The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially announced the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 1 2026. This is a big chance for young Indian students to join the Indian Air Force as officers in various branches. The application process will begin on November 17 . Students interested in applying must submit their forms online by December 14 . The online exam for AFCAT 1 2026 will be held on January 31, 2026 .
AFCAT is a national-level exam conducted twice a year by the IAF. It helps select eligible candidates for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. This article explains all the key details about the AFCAT 1 2026 exam, including important dates, how to apply, application fees, and eligibility criteria.
Important Dates for AFCAT 1 2026
Here are the key dates you need to remember for the AFCAT 1 2026 exam:
| Event | Date |
| Official Notification Released | Already Released |
| Online Application Starts | November 17 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 14 |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Online Exam Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | To be announced after application closes |
Application Fees
To complete your application for the AFCAT 1 2026 exam, candidates need to pay an application fee. The fee is INR 550 , and Goods and Services Tax (GST) charges will be added to this amount. This fee is the same for all candidates, no matter which category they belong to. Remember that this fee must be paid online to complete your application.
How to Apply for AFCAT 1 2026 Exam
Applying for the AFCAT exam is an online process. Follow these simple steps to make sure your application is submitted correctly:
- First, visit the official AFCAT website.
- On the homepage, look for and click on the 'Candidate Login' button to sign in.
- If you are applying for the first time, you need to register. Click on 'Not yet Registered? Register Here' to create a new account.
- After logging in, you will find the application form. Fill in all your personal and educational details carefully.
- Pay the required application fees of INR 550 plus GST online using the available payment options.
- Upload all the necessary documents, such as your photo, signature, and other certificates, as per the instructions given.
- After submitting the form and paying the fees, make sure to take a printout of your filled application form. Keep this copy safe for future reference.
AFCAT 1 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before you apply, it is very important to check if you meet the eligibility rules set by the Indian Air Force. These rules cover your age and educational qualifications.
Age Limit
The age limits depend on the branch you wish to join:
| Branch | Age Limit |
| Flying Branch | Between 20 and 24 years . Candidates holding a Commercial Pilot License can apply up to 26 years of age. |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch | Between 20 and 26 years . |
For the Flying Branch, candidates must be born between January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2007 (both dates included). For Ground Duty branches, candidates must be born between January 2, 2001, and January 1, 2007 (both dates included).
Educational Qualification
To apply for AFCAT 1 2026, candidates must have completed a graduation degree in any field. Specific educational qualifications vary slightly for technical and non-technical ground duty branches, and these details will be available in the full official notification. However, a basic graduation is a must for all applicants.
This exam offers a respected career path in the Indian Air Force. Make sure you apply on time and meet all the eligibility requirements. Start your preparation early to achieve your dream of serving the nation.
