AFCAT 1 Merit List 2026 Check State Wise, Category Wise Toppers and Rank List

Updated By Vandana Thakur on 14 Oct, 2025 18:49

The AFCAT merit list is released by the Indian Air Force every year. The students are selected by the IAF authorities based on merit.

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AFCAT Merit List 2026

AFCAT 1 Merit List 2026 will be released by the Indian Air Force (IAF) after the AFSB interview and medical tests. The AFCAT 2026 merit list is made from the performance of students in these respective stages. AFCAT 2026 selection process consists of a written examination, AFSB interview, medical examination, document verification, and other details.

AFCAT 1 Merit List 2026 Direct PDF Download Link- to be activated soon

AFCAT merit list includes originally those who have performed well through this tough selection drill, inclusive of the written examination and the tough AFSB interview, along with a high standard of medical examination. Students eager to know more about the AFCAT 2 merit list can go through the merit list dates, steps to download, etc. 

Also Read:

How to Download AFCAT 2026 Merit List?

The AFCAT final merit list with marks PDF would be proof that the students qualified for the next rounds. Students should obtain a duplicate of the AFCAT merit list for further procedures. The steps to download the AFCAT 2026 merit list are as follows:

  • Step 1: Log on to the webpage of the Indian Air Force.
  • Step 2: Click on the link having the text "Final AFCAT Merit List 2026."
  • Step 3: Click and log in with your details.
  • Step 4: Download the AFCAT 2026 Merit List PDF online. 
  • Step 5: Press Ctrl+F and search for your roll number. 
  • Step 6: In case your roll number is on the AFCAT 2026 merit list, there are chances to move ahead for the final selection list declaration. 
  • Step 7: If stduents find their roll number enlisted in the AFCAT merit list, additional rounds will not be conducted for such Students.

Also Check: AFCAT cutoff 2026

Related Questions

What components are there in the AFCAT 2026 merit list?

The AFCAT merit list 2026 consists of students' names, roll numbers, ranks, etc. 

Can I download the AFCAT 2026 merit list offline?

Students cannot download the AFCAT 2026 merit list offline; rather, they must visit the official website and download the merit list. 

How is the AFCAT merit list 2026 prepared?

The AFCAT merit list is prepared based on the AFCAT 2026 results released by the IAF authorities. 

Details Mentioned on AFCAT Merit List 2026

AFCAT merit list 2026 PDF will be released by the IAF on its official website. The details mentioned in the merit list are:

  • Candidate's name
  • Roll number
  • Total marks scored in the AFCAT question paper 2026
  • Total marks scored in the AFSB interview
  • Date of birth
  • Gender
  • Category
  • Final merit position

What Influences the AFCAT 2026 Merit List?

The written examination is not enough for the single determinant of the merit list of AFCAT 2026. Other various determinants of the merit list are mentioned below:

  • Written Exam Performance: The first and foremost factor is how well an applicant has done in AFCAT written examination.
  • Psychological Assessment: These psychological tests are part and parcel of the important arsenal used by Air Force personnel when reviewing the students, most of which usually affect the merit list.
  • Personal Interview: A personal interview is one of AFCAT selection processes and might contribute toward the ranking of the student on the merit list.
  • Medical Examination: The medical examination is another important criterion which may affect a student's final positioning in the merit list.

AFCAT final merit list with marks will be prepared on the performance of the student in all these stages. However, these cutoff marks would interactively decide the rank of a student in the final merit list.

Related Questions

What happens after students qualify for the AFCAT 2026 merit list?

After students clear the AFCAT examination, the qualified examinees receive a call from the AFSB authorities for interview & medical test rounds. 

What determines the AFCAT 2026 merit list?

The AFCAT merit list is determined by the AFCAT results, cutoff, seat matrix, reservations, etc. 

What is the AFCAT merit list 2026 based on?

The AFCAT 2026 merit list is based on students' performance in the AFCAT 2026 exam.

