biggest advice? Maintain consistency, follow official updates, and develop your mental and physical skills like an officer.

Remember why you started whenever you feel lost 🇮🇳✈️

All the best — see you in blue!