The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for AFCAT 01/2027 Batch Recruitment 2026 for the January 2028 course. A total of 284 vacancies have been announced for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches. Eligible candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT application portal.
The online application process has started on 12 November 2026, and the last date to submit the application form is 11 December 2026. Candidates interested in joining the Indian Air Force should check the branch-wise vacancies, educational qualifications, age limits, application fee and selection procedure before applying.
AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026 – Overview
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit eligible candidates for commissioned officer positions in different branches. The AFCAT 01/2027 notification covers the January 2028 course and includes opportunities through AFCAT, NCC Special Entry and other specified entries.
| Organization | Indian Air Force |
| Examination Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
| Course | AFCAT 01/2027 Batch |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
| Total Vacancies | 284 Posts |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty Technical & Non-Technical |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026 |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 January 2028 |
| Job Type | Commissioned Officer |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Important Dates
Candidates planning to apply for AFCAT 01/2027 should complete the registration and fee payment within the prescribed application period. The examination date and result schedule have not yet been announced in the supplied recruitment information.
| Online Application Starts | 12 November 2026 |
| Online Application Last Date | 11 December 2026 |
| Fee Payment Last Date | 11 December 2026 |
| AFCAT Examination Date | To Be Notified |
| Admit Card | Before Examination |
| Result Declaration | To Be Updated |
Important Links
Candidates can use the direct links below to access the online application portal, short notice, detailed notification and official AFCAT website.
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Short Notice | Download PDF |
| Download Official Notification | Download PDF |
| AFCAT Official Website | Visit Website |
AFCAT 01/2027 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has announced 284 vacancies across different branches and entry categories. These positions include Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical opportunities for eligible male and female candidates.
Branch-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Entry / Branch | Post Code | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT – Flying | Flying | 28 | 08 |
| Ground Duty Technical | AE (L) – SSC | 54 | 2 |
| Ground Duty Technical | AE (M) – SSC | 18 | 08 |
| Ground Duty Technical | AE (L) – PC | 05 | 02 |
| Ground Duty Technical | AE (M) – PC | 08 | 02 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Administration | 35 | 18 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Logistics (LGS) | 07 | 04 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Accounts | 04 | 04 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Education | 02 | 02 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Weapon Systems (WS) | 25 | 05 |
| Meteorology | Meteorology | 01 | 01 |
GATE Score Entry and NCC Special Entry
The notification also mentions GATE Score Entry vacancies and NCC Special Entry under the Flying Branch. The additional vacancy details provided are listed below.
| Entry | Post Code | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|---|
| GATE Score Entry | AE (L) PC | 01 | 01 |
| GATE Score Entry | AE (M) PC | 01 | 01 |
| GATE Score Entry | AE (L) SSC | 06 | 03 |
| GATE Score Entry | AE (M) SSC | 02 | 01 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | As per notification | As per notification |
Commission Details: As mentioned in the supplied recruitment information, 10% of the CDSE vacancies are reserved for Permanent Commission (PC), while 10% of the AFCAT vacancies are reserved for Short Service Commission (SSC).
Candidates should refer to the official notification for the complete vacancy distribution and entry-specific conditions.
AFCAT 01/2027 Eligibility Criteria
The educational qualification varies according to the branch selected by the candidate. Applicants must carefully check the requirements for Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical, Meteorology and NCC Special Entry before submitting the application.
1. Flying Branch
Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must fulfil either of the following educational conditions:
- A Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
- A B.E./B.Tech degree from a recognised university.
Applicants must also satisfy the prescribed age and other eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification.
2. Ground Duty Technical Branch
The Ground Duty Technical Branch includes Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) and Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical). Candidates must have the required 10+2 subjects and an eligible engineering qualification.
Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics):
- Passed the 10+2 examination with at least 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics.
- Possess a minimum four-year graduation degree or Integrated Postgraduate Degree in Engineering or Technology.
Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical):
- Passed the 10+2 examination with at least 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics.
- Hold a four-year Engineering or Technology degree in Mechanical, Industrial or Aeronautical Engineering.
3. Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch
The Ground Duty Non-Technical category includes Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education and Weapon Systems branches. The educational requirements differ according to the selected entry.