AFCAT 2026 Vacancy

The Indian Air Force has announced the following vacancies to be filled through AFCAT 2026 exam for the Short Service Commission in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical branches).

AFCAT 2026 Vacancy

Entry

Branch

AFCAT 1 2026 Vacancy - Men (SSC)

AFCAT 1 2026 Vacancy - Women (SSC) 

AFCAT Entry

Flying

21

09

Ground Duty (Technical)

AE(L): 95

AE(M): 53

AE(L): 27

AE(M): 14

Ground Duty (NonTechnical)

  • Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 14
  • Admin: 42
  • LGS: 13
  • Accts: 11
  • Edn: 07
  • Met: 07
  • Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 03
  • Admin: 11
  • LGS: 03
  • Accts: 02
  • Edn: 02
  • Met: 02

NCC Special Entry

Flying

10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC

Types of AFCAT Merit List 2025

  • AFSB Recommended Candidates' Preliminary List: This ranking is based solely on AFCAT scores, not accounting for medical fitness, branch preferences, or vacancies. It offers an initial idea of your relative standing but doesn't ensure final selection.
  • Final Selection List: This conclusive list decides who gets into the Air Force Academy, considering:
    • Preliminary list Order of Merit
    • Medical fitness as per Armed Forces Medical Standards
    • Choice of branch (subject to vacancies)

AFCAT Merit List 2026 - Qualifying Score

Applicants frequently ask themselves, "What is a good score in AFCAT?" Yet the solution is a little subtle. It is no secret that they must score higher than the least AFCAT cutoff 2026 scores to be considered for AFCAT 2026 merit list. Furthermore, maintaining a consistent AFACT score becomes challenging since the cutoff is determined annually by factors such as applicant performance, test difficulty, seat availability, application volume, etc. However, we have included a few guidelines below that clarify what constitutes an excellent AFCAT score.

  • Based on past year's patterns, a score in the 150-180 range is deemed satisfactory for inclusion in AFCAT merit list 2026.

  • For applicants to have a greater probability of making the final AFCAT 2026 merit list cutoff, they must strive to achieve higher than 160 marks.

  • Since the interview score influences the final AFCAT result, it is also an important variable that should be carefully considered.

  • To raise their total score and secure a spot on AFCAT merit list 2026, applicants should strive for an interview score of 100 or higher.

AFCAT 2026 Merit List Important Pointers

AFCAT merit list 2026 is made accessible on the authority's official portal to help applicants get one step closer to being accepted into their preferred positions. The following highlights the important factors from the Athe FCAT 2026 merit list that prospective hopefuls should keep in mind:

  • Being included in the preliminary list does not ensure inclusion in the final AFCAT merit list 2026. Students must also pass the AFSB interview, fulfil the necessary medical standards, and get a spot in the branch of their choice to be accepted.

  • Visit the official IAF website constantly for the latest updates on the final AFCAT selection list and any ensuing revisions to stay updated.

  • Pay attention to the routes of contact; joining directives and important paperwork are normally sent by email and registered mail from the IAF. Verify the accuracy of your contact details and maintain an eye on both channels of communication.

  • Use the official portal's specified ways to contact IAF officials if you have any questions or see any inconsistencies in the merit list for AFCAT 2026.

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FAQs about AFCAT Merit List

Is there a separate merit list for Technical and Non-Technical branches in AFCAT 2025?

No, there is no distinct merit list in AFCAT for Technical and Non-Technical disciplines. The final AFCAT 2025 merit list will be compiled based on the candidate's overall performance in the written exam, AFSB interview, and medical exam. However, because there are distinct opportunities for Technical and Non-Technical branches, the ultimate decision may be based on the candidate's preferred branch and the availability of vacancies.

What factors determine the inclusion of a candidate in the AFCAT 2025 merit list?

The following factors influence a candidate's place on the AFCAT merit list 2025:
- Written test score
- AFSB interview score
- Medical test score

In the merit list, the applicant with the best total score in these three exams will be listed first, followed by the candidate with the second-highest score, and so on.

