The application window for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 1 for the year 2026 is closing today, December 19, 2025 . This is a crucial opportunity for Indian students dreaming of becoming officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF). All interested candidates must complete their online applications by 11:30 PM tonight. The Indian Air Force has made it clear that there will be no further extensions to this deadline. AFCAT 1 2026 aims to recruit talented young individuals to fill a total of 340 officer vacancies across different specialized branches of the Air Force.
Students are strongly encouraged to submit their application forms on the official website, afcat.edcil.co.in , without delay. Waiting until the very last hours could lead to technical difficulties or internet issues, preventing successful submission. The initial deadline for applications was December 14, 2025 , but it was extended to today, December 19, 2025 , to give more candidates a chance to apply.
Important Application Dates for AFCAT 1 2026
Here is a summary of the critical application dates for the AFCAT 1 2026:
| Original Application Deadline | December 14, 2025 |
| Extended Application Deadline | December 19, 2025 (till 11:30 PM ) |
Ensure your application is submitted before the final closing time.
Available Vacancies in the Indian Air Force
A total of 340 officer positions are to be filled through the AFCAT 1 2026 recruitment drive. These vacancies are spread across various key roles within the Indian Air Force, offering diverse career paths. The main branches for which candidates can apply include:
- Flying Branch: For roles such as fighter pilots and transport pilots.
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: For engineers and technical roles in fields like Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics and Mechanical).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch: For administrative, logistics, education, accounts, and meteorology duties.
These roles are essential for the smooth operation and defence capabilities of the nation.
AFCAT 1 2026 Application Fee Structure
All candidates applying for the AFCAT 1 2026, whether for Flying or Ground Duty branches, need to pay a specific application fee. The details are as follows:
- The application fee is INR 550 .
- This fee must be paid online through the payment options provided on the application portal.
- Candidates applying under the NCC Special Entry scheme are exempted from paying this fee.
- The Indian Air Force does not offer any fee concessions for reserved categories such as Scheduled Caste (SC), Scheduled Tribe (ST), or Other Backward Classes (OBC).
- Once paid, the application fee is strictly non-refundable.
Step-by-Step Guide to Apply Online for AFCAT 1 2026
Follow these clear steps to successfully submit your AFCAT 1 2026 application form:
- Visit the Official Website: Open your web browser and go to afcat.edcil.co.in .
- Find the Registration Link: On the homepage, locate the prominent announcement or link stating "Registration window will now be open upto 19 Dec 25 (2330 Hr)" and click on it. This will take you to the registration page.
- Complete New Registration: If you are a new user, register by providing your basic details like your full name, a valid mobile number, and an active email address.
- Log In to Your Account: After successful registration, use your registered email ID and the password you created to log in to the applicant portal.
- Fill the Application Form: Carefully fill in all the required personal, educational, and contact details in the AFCAT 1 2026 application form. Double-check all entries for accuracy.
- Upload Documents (if any): Upload scanned copies of any necessary documents, photographs, or signatures as specified in the instructions.
- Pay the Application Fee: Proceed to the payment section and pay the INR 550 application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking. Remember, NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt.
- Review and Submit: Before final submission, review your entire application form once more. Correct any mistakes. Then, click on the 'Submit' button.
- Download Confirmation: After submission, download and print a copy of your submitted application form and the payment receipt for your records.
Direct Application Link for AFCAT 1 2026
For your convenience, here is the direct link to the AFCAT 1 2026 application portal:
| Official Application Portal | Click Here to Apply |
This is the last chance to apply for AFCAT 1 2026. Make sure you complete your application well before the 11:30 PM deadline on December 19, 2025 . Good luck to all aspiring candidates.
