The Indian Air Force (IAF) has now given a very important chance to defence aspirants in the form of extension of the application deadline of the very prestigious Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026. This has been extended to allow successful candidates to make their applications online until December 19, 2025 to ensure that potential officers have additional days to complete their applications without having to rush or make mistakes in their applications.
The AFCAT examination is the entry point to one of the most admired and thrilling professions in the Indian Armed Forces – a profession where you can serve the country, feel pride, adventure, and professional greatness as well as enjoy a sense of respect and tremendous opportunities.
What is AFCAT?
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is an examination test of national level that is used by the Indian Air Force to select officers. Each year, thousands of youthful candidates in India apply to AFCAT aspiring to join the Indian Air Force as Commissioned Officers. The test is used to select applicants to the following:
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch.
- Technical MSDD Branch Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
This exam provides Short Service Commission (SSC) and in certain situations possibilities towards Permanent Commission (PC) – again depending upon post and qualification.
Prolonged Deadline: Opportunity To apply.
Initially, the AFCAT 01/2026 application was to be closed on December 14, 2025. Nonetheless, the IAF has realized that with such a large number of aspirants, they have now offered more time to the applicants and set this deadline to December 19, 2025 (until 23:30 hours).
This extension will receive a large number of candidates who did not get the first window or those who are still in the process of preparing their documents. This updated schedule is clearly indicated now in the official portal, and therefore submissions done last minute without the strain of time limits are done without any hassle.
Eligibility Qualifications Overview.
Although we have listed the eligibility criteria of AFCAT in detail and depending on the branch, we have provided an overview of it at a high level:
Age Criteria
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (as of 1 January 2027).
- Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): 20-26 years (1 January 2027).
Age relaxations can be in accordance with the norms of the government.
Educational Qualifications
- Flying Branch: 10 +2 Physical and Mathematics (Graduation in any field) or BE/B.Tech.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Degree in technical disciplines like; Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electronics, etc.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation in any of the relevant streams with the necessary minimum marks.
- NCC Special Entry (Flying): NCC Air Wing Senior Division Certificate holders in category C can do a special entry route with reservations.
These conditions make sure the only well-qualified candidates are able to choose the career of officers – the positions that require intellectual, physical and leadership skills.
How to Apply: Step-By-Step
Following this process is crucial to the candidate as time runs out to meet the new deadline:
- Go to Official AFCAT Portal: afcat.cdac.in (or afcat.edcil.co.in).
- Register/Login: Register your login details in case you are a first-time user.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill in personal, academic and contact information properly.
- Attach Documents: Add a new passport-size photograph, signature and additional educational certificates.
- Application fee: 550 (non-refundable) in case of AFCAT entries, but in some special entries, there is no fee. The payment is made through net banking, UPI, debit/credit card or others.
- Submit and Save: Check over your form, and save it, as well as download it to use later.
The early application, preferably long before the extended deadline assists in avoiding technical problems and last minute server overloads.
Selection Process
Following the online application, the process of the selection process usually involves:
- AFCAT Written Exam: A computer based test comprising of General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and basic Military Aptitude.
- Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT): In the technical areas.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Evaluation: It consists of psychological testing, group activities, and interviews to determine the leadership abilities and potential to become an officer of the candidate.
- Medical Examination: This is done in specific centres to ascertain that the candidates are physically and medically fit.
Those who pass are then recruited and trained intensely in the air force academy so that they are ready to work.
Why AFCAT Matters
AFCAT career choice is a choice of discipline, honour, and service. It is not only a job, it is a noble calling that makes leaders and nation protectors. You want to fly fighter aircraft, command the ground operations or handle technical systems, AFCAT is your major milestone.
Conclusion: Don’t Miss Out!
The AFCAT 2026 application deadline is now till December 19, 2025, and there is no occasion when you can be certain that you can register and walk briskly forward. Be ready, apply in time and clear your way to become a member of the elite cadres of the Indian Air Force.
Youtube: https://youtube.com/@IBN24NewsNetwork?si=ofbILODmUt20-zC3
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ibn24newsnetwork
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ibn24newsnetwork/
Twitter: https://x.com/IBN24Network?t=K1A8JK8CUwcgllMRYQNPOw&s=08
 2026: Application Deadline Extended — Apply Now Till December 19 |){kind=link}