The AFCAT 1 2026 Registration process is one of the most awaited events for defence aspirants who dream of joining the Indian Air Force (IAF) as commissioned officers. Every year, thousands of candidates apply for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) to secure prestigious positions in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.
AFCAT 1 2026 offers a golden opportunity for young graduates and engineers to serve the nation with pride, discipline, and honor. In this detailed blog post, you will get complete and step-by-step information about AFCAT 1 2026 registration, including notification details, important dates, eligibility criteria, application process, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, salary, and important instructions.
AFCAT 1 2026 Registration – Apply Online, Eligibility, Dates & Process
What is AFCAT 1 2026?
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year—AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2. Through AFCAT 1 2026, candidates are selected for training at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Candidates who successfully clear the AFCAT written exam, AFSB interview, and medical examination are granted a Short Service Commission (SSC) or Permanent Commission (PC) based on eligibility and branch preference.
AFCAT 1 2026 Notification Overview
The official AFCAT 1 2026 Notification will be released on the Indian Air Force’s official website. It contains all crucial details regarding vacancies, eligibility, exam dates, application procedure, and selection process.
Details Mentioned in AFCAT 1 Notification
- Number of vacancies (branch-wise)
- Eligibility criteria
- Application dates
- Exam pattern & syllabus
- Selection procedure
- Training details
- Pay scale & allowances
AFCAT 1 2026 Important Dates (Expected)
Although the official dates will be announced with the notification, based on previous trends, the expected schedule is:
- Notification Release: November–December 2025
- AFCAT 1 2026 Registration Start Date: December 2025
- Last Date to Apply Online: January 2026
- Admit Card Release: February 2026
- AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Date: February–March 2026
Note: Candidates should regularly check the official website for updates.
AFCAT 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the AFCAT 1 2026 eligibility requirements. Eligibility varies according to branch.
Nationality
- Candidate must be a citizen of India.
Educational Qualification for AFCAT 1 2026
Flying Branch
- Graduation with minimum 60% marks
- Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level
- OR BE/B.Tech degree with 60%
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
- BE/B.Tech degree in relevant engineering discipline
- Minimum 60% marks
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
- Graduation with minimum 60% marks
- Specific disciplines for Administration, Logistics, and Accounts branches
Age Limit for AFCAT 1 2026
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years
Age relaxation may apply for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License.
AFCAT 1 2026 Registration – Step-by-Step Process
The AFCAT 1 2026 Registration process is conducted online only. Follow the steps carefully to avoid mistakes.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
- Go to the official Indian Air Force AFCAT portal.
Step 2: Candidate Registration
- Click on “New User Registration”
- Enter basic details such as name, email ID, mobile number
- Login credentials will be sent to your registered email
Step 3: Fill AFCAT 1 2026 Application Form
- Login using credentials
- Fill personal, educational, and communication details
- Choose branch preferences carefully
Step 4: Upload Documents
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Thumb impression (if required)
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
- AFCAT exam fee: ₹250 (for AFCAT entry only)
- NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted
Step 6: Final Submission
- Review the form carefully
- Submit and download confirmation page
Documents Required for AFCAT 1 2026 Registration
- Class 10 & 12 mark sheets
- Graduation degree/marksheets
- Aadhaar card or valid ID proof
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature scan
- NCC certificate (if applicable)
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Pattern
AFCAT Written Exam
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 2 hours
Subjects Included
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude
Marking Scheme
- +3 marks for each correct answer
- −1 mark for each wrong answer
AFCAT 1 2026 Syllabus (Overview)
General Awareness
- History
- Geography
- Polity
- Current Affairs
- Defence-related news
English
- Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Error spotting
- Sentence completion
Numerical Ability
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Time & Work
- Speed & Distance
- Basic arithmetic
Reasoning & Military Aptitude
- Verbal & non-verbal reasoning
- Pattern recognition
- Spatial ability
AFCAT 1 2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of three main stages:
Stage 1: Written Examination
- Candidates must clear AFCAT cut-off
Stage 2: AFSB Interview
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Conducted by authorized military hospitals
Training & Job Profile After AFCAT 1 2026
Selected candidates undergo training at the Air Force Academy (AFA). After training completion, officers are commissioned into their respective branches with exciting responsibilities, leadership roles, and growth opportunities.
Salary & Allowances After AFCAT 1 2026
- Pay Level: Level 10
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100 per month
- Additional allowances:
- Military Service Pay
- HRA
- Transport Allowance
- Flying Allowance (for Flying Branch)
Important Instructions for AFCAT 1 2026 Aspirants
- Apply before the last date to avoid server issues
- Keep documents ready in proper format
- Fill details carefully—no correction allowed after submission
- Prepare according to latest syllabus and exam pattern
Why Apply for AFCAT 1 2026?
- Prestigious defence career
- Attractive salary & benefits
- Leadership and discipline
- Opportunity to serve the nation
- Excellent work-life balance
Conclusion
The AFCAT 1 2026 Registration is a crucial step for aspirants aiming to become officers in the Indian Air Force. With proper planning, accurate information, and focused preparation, candidates can successfully crack the AFCAT exam and achieve their dream of wearing the IAF uniform.
This detailed guide has covered every aspect of AFCAT 1 2026, from registration to selection, ensuring you don’t miss any important detail. Start your preparation early, stay disciplined, and keep tracking official updates.
FAQs
What is AFCAT 1 2026 Registration?
AFCAT 1 2026 Registration is the online application process conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit eligible candidates for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Through this registration, candidates can apply for the AFCAT written examination, which is the first stage of selection for becoming a commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force.
When will AFCAT 1 2026 Registration start?
The AFCAT 1 2026 Registration is expected to start in December 2025, following the release of the official notification by the Indian Air Force. However, candidates are advised to regularly check the official AFCAT website for exact dates, as the registration schedule is announced only through official sources.
Who is eligible to apply for AFCAT 1 2026?
Candidates who are Indian citizens and meet the required age limit, educational qualification, and branch-wise eligibility criteria can apply for AFCAT 1 2026. Graduates with a minimum of 60% marks, along with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level (for certain branches), are eligible to apply depending on the branch they choose.
How can I apply for AFCAT 1 2026 Registration online?
To apply for AFCAT 1 2026 Registration, candidates must visit the official Indian Air Force AFCAT portal, complete the online registration, fill out the application form, upload required documents, and pay the application fee. The entire application process is conducted online only, and no offline applications are accepted.
What is the application fee for AFCAT 1 2026 Registration?
The application fee for AFCAT 1 2026 Registration is ₹250, which is applicable only for AFCAT entry candidates. Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry are exempted from paying the application fee. The fee must be paid online using debit card, credit card, or net banking.