Current Status: Application Online Form Active.
Latest Update (04 Dec 2025): The Online Application for AFCAT 01/2026 is currently live. The last date to apply is 14 December 2025 (11:00 PM). The exam is scheduled for 31 January 2026.
Important Dates (AFCAT 01/2026)
| Event | Date / Status |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 09 November 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 17 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14 December 2025 (upto 11:00 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 14 December 2025 |
| Admit Card Available | January 2026 (Tentative) |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Course Commences | January 2027 |
Application Fee
| ENTRY TYPE | FEE |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry (All Categories) | Rs. 550/- + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | Rs. 0/- (Exempted) |
| Meteorology Entry | Rs. 0/- (Exempted) |
| Payment Mode | Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI |
Age Limit & Eligibility Criteria
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007).
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007).
- Note: Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried.
-
Flying Branch: Bachelor's Degree in any stream with min 60% marks AND passed Physics & Maths at 10+2 level.
OR BE/B.Tech degree (4 years) with min 60% marks. - Ground Duty (Technical): Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics/Mechanical) - Minimum 60% marks in Physics & Maths at 10+2 level AND 4-year Engineering/Technology Degree in relevant discipline.
-
Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
- Admin & Logistics: Graduate Degree (min 60%).
- Accounts: B.Com Degree (min 60%).
- Education: MBA/MCA/MA/M.Sc degree (min 50%).
- Meteorology: Post Graduate Degree in relevant science stream.
Vacancy Details: Total 340 Posts (Approx)
| Branch | Entry Type | Vacancies (Men & Women) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | AFCAT Entry (SSC) | 38 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | AE (Electronics) | 126 (103 SSC + 23 PC/SSC Mix) |
| AE (Mechanical) | 47 (38 SSC + 9 PC/SSC Mix) | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | Administration | 60 |
| Logistics | 11 | |
| Accounts | 10 | |
| Education | 04 | |
| Meteorology | 03 | |
| NCC Special | Flying | 10% seats of CDSE vacancies (PC) & 10% of AFCAT vacancies (SSC) |
| GRAND TOTAL | ~340 Posts |
Exam Pattern (AFCAT 01/2026)
The Online Exam will be objective type.
Note: No Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is being conducted for Technical branch.
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 100 | 300 | 02 Hours (120 Mins) |
| Verbal Ability in English | |||
| Numerical Ability | |||
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
* Marking Scheme: +3 Marks for every correct answer, -1 Mark for every incorrect answer. No marks for unattempted questions.
Detailed Syllabus Highlights
- English: Comprehension, Detect Error in Sentence, Sentence Completion/ Filling in of correct word, Synonym/ Antonym, Cloze Test or Fill in the Gaps in a paragraph, Idioms and Phrases, Analogy, Sentence Rearranging, Substitution in a Sentence/ One Word Substitution.
- General Awareness: History, Geography, Sports, National & International Organisations, Art & Culture, Personalities, Environment & Ecology, Indian Polity, Economy, Basic Science Based Knowledge, Science & Technology, Current Affairs (National & International), Defence.
- Numerical Ability: Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average/Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Time & Distance and Races (Trains/ Boats & Streams), Area and Perimeter, Probability, Number System & Number Series, Mixture & Allegation Rules, Clocks.
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning.
Process of Form Filling & Mistakes to Avoid
- Step 1: Registration: Visit official website afcat.cdac.in. Click on "Candidate Login" -> "AFCAT 01/2026". Register using Name, Email ID, and Mobile Number to generate OTP and password.
-
Step 2: Fill Application: Log in and select "Application Form". Enter Personal Details, Educational Qualification, and Course Preference.
(Tip: Choose exam cities wisely as changes are rarely permitted). -
Step 3: Upload Documents:
- Photograph: Passport size, color, size 10-50 KB (JPG/JPEG).
- Signature: Size 10-50 KB (JPG/JPEG).
- Thumb Impression: Male (Left Thumb) / Female (Right Thumb), size 10-50 KB.
- Step 4: Fee Payment: Pay Rs. 550/- (if applicable) and check transaction status is 'Success'.
Key Mistakes to Avoid:
- Wrong Thumb Impression: Males must use Left Thumb, Females must use Right Thumb. This is a common rejection ground.
- Photo Standards: Ensure the face is clearly visible without caps or dark glasses. Background should be light/white.
- Name Mismatch: Name and DOB must match exactly with Matriculation (10th) Certificate.
- Payment Failure: Do not wait for the last hour (14 Dec 11:00 PM) to avoid server failure during payment.
Important Links (Direct Access)
| Apply Online / Login | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification (PDF) | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 14 December 2025 (up to 11:00 PM).
What is the exam date for AFCAT 01/2026?
The AFCAT 01/2026 written exam is scheduled to be held on 31 January 2026.
Can final year students apply?
Yes, final year students can apply provided they do not have any current backlog and can produce the provisional/original degree certificate by the specified date (usually before course commencement in Jan 2027).
Is there any negative marking in AFCAT exam?
Yes, for every wrong answer, 1 mark will be deducted. For every correct answer, 3 marks are awarded.
What is the age limit for Flying Branch?
For Flying Branch, the age limit is 20 to 24 years as of 01 January 2027 (Born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2007).
Is Mathematics and Physics compulsory in Class 12 for AFCAT?
Yes, for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical) branch, it is mandatory to have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks in each of Physics and Mathematics. For Ground Duty (Non-Tech), it varies by post.
