IAF AFCAT 01/2027: registration dates and how to apply

Important: this post summarises details reported by news sites about the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 notification. We have not seen the official notification PDF. Dates, vacancies, eligibility, medical standards and fees can change, so read the official notification on the Indian Air Force career website, careerairforce.gov.in, and apply only through the official application portal, before you do anything.

What is AFCAT?

AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test. The Indian Air Force uses it to select officers for the Flying Branch and the Ground Duty branches, both technical and non-technical. AFCAT 01/2027 refers to the first cycle for the course that begins in early 2028.

Key dates and facts as reported

• Vacancies: 284 in total for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical). The reported numbers are tentative.
• Registration opens: 12 November 2026 at 11 AM.
• Registration closes: 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM.
• Online exam: 31 January 2027, 2 hours. Admit cards are reported to be due from 27 January 2027.
• Course start: January 2028.
• Application fee for AFCAT Entry: INR 550 plus 18 percent GST, non-refundable. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry were reported as free.
• Official sites: afcat.edcil.co.in for the application and careerairforce.gov.in for the notification.

Age limits as reported

Measured as of 1 January 2028:

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years, meaning born between 2 January 2004 and 1 January 2008. Holders of a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence may go up to 26.
• Ground Duty: 20 to 26 years, meaning born between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2008.
• Candidates must be unmarried when the course begins.

Education, marks and medical standards

The article we saw did not state the educational qualifications, minimum marks or physical and medical standards, and these differ by branch. Read the official notification carefully for the branch you want. Do not assume that a general graduation is enough; technical branches normally require specific degrees. Medical standards are strict, so check them early.

The written exam, as reported

• 100 objective questions, 300 marks in total.
• 3 marks for each correct answer and a deduction of 1 mark for each wrong answer.
• Sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning, and Military Aptitude.
• Online, 2 hours.

The report did not describe the later selection stages. Officer selection for the Air Force generally includes further tests and interviews after the written exam, so read the notification for the full process.

Step-by-step: how to apply

1. Read the full notification on careerairforce.gov.in.
2. Check that you meet the age, education and medical requirements for your chosen branch.
3. Keep your documents and a recent photograph and signature ready.
4. Register on the official application portal with an email address and mobile number you use regularly.
5. Fill in the form with accurate details, choose your entry type and branch, and pay the fee online if applicable.
6. Submit before the deadline and save the confirmation.

How to prepare

With the exam reported for 31 January 2027, you have about eleven weeks from the start of registration. A simple plan:

• Weeks 1 to 3: go through the syllabus and take one full practice paper to see where you stand.
• Weeks 4 to 7: study each section: reading and grammar for English, arithmetic and reasoning for numerical ability, and current affairs and general knowledge.
• Weeks 8 to 10: take timed mock tests, review mistakes and work on speed.
• Final week: revise, rest and check exam-day instructions.

Because wrong answers carry negative marking, practise deciding when to skip a question rather than guess blindly.

Questions applicants commonly ask

Do I need to be an engineer to apply?

It depends on the branch. The article we saw did not list branch-wise qualifications, so check the notification for the Flying, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical requirements.

Can I apply if I am still in my final year?

Final-year provisions, if any, are set out in the official notification. Do not rely on a coaching site or a social media post; read the exact wording and the date by which you must produce your certificates.

What happens after the written exam?

The report only described the written exam. Read the notification for later stages such as further tests, interviews and medical examinations, and begin preparing for the physical and medical standards early.

Is there a backup if I do not clear it?

Many candidates prepare for several exams at once, and some try again in later cycles within the age limit. Keep your skills moving in parallel so you have options.

Avoid scams and false promises

• The Air Force does not take money for selection. Be wary of anyone who offers "guaranteed" selection or "inside" help.
• Use only the official websites. Type the web address yourself.
• Do not share OTPs or banking details with anyone.
• Be careful with coaching offers that promise results.

See how to spot fake job offers and placement scams.

Is this path for you?

An officer career in the Air Force is a very different path from an IT job, with different physical, medical and lifestyle requirements. If it appeals to you, prepare seriously and meet the deadlines. If you are still deciding, you can pursue both paths for now: keep building skills, and compare options with real information. Our skills guide and job search checklist are useful whichever way you go.

More openings and guidance

Browse other opportunities on our jobs page. If you want help choosing a direction, join our free career guidance workshop or request a free career discovery session.