If you have ever dreamed of donning the uniform and serving the nation from the skies, your window of opportunity has arrived. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially opened the application window for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2026.
Aspiring officers can now submit their applications directly through the official portal at afcat.edcil.co.in.
Key Timeline to Remember
To ensure you do not miss out, keep these crucial dates on your radar:
- Applications Open: May 20, 2026
- Application Deadline: June 19, 2026
- Examination Date: August 8, 2026
- Commencement of Training: First week of July 2027
Eligibility and Age Requirements
Before applying, please ensure that you meet the age criteria set by the IAF, which is calculated as of July 1, 2027:
1. Flying Branch (AFCAT and NCC Special Entry)
- Age Limit: 20 to 24 years.
- Birth Date Criteria: Candidates must have been born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2007 (inclusive of both dates).
2. Ground Duty Branches (Technical and Non-Technical)
- This includes both regular AFCAT entries and GATE score-based technical entries.
- Age Limit: 20 to 26 years.
- Birth Date Criteria: Candidates must have been born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007 (inclusive of both dates).
Note on Education: Specific academic qualifications vary depending on the branch you choose. Detailed educational prerequisites are listed in the comprehensive official notification on the registration portal.
Examination Fees
- Standard AFCAT Entry: Rs 550 plus applicable GST. This registration fee is non-refundable and can be securely paid online via net banking, debit cards, or credit cards.
- Exemptions: Candidates applying through the NCC Special Entry or the GATE Score Entry schemes are exempt from paying this fee.
The Selection Roadmap
Securing a spot in the Indian Air Force requires clearing a multi-tiered evaluation process:
- Written Evaluation: Candidates for the standard entry must clear the computer-based online AFCAT exam by meeting or exceeding the minimum cutoff score determined by the IAF.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB): Shortlisted candidates from the online exam will be invited to attend rigorous testing at one of the dedicated AFSB centers.
- Direct Entry Paths: Those applying via the NCC Special Entry or GATE Score entry will bypass the written test and receive direct invitations to the AFSB centers based on their credentials.
Training Timelines
Once selected, your journey begins with extensive training at premier Air Force training academies starting in July 2027. The training periods vary by branch:
- Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches: Approximately 62 weeks of training.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches: Approximately 50 weeks of training.
How to Apply
Ready to take the leap? Head over to the official portal at afcat.edcil.co.in to read the full notification, set up your profile, and complete your application before the June 19 deadline.
