AFCAT Application Form 2026: Dates, Eligibility, Apply Online
The AFCAT 1 2026 notification was issued on November 9, 2025, announcing a total of 340 vacancies for the Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non Technical branches for courses starting in January 2027. The online application process began on November 17, 2025, and the last date to apply was extended to December 19, 2025, through the official websites afcat.cdac.in and afcat.edcil.co.in. This extension allows candidates additional time to complete their registration comfortably without any urgency.
Table of Contents
AFCAT Application Form: Eligibility 2026
Candidates must possess a graduation degree with the minimum required marks
A minimum of 60 percent aggregate is usually required for the Flying Branch
Ground Duty branches generally require 50 to 60 percent aggregate marks
Candidates applying for certain entries must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, securing at least 50 percent marks
The age limit for the Flying Branch is typically between 20 and 24 years
The age limit for Ground Duty branches usually ranges from 20 to 26 years
Age relaxation is applicable for candidates belonging to specific categories as per rules
Applicants under NCC Special Entry are exempted from paying the application fee.
Step-by-Step Application Guide
Visit the official website and click Apply Online to start the registration process.
Register using a valid email ID and mobile number to generate a unique application number and password.
Enter personal details such as name, father’s name, date of birth, category, and permanent and correspondence address.
Provide educational information including Class 10, Class 12, and graduation marks.
Choose preferred exam cities from the dropdown list available during form submission.
Upload the required documents as per the prescribed format:
Recent passport-sized color photograph in JPEG format, size 10 to 50 KB
Signature in JPEG format, size 10 to 50 KB
Thumb impression in JPEG format, size 10 to 50 KB
Left thumb for male candidates
Right thumb for female candidates
Scanned copies of Class 10 and Class 12 marksheets
Graduation degree or provisional certificate if applicable
Use image optimization tools such as the Testbook Resize Tool if the file size exceeds the specified limit.
Proceed to the payment step and pay Rs 550 plus GST through credit card, debit card, net banking, or other online payment gateways.
Note that the application fee is non-refundable and cash or demand draft payments are not accepted.
NCC applicants are exempted from paying the application fee.
Review all the entered details carefully before final submission.
Submit the application form and download the acknowledgment page for future reference.
A correction window will be opened after the deadline for making limited changes to the application form.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants miss document guidelines, which can lead to rejection. Make sure all uploaded files are in JPEG format and under 50 KB in size.
Enter educational percentages carefully, especially for Class 12 Physics and Mathematics, where the required range is usually 50 to 90 percent as specified.
Ensure personal details such as name, date of birth, and category match official documents exactly.
Do not rush the fee payment process and always save the transaction receipt for future reference.
Selecting an incorrect exam center can also create problems later in the process.
Post-Submission Process
After submitting the form, download and keep a copy of the application PDF.
Preserve your login credentials, as they are required to access the admit card, which is generally released about a week before the exam.
The selection process includes the AFCAT written examination, AFSB interview, medical examination, and preparation of a merit list based on available vacancies.
Candidates who clear all stages undergo training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal.