Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 1 Notification 2027 on 11th November 2026 for 284 vacancies in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The recruitment also includes NCC Special Entry for Flying Branch and GATE Score Entry for Ground Duty (Technical) branches for courses commencing in January 2028. Eligible male and female candidates can apply online at afcat.edcil.co.in from 12th November 2026 (11:00 AM) to 11th December 2026 (11:30 PM). After the application process, candidates will appear for the AFCAT 1 2027 exam on 31 Janurary 2027, followed by the AFSB interview and medical examination for shortlisted candidates.
| Download AFCAT 2027 Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| Download AFCAT 2027 Short Notification | Download PDF |
Indian Air Force will open the AFCAT 1 2027 Application Form on November 12, 2026, on its recruitment portal. Candidates interested in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) can apply online until December 11, 2026, at 11:30 PM. Registration is available through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry.
Apply Online for AFCAT 01/2027 (Link Active)
Candidates can follow these steps to complete the AFCAT 1 2027 application process:
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2027 is a national-level entrance exam conducted by Indian Air Force to select eligible graduates and engineering candidates for officer-level positions. Through AFCAT 01/2027, candidates can apply for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC), wherever applicable. The selection process generally involves an online AFCAT exam, Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing and a medical exam. Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must also qualify for Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS), wherever applicable.
Indian Air Force conducts AFCAT recruitment to select eligible candidates for different officer-level branches. The important details regarding AFCAT 2027 exam are provided below.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2027 |
| Recruitment Cycle | AFCAT 01/2027 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Recruitment Authority | Indian Air Force |
| Notification Release Date | November 2, 2026 (Short Notice) |
| Detailed Notification | November 12, 2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Total Vacancies | To be announced |
| Exam Level | National |
| Exam Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Gender | Male and Female |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) |
| Entry Types | AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry |
| Commission | Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC), as applicable |
| Educational Qualification | Branch-specific graduation/engineering qualifications |
| Age Limit | 20–24 years for Flying Branch and 20–26 years for Ground Duty |
| Selection Process | Online Exam, AFSB Testing and Medical Exam, as applicable |
| Total Questions | 100 (AFCAT written exam) |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Negative Marking | 1 mark for each incorrect answer |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
| Training Academy | Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad |
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Website |
Note: AFCAT 2027 vacancy details and complete eligibility requirements are subject to the detailed notification. The exam pattern mentioned above follows the existing AFCAT scheme.
| Particulars | Dates |
|---|---|
| AFCAT 01/2027 Short Notification Release | November 2, 2026 |
| Detailed Notification Release | November 11, 2026 |
| AFCAT 1 2027 Application Form Start Date | November 12, 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 11, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | December 11, 2026 |
| AFCAT 2027 Admit Card | To be announced |
| AFCAT 2027 Exam Date | 31 January, 2027 (Sunday) |
| AFSB Interview Date | To be announced |
| AFCAT 2027 Result Date | To be announced |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must pay the prescribed exam fee to complete their registration. However, candidates applying through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are exempted from AFCAT exam fee.
| Entry Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
AFCAT 2027 eligibility criteria prescribed by Indian Air Force include nationality, educational qualifications, age limits, marital status and medical fitness. Candidates must fulfil AFCAT Eligibility Requirements of their selected branch and entry before submitting the application form.
Candidates applying for AFCAT 01/2027 must be Indian citizens as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
AFCAT educational qualification differs according to the branch selected by the candidate. Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must meet the prescribed graduation requirements along with the Class 12 Physics and Mathematics criteria. Ground Duty candidates must possess the relevant graduation or engineering qualifications.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Minimum 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level and a minimum three-year graduation degree in any discipline with at least 60% marks or equivalent, or BE/BTech degree with at least 60% marks. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum four-year engineering or technology qualification in the prescribed disciplines with at least 60% marks or equivalent. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Administration and Logistics | Graduation degree in any discipline with at least 60% marks or equivalent. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accounts | BCom or relevant prescribed qualifications such as BBA/BMS/BBS with Finance, CA/CMA/CS/CFA or BSc Finance, with the required marks. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Education | Postgraduate degree with at least 50% marks and graduation with at least 60% marks. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Weapon Systems | Graduation degree with at least 60% marks or equivalent and the prescribed Physics and Mathematics requirements at 10+2 level. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Meteorology | Prescribed postgraduate qualification in relevant science or technical disciplines with the required marks. |
Note: The detailed AFCAT 01/2027 notification will specify the accepted degree combinations, engineering disciplines and subject-specific conditions.
