AFCAT 1 Answer Key 2026 Out, Raise Objections, Check Result
AFCAT 1 Answer Key 2026 was released on February 1, 2026, by Indian Air Force (IAF) for the online AFCAT 1 exam 2026 held on January 31, 2026, for recruiting 340 Gazetted Officers in Group ‘A’ to be filled across the Flying branch and Ground Duty branches (Technical and Non-Technical). Candidates can download their answer key, question paper and response sheet from the official portal by logging in with their User ID and Password, to estimate scores using the +3/–1 marking scheme, where 3 marks are awarded for a correct answers and 1 mark is deducted for wrong ones. An objection window is open to challenge the provisional key for candidates from February 1 to February 3, 2026, until 5 PM.
What is AFCAT 1 Exam?
AFCAT 1 (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a national-level exam conducted by the Indian Air Force to select candidates for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) roles. Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for further testing at the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and interviews to assess overall suitability for service.
AFCAT 1 2026 Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Name of the Exam | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Frequency | Twice a year (AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2) |
| Mode of Examination | Online |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → AFSB Interview → Medical Examination |
| Post Type | Group A (Gazetted Officer) |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Dates
The table below is for AFCAT 1 2026 exam dates and other important dates:
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| AFCAT 1 2026 Detailed Notification Release Date | November 9, 2025 |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Application Start Date | November 17, 2025 |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Last Date to Apply | December 14, 2025 |
| AFCAT 1 2026 City Intimation Slip | January 9, 2026 |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Admit Card Release Date | January 22, 2026 |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Date | January 31, 2026 (10 AM to 12 PM) |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Answer Key | February 1, 2026 |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Objection Window | February 1-3, 2026 (5PM) |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Result Declaration | TBA |
AFCAT 1 Notification 2026
Indian Air Force (IAF) has released AFCAT 1 2026 Notification on its official website on November 9, 2025. It includes details about eligibility, Vacancy, application process, exam dates, and the selection process for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) posts.
Download AFCAT 1 Notification 2026 PDF
AFCAT 1 Vacancy 2026
AFCAT 1 2026 Vacancy includes a total of 340 posts. Candidates can check the table below for a detailed AFCAT 1 Vacancy 2026:
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 34 | 04 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/PC/110AEC/M&W & 220/27T/SSC/110AEC/M&W | AE(L): 03AE(M): 09 | AE(L): 03AE(M): 03 | AE(L): 100AE(M): 38 | AE(L): 23AE(M): 09 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | — | — | WS: 21Admin: 48Lgs: 09Accts: 08Edn: 02Met: 01 | WS: 05Admin: 12Lgs: 02Accts: 02Edn: 02Met: 02 | |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 221/27F/PC/M & 221/27F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC | 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
AFCAT 1 Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates aspiring to join Indian Air Force through AFCAT 1 2026 must fulfil AFCAT eligibility criteria 2026, which includes specific requirements related to age limit, educational qualification, nationality, and marital status. Check below for detailed AFCAT 1 eligibility criteria 2026:
- Nationality: Applicants must be Indian citizens.
- Age Limit: For the Flying Branch, candidates should be between 20 and 24 years as of the specified date. For Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years.
- Educational Qualification:
- Flying Branch: Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and hold a graduation degree with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Must possess a B.E./B.Tech degree in relevant engineering disciplines with at least 60% marks.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation with a minimum of 60% marks in any discipline from a recognised university.
- Marital Status: Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried at the time of commencement of training.
- Number of Attempts: There is no fixed limit on attempts; candidates can apply as long as they meet the age and qualification criteria.
AFCAT 1 Application Process 2026
AFCAT 1 Application Process 2026 starts on November 17, 2025 and will continue till December 14, 2025. Follow the step-by-step procedure below to apply online for AFCAT 1 2026:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to afcat.cdac.in and click on the “AFCAT 1 2026” application link.
- Register as a New User: Create an account by entering your basic details such as name, email ID, and mobile number. You will receive a login ID and password at your registered email.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in using your credentials and fill in personal, educational, and communication details accurately.
- Upload Required Documents: Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression as per the prescribed format and size.
- Select Exam Centre: Choose your preferred exam city from the available options.
- Pay the Application Fee: Pay the required application fee through online modes like debit/credit card or net banking. The application fee for AFCAT is given in the table below:
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT 1 Entry (All Categories) | ₹550 + GST (As per latest official notification) |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
- Submit the Application Form: Review all details carefully and click on the “Submit” button.
