AFCAT 1 2027 Notification Out: Vacancies, Eligibility, Dates, Syllabus
The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 01/2027 notification for courses commencing in January 2028. Online applications open on 12 November 2026 (11:00 AM) and close on 11 December 2026 (11:30 PM), and the online exam will be held on Sunday, 31 January 2027. Through this cycle, men and women graduates can join the IAF as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the Flying Branch and the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
The official notification runs to 66 pages. This guide breaks it down into everything you actually need: important dates, branch-wise vacancies, age limits, educational qualifications, application fee, how to apply, exam pattern, syllabus, AFSB procedure, physical and medical standards, training, and pay. Bookmark it and read it once fully before you fill the form.
AFCAT 01/2027 Notification: Quick Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2027) |
| Conducting body | Indian Air Force |
| Entries covered | AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, GATE Score Entry |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
| Who can apply | Indian citizens, men and women, unmarried |
| Vacancies (tentative) | 268 through AFCAT Entry + 16 through GATE Score Entry, plus NCC Special Entry seats |
| Application window | 12 Nov 2026 (11:00 AM) to 11 Dec 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Exam date | 31 January 2027 (Sunday) |
| Exam mode | Online, objective type, English only |
| Application fee | ₹550 + 18% GST (AFCAT Entry only) |
| Course commencement | First week of January 2028 |
| Official website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
AFCAT 01/2027 Important Dates
| Event | Date and time |
|---|---|
| Online application starts | 12 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Last date to apply | 11 December 2026, 11:30 PM |
| Admit card download | 27 January 2027, 11:00 AM onwards |
| AFCAT 01/2027 exam | 31 January 2027 (Sunday), 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon |
| Question paper, answer key and response sheet (objection window) | 3 February 2027, 10:00 AM to 5 February 2027, 10:00 AM |
| Proof of completing final degree exams (final-year students) | By 30 November 2027 |
| Training begins | First week of January 2028 |
AFCAT 01/2027 Vacancies: Branch-wise Breakup
The notification lists vacancies separately for Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC), for men and women. Here is the full breakup for the AFCAT Entry.
| Branch | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying | – | – | 28 | 08 | 36 |
| Ground Duty (Tech) – AE(L) | 05 | 02 | 54 | 27 | 88 |
| Ground Duty (Tech) – AE(M) | 08 | 02 | 18 | 08 | 36 |
| Weapon Systems | – | – | 25 | 05 | 30 |
| Administration | 01 | 01 | 34 | 17 | 53 |
| Logistics | 01 | 01 | 06 | 03 | 11 |
| Accounts | 01 | 01 | 03 | 03 | 08 |
| Education | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 04 |
| Meteorology | 01 | 01 | – | – | 02 |
| Total (AFCAT Entry) | 18 | 09 | 169 | 72 | 268 |
GATE Score Entry Vacancies
| Branch | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE(L) | 01 | 01 | 06 | 03 | 11 |
| AE(M) | 01 | 01 | 02 | 01 | 05 |
| Total (GATE Score Entry) | 02 | 02 | 08 | 04 | 16 |
NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch)
For NCC Special Entry, 10% of the CDSE vacancies are set aside for Permanent Commission (men), and 10% of the AFCAT vacancies for Short Service Commission (men and women).
Points to note: the vacancies are tentative and can change without notice. Two seats in the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches are reserved for candidates holding an LLB degree, and 10% of the vacancies in the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches are reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate holders.
Permanent Commission vs Short Service Commission
- Permanent Commission (PC): officers serve till the age of superannuation in their branch, as per their rank.
- SSC – Flying Branch: the engagement period is 14 years from the date of commissioning.
- SSC – Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): initial tenure of 10 years, with a possible extension of 4 years subject to service requirements, vacancies, willingness, suitability and merit.
- SSC officers may be considered for Permanent Commission later, as per the prevailing policies. SSC officers are not entitled to pension.
AFCAT 01/2027 Eligibility
Nationality and Marital Status
You must be a citizen of India. Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course, and marriage is not permitted during training.
Age Limit (as on 1 January 2028)
| Branch / Entry | Age | Born between (both dates inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT and NCC Special Entry) | 20 to 24 years | 2 Jan 2004 to 1 Jan 2008 |
| Flying Branch – holders of a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA | Up to 26 years | 2 Jan 2002 to 1 Jan 2008 |
| Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years | 2 Jan 2002 to 1 Jan 2008 |
Only the date of birth recorded in your Matriculation (Class 10) or equivalent certificate is accepted. Enter it carefully, because any mismatch found later leads to disqualification.
Educational Qualification
| Branch | Qualification required |
|---|---|
| Flying | Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level, plus a graduation degree (minimum three years) in any discipline, OR BE/B.Tech (four years), OR cleared Section A and B of the Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India. |
| Ground Duty (Tech) – AE(L) | Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, plus a four-year Engineering/Technology degree (or integrated post-graduation) in one of the 94 listed disciplines such as Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Electrical, Communication and Instrumentation. M.Sc Electronics with B.Sc Physics, AMIE/ASI Section A and B, and the IETE graduate membership exam are also accepted. |
| Ground Duty (Tech) – AE(M) | Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, plus a four-year Engineering/Technology degree (or integrated post-graduation) in one of the 39 listed disciplines such as Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Production, Industrial, Automobile, Mechatronics and Metallurgy, OR AMIE/ASI Section A and B. |
| Weapon Systems | Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level, plus graduation (minimum three years) in any discipline or BE/B.Tech. |
| Administration and Logistics | 10+2 and a graduate degree (minimum three years) in any discipline, OR cleared Section A and B of AMIE/ASI. |
| Accounts | 10+2 and B.Com (minimum three years), OR BBA/BMS/BBS with specialisation in Finance, OR qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA, OR B.Sc with specialisation in Finance. |
| Education | 10+2, graduation in any discipline and post-graduation in any discipline (including single-degree integrated PG courses). |
| Meteorology | 10+2 and B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics, OR a four-year Engineering/Technology degree in one of the 22 listed streams (Electronics, Communication, Computer, IT, Mechanical and related disciplines). |
GATE Score Entry
You need a BE/B.Tech degree in one of the 133 disciplines listed for AE(L) and AE(M), and you must have qualified GATE in one of the accepted papers. The GATE result must have been declared between 1 January 2024 and 31 December 2027.
- GATE papers for AE(L): Computer Science and Information Technology, Data Science and Artificial Intelligence, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Instrumentation Engineering.
- GATE papers for AE(M): Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Production and Industrial Engineering, Engineering Sciences (with specified optional subjects), Metallurgical Engineering.
NCC Special Entry
You must hold an NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate, acquired within two years counted backwards from the AFCAT registration date. NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from the written exam and are called directly for AFSB testing.
Other Important Eligibility Points
- Only candidates who passed Class 12 in the 10+2 pattern are eligible. A diploma in place of 10+2 is not accepted.
- Final year/semester students can apply, provided they have no present backlog at the time of applying. They must submit proof of completing their final exams by 30 November 2027.
- Candidates who have failed CPSS/PABT earlier, or Flight Cadets suspended from flying training, cannot apply for the Flying Branch.
- Candidates selected for the Weapon Systems branch may have to undergo flying training and flying duties.
- If you wear glasses habitually, check the visual standards before choosing the Flying Branch.
- Government employees, including those on contract, need an NOC from their employer at the time of AFSB testing.
- The notification lists the qualifying degrees and disciplines in full. Match your exact degree name against the official list before applying.
AFCAT 01/2027 Application Fee
The fee for the AFCAT Entry is ₹550 + 18% GST, which works out to ₹649. It is non-refundable and is paid online through the payment gateway (net banking, debit card, credit card or UPI). The fee is not applicable for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry. Cash, cheque and demand draft are not accepted.
How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2027
Applications are accepted only online at afcat.edcil.co.in. An Aadhaar card is mandatory for registration.
- Sign up: enter your full name (as per your Class 10 certificate), mobile number and email ID, and verify both with OTP.
- Log in: you will receive your User ID and password by email and SMS. Log in and click “Go To Application”.
- Fill the form: complete personal details, communication details, qualification details and your course preferences. You must select all applicable courses in your order of preference.
- Choose exam cities: give your preferred test states and cities. No request for a change of centre is entertained later.
- Upload documents: photograph, signature, thumb impression and a live image captured through your device camera.
- Preview and submit: check every field. Nothing can be edited after submission.
- Pay the fee online and print the application form for your records.
Document Upload Specifications
| Document | File size | Format and notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport size colour photograph | 100 KB to 200 KB | JPG/JPEG, recent, light background |
| Signature | 80 KB to 150 KB | JPG/JPEG, black ink on white paper |
| Thumb impression | 50 KB to 100 KB | JPG/JPEG; left thumb for male and right thumb for female candidates |
If you submit more than one application, only the latest one against your Aadhaar number is considered, and the fee paid for the others is not refunded. Apply well before the last date to avoid the last-minute server rush.
AFCAT 01/2027 Exam Pattern
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Subjects | General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
| Number of questions | 100 |
| Maximum marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Type and language | Objective type, English only |
| Correct answer | +3 marks |
| Wrong answer | –1 mark |
| Unattempted question | No marks |
If the exam is held in more than one shift, marks are normalised before the result is declared. The IAF can also fix qualifying marks in any or all subjects.
Exam Day Schedule (31 January 2027)
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Candidate reporting time | 8:00 AM |
| Last entry time | 9:00 AM |
| Verification of admit card and ID, biometrics, photograph and seating | 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM |
| Reading of instructions | 9:45 AM to 10:00 AM |
| AFCAT exam | 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon |
No candidate is allowed to enter the exam centre after 9:00 AM under any circumstance.
AFCAT 01/2027 Syllabus
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| English | Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms and Antonyms, Cloze Test, Idioms and Phrases, Analogy, Sentence Rearrangement, One Word Substitution, Transformation of Sentences (Complex to Simple), Homonyms |
| General Awareness | History, Geography, Sports, National and International Organisations, Art and Culture, Personalities, Environment and Ecology, Indian Polity, Economy, Basic Science, Science and Technology, Current Affairs (National and International), Defence |
| Numerical Ability | Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average and Percentage, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Distance and Races (Trains, Boats and Streams), Area and Perimeter, Probability, Number System and Number Series, Mixture and Alligation, Squares and Cubes with Roots, HCF and LCM, Elementary Mensuration, Heights and Distance, Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode), Exponents and Powers |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning |
Numerical Ability questions are of Matriculation level, while the other sections are of graduation level. An online practice test is available on afcat.edcil.co.in.
Admit Card and What to Carry to the Exam Centre
The e-admit card will be available from 27 January 2027 (11:00 AM). It is sent to your registered email ID and can be downloaded from the AFCAT website. No admit card is sent by post.
- Colour printout of the e-admit card.
- Original Aadhaar card (a photocopy is not accepted).
- A second original photo ID such as PAN card, passport, driving licence or voter ID.
- Two passport size colour photographs, the same as the one uploaded in the form.
- Blue or black ballpoint pen.
Your name on both ID proofs must match your Class 10 certificate. Mobile phones, calculators, smart or electronic watches, Bluetooth devices, wallets, handbags, jackets, ornaments and eatables are not allowed inside. Carrying a banned item is treated as use of unfair means and can get you debarred from future AFCAT exams.
AFCAT 01/2027 Exam Centres
The exam is held in more than 110 cities, including Delhi and NCR, Chandigarh/Mohali, Jaipur, Lucknow, Kanpur, Prayagraj, Varanasi, Dehradun, Patna, Bhopal, Indore, Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Ahmedabad/Gandhinagar, Kolkata, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Thiruvananthapuram, Jammu, Srinagar and Leh. The full list is given in the notification and is tentative.
AFSB Interview: Selection Process after the Written Exam
Candidates who clear the AFCAT cut-off are called to one of the five Air Force Selection Boards: Dehradun (1 AFSB), Mysuru (2 AFSB), Gandhinagar (3 AFSB), Varanasi (4 AFSB) and Guwahati (5 AFSB). You have to choose your AFSB date and venue yourself on the AFCAT website to generate the call-up letter. NCC Special Entry candidates and shortlisted GATE Score Entry candidates are called directly.
- Stage I (Day 1): Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT). This is a screening test. Those who do not qualify are sent back the same day.
- Stage II: Psychological tests on the evening of Day 1, followed by Group Tests and the Personal Interview over the next five days.
- CPSS (Flying Branch only): the Computerised Pilot Selection System is conducted for recommended candidates. It is a once-in-a-lifetime test.
- Medical examination: recommended candidates undergo medicals at an Air Force medical establishment.
- Final merit list: prepared on the total marks of the written exam and the AFSB tests. Branch allotment depends on vacancies, merit position, medical fitness and your preferences.
First-time candidates for a type of entry get travel allowance for AC III Tier/AC Chair Car or actual bus fare. Carry your original tickets and a cancelled cheque of a savings account in your own name.
Documents to Carry for AFSB
- AFCAT admit card.
- Original Class 10 certificate and mark sheet (the only accepted proof of date of birth).
- Original Class 12 certificate and mark sheet.
- Original or provisional degree certificates with mark sheets of every year/semester. A provisional certificate must be issued by the university, not the college.
- Final-year students: a certificate from the college principal with the college, university, discipline, aggregate percentage and likely result date.
- Two attested photocopies of each certificate.
- Original NCC certificate, NOC from employer and Commercial Pilot Licence, wherever applicable.
- Inbound railway or bus ticket and twenty passport size colour photographs.
Tattoo Policy
Permanent tattoos are permitted only on the inner face of the forearms (inside of the elbow to the wrist) and on the back (dorsal) side of the hands. Candidates from tribal communities with tattoos as per their customs are considered case by case with the prescribed certificates. Indecent, sexist, extremist or racist tattoos are not permitted anywhere on the body.
