AFCAT 1, 2026 admit card expected soon, here’s how to download

The Indian Air Force is expected to release admit cards for AFCAT 1, 2026, soon. Once released, candidates can download the document from the official website, afcat.edcil.co.in.

“Attention Dear AFCAT 01/2026 Aspirants! “Exam City intimation has been sent to candidates on their registered email ID and mobile number. Candidates are advised to check the same and make necessary travel arrangements accordingly. Candidates may also log on to the application portal to view their Exam City details. (This is not the admit card intimation; admit cards will be issued separately.),” a message displayed on the official website reads.

Here registration window for this examination closed in December 2025. This exam is being held for 328 vacancies in the organisation.

1. Visit the official website of IAF AFCAT at afcat.edcil.co.in.

2. Open the AFCAT 1 2026 admit card download link available on the home page.

3.Enter your login details.

4. Submit and download the admit card.

To be eligible for the AFCAT 1 2026 exam, candidates must meet the IAF’s criteria regarding nationality, age limit, educational qualifications, and physical standards. Candidates must check all the eligibility criteria for the AFCAT 1 2026 Application Form.

• Nationality

• Age Limit

• Educational Qualification

Nationality Indian citizen

AFCAT 1 2026 age limit 20 years – 24 years for Flying Branch

20 years to 26 years for Technical and Non-technical Branches

AFCAT 1 2026 Eligibility | Nationality

Candidate must be a citizen of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.

(a) Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2025 i.e., born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2005 (both dates inclusive). The upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years i.e., born between 02 July 1999 to 01 July 2005 (both dates inclusive).

(b) Ground Duty (Technical/ Non-Technical) Branches: 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2025 i.e. born between 02 July 1999 to 01 July 2005, both dates Inclusive.

The Branch-wise educational qualifications are given below in the toggle: Flying Branch, Ground Duty, Technical Branch, Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches, Meteorology Branch.

Entry Type Branch Eligibility

AFCAT Entry Flying Bachelor’s Degree in Any Stream with Physics & Mathematics at the 12th Level OR BE/B.Tech Degree From Any Recognized Board/ University/ Institution in India.

Ground Duty TechnicalAeronautical Engineering Electronics: 12th Passed with Physics & Mathematics (50% Marks), and 4 Years Graduation/ Integrated PG Degree in Engineering/ Technology.

Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical: 12th Passed with Physics & Maths (50% Marks), 4 Years Engineering/ Technology Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering OR Equivalent Eligibility From Any Recognized University/ Institution in India.

Ground Duty Non-Technical Eligibility

Administration and LogisticsBachelor’s Degree in Any Stream with 60% Marks OR Equivalent Eligibility from Any Recognized University/institution in India.

Height Male: 157.5 CM. | Height Female: 152 CM.

AccountsBachelor’s Degree in Commerce, B.Com with 60% Marks OR Equivalent Eligibility From Any Recognized University/institution in India.

Height Male: 157.5 CM. | Height Female: 152 CM.

EducationMBA/ MCA/ MA/ M.Sc. Degree with 50% Marks OR Equivalent Eligibility From Any recognised university/institution in India.

Physical Eligibility: Height Male: 157.5 CM. | Height Female: 152 CM.

NCC Special Entry Flying NCC Air Wing Senior Division “C” Certificate and Other Details As Per Flying Branch Eligibility.

Meteorology Entry Meteorology Master’s Degree in Any Stream OR Equivalent Eligibility From Any Recognized University/institution in India.

For more complete information, kindly read the AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment Notification 2025.

The AFCAT selection process mainly consists of three distinct phases, and candidates must successfully clear each stage to secure their desired post within different departments. Aspiring candidates have the option to select from the Flying Branch (Pilot), Ground Duty Technical (Electrical, Mechanical), and Ground Duty Non-Technical (Administration, Logistics) branches. Further details regarding the AFCAT 1 2026 selection process for both ground duty and flying branches are provided below.

• The AFCAT selection procedure involves an online examination followed by an interview with the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB). Candidates who pass the AFCAT Exam Notification 2026 receive an invitation for the AFSB Interview.

• Applicants who are recommended by the AFSB interview must submit to a medical examination. Following that, the IAF prepares a merit list for the AFCAT Selection Procedure, and candidates are invited to train at the Air Force Academy.

• Candidates are chosen solely based on merit through AFCAT. Candidates must not only demonstrate Officer-Like-Qualities (OLQs), but they must also meet the Indian Air Force’s medical standards.

• The AFCAT selection process examines all aspects of a participant’s aptitude, psychology, personality, and knowledge. Only candidates who meet the IAF’s standards and perform exceptionally well in the tests are chosen.

Candidates must go through several selection rounds before being selected for the Indian Air Force. Only those candidates who pass each round are considered for the next. We have discussed details on the various stages of the selection process in the table below to help you understand it better:

Stages Name of Stages

Stage 1 AFCAT Written Exam

Stage 2 AFSB Interview

Stage 3 Medical Test

Stage 4 Final Merit List

Eligible candidates are to register online through separate tabs available for AFCAT Entry/ NCC Special Entry. Candidates eligible for one/more entries are to register separately for each entry.

The policy on permanent body tattoos is as follows:-

(a) Permanent body tattoos are not permitted on any other body part either visible or non-visible part, except on the Inner face of the forearms i.e. from the Inside of the elbow to the wrist of both the hands and the Reverse side of the palm/back (dorsal) side of both hands for which a candidate will be required to sign a Self-declaration Certificate. Small, innocuous tattoos that are not prejudicial to good order and military discipline are permitted e.g. religious symbols or names of near and dear ones.

The use/ possession of narcotics is banned. A candidate may be tested for the presence of drugs in the body during Medicals and subsequently during training/ service career as an officer. The candidate will not be allowed to enlist in the Indian Air Force or, if they have already, will have their service terminated if it is discovered that they have used or had drugs at any point throughout their training or career.