The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially opened the application window for the AFCAT‑1 2026 (Air Force Common Admission Test) as of November 17, 2025. Interested candidates can apply online for officer roles in the Flying Branch and the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The registration process will run until December 14, and the recruitment drive seeks to fill 340 posts for both men and women across these branches.

What the Registration Involves

Prospective applicants must visit the official portal, log into their account, fill out the application form, upload documents and photograph, pay the prescribed fee and submit the form online. The application fee remains the same for all categories. Among the key eligibility criteria: candidates should be Indian citizens, meet the age and education requirements, and apply for the branch for which they qualify. For the Flying Branch, a graduate degree plus Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level is required; for Ground Duty Technical roles, an engineering degree or equivalent is mandatory, while Ground Duty Non-Technical roles accept graduation in any discipline. Additionally, applicants will need to meet physical and medical standards as set by the IAF.

The selection process comprises three major stages: a written online examination, an interview conducted by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), and a medical examination. Those selected will undergo training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal near Hyderabad. The IAF has also reserved special entry options for NCC Air Wing Senior Division “C” Certificate holders under the Flying Branch; 10 % of seats from the Combined Defence Services Examination and another 10 % from AFCAT vacancies have been earmarked for this entry route.

Why Candidates Should Note the Timeline and Branches

The registration window from November 17 to December 14 is shorter than many other entry schemes, which means candidates must act promptly to complete all formalities. Applying early will help avoid last-minute technical issues or delays. Candidates should carefully verify eligibility and choose the correct branch before applying, since any mismatch in branch eligibility may result in application rejection. The deadline marks the cutoff for form submission, and the IAF will not accept late entries.

For applicants eyeing the Flying Branch, the competition is especially high because of the prestige and scope associated with piloting roles. Ground Duty roles also offer strong career paths but demand specific technical or non-technical credentials. The fee structure being uniform underscores the importance of checking eligibility first, since fee refunds are typically not entertained once the form is submitted.

In summary, the AFCAT-1 2026 registration period opens today, offering a structured route into the IAF’s officer cadre. Potential applicants should gather all required documents, verify age, education and physical criteria, follow the online registration steps, pay the fee, and submit their application ahead of the December 14 deadline. This recruitment presents a significant opportunity for qualified graduates to embark on a career in India’s Air Force.