The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 01/2026 notification. Here are the key highlights every aspirant should know:
📌 Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 17 November 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 14 December 2025
📌 Total Vacancies
- 340+ vacancies across Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical).
📌 Eligibility Overview
- Flying Branch:
– Graduation with 60%
– Physics & Maths at 10+2 - Ground Duty (Technical):
– BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering branches - Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
– Graduation in any stream (as per branch requirement)
📌 Age Limits
- Flying Branch: 20–24 years
- Ground Duty: Up to 26 years
📌 Application Fee
- ₹550 (for AFCAT entry)
📌 Selection Process
- Written Exam (Online, 100 questions, 2 hours)
- AFSB Interview
- Medical/Physical Standards
📌 Important Note
Even if you clear the exam and interview, your selection is provisional until all documents and medical standards are verified.
AFCAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus Breakdown
Understanding what AFCAT tests is the foundation of your preparation.
🧩 Exam Pattern
- Mode: Online
- Duration: 2 hours
- Questions: 100
- Marking Scheme: +3 for correct answers, –1 for wrong answers
📝 Sections in AFCAT
- General Awareness
- English (Verbal Ability)
- Numerical Ability & Arithmetic
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude
If you choose Technical Branch, you must also take EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test).
How to Prepare for AFCAT – Complete Strategy (Step-by-Step)
A balanced approach of concept clarity + consistent practice + mock tests is the secret to clearing AFCAT.
1. First 1–2 Months: Build Strong Basics
- Study each subject topic-wise
- Strengthen grammar rules and vocabulary
- Learn formulas and basic arithmetic
- Build general awareness (defence news, history, geography, science)
2. Next 2–3 Months: Practice & Growth Phase
- Start solving topic-based question sets
- Practise reading comprehension & para-jumbles
- Follow daily current affairs
- Improve reasoning and spatial skills
- Make revision notes and vocabulary lists
3. Last 1–2 Months: Mock Tests & Revision
- Attempt full-length AFCAT mocks in real exam style
- Analyse mistakes and reduce negative marking
- Focus heavily on speed and accuracy
- Revise all formulas, vocabulary, and current affairs
4. Side-by-Side: Fitness & Personality Development
For Flying Branch and subsequent AFSB stages:
- Maintain fitness (running, stamina, flexibility)
- Work on communication skills
- Stay aware of defence and national issues
Why Choose Dehradun for AFCAT Preparation?
Dehradun is India’s top defence education city, known for NDA, CDS, and AFCAT coaching. Here’s why thousands move to the Doon valley:
- A disciplined environment tailored for defence aspirants
- Availability of mock tests, expert trainers, and structured study plans
- Presence of some of the best defence coaching in Dehradun, offering a competitive atmosphere
- Access to SSB-oriented fitness grounds, mentors, and group activities
If you want serious preparation and personal mentorship, good coaching support can significantly boost your confidence and performance.
AFCAT Preparation With the Best Defence Coaching in Dehradun
Institutes like Officers Academy Dehradun are known for defence exam preparation, offering:
- Complete syllabus coverage
- Regular mock tests & previous-year paper discussions
- Doubt-clearing sessions
- Personality development & interview guidance
- Structured study material for systematic preparation
This combination of coaching + self-study is the best formula to crack AFCAT on the first attempt.
Final Words
AFCAT is a gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Air Force. With the right guidance, consistency, and dedicated preparation strategy, you can definitely secure a place in the upcoming AFCAT 2026 cycle.
If you want disciplined preparation, joining the best defence coaching in Dehradun can help you stay focused, motivated, and exam-ready.