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Trishul Defence Academy 
If wearing the blue uniform of the Indian Air Force has been on your mind, then the AFCAT 2026 Notification is not merely another notification – it serves as your call to action. At Trishul Defence Academy, we not only prepare candidates to write the exam, but we also create future officers. Our complete system is designed around one single objective – transforming serious aspirants into recommended candidates, via written preparation and AFSB ground training.
This comprehensive guide provides information on everything regarding the AFCAT 2026 Notification, such as AFCAT 2026 Eligibility, AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026, Selection Criteria, and AFCAT Salary and Benefits – enabling you to approach this opportunity with both confidence and clarity.
What Is the AFCAT 2026 Notification?
AFCAT 2026 Notification is an Official Communication Issued by IAF to every person applying for commissioned officer posts in:
- Flying Branch
- Technical Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
The details of the AFCAT 1 2026 exam:
| Particular | Details |
| Notification Release | 9 November 2025 |
| Registration Window | 17 Nov 2025 – 19 Dec 2025 |
| Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Mode | Online |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
The AFCAT exam occurs twice a year (AFCAT 1 & AFCAT 2), offering candidates twice yearly to apply. (i) As we at Trishul Defence Academy track all updates to the AFCAT 2026 Notification, we ensure all students get prepared as quickly as possible; hence, they will never show up late for the AFCAT exam.
AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria
It is very important to check your AFCAT 2026 eligibility before completing your registration.
Age Criteria (As on 01 January 2027)
- Flying Branch: 20 years to 24 years
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 years to 26 years
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
- Graduate with a minimum 50% aggregate in Physics and Maths up to 12th Standard.
Or
- B.E./B.Tech. with 60% aggregate
Technical Branch (AE-L / AE-M)
- 4 Year Engineering Degree with 60% aggregate.
- AE(L): 60% in Physics & Maths up to 12th Standard
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Graduated with 60% aggregate
Other Requirements
- Unmarried
- Indian Citizenship
Before you begin your preparation at Trishul Defence Academy, we have our expert counsellors to evaluate your complete profile before you start, to make sure you are matched properly to the branch in the AFCAT 2026 eligibility criteria.
AFCAT 2026 Vacancy Overview
| Branch | Vacancies |
| Flying (SSC) | 34 Men + 4 Women |
| AE(L) | PC & SSC (Men & Women) |
| AE(M) | PC & SSC (Men & Women) |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Admin, WS, Lgs, Accts, Edn, Met |
| NCC Special Entry | 10% reserved share |
Understanding the distribution of vacancies helps you plan your branch more effectively. This is something we will also address at Trishul Defence Academy.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
Creating clarity around the AFCAT exam pattern 2026 is where your preparation begins.
| Component | Details |
| Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Marking Scheme | +3 Correct / -1 Wrong |
Sections Covered
- General Awareness
- English Verbal Ability
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude
At Trishul Defence Academy, all AFCAT exam pattern 2026 have been prepared using the following:
- Analysis of Prior Year
- Mastery by Topic
- Mock Simulations Time Bound
- Training Related to Accuracy
We do not teach randomly; we train according to intelligence patterns.
Selection Process – Indian Air Force Officer Entry
Passing the AFCAT is just the entry point in the Indian Air Force officer entry process.
Stage 1 – AFCAT Written Exam
The qualifying cutoff range is usually 151-165; however, we will coach all candidates with the target to achieve a minimum score of 200.
Stage 2 – AFSB Screening
OIR test and PP&DT
Stage 3 – AFSB Psychological & GTO Testing
Includes:
- TAT, WAT, SRT, SD
- Group Discussion & Planning
- Command Task
- Interview
- CPSS (for Flying Branch only)
Stage 4 – Medical Examination
At IAM Bengaluru or AFCME Delhi.
At Trishul Defence Academy, we prepare students for the written and AFSB examinations, as well as:
- Psychological preparation for AFSB
- Ground tasks for AFSB (GTO)
- Developing an interview personality
- Physical fitness
We develop the full officer personality and are not focused solely on creating exam takers.
AFCAT Salary and Benefits
Overall, the AFCAT salary and benefits received by officers make the Indian Air Force officer entry one of the most prestigious and financially secure careers in India.
Salary Structure
| Component | Amount |
| Basic Pay (Level 10) | ₹56,100 |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500 |
| Pay Scale Range | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
Additional Benefits
- HRA/Government Quarters
- Transportation allowances
- Risk and Hazard Allowances
- Medical for self and family
- CSD facilities
- LTC
- Retirement pension (Permanent commission)
The AFCAT salary and benefits are a representation of the responsibility and honour of serving the nation.
How to Apply for AFCAT 2026 Notification
When it comes to applying for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 2026, the following steps should be taken:
- Go to the official website.
- Create a user account with correct credentials (name, date of birth, etc.)
- Fill out the application form with accuracy & caution.
- Upload all required documents.
- Pay your application fee of ₹550.00.
- Submit your application and download confirmation.
Trishul Defence Academy can assist you in submitting your application correctly — helping you to avoid the common mistakes that lead to rejection.
Final Words from Trishul Defence Academy
The AFCAT 2026 Notification is not just an examination opportunity; it is an invitation for you to be part of an elite group of individuals within the Indian Air Force.
To succeed in your AFCAT exam, you will require:
- Self-discipline
- Structure in your preparation
- Physical fitness level
- Mental fortitude
At Trishul Defence Academy, we focus on combining excellence in written testing, AFSB performance preparation, and personality development all in one facility.
If you want to meet the AFCAT 2026 eligibility, master the AFCAT exam pattern 2026, and be an officer selected through the Indian Air Force officer entry, then train with seriousness – train with Trishul.
The sky is not your limit. It is your starting line.
Jai Hind. 🇮🇳
FAQ’S:
1. When will AFCAT 2026 be conducted?
As per the Indian Air Force notification released in March 2025, the AFCAT 1 exam will take place on January 31st, 2026. An official notification will be sent to the candidates by November 2025. To avoid any last-minute registration issues, candidates should complete registration within the official registration window.
2. What is the age limit for AFCAT 2026?
Candidates applying to the Flying Branch must be between the ages of 20 and 24 years (as of January 1st 2027). The age limit for the Ground Duty branches is 20 to 26 years. Candidates may receive limited relaxation of age limits as stipulated by official guidelines.
3. What is the salary after clearing AFCAT?
The newly selected AF officers will earn an initial salary of ₹ 56,100 basic (Level 10) + ₹ 15,500 Military Service Pay. Additional allowances will greatly increase the “in-hand” salary of the officer. AF Officers also receive free housing, medical assistance, and a pension (PC).
4. Why choose Trishul Defence Academy for AFCAT preparation?
Trishul Defence Academy provides complete training from the beginning of the AFCAT Written to the end of AFSB with one training system. Trishul’s complete course includes psychological testing, GTO ground task tests, and interview preparatory training. The overall goal encompasses more than just passing the AFCAT – it’s about developing the qualities of an officer.