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Administration & Logistics | Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with at least 60% marks |
| Accounts | B.Com degree with at least 60% marks |
| Education | MBA, MCA, MA or M.Sc. degree with at least 50% marks |
| Weapon Systems (WS) | Refer to the official notification for detailed eligibility |
Physical Height Requirements for Administration and Accounts:
| Candidate | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| Male | 157.5 cm |
| Female | 152 cm |
The same minimum height information is provided for the Education entry in the supplied recruitment details.
4. Meteorology Entry
Candidates applying for Meteorology Entry must possess a Master’s Degree in any discipline from a recognised university.
Applicants should check the official notification for any additional subject-specific or other eligibility requirements.
5. NCC Special Entry – Flying Branch
Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry must possess an NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate.
In addition to the NCC certificate, applicants must satisfy the other educational and eligibility conditions prescribed for the Flying Branch.
AFCAT 01/2027 Age Limit
The age limit for AFCAT 01/2027 is calculated as on 1 January 2028. The maximum age differs between the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches.
| Branch | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 Years | 24 Years |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20 Years | 26 Years |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20 Years | 26 Years |
The general age range mentioned in the recruitment information is 20–26 years, while the Flying Branch has a separate upper age limit of 24 years. Candidates should check the official notification for applicable age relaxations and branch-specific conditions.
AFCAT 01/2027 Application Fee
Candidates applying through AFCAT are required to pay the prescribed examination fee. However, the fee exemption provisions differ for certain entry categories.
| Entry Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT – All Candidates | ₹550 |
| NCC Special Entry | Nil |
| Meteorology Entry | Nil |
Payment Mode: The application fee can be paid online through the available payment options:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Internet Banking
- IMPS
- Cash Card / Mobile Wallet
Candidates should verify the final payable amount displayed on the official application portal before completing payment.
AFCAT 01/2027 Selection Process
The Indian Air Force follows a multi-stage selection process to assess candidates for officer-level positions. Applicants must qualify in the applicable examination, selection board assessment and medical examination.
The selection stages mentioned for AFCAT 01/2027 are:
- Written Examination
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB)
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
The AFSB stage evaluates candidates for suitability for commissioned officer positions. Final selection is subject to the applicable merit, eligibility and medical requirements.
How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can submit their applications online through the official AFCAT application portal. Before starting registration, applicants should read the notification carefully and keep their personal, educational and other required details ready.
Follow these steps to complete the online application:
Step 1: Visit the official AFCAT application website using the Apply Online link given below.
Step 2: Open the AFCAT 01/2027 recruitment application link and complete the registration process.
Step 3: Log in using your registered credentials and select the appropriate entry or branch.
Step 4: Enter your personal information, educational qualifications and other required details in the application form.
Step 5: Upload the photograph, signature and other documents in the prescribed format.
Step 6: Pay the applicable examination fee through the available online payment methods.
Step 7: Review the complete application form to ensure that all information is correct.
Step 8: Submit the application and download the confirmation page or final application form for future reference.
Important: Candidates are advised to verify the last date, age limit, educational qualification and branch-specific eligibility from the official notification before submitting the application.
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the necessary documents ready while completing the online application. These documents may also be required during subsequent verification stages.
- Class 10 certificate for date-of-birth verification
- Class 12 marksheet and certificate
- Graduation degree and marksheets
- Postgraduate degree and marksheets, wherever applicable
- Engineering degree and relevant documents for Technical Branch applicants
- NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate for NCC Special Entry
- Valid identity proof
- Recent passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Other supporting certificates as required by the notification
The exact document specifications and upload requirements should be checked in the official application instructions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. How many vacancies are available in AFCAT 01/2027?
A total of 284 vacancies have been announced for AFCAT 01/2027 Batch Recruitment 2026.
2. When did the AFCAT 01/2027 application process start?
The online application process started on 12 November 2026.
3. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
The last date to submit the online application and pay the applicable fee is 11 December 2026.
4. What is the age limit for AFCAT 01/2027?
The age limit is 20–24 years for the Flying Branch and 20–26 years for Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches, calculated as on 1 January 2028.
5. What is the application fee for AFCAT 01/2027?
The AFCAT application fee is ₹550 for all candidates. NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Entry candidates are exempted from the fee, as per the supplied details.
6. What is the selection process for AFCAT 01/2027?
The selection process includes a written examination, Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), document verification and medical examination.
7. When will the AFCAT 01/2027 examination be conducted?
The examination date has not yet been announced. Candidates should check the official AFCAT website for updates.
8. Where can I apply for AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates can apply through the official online application link provided in the Important Links section.
