Complete Guide to AFCAT total vacancies 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially notified 379 vacancies for the AFCAT 2026 recruitment cycle. These positions are distributed across the Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. Candidates should note that vacancies are subject to change based on organizational requirements as per the official Indian Air Force portal.

What is the Exam?

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the premier gateway for male and female aspirants to become Commissioned Officers in the Indian Air Force. Conducted by the IAF, this exam selects candidates for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. It serves as a prestigious opportunity for graduates to serve the nation as Group A Gazetted Officers. The selection process is rigorous, involving a Computer-Based Test (CBT), the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, and a stringent medical examination.

Key Highlights 2026

• Conducting Authority: Indian Air Force (IAF)
• Total Vacancies: 379 posts
• Exam Mode: Online (Computer-Based Test)
• Selection Stages: Online Written Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Board
• Job Profile: Commissioned Officer (Group A Gazetted)
• Course Commencement: July 2027

Syllabus 2026

Exam Pattern

The AFCAT written exam is a 300-mark test consisting of 100 objective-type questions. You can practice free mock tests for Defence on Exam Bhai to familiarize yourself with the interface and time management.

Note: An additional Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) of 150 marks is mandatory for Technical branch candidates.

Eligibility Criteria

As per the official Indian Air Force career portal, eligibility is defined by strict parameters:

• Nationality: Must be a citizen of India.
• Age:
  • Flying Branch: 20–24 years.
  • Ground Duty: 20–26 years.
• Educational Qualifications:
  • Flying Branch: Graduate (minimum 3 years) in any discipline with 60% marks and mandatory Physics/Maths at 10+2 level.
  • Technical Branch: 4-year Engineering degree or equivalent with 60% marks.
  • Non-Technical: Graduation with at least 60% marks.

Application Process

Applications are accepted exclusively via the official IAF portal. Candidates must have a valid email ID, Aadhaar card, and scanned copies of their photograph and signature. Always ensure you cross-check your details against your matriculation certificate before final submission to avoid disqualification.

Preparation Strategy

Success in AFCAT requires a balance of speed and accuracy. We at Exam Bhai recommend starting with the Reasoning section, as it is high-scoring. For consistent growth, you should access curated study materials for Defence on Exam Bhai to master the core concepts. Prioritize mock tests in the final month to build exam-day temperament.

Cut-Off Trends

Cut-off marks fluctuate based on paper difficulty and the total number of applicants. Historically, the written cut-off for the AFCAT exam has hovered between 135 and 160 marks out of 300. Official cut-off data is published post-result by the IAF on the official government recruitment portal. We advise aspirants to target 180+ marks to remain safe in the merit list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the total number of vacancies for AFCAT 2026? A: The total number of notified vacancies for AFCAT 2026 is 379 across all branches.

Q2: Is there a negative marking in the AFCAT exam? A: Yes, 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer, while 3 marks are awarded for every correct answer.

Q3: Can final-year students apply? A: Yes, candidates in their final year/semester of graduation are eligible to apply, provided they produce their degree certificate at the time of AFSB.

Q4: Is the EKT mandatory for everyone? A: No, the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is strictly mandatory only for candidates applying to the Ground Duty (Technical) branch.

Q5: How can I improve my score in Numerical Ability? A: Practice fundamental concepts and use structured practice modules for Defence on Exam Bhai to refine your calculation speed.

Q6: What is the height requirement for the Flying Branch? A: The minimum height requirement for the Flying Branch is 162.5 cm, with specific requirements for leg length and sitting height.