AFCAT 1 Eligibility 2026: Check Age Limit, Educational Qualification

Q: Ques: Is there any limit on the number of attempts for AFCAT 1 exam?

Ans: No, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for AFCAT 1. Candidates can apply as many times as they meet the age limit, educational qualification, and other eligibility criteria prescribed by the Indian Air Force.

Q: Ques: What is AFCAT 1 2026 selection process?

Ans: AFCAT 1 2026 selection process includes a written exam, AFSB interview, and medical test. The Indian Air Force prepares the final merit list based on overall performance.

Q: Ques: Can female candidates apply for AFCAT 1 2026?

Ans: Yes, both male and female candidates can apply for AFCAT 1 2026 for the Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches as per IAF eligibility rules.

Q: Ques: Can a candidate who has already been selected in one AFCAT cycle apply again in the next one?

Ans: Yes, candidates who were previously selected or appeared in earlier AFCAT cycles can apply again for a new branch or course, as long as they fulfil the eligibility criteria and are within the prescribed age limit specified by the Indian Air Force.

Q: Ques: Can married candidates apply for AFCAT 1 2026?

Ans: Only unmarried candidates can apply for Flying Branch. Married candidates above 25 can apply for Ground Duty.

Shilpa S

Feb 6, 2026

AFCAT 1 2026 eligibility criteria outline the requirements related to nationality, age limit, and educational qualification for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force. Applicants must be Indian citizens and meet the prescribed age limit for their chosen branch - 20 to 24 years for the Flying Branch and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Candidates must also possess a graduate degree in the relevant discipline from a recognised university as specified by the IAF. Failure to meet any eligibility condition may lead to disqualification at any stage of the selection process.

Table of Contents

AFCAT 1 Nationality Criteria 2026
AFCAT 1 Age Limit 2026
AFCAT 1 Educational Qualification 2026
AFCAT 1 2026 FAQs

AFCAT 1 Nationality Criteria 2026

AFCAT Nationality Criteria 2026 requires candidates to satisfy the following nationality conditions as per the Indian Air Force:

The candidate must be a citizen of India, or
A subject of Nepal, or
A person of Indian origin who has migrated from Pakistan, Burma, Sri Lanka, or East African countries such as Kenya, Uganda, the United Republic of Tanzania, Zambia, Malawi, Zaire, and Ethiopia or Vietnam, with the intention of permanently settling in India.

Note: Candidates belonging to the above-mentioned categories (other than Indian citizens) must produce a Certificate of Eligibility issued by the Government of India for AFCAT 2026.

AFCAT 1 Age Limit 2026

AFCAT 1 2026 age limit requires candidates to follow the below-mentioned criteria:

Category	Age Limit
Flying Branch	20 to 24 years (born between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2006, both dates inclusive)
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches	20 to 26 years (born between 2 January 2000 and 1 January 2006, both dates inclusive)

Note: Candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) are eligible for an upper age limit relaxation up to 26 years for the Flying Branch.

AFCAT 1 Educational Qualification 2026

Candidates must fulfil AFCAT 1 2026 educational qualifications to meet the required eligibility. The table below outlines AFCAT 1 educational qualification for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) posts:

Branch	Educational Qualification
Flying Branch	Passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and a graduation degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline with at least 60% marks or B.E./B.Tech with a minimum of 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Technical)	Degree in Engineering or Technology in the relevant discipline from a recognised university with at least 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)	A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 60% marks.

Candidates must fulfil all eligibility requirements prescribed by Indian Air Force. Candidates selected through AFCAT 1 2026 are appointed as Gazetted Officers in the Indian Air Force and receive a starting salary of around ₹56,100 per month, along with Military Service Pay, allowances, and exclusive benefits such as subsidised housing, medical care, travel concessions, and opportunities for career growth and training in reputed Air Force institutions.

Relevant Links
AFCAT Application Process	AFCAT Admit Card
AFCAT Cutoff	AFCAT Exam Pattern

AFCAT 1 2026 FAQs

Ques: Is there any limit on the number of attempts for AFCAT 1 exam?

Ans: No, there is no restriction on the number of attempts for AFCAT 1. Candidates can apply as many times as they meet the age limit, educational qualification, and other eligibility criteria prescribed by the Indian Air Force.

Ques: What is AFCAT 1 2026 selection process?

Ans: AFCAT 1 2026 selection process includes a written exam, AFSB interview, and medical test. The Indian Air Force prepares the final merit list based on overall performance.

Ques: Can female candidates apply for AFCAT 1 2026?

Ans: Yes, both male and female candidates can apply for AFCAT 1 2026 for the Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches as per IAF eligibility rules.

Ques: Can a candidate who has already been selected in one AFCAT cycle apply again in the next one?

Ans: Yes, candidates who were previously selected or appeared in earlier AFCAT cycles can apply again for a new branch or course, as long as they fulfil the eligibility criteria and are within the prescribed age limit specified by the Indian Air Force.

Ques: Can married candidates apply for AFCAT 1 2026?

Ans: Only unmarried candidates can apply for Flying Branch. Married candidates above 25 can apply for Ground Duty.