The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the short notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2027. This notification also includes details for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry. The recruitment is aimed at granting Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch and Permanent Commission (PC)/SSC in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. The courses are scheduled to start in early January 2028 at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Important Dates and Application Process
Online registration for AFCAT 01/2027 will open on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM and will close on 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM. Candidates can apply through the official AFCAT portal. It is advisable for candidates to apply well before the deadline to avoid any last-minute issues. The examination date and other schedules will be announced later.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for AFCAT 1 2027, candidates must be Indian citizens as per the Citizenship Act, 1955. Both men and women can apply. The age criteria are as follows:
- Flying Branch: 20–24 years (born between 2 January 2004 and 1 January 2008). For those with a valid and current DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence, the upper age limit is extended to 26 years (born between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2008).
- Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): 20–26 years, with birth dates from 2 January 2002 to 1 January 2008.
Marital status requires candidates to be unmarried at the commencement of the course. Educational qualifications and other specific criteria will be detailed in the official notification, which candidates should review carefully.
Application Fee and Selection Process
The application fee for AFCAT Entry is ₹550 plus applicable GST, which is non-refundable. There is no fee for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry. The selection process includes:
- AFCAT written examination (computer-based), with a separate test for Engineering Knowledge for Ground Duty (Technical) candidates.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing, which involves psychological assessments, group tasks, and interviews.
- Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for candidates applying to the Flying Branch.
- Medical examination as per IAF standards.
Training and Career Prospects
Training will take place at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad. The duration is approximately 74 weeks for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) branches, and about 50 weeks for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. During training, a stipend of ₹56,100 per month is provided. Upon commissioning, officers will hold the rank of Flying Officer in Pay Level 10, with additional allowances based on branch and duties.
What this means for defence aspirants
The AFCAT 1 2027 notification marks an important opportunity for those aspiring to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. With a range of entries through AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry, candidates have multiple pathways to serve in various branches. It is crucial for aspirants to thoroughly read the detailed notification once released and prepare systematically for the selection process.
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FAQs
What are the key dates for AFCAT 1 2027?
Online registration starts on 12 November 2026 and ends on 11 December 2026. Other dates, like the exam date, will be announced later.
What branches are available under AFCAT 1 2027?
The recruitment includes SSC in the Flying Branch and PC/SSC in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches.
What is the age limit for applying to the Flying Branch?
For the Flying Branch, candidates must be 20–24 years old, with an extension to 26 years for those holding a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence.
What is the application fee for AFCAT 1 2027?
The application fee for AFCAT Entry is ₹550 plus GST, while NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry do not require a fee.
Where will the training be conducted?
Training will be conducted at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Featured image: Indian Air Force's newly inducted Flying Officers in a jubilant mood after passing out the Graduation at the Combined Graduation Parade by Indian Air Force, GODL-India, via Wikimedia Commons.
