AFCAT Selection Process 2026
AFCAT is the complete four-stage recruitment procedure conducted by the Indian Air Force to select Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches for courses commencing in January 2027.
It includes the online AFCAT written examination, Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List. Candidates must clear all stages to get commissioned as officers. The process tests intelligence, personality, leadership qualities, and medical fitness. Understanding the full AFCAT 2026 selection process helps aspirants prepare effectively and increases their chances of success in this prestigious defence entry.
The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year. It is the primary gateway for the Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying, Technical, and Non-Technical branches. The selection is merit-based and highly competitive. The entire process is designed to identify candidates with the right mix of academic knowledge, officer-like qualities, and physical standards.
Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 75 |
| Numerical Ability | 20 | 60 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 30 | 90 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Note: Technical branch candidates also appear for Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) – 50 questions for 150 marks.
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for AFSB testing at one of the centres (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, etc.). The AFSB process lasts 5 days.
Phase 1 (Screening – Day 1):
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
Phase 2 (Psychological, GTO & Interview – Day 2 to 5):
- Psychological Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD)
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for Flying Branch only
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Recommended candidates undergo a detailed medical examination at AFCME (New Delhi) or IAM (Bengaluru). Strict standards apply, especially for vision, height, and overall fitness.
Minimum Height:
- Flying Branch: 162.5 cm
- Ground Duty: 157.5 cm (Male) / 152 cm (Female)
Stage 4: Final Merit List
The final selection is based on the combined merit of AFCAT Written Exam marks and AFSB Interview marks. Only medically fit candidates are included in the All India Merit List. Selected candidates receive the joining letter for training at Air Force Academy.
AFCAT 2026 Eligibility: Age, Education, and Branch-Wise Criteria
Candidates must meet strict eligibility standards set by the Indian Air Force.
Nationality:
-
Indian citizens (Men and Women)
Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years | 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007 |
| Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech) | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007 |
Educational Qualification: Minimum 60% marks in Graduation.
- Flying Branch: 50% marks each in Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Technical Branch: Specific engineering disciplines with minimum qualifying marks.
- Non-Technical Branch: Graduation in relevant subjects (Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, etc.).
Application Fee: ₹550 + GST (for all categories)
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Exam Pattern Details | |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for correct answer, -1 for wrong answer |
| Medium | English only |
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 2026
- Visit the official website afcat.edcil.co.in
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill the online application form carefully
- Upload required documents and pay the fee
- Submit and download the confirmation page
Preparation Tips for AFCAT 2026
- Study NCERT books and standard references for all sections.
- Practice previous year papers and mock tests regularly.
- Focus on Current Affairs, English Vocabulary, and Reasoning.
- Develop officer-like qualities for AFSB through group activities and self-analysis.
