The Indian Air Force has announced AFCAT 01/2027 for 379 Commissioned Officer posts in the Flying and Ground Duty branches; online applications run from 12 November to 11 December 2026 at afcat.edcil.co.in.
AFCAT 01/2027 Overview
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the entry route to Commissioned Officer posts in the Indian Air Force. This cycle also covers NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry for courses starting in January 2028. Both men and women can apply.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Air Force (IAF), Ministry of Defence |
| Exam | AFCAT 01/2027, with NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry |
| Post | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying; Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) |
| Advertisement No. | CBC 10801/11/0018/2627 |
| Vacancies | 379 (as reported; confirm in the detailed notification) |
| Application mode | Online |
| Course start | January 2028 |
| Official website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
AFCAT 01/2027 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short notice in Employment News | 7 to 13 November 2026 |
| Online application starts | 12 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Last date to apply | 11 December 2026, 11:30 PM |
| AFCAT exam date | To be announced |
| Training starts | First week of January 2028 |
AFCAT 01/2027 Vacancy Details
The source reports 379 vacancies across the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Branch-wise, entry-wise and reservation figures are not published yet and will be in the detailed notification due on 12 November 2026.
| Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical), including NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry | 379 (provisional) |
AFCAT 01/2027 Eligibility
Age is counted as on 1 January 2028. Exact marks and degree disciplines come with the detailed notification.
Age Limit
| Branch | Age | Date of birth |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 20 to 24 years | 2 Jan 2004 to 1 Jan 2008 |
| Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years | 2 Jan 2002 to 1 Jan 2008 |
Holders of a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence may apply for Flying up to 26 years, subject to the notification. Relaxation, where allowed, follows the recruitment rules.
Educational Qualification
| Entry / Branch | Qualification (summary) |
|---|---|
| Flying | Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2, or an eligible engineering degree |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Engineering degree in the relevant discipline |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Graduation, or a relevant postgraduate or professional qualification, depending on the branch |
| NCC Special Entry | Graduation plus NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate and other conditions |
| GATE Score Entry | Relevant qualification and a valid GATE score |
AFCAT 01/2027 Application Fee
| Entry | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No fee |
Payment is online and the AFCAT exam fee is non-refundable.
AFCAT Salary and Stipend 2027
Selected candidates train at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad, on a stipend of ₹56,100 per month. After commissioning as Flying Officer, pay is Level 10 (₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500) plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500 per month and other allowances.
AFCAT 01/2027 Selection Process
- AFCAT online exam: for AFCAT Entry candidates.
- AFSB interview: assessment and interview at an Air Force Selection Board.
- CPSS: Computerised Pilot Selection System, for Flying Branch aspirants.
- Medical examination: branch-wise medical and physical standards.
- Final merit list: based on merit, eligibility and medical fitness.
NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates may skip the written exam, depending on entry rules, but must clear shortlisting, AFSB and medical. The exam date and detailed pattern are yet to be announced.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 01/2027
Registration opens on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
- Go to afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Open the AFCAT 01/2027 registration section.
- Choose your entry: AFCAT, NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry.
- Register and fill in personal, educational and contact details.
- Recheck date of birth, academic details and entry choice.
- Upload photograph, signature and documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the ₹550 + GST fee online (AFCAT Entry only).
- Submit before 11 December 2026, 11:30 PM, and save a copy.
Important Links AFCAT 01/2027 Notification: Apply Online for 379 Flying and Ground Duty
| Link | URL |
|---|---|
| Official website and apply online | afcat.edcil.co.in (active from 12 Nov 2026) |
| Detailed notification | Add the official PDF link when published on 12 Nov 2026 |
Frequently Asked Question (FAQ)
Question What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Answer 11 December 2026, 11:30 PM. Registration starts on 12 November 2026.
Question How many vacancies are in AFCAT 01/2027?
Answer 379 posts are reported for the Flying and Ground Duty branches. The branch-wise split comes with the detailed notification.
Question What is the age limit for AFCAT 2027?
Answer 20 to 24 years for Flying and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty, as on 1 January 2028. DGCA CPL holders can apply for Flying up to 26 years.
What is the AFCAT application fee? ₹550 plus GST for AFCAT Entry. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry have no fee.
Question What is the salary of an AFCAT officer?
Answer Training stipend is ₹56,100 per month. Flying Officers get Level 10 pay (₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500) plus ₹15,500 Military Service Pay.
Can women apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Answer Yes, eligible Indian men and women can apply.
Question Is there a written exam for NCC Special Entry?
Answer No AFCAT written exam is generally required, depending on entry rules, but AFSB and medical apply.
