The Indian Air Force has opened online registration for AFCAT 01/2027, offering officer-entry opportunities in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The official notification also covers NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry for courses commencing in January 2028.
Important dates
Applications open: 12 November 2026, 11:00 AM
Applications close: 11 December 2026, 11:30 PM
AFCAT examination: 31 January 2027
Training courses begin: January 2028
Registration status confirmed on 12 November
The Indian Air Force’s official career notice confirms the registration window runs from 12 November to 11 December 2026. The deadline is for submitting the application, not for appearing in the examination. Applicants should distinguish AFCAT examination entry from NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry: these are separate routes, and eligibility or selection requirements for one route must not be assumed to apply to another. Confirm the chosen route, branch and commission type in the official notification before paying the application fee.
Branches and opportunities
The notification lists Flying, Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics and Mechanical), Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education and Meteorology entries, with different Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission options. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry have separate conditions. Vacancies are tentative and can change.
Age limits
For Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry, candidates must be aged 20–24 years on 1 January 2028, corresponding to dates of birth from 2 January 2004 through 1 January 2008. An extension up to age 26 applies to eligible holders of a valid DGCA commercial pilot licence.
For Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches, the age range is 20–26 years on 1 January 2028, corresponding to dates of birth from 2 January 2002 through 1 January 2008.
Educational qualifications
Flying Branch requires Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level along with an eligible degree or equivalent qualification. Ground Duty Technical branches require the specified Physics/Mathematics background and an eligible engineering or technology qualification. Ground Duty Non-Technical qualifications vary by branch: some accept general graduation, while Accounts, Education and Meteorology have more specific requirements. Applicants must check the precise subject and qualification criteria in the official notification.
Selection process
The AFCAT route involves the online written examination, subsequent Air Force Selection Board assessment, medical examination and merit-based selection, subject to eligibility. The notification includes distinct conditions for NCC and GATE entry routes.
How to apply
Read the official AFCAT 01/2027 notification carefully.
Visit the designated AFCAT application website.
Register and enter accurate personal, educational and branch-preference details.
Upload the required documents and complete any applicable payment.
Submit by 11 December 2026, 11:30 PM, and save the acknowledgement.
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