AFCAT 1 2027 Notification: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2027) notification for recruitment of men and women as Group 'A' Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The notification includes 284 fixed-number vacancies through AFCAT and GATE Score Entry, along with NCC Special Entry seats determined by the prescribed percentage of Flying Branch vacancies. Candidates with relevant graduation, engineering or postgraduate qualifications can apply according to branch-specific eligibility requirements. The age limit is 20 to 24 years for Flying Branch and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty branches, as on 1 January 2028, with the notified Commercial Pilot Licence relaxation. Selected candidates will receive a starting basic pay of Rs. 56,100 under Pay Level 10 after commissioning. Online applications are open from 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM to 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM through afcat.edcil.co.in.
Latest Update: The AFCAT 01/2027 online examination is scheduled for 31 January 2027. Admit cards will be available from 27 January 2027 at 11:00 AM. The recruitment covers Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) opportunities, with training scheduled to begin in January 2028. Applicants must check their age, educational qualifications and medical eligibility before applying.
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
|---|---|
| Examination Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
| Examination Cycle | AFCAT 01/2027 |
| Recruitment Year | 2027 |
| Post | Commissioned Officer - Group A Gazetted |
| Fixed-Number Vacancies | 284 (AFCAT and GATE Score Entry) |
| NCC Special Entry | Percentage-Based Flying Branch Seats |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical |
| Entry Modes | AFCAT, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry |
| Commission Types | Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission |
| Qualification | Graduation / Engineering / Postgraduation, Branch-Wise |
| Flying Branch Age | 20 to 24 Years |
| Ground Duty Age | 20 to 26 Years |
| Age Calculation Date | 1 January 2028 |
| Basic Pay on Commissioning | Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay | Rs. 15,500 per Month |
| AFCAT Application Fee | Rs. 550 + 18% GST |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 12 November 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 11 December 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 31 January 2027 |
| Admit Card Date | 27 January 2027 |
| Training Commencement | January 2028 |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 12 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 11 December 2026, 11:30 PM |
| Application Fee Payment | Within the Online Application Period |
| AFCAT Admit Card Release | 27 January 2027, 11:00 AM |
| AFCAT Examination Date | 31 January 2027 |
| AFCAT Result Date | To Be Announced |
| AFSB Testing | To Be Announced |
| Medical Examination | After AFSB Recommendation |
| Final-Year Qualification Proof Deadline | 30 November 2027 |
| Training Commencement | First Week of January 2028 |
The AFCAT written examination will be held on 31 January 2027, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon. Candidates must report at 8:00 AM, and entry will close at 9:00 AM.
The Indian Air Force has released the detailed AFCAT 01/2027 notification covering Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry for courses commencing in January 2028.
The 66-page notification contains branch-wise vacancies, age and educational qualifications, application procedures, examination syllabus, medical standards, selection stages, pay and allowances, training conditions and other instructions.
Official Recruitment Website: AFCAT 01/2027 Notification
The official notification provides separate vacancies for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical and GATE Score Entry. NCC Special Entry seats are linked to the prescribed percentage of other Flying Branch vacancies.
| Entry / Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| AFCAT - Flying Branch | 36 |
| AFCAT - Ground Duty Technical | 124 |
| AFCAT - Ground Duty Non-Technical | 108 |
| GATE Score Entry - Ground Duty Technical | 16 |
| Total Fixed-Number Vacancies | 284 |
| Commission | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Short Service Commission | 28 | 8 | 36 |
| Total | 28 | 8 | 36 |
| Branch | Men PC | Women PC | Men SSC | Women SSC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer Electronics - AE(L) | 5 | 2 | 54 | 27 | 88 |
| Aeronautical Engineer Mechanical - AE(M) | 8 | 2 | 18 | 8 | 36 |
| Total | 13 | 4 | 72 | 35 | 124 |
| Branch | Men PC | Women PC | Men SSC | Women SSC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Weapon Systems | 0 | 0 | 25 | 5 | 30 |
| Administration | 1 | 1 | 34 | 17 | 53 |
| Logistics | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 11 |
| Accounts | 1 | 1 | 3 | 3 | 8 |
| Education | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 4 |
| Meteorology | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| Total | 5 | 5 | 69 | 29 | 108 |
| Branch | Men PC | Women PC | Men SSC | Women SSC | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE(L) - Electronics | 1 | 1 | 6 | 3 | 11 |
| AE(M) - Mechanical | 1 | 1 | 2 | 1 | 5 |
| Total | 2 | 2 | 8 | 4 | 16 |
NCC Special Entry does not have a separate fixed-number vacancy allocation in the notification.