- Download Confirmation Page: After successful submission, download and print the confirmation page or application form for future reference.
Candidates must ensure that all details entered in AFCAT application process are correct, as the Indian Air Force may not accept requests for corrections after final submission.
AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2026
AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2026 has been released by Indian Air Force for the exam scheduled on January 31, 2026. Candidates can check the steps below to download AFCAT 1 Admit Card:
- Visit the official website - afcat.cdac.in
- Click on “AFCAT 1 2026 Admit Card” link on the homepage.
- Log in using your registered email ID and password.
- Download the admit card and take a clear printout.
- Verify all details and carry it along with a valid photo ID to the exam centre.
If any discrepancy is found in the admit card, candidates must immediately contact AFCAT 1 Cell for assistance. Candidates are advised to report errors well before the exam date to ensure timely correction.
Helpline Number: 020-25503105 / 020-25503106
Email ID: afcatcell@cdac.in
AFCAT 1 Exam Pattern 2026
AFCAT Exam Pattern consists of both technical and non-technical branches. Flying Branch is a non-technical role, and Ground Duty Branch includes both technical and non-technical roles. The subjects vary accordingly. Check the table below for the detailed AFCAT exam pattern:
| Section | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Time Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | 35 | 105 | 2 Hours |
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 | |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 | |
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 | |
| Total | 100 | 300 | 2 hours |
Note: AFCAT Exam Pattern for Ground Duty (Technical) posts have an additional EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test), evaluated on a total of 150 marks. Candidates are given a duration of 45 minutes for the same.
AFCAT 1 Syllabus 2026
AFCAT syllabus is prescribed by the Indian Air Force (IAF) and is designed to evaluate candidates’ general awareness, reasoning, verbal ability, and aptitude. Check the table below for section-wise AFCAT 1 syllabus 2026:
| Section | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | History, Geography, Civics, Polity, Environment, Basic Science, Defence, Art & Culture, Current Affairs (National & International), etc. |
| Verbal Ability in English | Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion/ Filling in the correct word, Synonyms and Antonyms, etc. |
| Numerical Ability | Decimal & Fraction, Simplification, Average, Ratio & Proportion, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Time, Speed & Distance, etc. |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Ability, Pattern Recognition, Figure Series, Coding-Decoding, Analogy, Venn Diagrams, etc. |
Check below the subject-wise syllabus for candidates appearing in EKT paper:
| Discipline | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering | Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Theory of Machines, Strength of Materials, Engineering Mechanics, Machine Design, Production, etc. |
| Computer Science Engineering | Computer Networks, Data Structures, Operating Systems, Software Engineering, Database Management Systems (DBMS), etc. |
| Electrical & Electronics Engineering | Electrical Circuits, Control Systems, Analog & Digital Electronics, Microprocessors, Communication Systems, etc. |
AFCAT 1 2026 Selection Process
AFCAT 1 Selection Process 2026 is designed to evaluate candidates’ skills, intelligence, and overall suitability for a career in the Indian Air Force. Check below for the detailed selection process.
- Written Exam: Online test for all branches; Technical candidates also take the EKT paper.
- AFSB Interview: It includes intelligence, psychological, and group tests with a personal interview.
- Medical Test: Conducted by IAF to assess medical and physical fitness.
- Final Merit List: Based on performance in the written exam, AFSB, and medical examination.
AFCAT 1 2026 Answer Key
AFCAT 1 Answer Key has been released on February 1, 2026, on the official website after January 31, 2026 exam. Below are the steps to download AFCAT 1 Answer Key 2026:
- Visit AFCAT afcat.cdac.in
- Click on AFCAT 1 2026 Answer Key link
- Log in with email ID and password
- Download and verify answers
Candidates can use AFCAT Answer Key to check the correct answers and estimate their scores. If any discrepancies are found, objections can be raised within the given time frame. After reviewing the challenges, the final answer key will be published for result preparation
AFCAT 1 2026 Result
AFCAT result 2026 will be declared on the official website. Candidates can check their scores, cutoff, and qualifying status by logging in with their registered email ID and password. Below are the Steps to check AFCAT 1 2026 Result:
- Visit the official website - afcat.cdac.in
- Click on the “AFCAT 1 2026 Result” link available on the homepage.
- Enter your registered email ID, password, and captcha code.
- Click on Login to access your result.
