AFCAT 1 2026 Notification Out - Application Starts from 10 November

AFCAT 1 2026 Notification Release: Your Path to the Indian Air Force Begins

The AFCAT 1 2026 notification is officially out on 09 Nov 2025, offering a golden opportunity for aspirants aiming for a career in the Indian Air Force (IAF). This year’s announcement brings fresh timelines, eligibility criteria, and exam details that every candidate should know. Here’s a detailed breakdown of what you need to gear up for.

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a gateway for candidates to enter the Indian Air Force as Gazetted Officers in both Flying and Ground Duty branches (Technical and Non-Technical). The notification for AFCAT 1 2026 marks the beginning of the registration process and sets the stage for selection.

Important Dates

Make sure to mark your calendar. Here are the relevant dates for AFCAT 1 2026:

• Short notification release: 3 November 2025 

• Full notification release: 9 November 2025

• Online application begins: 10 November 2025

• Last date to apply: 9 December 2025

• Admit card, exam date, result: To be announced

Tip: Don’t wait until the last minute to apply — aim for early submission to secure preferred exam centre and avoid any last-minute hassles.

Eligibility Criteria

Understanding eligibility is critical because missing even one criterion can disqualify your application.

Nationality

• The candidate must be a citizen of India.

Age Limit

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years

• Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years

Educational Qualification

• For Flying Branch:

  • 10+2 with at least 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics AND

  • A minimum of 3-year Graduation in any discipline with at least 60% marks (or equivalent).

• For Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical):

  • 10+2 with at least 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics AND

  • A 4-year Graduation degree in any discipline (or equivalent).

If you’re like our user, who completed Class-12 in PCB (Physics, Chemistry, Biology) but not Mathematics, then you’ll need to review your eligibility carefully. For the Flying Branch, Maths and Physics at 10+2 are mandatory. For Ground Duty, Maths and Physics are mandatory too. You may need to check if you meet the criteria or explore alternative entries.

Exam Pattern

The selection process for AFCAT 1 2026 comprises a written test followed by the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interview for those who clear the written part.

Written Test

• Duration: 2 hours

• Maximum Marks: 300

• Number of Questions: 100

• Marking Scheme: +3 for each correct answer, -1 for each wrong answer

• Subjects: General Awareness; Verbal Ability in English; Numerical Ability; Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test.

AFSB Interview

After clearing the written test, selected candidates will undergo the AFSB process, which typically includes:

• Officer Intelligence Rating tests + Picture Perception & Discussion Test

• Psychological test + Group Tests + Interview

Syllabus Highlights

Here’s a snapshot of key topics you need to cover:

• English: Comprehension; Error detection; Synonyms/Antonyms; Cloze test; One-word substitution; Sentence rearrangement.

• General Awareness: Current affairs, History, Geography, Sports, National & International Organisations, Science & Technology, Defence.

• Numerical Ability: Decimal fraction, Time & Work, Averages/Percentages, Ratio & Proportion, Simple/Compound Interest, Time & Distance, Probability, Number Series, Mixture & Allegation, Clocks.

Tip: Given your background focused on PCB and a gap in 11th/12th Maths, you should allocate more time to the Numerical Ability section and basic Maths. With your ambition of becoming a fighter pilot in IAF, bridging this gap early will give you an edge.

Application Process

Here’s how to apply for AFCAT 1 2026:

1. Visit the official website (to be confirmed) on or after 10 November 2025.

2. Fill the online application form carefully with accurate details.

3. Upload required documents (education certificates, identity proof, photograph, signature).

4. Pay the application fee (Rs. 550 + GST for the General category).

5. Submit before the last date, i.e., 9 December 2025.

6. Save/print the confirmation page and keep track of login credentials for future stages (admit card, result, etc).

Why This Notification Matters (Especially for You)

Since you are 17 years old, completed Class-12 in the medical stream (PCB), and aiming to become a fighter pilot, this notification provides a clear timeline and target. Even though you may lack Maths in your 11th/12th, you still have time to take corrective action (e.g., bridge courses, test your Maths proficiency) before the age cut-off for the Flying Branch comes into effect. Starting your preparation now — with guidance from an established academy like Centurion Defence Academy — will help you stay ahead of the competition.

Concluding Call-to-Action

The release of the AFCAT 1 2026 notification is your chance to take a decisive step towards your dream of serving the nation in the Indian Air Force. Start early, understand the syllabus, allocate time for weaker areas (like Maths), practice previous year papers and mock tests regularly. And if you’re seeking structured guidance, expert mentorship, regular assessments, and a community of motivated aspirants, Centurion Defence Academy is ready to support you every step of the way.

Apply with confidence. Prepare with a strategy. Fly with pride.

Read more:

How to Prepare for AFCAT 2026 Along with Graduation

Top 5 AFCAT Online Coaching Programs That Turn Average Students into Air Warriors