The Flying Branch provides 10% of CDSE Flying vacancies for Permanent Commission (Men) and 10% of AFCAT Flying vacancies for Short Service Commission (Men and Women), as specified in the advertisement.
Important: Vacancies are tentative and may change according to operational requirements, training capacity and availability of vacancies for January 2028 courses.
Applicants must be Indian citizens and meet the prescribed educational, age, marital-status and medical requirements for their selected entry and branch.
Candidates must have passed Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level and possess one of the following qualifications:
Important: Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level are mandatory for the Flying Branch. Candidates must also satisfy the applicable age and medical standards.
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) candidates must have passed Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level and possess a recognized eligible engineering/technology qualification or one of the alternative qualifications specifically accepted in the notification.
Eligible degree disciplines include various Electronics, Electrical, Electronics and Communication, Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Information Technology, Instrumentation, Robotics and related engineering specializations.
The detailed notification also provides an alternative route involving M.Sc. Electronics with B.Sc. Physics and specified professional engineering examinations.
Candidates must check the exact accepted discipline in Paragraph 5.3.2.1 before applying.
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) applicants must have passed Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level and completed a recognized four-year engineering/technology qualification or the specified equivalent professional examination route.
Accepted engineering disciplines include Mechanical, Aeronautical, Aerospace, Automobile, Production, Industrial, Manufacturing, Mechatronics, Metallurgical and related specializations listed in the notification.
| Branch | Essential Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Weapon Systems | Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 Level with a Recognized Three-Year Graduation Degree or Four-Year BE/B.Tech |
| Administration | 10+2 and Recognized Graduation of at Least Three Years or the Specified Professional Engineering Examination Route |
| Logistics | 10+2 and Recognized Graduation of at Least Three Years or the Specified Professional Engineering Examination Route |
| Accounts | B.Com, Specified Finance-Specialized Business/Management Degree, CA, CMA, CS, CFA or B.Sc. Finance, as Notified |
| Education | 10+2, Recognized Graduation and Postgraduation, Including Accepted Integrated PG Courses |
| Meteorology | 10+2 and B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics or a Four-Year Engineering/Technology Degree in a Notified Discipline |
Yes. Candidates studying in the final year or semester of their qualifying degree can apply if they have no current backlog when submitting their application.
They must provide proof of completion of their final examinations by 30 November 2027, under the conditions of the notification.
No. The notification specifically states that candidates must have completed Class 12 under the 10+2 examination pattern. A diploma in place of 10+2 does not satisfy this condition.
Age eligibility is calculated as on 1 January 2028, the scheduled course commencement period.
| Branch | Age Limit | Eligible Date of Birth |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20–24 Years | 2 January 2004 to 1 January 2008 |
| Flying Branch - Eligible DGCA CPL Holders | 20–26 Years | 2 January 2002 to 1 January 2008 |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20–26 Years | 2 January 2002 to 1 January 2008 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20–26 Years | 2 January 2002 to 1 January 2008 |
Both dates in the specified date-of-birth ranges are inclusive.
The Flying Branch relaxation up to 26 years applies only to candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India).
Candidates must be unmarried when the training course begins. Marriage is not permitted during training. Candidates who marry during training are liable to be discharged and required to refund Government expenditure incurred on their training.
Selected candidates will be commissioned as Flying Officers and receive pay according to the Defence Pay Matrix.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Rank on Commissioning | Flying Officer |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Basic Pay Scale | Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay | Rs. 15,500 per Month |
| Starting Basic Pay + MSP | Rs. 71,600 per Month |
| Training Stipend | Rs. 56,100 per Month |
| Other Allowances | As Applicable to Branch, Nature of Duty and Posting |
Applicable allowances may include Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance and other authorized benefits.
Salary Clarification: The training stipend and commissioned officer salary are different. Rs. 71,600 represents starting basic pay plus Military Service Pay, not the final in-hand salary.
The application fee for AFCAT Entry is Rs. 550 plus 18% GST, making a total of Rs. 649.
| Entry | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550 + 18% GST (Rs. 649) |
| NCC Special Entry | Exempted |
| GATE Score Entry | Exempted |
Eligible candidates must make payment online through the payment gateway using the available Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking or UPI facilities.
The application fee is non-refundable. Applicants should retain their payment reference number and transaction confirmation.
