AFCAT 1 2026 Notification Out: Exam Date, Vacancies, Eligibility & Exam Pattern | Selection Process
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT 1 2026 notification for candidates who wish to join the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. This exam is one of the most popular defence exams in India. Every year, thousands of students apply and many also join AFCAT coaching classes or choose AFCAT online coaching to prepare.
In this blog, you will find complete details about exam date, vacancies, eligibility, syllabus, exam pattern, last 5 years’ AFCAT cut off, and the full AFCAT selection process.
AFCAT 1 2026 Notification and Important Dates
The notification for AFCAT 1 2026 was released on November 9, 2025. The application process starts on November 17, 2025, and ends in December 2025. The exam is scheduled for January 31, 2026 (Saturday).
Download AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 PDFÂ Â
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | Nov 9, 2025 |
| Application Start | Nov 17, 2025 |
| Application End | Dec 09, 2025 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | Jan 31, 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Jan 2026 |
| Result Declaration | 3-4 weeks after exam |
| AFSB Interview | March-April 2026 |
AFCAT Exam Eligibility Criteria
- Nationality: Indian
- Age Limit: 20 to 24 years for Flying Branch; 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical)
- Educational Qualification:
- Flying Branch: Graduation with minimum 60% marks and Physics & Maths at 10+2 level
- Ground Duty Technical: Engineering Degree (BE/BTech)
- Ground Duty Non-Technical: Graduation in any discipline with 60% marks
-
Marital Status: Unmarried candidates are eligible
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
The AFCAT exam is a computer-based test consisting of objective type multiple-choice questions. The test duration is 2 hours with a total of 100 questions, carrying 300 marks in total.
| Section | Number of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 | Â |
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 | Â |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 | Â |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 35 | 105 |
2 hours |
- Negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
-
For technical branch candidates, an additional Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) of 50 questions for 150 marks is conducted with 45 minutes duration.
Also Read:Â How Nation Defence Academy is shaping India’s next generation of defence leaders with their School Integration Program
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AFCAT Syllabus Overview
- Verbal Ability: Comprehension, Error detection, Sentence completion, Synonyms, Antonyms, Cloze test, Idioms, Phrases, Analogies
- General Awareness: History, Geography, Current Affairs, Indian Polity, Economy, Environment, Defence, Science & Technology, Sports
- Numerical Ability: Arithmetic, Algebra, Geometry, Statistics, Number Series
-
Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Logical reasoning, spatial ability, situational awareness
AFCAT Selection Process
The AFCAT selection process includes:
- Written exam (AFCAT online test)
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview including psychological and group tests
- Medical examination
- Final merit list based on overall performance
AFCAT Cut Off Marks – Last 5 Years
| Year | AFCAT 1 Cutoff | AFCAT 2 Cutoff |
|---|---|---|
| 2025 | 121 | To be declared |
| 2024 | 137 | 139 |
| 2023 | 155 | 151 |
| 2022 | 157 | 157 |
| 2021 | 165 | 157 |
Cutoff marks vary each year based on exam difficulty and number of candidates. Aspirants should aim above the cutoff to ensure selection.
Afcat Coaching and Preparation Tips
- Joining specialized AFCAT coaching classes can boost preparation by providing structured study material and doubt clearing sessions.
- AFCAT online coaching offers flexibility and allows preparation from home with access to expert guidance.
- Focus on solving previous years’ question papers and take mock tests.
- Build strong basics in English, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Numerical ability.
- Follow a disciplined study schedule to cover the entire AFCAT syllabus thoroughly.
Nation Defence Academy offers comprehensive AFCAT coaching classes and online coaching to help candidates excel in their exam preparation.
This guide covers all vital aspects of the AFCAT 1 2026 including notification details, exam dates, AFCAT Exam pattern, AFCAT Exam eligibility, AFCATÂ syllabus, AFCATÂ selection process, and AFCATÂ cutoff trends for last five years, aiming to assist aspirants in effective and focused preparation.
For updates and detailed guidance, visit official AFCAT portals or trusted coaching centers like Nation Defence Academy. Good luck with your AFCAT preparation!
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AFCAT 1 2026 – Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
AFCAT 1 2026 is the Air Force Common Admission Test for joining the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. The AFCAT notification includes details about eligibility, vacancies, exam pattern, and dates.
Nation Defence Academy provides complete guidance for AFCAT preparation.
Yes. The AFCAT 1 2026 notification is released, and online applications begin from 17 November 2025.
Students can join Nation Defence Academy for updated coaching and exam support.
The AFCAT 1 2026 exam is expected on 31 January 2026.
Nation Defence Academy helps students prepare for the exam through mock tests and online/offline classes.
As per the AFCAT exam eligibility, candidates must:
-
Be Indian citizens
-
Be 20–24 years old for Flying Branch and 20–26 for Ground Duty
-
Have 60% marks in graduation or engineering
Nation Defence Academy guides students about complete eligibility and documentation.
Yes. Both men and women can apply for the exam.
Nation Defence Academy offers AFCAT coaching for both male and female candidates.
The AFCAT exam pattern includes 100 questions for 300 marks, with a duration of 2 hours.
Sections include General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning.
Nation Defence Academy provides full AFCAT exam pattern analysis and topic-wise classes.
The AFCAT selection process includes:
-
Online AFCAT written exam
-
AFSB Interview
-
Medical Test
Nation Defence Academy prepares candidates for both written and AFSB interview stages.
Here are the previous AFCAT cut-off marks:
-
2025: 131
-
2024: 132
-
2023: 155
-
2022: 157
-
2021: 165
Nation Defence Academy uses cut-off analysis to guide students on scoring strategies.
The exam is moderately difficult. However, with regular practice, mock tests, and guidance, students can score well.
Nation Defence Academy offers structured coaching to make preparation easier.
There is no limit on AFCAT attempts. Students can apply as long as they meet the age and eligibility criteria.
Nation Defence Academy advises students on correct attempt planning.
You need an Aadhaar card, photographs, signature, Class 10/12 mark sheets, graduation certificates, and other basic documents.
Nation Defence Academy helps students understand the required documents before applying.
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