The official AFCAT (1) 2027 notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test has been released. All candidates who aspire to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers, can avail the opportunity to apply for it.
To ensure clarity for you, here is a detailed blog on everything you need to know about the AFCAT (1) 2027 notification such as open entries, branches, and important dates among other details.
AFCAT (1) 2027 Exam Date
Now, let us also look at the important dates that you must keep in mind. These include the first and last dates for applying online for the above-mentioned courses.
| Applications open | 12 November 2026 at 1100 hours |
| Applications close | 11 December 2026 at 2330 hours |
| Examination date | 6 February 2027 |
We encourage you not to wait for the last date to avoid any hassle related to connectivity or banking. Applying in the first few weeks would also help you get the examination city of your choice.
AFCAT (1) 2027 Entries
As per the AFCAT (1) 2027 notification, online applications have been invited from eligible graduates for courses beginning at Air Force Academy, Dundigal in January 2028.
It includes a grant of, both, Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying Branch and Permanent Commission (PC) or SSC in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
Similarly, candidates who have done NCC or cleared the Graduate Aptitude Test for Engineering (GATE) are also encouraged to apply for the said course, according to the AFCAT (1) 2027 notification.
Branches And Vacancies
Next, we talk about the different branches, courses, and number of vacancies as mentioned in the AFCAT (1) 2027 notification.
Please note that currently, only the short notice has been released, hence, you will get better clarity on the breakdown of vacancies when the complete document is made public.
| Entry | Branch | Vacancies |
| AFCAT | 1. Flying 2. Ground Duty (T) 3. Ground Duty (NT) | To be published |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (T) | To be published |
Age-Based Eligibility
The AFCAT (1) 2027 notification explicitly states the age-based criteria for the applying candidates. Each of the Indian Air Force branches has a distinct criteria, which candidates must keep in mind before applying.
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2028, that is, born between 02 January 2004 and 01 January 2008*
- Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2028, that is, born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008.
*Both dates are inclusive for both the entries. Also, the upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years.
Training Period
According to the AFCAT (1) 2027 notification, the training will commence at Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad) in the first week of January 2028 for all the courses listed above.
The total duration of training for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) branches is 74 weeks whereas that for the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches is 52 weeks.
Additionally, candidates must possess a PAN card and a bank account in the State Bank of India or any nationalized bank at the time of joining the academy. Similarly, having an AADHAR card is mandatory.
How To Prepare
Candidates preapring for AFCAT exam must refer AFCAT – The first step book.
AFCAT – The First Step Book consists of 4 comprehensive sections with a lot of practice questions to make you competent enough for the exam.
The general awareness section covers 1000+ questions on Current Affairs, Sports, Defence, History, Geography, Polity, Science, Arts and Culture etc. In addition, 19 out of 25 questions appeared from this book in GK section of AFCAT (2) 2026 exam.
Solve your numerical questions with amazing tricks which helps you to approach all the variants so that you can answer them with ease.
The verbal ability section also covers logics, approach & practice set to be confident enough in English.
The reasoning and military aptitude section includes verbal and non-verbal reasoning, spatial ability, rotated blocks, hidden figures etc. and will help you know all variants of questions asked.
Final Thoughts
The AFCAT (1) 2027 notification brings a valuable opportunity for aspiring candidates who wish to join the Indian Air Force and serve the nation as commissioned officers.
Candidates should carefully go through the eligibility criteria, important dates, selection process and application guidelines before submitting their applications. Start your preparation early, stay updated with official announcements and take your first step towards an exciting career in the Indian Air Force.
