The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced an extension for the registration deadline of the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026. Prospective candidates now have until December 19 to submit their applications. The AFCAT 1 2026 examination is firmly scheduled for January 31 .
Individuals meeting the eligibility criteria can complete their application process online. The official portal for submissions is afcat.cdac.in. This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 340 vacancies across the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches of the Indian Air Force.
Key Dates for AFCAT 1 2026
- New Registration Deadline: December 19, 2025
- Admit Card Download Starts: January 22, 2026
- Examination Date: January 31, 2026
Application Process and Fees
All applications for AFCAT 1 2026 must be submitted online through the designated website. The application fee is Rs 550 plus applicable Goods and Services Tax (GST) . During the application process, candidates are required to select up to five preferred exam cities. These choices must be made in order of preference from the list of 104 examination centres available nationwide.
Required Documents and Details
Applicants must prepare several documents and personal details before beginning the online application. This ensures a smooth and error-free submission. Necessary items include:
- Class 10 mark sheet and certificate details
- Class 12 mark sheet and certificate details
- A valid and active email ID
- A valid and accessible mobile number
- Aadhaar card details
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy specific age and educational qualifications for their desired branch. Age limits are calculated based on January 1, 2026 . Review the following criteria carefully before applying.
Flying Branch Eligibility
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 20 to 24 years (as of January 1, 2026) |
| Educational Qualification | A minimum 3-year graduation degree in any discipline with at least 60% aggregate marks, AND must have studied Mathematics and Physics at the Class 12 level; OR A Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks. |
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch Eligibility
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 years (as of January 1, 2026) |
| Educational Qualification | A 4-year degree qualification in Engineering or Technology from a recognised university with at least 60% aggregate marks; OR Successful clearance of Sections A and B of the Associate Membership examination of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks. |
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch Eligibility
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 years (as of January 1, 2026) |
| Educational Qualification | A minimum 4-year graduation degree or an integrated post-graduation qualification in engineering or technology from a recognised university. Candidates must also possess a minimum of 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics. |
Candidates must ensure all eligibility requirements are met before the extended deadline. Failure to comply will result in application rejection. The IAF advises applicants to complete their forms well in advance of December 19.