- View your scorecard and download it for future reference.
Candidates who qualify for AFCAT written exam will be called for the AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board Interview). The final AFCAT merit list will be prepared based on the candidates’ performance in all stages - AFCAT written test, AFSB interview, and medical examination. Only those who meet the required standards in every phase will be considered for final selection in the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT 1 2026 Cut Off
AFCAT 2026 Cutoff is the minimum score required to qualify for the next stage of selection. It varies each year based on exam difficulty and vacancies. Separate cutoffs are released for AFCAT 1 and EKT. Candidates can refer to AFCAT previous year cutoff below:
| Year | AFCAT 1 Cut Off | EKT Cut Off | AFCAT 2 Cut Off | EKT Cut Off |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025 | TBA | TBA | — | — |
| 2024 | 150 | 40 | 138 | 40 |
| 2023 | 155 | 40 | 151 | 40 |
| 2022 | 157 | 18 | 157 | 18 |
| 2021 | 165 | 30 | 157 | 18 |
| 2020 | 153 | 40 | 155 | 40 |
Notes: EKT, which was earlier a part of the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) for technical branch candidates, is no longer being conducted from the cycle of AFCAT 1 2023 onwards.
AFCAT 1 2026 Salary
AFCAT Salary Structure 2026 offers an attractive pay scale along with various allowances and perks for candidates joining the Indian Air Force. It ensures a rewarding career with financial stability and growth opportunities. Check below the detailed AFCAT salary structure:
| Post | Branch | Pay Level | Pay Scale (as per 7th CPC) | Approx. Monthly Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Flying Branch | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹85,000 – ₹90,000 (including allowances) |
| Flying Officer | Ground Duty (Technical) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹80,000 – ₹85,000 (including allowances) |
| Flying Officer | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹75,000 – ₹80,000 (including allowances) |
Allowances and Benefits:
- Flying Allowance: ₹11,250 per month (Flying Branch)
- Technical Allowance: ₹2,500 per month (Technical Branch)
- Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, Military Service Pay (₹15,500), Kit Maintenance, and other perks
- Free medical facilities, furnished accommodation, canteen, and leave concessions
The salary increases with rank, experience, and promotions. Cadets receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during training at the Air Force Academy.
AFCAT 1 2026 FAQs
Ques: What is the training period for candidates selected through AFCAT 1 2026?
Ans: The training period for all selected candidates through AFCAT 1 is approximately 74 weeks for Flying and Technical Branches and 52 weeks for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Ques: Is there any provision for women candidates in AFCAT 1 2026?
Ans: Yes, both male and female candidates can apply for AFCAT 1 2026. Women candidates are eligible for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches under the Short Service Commission (SSC).
Ques: Can final-year students apply for AFCAT 1 2026?
Ans: Yes, final-year students are eligible to apply for AFCAT 1 2026, provided they have no backlog and can produce their degree certificate before the commencement of training.
Ques: What is the exam centre allocation process for AFCAT 1 2026?
Ans: Exam centres are allotted on a first-come, first-served basis, depending on availability at the time of online application submission. Candidates should apply early to get their preferred city.
Ques: What is the salary structure after completing AFCAT 1 training?
Ans: The starting pay level is ₹56,100 per month (Level 10), excluding allowances. Additional perks include flying allowance, technical allowance, and military service pay based on the branch.
Ques: Can candidates with tattoos apply for AFCAT 1 2026?
Ans: Tattoos are permitted only on the inner forearm, inside of the elbow to the wrist, and on the back of the hand. Tattoos on other body parts may lead to disqualification unless covered under specific tribal customs.
Ques: Is there any physical fitness requirement before AFSB testing?
Ans: Yes, candidates must maintain basic physical fitness and should be able to complete a 1-mile run in 10 minutes, perform 10 push-ups, and 3 chin-ups to qualify during AFSB activities.
Ques: How many times is AFCAT conducted every year?
Ans: AFCAT exam is conducted twice every year, known as AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2, to provide candidates with multiple opportunities to join the Indian Air Force.
Ques: What is the medium of AFCAT 1 exam?
Ans: AFCAT 1 exam is conducted only in English, as it is the official language of the Indian Air Force for all communication and operations.
Ques: Can candidates from any stream apply for AFCAT 1 Ground Duty (Non-Technical)?
Ans: Yes, graduates from any discipline with at least 60% aggregate marks and proficiency in English are eligible to apply for the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch.
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