Selection depends on the entry route. AFCAT Entry candidates must qualify in the written examination before AFSB testing, while NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt from the AFCAT written test.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Date | 31 January 2027 |
| Examination Mode | Online |
| Question Type | Objective Multiple Choice |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Question Language | English |
| Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Incorrect Answer | -1 Mark |
| Unattempted Question | 0 Marks |
| Subject | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | History, Geography, Current Affairs, Indian Polity, Economy, Defence, Science, Technology, Sports and Environment |
| Verbal Ability in English | Comprehension, Vocabulary, Synonyms, Antonyms, Grammar, Sentence Correction, Idioms, Cloze Test and Sentence Rearrangement |
| Numerical Ability | Percentages, Averages, Profit and Loss, Ratio, Time and Work, Speed and Distance, Interest, Probability, Number System and Mensuration |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
The standard of Numerical Ability questions is Matriculation level, while the other subjects are generally of graduation level.
The notification specifies 100 questions for 300 marks across the combined syllabus; it does not provide a fixed subject-wise question distribution.
Candidates qualifying under the relevant entry route will be called for Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing.
AFSB assessment involves Officer Intelligence Rating and psychological, group and interview assessments according to the prescribed testing stages.
Flying Branch candidates may additionally be required to qualify in the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
Candidates who previously failed CPSS or were suspended from Flying Training at Air Force Academy are not eligible for the Flying Branch under the notification.
Candidates recommended by AFSB must satisfy the prescribed Indian Air Force physical and medical standards.
The requirements differ by Flying, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches.
For Flying Branch training, the notification additionally requires a minimum nude body weight of 48 kg before commencing Stage-I fixed-wing flying training.
Candidates should review the complete height, weight, vision and other medical standards contained in Appendix A of the official notification.
NCC Special Entry provides eligible NCC Air Wing certificate holders an alternative route to Flying Branch selection.
Applicants must possess an NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate acquired within the prescribed two-year period preceding the AFCAT registration date.
Eligible NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt from the AFCAT written examination and are called directly for AFSB testing.
They must still satisfy the educational, age, marital-status and medical requirements for Flying Branch.
GATE Score Entry is available for eligible Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) and Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) candidates.
Candidates must possess a completed BE/B.Tech qualification in one of the accepted engineering disciplines and qualify in the corresponding prescribed GATE subject.
The GATE result declaration date must fall between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2027, as specified in the notification.
Applicants must provide their GATE score details and supporting qualification records. The entry is subject to the applicable shortlisting and AFSB selection procedures.
| Commission Type | Service Conditions |
|---|---|
| Permanent Commission | Service Until Applicable Superannuation Age, Subject to Service Rules |
| Flying Branch SSC | 14 Years from Commissioning |
| Ground Duty SSC | Initial 10 Years; Possible 4-Year Extension |
The extension of Ground Duty SSC service is subject to vacancies, service requirements, willingness, merit and suitability.
The notification also states that SSC officers are not entitled to pension under the applicable commission terms. Grant of Permanent Commission at a later date is not automatic.
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT application portal between 12 November and 11 December 2026.
Apply Online: AFCAT Official Application Portal
Application Start: 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Last Date: 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM.
Important: Aadhaar details are mandatory for online registration. Applicants should verify their personal, educational and branch-preference information carefully before final submission because changes are not permitted after the applicable submission/payment stage.
Important: Candidates should complete the entire process before 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM. Fees paid for additional or duplicate applications are not refundable.
| Document | Format | File Size |
|---|---|---|
| Recent Colour Photograph | JPG/JPEG | 100 KB - 200 KB |
| Signature | JPG/JPEG | 80 KB - 150 KB |
| Thumb Impression | JPG/JPEG | 50 KB - 100 KB |
The photograph should have a light background. Candidates must sign using black ink on white paper.
Male applicants must upload their left-thumb impression, while female applicants must upload their right-thumb impression.
Applicants should keep the following records ready for registration, examination and subsequent AFSB verification:
Applicants should use their original academic records while entering details. Eligibility will be verified at subsequent selection stages.
The Indian Air Force will make the AFCAT 01/2027 admit card available from 27 January 2027 at 11:00 AM.
Candidates can log in to afcat.edcil.co.in and select the Download Admit Card option.
The admit card will also be communicated electronically through the registered contact details as specified in the notification.
Training is scheduled to begin in the first week of January 2028.
| Branch | Approximate Training Duration |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 74 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Technical | 74 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 50 Weeks |
Flight Cadets will receive a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100 during training under the notified pay provisions.
| Particulars | Links |
|---|---|
| AFCAT 01/2027 Apply Online (From 12 November) | Click Here |
| AFCAT 01/2027 Notification and Updates | Click Here |
| Indian Air Force Career Website | Click Here |
| Official Website | Official website of Indian Air Force |
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