Quick Answer
The AFCAT 1 2027 notification is expected in early November 2026, with the online application window likely open from November to December 2026 and the exam scheduled for late January 2027 (following the AFCAT 1 2026 pattern). The Indian Air Force recruits for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches through a 100-question, 300-mark online test with +3 / −1 marking. Graduates aged 20–24 (Flying) or 20–26 (Ground Duty) are eligible.
The AFCAT 1 2027 (Air Force Common Admission Test) is the Indian Air Force’s first officer-recruitment cycle of 2027, opening the door to a commission in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. This guide covers the expected notification date, application timeline, vacancies, eligibility, exam pattern and selection process — everything you need to plan your attempt. For branch rules see the AFCAT 1 2027 eligibility guide, for the test structure see the exam pattern & syllabus, and to benchmark your target read the AFCAT 1 2027 cut off analysis.
AFCAT 1 2027 Notification — Expected Important Dates
| Event | Expected Date (AFCAT 1 2027) |
|---|---|
| Notification release | Early November 2026 |
| Online application opens | Mid November 2026 |
| Application closes | Mid December 2026 |
| Admit card | Third week of January 2027 |
| AFCAT 1 2027 exam | Last weekend of January 2027 |
Dates are projected from the AFCAT 1 2026 cycle (notification 9 Nov 2025, application 17 Nov–19 Dec 2025, exam 31 Jan 2026). The Indian Air Force will confirm exact dates on afcat.cdac.in.
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Explore AFCAT CoachingTalk to a MentorAFCAT 1 2027 Vacancies & Branches
AFCAT 1 2026 was released for 340 vacancies; AFCAT 1 2027 is expected in a similar 300–350 range across branches. Recruitment covers:
- Flying Branch — Short Service Commission (SSC) for men and women.
- Ground Duty (Technical) — Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) and (Mechanical).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) — Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Weapon Systems (WS) Branch.
The Weapon Systems Branch, introduced in 2022, remains a key non-flying option. See the full branch-wise split in the eligibility guide.
AFCAT 1 2027 Eligibility (Summary)
| Branch | Age (at course start) | Education |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 20–24 (up to 26 with CPL) | Graduate 60% + Maths & Physics at 10+2 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 20–26 | Engineering degree (60%) |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 20–26 | Graduate 60% / relevant PG |
Full age tables, marital-status rules and physical/medical standards are in the AFCAT 1 2027 eligibility criteria.
AFCAT 1 2027 Exam Pattern
The AFCAT is a 2-hour online test of 100 questions / 300 marks — General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude. Marking is +3 for correct, −1 for wrong. Technical-branch candidates also sit the EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test): 50 questions, 150 marks, 45 minutes. Full breakdown in the exam pattern & syllabus guide.
AFCAT 1 2027 Selection Process
Selection runs in three stages: (1) the AFCAT online written test (and EKT for technical), (2) the AFSB Interview at Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar or Varanasi — Stage I screening, Stage II psychological, GTO and interview tasks, and (3) the medical examination at AFCME/IAM. Flying-branch candidates also clear the CPSS/PABT (Computerised Pilot Selection System).
Prepare for the written stage with the AFCAT 1 2027 preparation plan, and read our AFCAT cut off trends to set a realistic target.
How to Apply for AFCAT 1 2027
When the window opens: register on afcat.cdac.in, fill the online form, upload your photo, signature and thumb impression, pay the ₹550 examination fee (no fee for NCC Special Entry / women for certain branches as specified), and download the confirmation. Keep your degree marksheets, 10+2 certificate and a valid ID ready.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When will the AFCAT 1 2027 notification be released?
The AFCAT 1 2027 notification is expected in early November 2026, in line with the AFCAT 1 2026 notification released on 9 November 2025. The Indian Air Force will publish it on afcat.cdac.in.
What is the expected AFCAT 1 2027 exam date?
AFCAT 1 2027 is expected in the last weekend of January 2027. AFCAT 1 2026 was held on 31 January 2026, so a similar date is likely.
How many vacancies are expected in AFCAT 1 2027?
AFCAT 1 2026 had 340 vacancies. AFCAT 1 2027 is expected in a similar 300–350 range across Flying and Ground Duty branches.
What is the AFCAT 1 2027 exam pattern?
AFCAT is a 100-question, 300-mark, 2-hour online test with +3 marks for a correct answer and −1 for a wrong answer, covering General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning & Military Aptitude.
What is the age limit for AFCAT 1 2027?
Flying Branch: 20–24 years (up to 26 with a valid CPL); Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20–26 years, reckoned at course commencement.
What is the AFCAT application fee for 2027?
The AFCAT examination fee is ₹550 per candidate (subject to change in the official notification).
