The Indian Air Force (IAF) will begin the online application process for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2027 today, November 12. Interested and eligible candidates can apply for officer-level posts in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches through the official website, afcat.edcil.co.in.The recruitment is open to both men and women and will fill vacancies for courses scheduled to begin in January 2028. The online application window will remain open until December 11, 2026. Candidates can submit their forms from 11 am today until 11:30 pm on the closing date.According to the notification, the AFCAT online examination will be conducted on January 31, 2027.
AFCAT 01/2027 : Branches and vacancies
The Indian Air Force has announced vacancies under the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. The recruitment also includes National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry and Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) Score Entry for eligible candidates.The vacancies include positions under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC).The branches covered under the recruitment are:
- Flying Branch: Candidates can apply through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Vacancies are available for Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) and Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Vacancies are available in Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education and Meteorology.
The notification states that the announced vacancies are tentative and may change depending on the requirements of the Indian Air Force and the availability of training slots.
AFCAT 01/2027: Eligibility criteria
Candidates must be Indian citizens and fulfil the age and educational qualification requirements for their preferred branch.Age limit
- Flying Branch: Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years as of January 1, 2028. They should have been born between January 2, 2004, and January 1, 2008.
- Flying Branch with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence: The upper age limit is 26 years.
- Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): Candidates must be between 20 and 26 years as of January 1, 2028. They should have been born between January 2, 2002, and January 1, 2008.
Candidates must be unmarried when the course begins. Marriage is not permitted during the training period.Educational qualificationThe educational requirements differ according to the branch.
- Flying Branch: Candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics. They must also hold a graduation degree of at least three years in any discipline or a four-year Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 and hold the required engineering or technology qualifications in the relevant disciplines.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): The qualification depends on the post. Graduates from recognised universities can apply for branches such as Weapon Systems and Administration and Logistics. The Accounts, Education and Meteorology branches have separate subject-specific requirements.
Candidates are advised to check the detailed notification for the complete list of eligible degree subjects and branch-wise qualifications before applying.
AFCAT 01/2027: Selection process and exam pattern
The selection process includes a written examination (for AFCAT candidates), followed by testing at the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) and a medical examination.The AFCAT written examination will have 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 300 marks. Candidates will get two hours to complete the paper.The examination will cover the following subjects:
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning
- Military Aptitude Test
The paper will be conducted in English. Candidates will receive three marks for every correct answer, while one mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer. No marks will be deducted for unanswered questions.Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry will not have to appear for the written examination. They will be called directly for AFSB testing, subject to eligibility.
How to apply for AFCAT 01/2027
Candidates can follow these steps to complete the online application process:
- Visit the official website, afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Click on the AFCAT 01/2027 registration link.
- Enter the required personal details, mobile number and email address.
- Log in using the user ID and password received after registration.
- Fill the form and submit it.
- Pay the applicable examination fee through the online payment gateway.
- Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.
Read the detailed notification available here.
