The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released its AFCAT 01/2027 notification, a fantastic opportunity for aspiring men and women seeking to join as Commissioned Officers. This drive covers Short Service Commission in the Flying Branch and both Permanent and Short Service Commission in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Special entries are also available for NCC cadets (Flying) and GATE score holders (Ground Duty Technical). Courses begin January 2028 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad). Apply online from 12th November 2026 to 11th December 2026. Serve the nation with pride!
Age limits for IAF AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026 are calculated as of 1st January 2028. Flying Branch applicants should be 20 to 24 years old (up to 26 for DGCA CPL holders). For Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, including GATE Score Entry, the age limit is 20 to 26 years. Ensure your birth date falls within these specified ranges.
Flying Branch: 20 to 24 Years (born between 02nd January 2004 to 01st January 2008)
Flying Branch (valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence holders): 20 to 26 Years (born between 02nd January 2002 to 01st January 2008)
Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical), including GATE Score Entry: 20 to 26 Years (born between 02nd January 2002 to 01st January 2008)
Educational Qualification
To qualify for the Indian Air Force through AFCAT 01/2027, specific educational backgrounds are required. While detailed requirements will be in the official notification, generally: Flying Branch candidates need 10+2 with 50% in Maths and Physics, plus a graduation or BE/B.Tech with 60%. Ground Duty (Technical) requires similar 10+2 qualifications and a four-year engineering degree with 60%. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) typically asks for a graduate or postgraduate degree in a relevant subject with a specified percentage. Final-year students may apply under certain conditions detailed in the official notification.
Flying Branch: 10+2 with minimum 50% marks in both Mathematics and Physics, and a Graduation with minimum 60% marks, or BE/B.Tech with minimum 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: 10+2 with minimum 50% marks in both Mathematics and Physics, and a 4-year engineering degree in the required discipline with minimum 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch: Graduation / B.Com / PG in the subject required for the branch, with the percentage given in the notification.
IAF AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for IAF AFCAT 01/2027 is a thorough, multi-stage assessment. It includes: an AFCAT online examination (with EKT for Ground Duty Technical); Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing comprising psychological tests, group tasks, and interviews; the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for Flying Branch aspirants; and a final medical examination. These stages identify suitable candidates for officer roles. Notably, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are called directly for AFSB testing, bypassing the AFCAT online exam.
AFCAT Online Examination: A written test for AFCAT entry candidates, including an Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) for Ground Duty (Technical) roles.
Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing: Involves Stage I (Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test) and Stage II (Psychological Test, Group Tasks, and Personal Interview).
Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS): A specialized test for Flying Branch applicants.
Medical Examination: To ensure physical and medical standards are met.
Final Merit List: Preparation based on overall performance.
To apply for the IAF AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026, follow this online process between 12th November 2026 and 11th December 2026. Apply separately if eligible for multiple entries.
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