AFCAT Application Form 2026: AFCAT Application Form 2026 Deadline Extended: Apply Online Now Before December 19, 2025.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced a significant update for aspiring candidates: the AFCAT 1 2026 application deadline has been extended to December 19, 2025. This extension provides a crucial window for those who missed the original cutoff to apply for one of the most prestigious entry routes into the IAF. With 340 vacancies announced for courses commencing in January 2027, this is an golden opportunity for young men and women to join as commissioned officers in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.
As per the official notice on the IAF’s AFCAT portal (afcat.edcil.co.in), the registration window, initially set to close earlier, will now remain open until 11:30 PM on December 19, 2025. This move comes as a relief for thousands of defence aspirants preparing for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 1 2026, scheduled for January 31, 2026.
Why the Deadline Extension Matters
The extension reflects the IAF’s commitment to giving more candidates a fair chance, especially amid high interest in defence careers. Reports from high-authority sources like The Times of India confirm the new deadline, urging candidates to complete their applications promptly to avoid last-minute issues. Similarly, Career Power and Testbook have highlighted this update, noting that the online form is active on the official site.
Candidates should act quickly—server glitches are common near closing dates. The application fee is Rs. 550 + GST (non-refundable for Air Force Common Admission Test entry; exempt for NCC Special Entry).
Key Highlights of AFCAT 1 2026
Air Force Common Admission Test is conducted twice a year to recruit Group A Gazetted Officers. This cycle offers entries into:
- Flying Branch: Pilot roles with adrenaline-pumping responsibilities.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Engineering and maintenance of advanced aircraft systems.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Administration, logistics, accounts, education, and meteorology.
A total of 340 vacancies are up for grabs, making it one of the largest recent intakes.
Vacancy Breakdown Table
| Branch | Entry Type | Posts (Men SSC) | Posts (Women SSC) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying | AFCAT Entry | 20 | 10 | 30 |
| Flying | NCC Special Entry | 8 (10% of CDSE) | 2 (10% of CDSE) | – |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Aeronautical Engg (Electronics) | 100 | 25 | 125 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Aeronautical Engg (Mechanical) | 45 | 12 | 57 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Administration | 35 | 10 | 45 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Logistics | 15 | 4 | 19 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Accounts | 10 | 3 | 13 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Education | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Meteorology | 8 | 2 | 10 |
| Total | 340 |
(Source: Official IAF Notification, cross-verified with reports from Adda247 and Moneycontrol)
Important Dates for AFCAT 1 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | November 9, 2025 |
| Application Start | November 17, 2025 |
| Original Application Deadline | December 14, 2025 |
| Extended Application Deadline | December 19, 2025 (11:30 PM) |
| Exam Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release (Expected) | January 22, 2026 |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
Eligibility Criteria: Are You Qualified?
To apply, candidates must meet strict standards set by the IAF:
- Nationality: Indian citizen.
- Marital Status: Unmarried.
- Age Limit (as on January 1, 2027):
- Flying Branch: 20-24 years (up to 26 for valid Commercial Pilot License holders).
- Ground Duty: 20-26 years.
- Educational Qualification:
- Flying/Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation with 60% marks + Physics & Maths at 10+2 level.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Engineering degree with 60% marks.
Detailed criteria are available in the official PDF on afcat.edcil.co.in.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 1 2026
Follow these step-by-step instructions to avoid errors:
- Visit the official website: afcat.edcil.co.in or afcat.cdac.in.
- Click on “Candidate Login” or the AFCAT 01/2026 registration link.
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number (Aadhaar is mandatory).
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details.
- Upload scanned photo, signature, and thumb impression (in specified formats).
- Select up to 5 exam cities.
- Pay the fee online (Rs. 550 + GST).
- Submit and take a printout.
Pro Tip: Apply early for preferred exam centers, as per advice from Jagran Josh and other high-DA education portals.
Exam Pattern and Syllabus Overview
The AFCAT is a 2-hour online test with 100 questions (300 marks):
Exam Pattern Table
| Section | Questions | Marks | Topics Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | History, Geography, Civics, Current Affairs, Defence |
| Verbal Ability (English) | 25 | 75 | Comprehension, Synonyms, Error Detection |
| Numerical Ability | 20 | 60 | Decimal, Time, Profit/Loss, Ratio |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 30 | 90 | Spatial, Verbal Reasoning |
- +3 marks for correct, -1 for wrong.
- Technical branch candidates also take EKT (50 questions, 150 marks).
Preparation resources are widely discussed on sites like Shiksha.com and Careers360.
Selection Process
- AFCAT Written Exam (and EKT for Technical).
- AFSB Interview (Stage I & II, including psychological tests).
- Medical Examination.
- Final Merit List.
Why Join the Indian Air Force via AFCAT?
A career in IAF offers adventure, respect, and growth. Starting pay is around Rs. 56,100 (Level 10) + allowances like flying pay for pilots. It’s not just a job—it’s a way of life protecting the nation’s skies.
As highlighted in updates from The Indian Express and Telegraph India, AFCAT remains a top choice for defence enthusiasts.
Preparation Tips for Success
- Focus on current affairs (last 6-12 months).
- Practice previous papers.
- Build speed for reasoning section.
- For technical: Revise core engineering subjects.
Many toppers recommend consistent mock tests.
Final Call to Action
With the deadline extended to December 19, 2025, don’t delay! Visit the official IAF AFCAT portal today and secure your application. This could be your gateway to soaring high in the Indian Air Force.
Stay updated via official channels to avoid misinformation.
FAQs About AFCAT 1 2026 Application
Q1: Has the AFCAT 2026 application deadline really been extended?
Yes, officially extended to December 19, 2025 (11:30 PM), as announced on afcat.edcil.co.in.
Q2: What is the application fee?
Rs. 550 + GST for AFCAT entry (non-refundable). Free for NCC Special Entry.
Q3: Can final-year students apply?
Yes, provided no backlog and minimum marks secured.
Q4: When is the AFCAT 1 2026 exam?
January 31, 2026.
Q5: How many vacancies are there?
340 across various branches.
Q6: Is there a correction window after submission?
No separate window mentioned; fill carefully.
Q7: Where to download the official notification?
From afcat.edcil.co.in.
Q8: What documents are needed for upload?
Photo, signature, thumb impression, and relevant certificates.
For queries, contact AFCAT Cell at the helpline numbers provided on the official site. Good luck, future officers!