AFCAT 2027 age limit varies according to the branch selected by the candidate. The age is calculated as of January 1, 2028, for the January 2028 course.
| Particulars | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 years | 24 years |
| Flying Branch (Valid and Current CPL Holders) | 20 years | 26 years |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 20 years | 26 years |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 20 years | 26 years |
Candidates must fall within the prescribed date-of-birth range to be eligible for AFCAT 01/2027.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | January 2, 2004 to January 1, 2008 |
| Flying Branch (Valid CPL Holders) | January 2, 2002 to January 1, 2008 |
| Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) | January 2, 2002 to January 1, 2008 |
Indian Air Force does not provide the usual category-based upper-age relaxation for AFCAT recruitment. However, eligible candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) can receive an upper-age limit extension for the Flying Branch up to 26 years.
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. Marriage is not permitted during the training period. Candidates who marry during training may be discharged and may be required to refund the expenditure incurred by the Government.
AFCAT 2027 medical standards are prescribed by Indian Air Force to ensure that candidates are physically and medically fit for their respective branches. Candidates recommended by the AFSB must undergo a medical exam at the designated Air Force medical establishments. The medical requirements differ between the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| General Health | Must meet the prescribed IAF medical standards |
| Vision | Branch-specific visual acuity requirements |
| Height | Minimum height requirements as prescribed for the branch |
| Weight | Must be proportionate to height and age |
| Hearing | Must meet prescribed hearing standards |
| Cardiovascular Health | Must meet prescribed medical fitness requirements |
| Musculoskeletal Health | Must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards |
Note: Candidates should refer to the official AFCAT medical standards for detailed height, weight, vision, and anthropometric requirements. The Flying Branch has additional visual and anthropometric conditions.
AFCAT 2027 exam pattern helps candidates understand the exam structure, number of questions, marking scheme, subjects and duration. The online AFCAT Exam Pattern generally consists of objective-type multiple-choice questions covering English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude.
| Particulars | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 75 |
| Numerical Ability | 25 | 75 |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | 25 | 75 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Question Type | Objective-Type Multiple Choice Questions |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 120 Minutes |
| Marks for Correct Answer | 3 |
| Negative Marking | 1 mark |
| Unattempted Questions | No deduction |
| Exam Language | English |
| Normalisation | Applicable when exam is conducted in multiple shifts |
Note: Indian Air Force reserves the right to determine the minimum qualifying marks. The detailed AFCAT 01/2027 notification should be checked for the final exam instructions.
Indian Air Force determines the minimum qualifying marks for AFCAT online exam. Candidates must secure the prescribed marks to be shortlisted for AFSB testing. There is no fixed category-wise qualifying percentage that candidates can assume for AFCAT 2027. IAF determines the qualifying marks at its discretion, and candidates should check the official result and cut-off announcement.
AFCAT 2027 Syllabus covers English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude. Candidates should prepare all four sections to perform well in the online exam.
English: The English section in AFCAT 2027 Syllabus evaluates candidates' grammar, vocabulary, comprehension and language skills.
| Comprehension | Detecting Errors in Sentences |
|---|---|
| Sentence Completion | Synonyms and Antonyms |
| Testing of Vocabulary | Idioms and Phrases |
| One-Word Substitution | Transformation of Sentences |
| Cloze Test | Fill in the Blanks |
General Awareness: This section tests candidates' knowledge of national and international events, history, geography, science and defence-related developments.
| History | Geography |
|---|---|
| Indian Polity | Economics |
| General Science | Environment and Ecology |
| Current Affairs | Sports |
| Art and Culture | Defence and Military Knowledge |
| Important National and International Organisations | - |
Numerical Ability: The Numerical Ability section evaluates candidates' mathematical and quantitative aptitude.
| Decimal Fractions | Time and Work |
|---|---|
| Time and Distance | Ratio and Proportion |
| Average | Percentage |
| Profit and Loss | Simple Interest |
| Compound Interest | Number System |
| HCF and LCM | Mensuration |
| Algebra | Probability |
| Mixture and Allegation | - |
Reasoning and Military Aptitude: This section assesses logical thinking, analytical ability, spatial reasoning and problem-solving skills.
| Verbal Reasoning | Non-Verbal Reasoning |
|---|---|
| Analogy | Classification |
| Coding-Decoding | Blood Relations |
| Series Completion | Pattern Recognition |
| Spatial Ability | Figure Classification |
| Odd One Out | Embedded Figures |
| Venn Diagrams | - |
Note: The above topics represent the established AFCAT syllabus framework. Candidates should refer to AFCAT 01/2027 detailed notification in cases of for revised syllabus instructions.