Physical and Medical Standards
Height and Weight
| Category | Minimum height |
|---|---|
| Ground Duty – Male | 157 cm |
| Ground Duty – Female | 152 cm |
| Flying Branch – Pilots (male and female) | 162 cm |
| Gorkhas, North-Eastern regions and hilly regions of Uttarakhand (Ground Duty) | 152 cm (male), 147 cm (female) |
| Lakshadweep (Ground Duty) | 155 cm (male), 150 cm (female) |
For flying duties, sitting height must be between 81.5 cm and 96 cm, leg length between 99 cm and 120 cm, and thigh length not more than 64 cm. Weight must be within the range given for your height and age in the notification’s charts. For men, the minimum chest circumference is 77 cm, and chest expansion must be at least 5 cm for all candidates.
Visual Standards
| Branch | Refractive error limits | Visual acuity | Colour vision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying | Hypermetropia +1.5 D Sph; Myopia nil; Astigmatism +0.75 D Cyl | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 only for hypermetropia | CP-I |
| Ground Duty branches | Hypermetropia +3.5 D Sph; Myopia –3.50 D Sph; Astigmatism +2.50 D Cyl | Correctable to 6/6 in each eye | CP-II |
LASIK and similar keratorefractive surgeries are acceptable for all branches if the surgery was done at or after the age of 20, at least 12 months have passed without complications, and the other conditions given in the notification are met. Radial Keratotomy is not accepted.
Recommended Fitness Routine before Training
- Running: up to 4 km in 15 minutes.
- Skipping.
- Push-ups and sit-ups: minimum 20 each.
- Chin-ups: 8.
- Rope climbing: 3 to 4 metres.
- Swimming: 25 metres.
Training
Training begins in the first week of January 2028 at Air Force training establishments. It lasts about 74 weeks for the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) branches and about 50 weeks for the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. A PAN card, Aadhaar card and an account in SBI or a nationalised bank are mandatory at the time of joining the Air Force Academy.
AFCAT Salary: Pay and Allowances
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Stipend during training (Flight Cadet) | ₹56,100 per month (fixed) |
| Rank on commissioning | Flying Officer |
| Pay as per Defence Matrix | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10) |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 per month |
| Insurance cover | ₹1.25 crore (on contribution) through AFGIS |
In addition to pay, officers get allowances based on branch, duty and place of posting, such as Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, and Risk and Hardship Allowance.
How to Prepare for AFCAT 01/2027
From the day applications open, you have roughly eleven weeks until the exam. That is enough time if you use it well.
- Start with Numerical Ability and Reasoning. These are scoring sections where practice directly converts into marks.
- Read current affairs and defence news daily. General Awareness cannot be finished in the last week.
- Build English every day. Vocabulary, idioms and error detection improve with small, regular practice.
- Respect negative marking. A wrong answer costs you one mark, so learn when to leave a question.
- Attempt full-length mock tests in the 10 AM to 12 noon slot, and analyse every mock.
- Prepare for AFSB side by side. The written exam only gets you the call. The final merit depends on your AFSB performance too.
SSBPsych Defence Academy runs an online AFCAT written-exam course along with online and offline SSB interview batches in Delhi. You can explore the courses at course.ssbpsych.com, call or WhatsApp +91 8076540582, or write to info@ssbpsych.com.
Official AFCAT Helpline
- Exam, registration and admit card queries: +91-9513252077 (Monday to Saturday, 9:00 AM to 6:00 PM), email afcathelpdesk@edcil.co.in.
- Eligibility queries: 011-23010231, Extn 7245.
- AFSB centres, interview dates, merit list and joining instructions: 011-23010231, Extn 7610, or toll-free 1800-11-2448 (Monday to Friday, 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM).
AFCAT 01/2027: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
The last date is 11 December 2026, up to 11:30 PM. Applications opened on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
When is the AFCAT 01/2027 exam?
The online exam is on Sunday, 31 January 2027, from 10:00 AM to 12:00 noon.
How many vacancies are there in AFCAT 01/2027?
There are 268 tentative vacancies through the AFCAT Entry and 16 through the GATE Score Entry, plus NCC Special Entry seats in the Flying Branch.
What is the age limit for AFCAT 01/2027?
20 to 24 years for the Flying Branch and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty branches, as on 1 January 2028. CPL holders get relaxation up to 26 years for the Flying Branch.
Can final year students apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Yes, provided they have no present backlog at the time of applying and can submit proof of completing their final exams by 30 November 2027.
What is the AFCAT 01/2027 application fee?
₹550 + 18% GST for the AFCAT Entry. There is no fee for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry.
Is there negative marking in AFCAT?
Yes. Each correct answer carries 3 marks and 1 mark is deducted for each wrong answer.
Can women apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Yes. Women can apply for the Flying Branch and for the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
What is the salary of a Flying Officer?
A Flying Officer is placed in Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) with Military Service Pay of ₹15,500 per month, plus allowances. Flight Cadets get a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during training.
This article is based on the official AFCAT 01/2027 notification issued by the Indian Air Force. Vacancies and terms are tentative and subject to change, so always confirm the details on the official website before applying.
