IAF Extends AFCAT Application Deadline to December 19; 340 Posts to Be Filled

New Delhi, 16th December 2025: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has extended the deadline for submitting applications for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 1, 2026, offering aspirants additional time to apply for commissioned officer posts. Candidates can now register online until December 19 through the official portal.

The application window, which was earlier set to close on December 14, has been extended by five days to accommodate applicants who were unable to complete the process within the initial timeframe.

Recruitment Across Three Branches

Through AFCAT 1, 2026, the IAF plans to recruit 340 officers across the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.

Eligibility Criteria

For the Flying Branch, applicants must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics, securing at least 50 per cent marks in each subject. Candidates should also possess a three-year graduation degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60 per cent marks from a recognised university. Engineering graduates with a BE or BTech degree and at least 60 per cent marks are also eligible.

For the Ground Duty (Technical) Branch, candidates must hold a degree in Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) and should have completed Class 12 in the Science stream with a minimum of 60 per cent marks.

Age Criteria

Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must be aged between 20 and 24 years as on January 1, 2027. Applicants holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) are eligible up to 26 years of age.

For the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years as on January 1, 2027.

Application Process
Interested candidates can apply by:
-Visiting the official website
-Registering with a valid email ID and mobile number
-Filling in personal and educational details
-Uploading the required documents and submitting the form online

Selection Procedure
The selection process comprises a written examination, followed by ground duty assessments and an Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview. Detailed information regarding the exam pattern and selection stages is available in the official notification.

Candidates are advised to complete the application process well in advance to avoid last-minute technical difficulties.