Indian Air Force has not yet announced the exact number of vacancies for AFCAT 01/2027 in the short notification. The detailed notification scheduled for November 12, 2026, will provide the branch-wise vacancy distribution. The recruitment includes the following entry options:
| Particulars | Details | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch | To be announced |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | To be announced |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | To be announced |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying Branch | As per prescribed vacancy allocation |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | To be announced |
Note: The vacancy distribution may vary according to gender, commission type, branch and organisational requirements. Candidates should refer to the detailed AFCAT 01/2027 notification for the confirmed figures.
AFCAT 2027 selection process consists of different stages to assess candidates' academic knowledge, officer-like qualities, aptitude and medical fitness. Candidates must qualify for the applicable stages to be considered for final selection. The selection process includes:
Note: NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from AFCAT written exam and are directly called for AFSB testing. Shortlisted GATE Score Entry candidates are also exempted from the written exam and proceed to AFSB testing.
Candidates selected through AFCAT 2027 are commissioned as Flying Officers in Indian Air Force. AFCAT 2027 Salary is provided according to the 7th Pay Commission, along with Military Service Pay (MSP) and applicable allowances.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Flying Officer |
| Pay Commission | 7th CPC |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500 per month |
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 per month during one year of training |
| Flying Allowance | As applicable |
| Technical Allowance | As applicable |
| Transport Allowance | As applicable |
| Other Benefits | As per Indian Air Force rules |
The selected officers may also receive applicable allowances depending on their branch, nature of duty and place of posting. These may include flying allowance, transport allowance, technical allowance, test pilot allowance and risk and hardship allowance.
Note: Actual monthly salary varies according to the officer's rank, posting, allowances and applicable deductions.
Indian Air Force is expected to release AFCAT 2027 City Intimation Slip before the online exam. The city intimation slip helps registered candidates check their allotted exam city in advance and make the necessary travel arrangements. It does not replace the admit card, which contains the exact exam centre address, reporting time and other exam details.
Candidates can follow the steps below to check their AFCAT 2027 exam city details:
Indian Air Force conducts AFCAT online exam at designated exam centres across India. Candidates can select their preferred exam city from the available options while completing the application form. The final exam centre allotment is subject to availability and administrative requirements.
Candidates shortlisted for the AFSB interview can be allotted one of the designated Air Force Selection Board centres.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| 1 AFSB | Dehradun |
| 2 AFSB | Mysuru |
| 3 AFSB | Gandhinagar |
| 4 AFSB | Varanasi |
| 5 AFSB | Guwahati |
Note: Candidates qualifying for the written exam must select their AFSB date and venue through the official portal, as per the instructions issued by Indian Air Force.
Air Force Selection Board is an important stage of AFCAT recruitment process. It evaluates candidates' intelligence, psychological suitability, leadership qualities, communication skills and ability to work in a team.
AFSB testing process generally consists of the following stages:
Candidates who qualify for Stage I proceed to the next stage. Those who do not qualify are sent back on the first day.
Candidates are assessed on their personality, leadership qualities, communication, teamwork and decision-making ability.
Candidates recommended for the Flying Branch undergo the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS). It assesses their aptitude for flying duties and is a once-in-a-lifetime test.
Indian Air Force will release the AFCAT 2027 final merit list after the selection process. Candidates must achieve the minimum qualifying marks in both the written exam and AFSB testing.The merit list is based on total marks from the written exam and AFSB assessments. Branch allocation depends on available vacancies, candidate performance, medical fitness, and preferences.
Note: Only candidates recommended by AFSB and declared medically fit will be considered for training based on merit and vacancy availability.
AFCAT 2027 admit card will be released on the official AFCAT website before the online exam. Candidates who successfully submit their application forms can download their hall tickets using their registration credentials. AFCAT Admit Card 2027 generally contains the following details:
Note: Candidates must carry a printed copy of their AFCAT admit card and a valid photo identity proof to the exam centre.
Candidates can follow the steps below to download their AFCAT 2027 hall ticket.
Indian Air Force will make AFCAT 2027 question paper, answer key and individual response sheet available through the candidate login during the prescribed objection-management period. AFCAT Answer Key allows candidates to review the questions, check their marked responses and raise objections against discrepancies in the provisional answers, if the objection facility is provided in the exam portal.
Candidates can follow the steps below to access AFCAT 2027 answer key:
Indian Air Force will announce AFCAT 2027 Result on its official recruitment website after conducting the online exam. Candidates can check their qualifying status using the prescribed login credentials.
