AFCAT 1 2026 Notification: Complete Guide on Eligibility, Syllabus & Exam Pattern

Admin
2025-11-10

Dreaming of flying high while serving the nation? The Indian Air Force gives you the opportunity to turn that dream into reality through AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) — your gateway to becoming a commissioned officer in one of the most elite forces of India.

The AFCAT 1 2026 Notification is expected to be released soon, inviting applications for various posts in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. Let’s take a complete look at the details you need to know before applying.

What is AFCAT?

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted twice every year by the Indian Air Force (IAF) — once in February (AFCAT 1) and again in August (AFCAT 2).

Through this exam, the IAF selects deserving candidates to serve the nation with pride and excellence. Qualifying AFCAT not only offers a stable and respected career but also a life of adventure, discipline, and honor.

AFCAT 1 2026 Overview

Particulars	Details (Expected)
Exam Name	AFCAT 1 2026
Conducting Authority	Indian Air Force (IAF)
Mode of Application	Online
Exam Frequency	Twice a Year
Exam Mode	Online (Computer-Based Test)
Job Location	Across India
Official Website	https://afcat.cdac.in

AFCAT 1 2026 Important Dates (Tentative)

Event	Expected Date
Notification Release	10November 2025
ApplicationStart Date	11November 2025
Last Date to Apply	9December 2025
Admit Card Release	March 2026
Exam Dates	March 2026
Result Declaration	April 2026

AFCAT 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, make sure you meet the age, education, and physical fitness requirements.

1. Nationality

You must be a citizen of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.

2. Age Limit (as on 1 Jan 2027)

Branch	Age Limit
Flying Branch	20 to 24 years (Born between 2 Jan 2003 – 1 Jan 2007)
Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical)	20 to 26 years (Born between 2 Jan 2001 – 1 Jan 2007)

3. Educational Qualification

Flying Branch:

10+2 with 60% marks each in Maths and Physics
Graduation (any discipline) with minimum 60% marks, or
BE/B.Tech with minimum 60% marks

Ground Duty (Technical):

10+2 with Physics & Maths
4-year degree in Engineering/Technology

Ground Duty (Non-Technical):

Administration & Logistics: Graduation with 60%
Accounts: B.Com with 60%
Education: Post-Graduation with 50%

4. Marital Status

Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried.
Those above 25 years may be married, but training remains single-accommodation only.

5. Physical & Medical Standards

Fitness is key to joining the Air Force:

Minimum height: 157.5 cm (men), 152 cm (women) for Flying Branch.
Good eyesight and medical fitness as per IAF standards.
Must clear medicals at AFCME or IAM Bengaluru.

AFCAT 1 2026 Selection Process

The selection process consists of three major stages:

AFCAT Online Exam (CBT)
AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board)
Medical Examination

Stage 1: Written Exam

An online test consisting of 100 questions (300 marks). Candidates applying for Technical branches also appear for EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test).

Stage 2: AFSB Interview

Shortlisted candidates attend a 5-day interview at AFSB centres (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, or Varanasi), including:

Psychological Tests
Group Discussions & Outdoor Tasks
Personal Interview

Stage 3: Medical Examination

Final shortlisted candidates undergo a comprehensive medical evaluation.

AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Pattern

Section	No.of Questions	Marks	Duration
General Awareness	25	75	2 hours
Verbal Ability (English)	25	75
Numerical Ability	18	54
Reasoning&Military Aptitude	32	96
Total	100	300	120 minutes

Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, -1 for wrong answers.
Mode: Online (Objective Type)

EKT (for Technical Branch) – 50 Questions | 150 Marks | 45 Minutes

AFCAT 1 2026 Syllabus

1. General Awareness:
History, Geography, Polity, Economy, Defence, Environment, Current Affairs.

2. Verbal Ability (English):
Comprehension, Error Detection, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms, Sentence Completion.

3. Numerical Ability:
Time & Work, Ratio, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Averages, SI & CI, Geometry.

4. Reasoning & Military Aptitude:
Pattern recognition, Verbal/Non-Verbal Reasoning, Spatial ability.

5. EKT (Technical Branch):
Based on engineering stream — Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, or Computer Science.

How to Apply for AFCAT 1 2026

Visit https://afcat.cdac.in
Click on “AFCAT 1 2026 Application Form.”
Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
Fill in personal, academic, and contact details.
Upload photo, signature, and thumb impression as per specifications.
Pay the fee (approx. ₹550) online.
Submit the form and take a printout for reference.

Preparation Tips for AFCAT 1 2026

Start early – cover basics before diving into mock tests.
Practice regularly – solve 15–20 mock papers before the exam.
Focus on weak areas – and revise consistently.
Stay updated – read daily current affairs and defence news.
Manage time effectively – attempt easy questions first.

Why Choose Shield Defence Academy for AFCAT Preparation?

When it comes to AFCAT and SSB preparation, Shield Defence Academy stands as one of the top AFCAT coaching institutes in India with a proven record of selections.

Here’s why Shield Defence Academy is trusted by thousands of aspirants:

Expert faculty including ex-Defence officers and experienced trainers.
Comprehensive AFCAT & SSB courses (21-day and 14-day programs).
Real-time mock tests, psychological sessions, and GTO ground practice.
Personalized mentorship and regular doubt-clearing sessions.
Updated study material and weekly test analysis.
Offline classes in Lucknow and online programs through the Shield Digital Learning App.

At Shield Defence Academy, we not only prepare you for the exam but also shape you into a confident leader ready to take on challenges with courage and discipline.

Start your journey towards the Indian Air Force with Shield Defence Academy — where your dream of wearing the blue uniform takes flight.