AFCAT Selection Process 2026: 4-Stage Guide to Indian Air Force Commission

AFCAT Selection Process 2026: An Overview

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year to recruit Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers for its Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. The selection process for 2026 is designed to identify candidates with high intellectual ability, leadership potential (Officer Like Qualities), and medical fitness.

The Four Stages of AFCAT Recruitment

To join the prestigious Indian Air Force Academy, candidates must successfully navigate through four distinct stages:

• Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination
• Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
• Stage 3: Detailed Medical Examination
• Stage 4: Final All India Merit List

Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination Pattern

The first hurdle is the online computer-based test. Candidates for the Technical branch must also clear the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).

Note: There is a negative marking of -1 for every incorrect answer. The duration of the exam is 2 hours.

Stage 2: AFSB Interview (5-Day Process)

Shortlisted candidates are invited to AFSB centers (Dehradun, Gandhinagar, Mysuru, or Varanasi). The interview is conducted in two phases:

Phase 1: Screening (Day 1)

• OIR (Officer Intelligence Rating): Verbal and Non-verbal reasoning tests.
• PPDT (Picture Perception & Discussion Test): Story writing and group discussion based on a hazy image.

Candidates who fail Phase 1 are sent back on the same day.

Phase 2: Testing (Day 2 to 5)

• Psychological Tests: TAT, WAT, SRT, and Self-Description.
• Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks: Outdoor tasks, group discussions, and obstacle courses.
• Personal Interview: Interaction with a high-ranking IAF officer.
• CPSS: Only for Flying Branch candidates (once in a lifetime test).

Stage 3: Medical Examination

Recommended candidates undergo a thorough medical check-up at AFCME (New Delhi) or IAM (Bengaluru). Key physical standards include:

• Minimum Height (Flying): 162.5 cm
• Minimum Height (Ground Duty Male): 157.5 cm
• Minimum Height (Ground Duty Female): 152 cm

AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, aspirants must ensure they meet the following age and education requirements:

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 and 01 Jan 2007).
• Ground Duty: 20 to 26 years (Born between 02 Jan 2001 and 01 Jan 2007).
• Educational Qualification: Minimum 60% marks in Graduation. For Flying/Technical, 10+2 with Physics and Maths (50% each) is mandatory.

How to Apply for AFCAT 2026

1. Visit the official IAF portal at afcat.cdac.in.
2. Register using a valid Email ID and Mobile Number.
3. Fill in the application form, selecting the preferred branch and exam center.
4. Upload scanned copies of photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
5. Pay the application fee of ₹550 + GST.
6. Submit and keep a printout of the confirmation page.