Candidates can follow these steps to check their AFCAT 2027 result:
Note: Qualifying for the written exam does not guarantee final selection. Candidates must complete the subsequent selection and medical assessment stages.
AFCAT recruitment offers candidates an opportunity to serve as commissioned officers in different Indian Air Force branches. Responsibilities vary by branch and specialisation:
Candidates should follow a structured study plan with regular practice, revision and mock tests.
AFCAT preparation books help candidates understand the syllabus, practise different question types and strengthen their subject knowledge. The following books can be used for preparation.
| Particulars | Books | Author/Publisher |
|---|---|---|
| English | Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi |
| English | Word Power Made Easy | Norman Lewis |
| General Awareness | Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications |
| General Awareness | Manorama Yearbook | Malayala Manorama |
| Numerical Ability | Quantitative Aptitude for Competitive Exams | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Numerical Ability | Fast Track Objective Arithmetic | Rajesh Verma |
| Reasoning | A Modern Approach to Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal |
| Reasoning | Analytical Reasoning | M.K. Pandey |
| AFCAT Practice | AFCAT Previous-Year Papers and Practice Sets | Arihant Publications |
Indian Air Force does not prescribe a fixed number of attempts for AFCAT. Candidates can apply for subsequent recruitment cycles as long as they satisfy the applicable age, educational and other eligibility conditions.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Number of Attempts | No fixed limit |
| Minimum Number of Attempts | No restriction |
| General Category | Multiple attempts within the prescribed age limit |
| OBC Category | Multiple attempts within the prescribed age limit |
| SC/ST Category | Multiple attempts within the prescribed age limit |
| Reappearing After Failure | Allowed in subsequent recruitment cycles, subject to eligibility |
Candidates who fail to qualify for any stage of AFCAT selection process may apply again in future recruitment cycles, subject to the applicable eligibility requirements.
Note: CPSS is a once-in-a-lifetime test. Candidates who have failed CPSS/PABT in an earlier attempt are not eligible to apply for Flying Branch entry.
Indian Air Force offers two types of commissions through AFCAT recruitment, namely, Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC). The availability of each commission depends on the branch, gender and entry mentioned in the recruitment notification.
| Particulars | Permanent Commission (PC) | Short Service Commission (SSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Service Duration | Until superannuation | Fixed engagement period |
| Flying Branch | As specified in the notification | 14 years |
| Ground Duty Branch | As specified in the notification | Initially 10 years |
| Extension | Not applicable | Up to 4 years for Ground Duty, subject to conditions |
| Pension | As per applicable service rules | SSC officers are not entitled to pension |
Note: Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission availability must be checked against the branch-wise vacancy table in AFCAT 01/2027.
Indian Air Force offers different entry routes for candidates interested in joining its Flying and Ground Duty branches. Each entry has separate eligibility and selection requirements.
| Particulars | AFCAT Entry | NCC Special Entry | GATE Score Entry |
|---|---|---|---|
| Branch | Flying and Ground Duty | Flying | Ground Duty (Technical) |
| Written Exam | Required | Exempted | Exempted |
| Main Eligibility | Branch-specific graduation qualifications | Eligible NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate | Relevant engineering degree and qualifying GATE score |
| AFSB Testing | Required | Required | Required for shortlisted candidates |
| Application Fee | ₹550 + GST | Nil | Nil |
Note: Candidates must fulfil the entry-specific eligibility conditions prescribed in the detailed AFCAT 01/2027 notification.
AFCAT 2027 provides an opportunity for eligible graduates and engineering candidates to join Indian Air Force as commissioned officers in the Flying and Ground Duty branches. Candidates should carefully check AFCAT 2027 eligibility criteria, application dates, exam pattern and selection process before applying.
Ques. Can a candidate apply for both Flying and Ground Duty branches?
Ans. Candidates can indicate their branch preferences as permitted by the application form and must fulfil the eligibility requirements of each selected branch.
Ques. Is AFCAT exam is conducted in Hindi As well?
Ans. No. AFCAT online exam is conducted in English.
Ques. Can candidates change their exam city after submitting AFCAT 2027 application form?
Ans. Exam city changes are subject to the correction facility and instructions issued by Indian Air Force.
Ques. Can candidates with a backlog in graduation apply for AFCAT 2027?
Ans. Candidates must fulfil the prescribed academic requirements and backlog conditions.
Ques. Are candidates allowed to carry calculators during AFCAT online exam?
Ans. Candidates should not carry personal calculators or electronic calculating devices unless specifically permitted in the exam instructions.
Download the PREPP App and attempt FREE AFCAT Mock Tests and get complete study material!
Comments