AFCAT 01/2026 Notification
AFCAT 01/2026 Notification : The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official AFCAT 01/2026 notification, inviting passionate engineering graduates to join the prestigious Technical Branch under the Aeronautical Engineering (AE) category. This includes both Mechanical (AE-M) and Electronics (AE-L) streams.
For aspirants dreaming of a high-respect uniformed career in aerospace defence, this recruitment cycle is a golden chance to turn ambition into reality.
📌 What is AFCAT 01/2026?
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is a national-level examination conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers in Flying and Ground Duty branches.
The Technical Branch is one of the most sought-after categories, reserved exclusively for engineering graduates who wish to serve as Aeronautical Engineers.
🎖️ Eligibility Requirements
Nationality
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
Gender
Both men and women are welcome to join the Technical Branch.
Marital Status
Applicants must be unmarried.
Age Limit
Candidates must be between 20 to 26 years on the date of commencement of training.
🎓 Educational Qualifications in Detail
🔧 Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) – [AE(L)]
To qualify for AE(L), candidates must have:
1. Mandatory Marks
- 50% in Physics and Maths at 10+2
- 60% in B.E./B.Tech OR MSc Electronics (with BSc Physics)
2. Eligible Engineering Streams
The Indian Air Force has approved a wide range of specializations, including:
- Electronics
- Electrical
- Electrical & Electronics
- Instrumentation
- Computer Science
- IT
- AI & Machine Learning
- Cyber Security
- Mechatronics
- Communication Systems
- Applied Electronics
- Power Electronics
- Robotics
- VLSI
- Data Science
- Embedded Systems
…and several other closely related fields.
This ensures that graduates from modern, rapidly growing tech domains can also join.
⚙️ Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) – [AE(M)]
1. Mandatory Marks
- 50% in Physics & Maths at 10+2
- 60% in qualifying engineering degree
2. Applicable Branches
Major eligible disciplines include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Manufacturing Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
- Robotics
- Material Science
- Metallurgy
- Additive Manufacturing
…and many more mechanical-oriented streams.
This branch focuses on propulsion systems, aircraft structures, testing, and mechanical design.
📅 Important Dates for AFCAT 01/2026
- Registration Window: 17 November 2025 – 14 December 2025
- Aadhaar Mandatory: Yes
- Exam Mode: Online AFCAT entry only
- Course Commencement: Year 2026 (exact date as per AFA scheduling)
🌐 Official Websites for Application
You must apply only through the official portals:
- careeraihttps://careerairforce.gov.in/rforce.nic.in
- afcat.cdac.in
These websites provide detailed notifications, syllabus, instructions, and online application links.
🛫 Why Choose the Technical Branch of IAF?
Serving the Indian Air Force as an Aeronautical Engineer is not just a job — it’s a lifetime honour.
Key Benefits:
- Elite Defence Officer Rank
- Work with advanced aircraft, weapons & communication systems
- Tax-free allowances, accommodation, medical benefits
- Job stability + high-respect profession
- Opportunities for research, leadership & international exposure
🏁 Final Thoughts
AFCAT 01/2026 is a monumental opportunity for engineering graduates.
If you aspire to serve the nation, work on world-class aerospace technologies, and build a strong leadership-oriented career, this recruitment cycle deserves your full attention.
Start preparing early, stay focused, and your dream of wearing the blue uniform can soon become reality. 🇮🇳✈️
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