How is the AFCAT merit list 2025 calculated?

The AFCAT merit list is calculated by combining the candidates' written exam and AFSB interview scores. In the merit list, the candidate with the best total score will be listed first, followed by the applicant with the second-highest score, and so on. The minimum qualifying marks for the AFSB interview and written test are 50% and 60%, respectively. To be included on the merit list, the candidate must pass both the written test and the AFSB interview. The medical exam is not taken into account while determining the merit list.

Who is the topper of AFCAT 2023?

Anuj Kumar Mishra is the AFCAT 1 2023 topper, with an All India Rank (AIR) of 1. He is followed by Amod Gupta (AIR of 2) and Ravneesh Munjal (AIR of 3).

What is the AFCAT merit list?

The AFCAT merit list ranks candidates who have passed both the Air Force Common Admission Test and the AFSB interview for pilot and ground duty officer positions in the Indian Air Force. However, inclusion on the list doesn't guarantee final selection. The ultimate decision depends on factors like medical fitness, branch preferences, and the number of vacancies available.

How is the AFCAT 2025 merit list prepared?

The AFCAT merit list is determined by the cumulative score from both the written exam and the AFSB interview. Achieving high scores in both is essential. Following the written exam, only candidates who are shortlisted proceed to the AFSB interview. The final merit list ranks candidates based on their total scores from these stages, with those achieving higher scores securing better positions.

What is the cutoff score for AFCAT 1 2023?

For AFCAT 1 2023, the cutoff score was 155 out of 300. It indicates that candidates were qualified to participate in the AFSB interview if they received a score of 155 or above on the online exam. The number of vacancies, exam difficulty, and the performance of the applicants all affect the cutoff score. The Flying Branch often has a higher cutoff score than the Ground Duty Branches.

What happens if I score above the cutoff but do not make it to the merit list?

If you score higher than the cutoff but are not included on the AFCAT merit list, it signifies that more candidates than you received better scores. Several options are available to you in this circumstance:
- submit a new application next year. It might be possible to earn a high enough score on the AFCAT to be included on the merit list the next year because the cutoff score varies from year to year.
- Boost your overall efficiency. By performing better on the AFCAT test and the AFSB interview, you can raise your chances of being placed on the merit list. 

Will there be different merit lists for AFCAT and EKT?

No, the merit lists for the AFCAT and EKT will not be different. To create a single merit list, the scores from the EKT test and the AFCAT online exam will be merged. Based on their overall score, the applicants will be listed on the merit list. Only applicants who desire to join the Technical Ground Duty Branches of the Indian Air Force must take the EKT test. The final selection of applicants for the Flying Branch or the Ground Duty Non-Technical Branches will not be based on the results of the EKT test.

When will the AFCAT result 2025 be announced?

The AFCAT 2025 result release date has not been officially announced. AFCAT 1 results will be announced in March 2025, suggesting AFCAT 2 results may be released in the month of September 2025. 

Is the AFCAT exam very difficult to crack?

The AFCAT exam is generally of moderate difficulty. It is not difficult to crack, but it is also not an easy cakewalk too as well. Candidates who have prepared thoroughly for the exam should do well. However, most of the applicants struggle with the Reasoning Ability section of the exam. 

What score do I need to have in order to qualify for the AFCAT 2025 exam?

To qualify for the AFSB interview stage after taking the AFCAT 2025 exam, aiming to score between 140 and 160 out of 300 is recommended. The qualifying score for AFCAT varies depending on factors such as exam difficulty and available vacancies.

How to check the AFCAT 2025 merit list?

- Go to the AFCAT CDAC website.
- Click on the "Result and AFSB Selection" tab.
- Enter your login credentials.
- Click on the "Merit List" link.
- The merit list will be displayed on the screen.

Is the AFCAT merit list 2025 available in offline mode?

The AFCAT merit list for 2025 cannot be accessed offline. The Indian Air Force website is the only place where the merit list is accessible. By entering your login information into your candidate portal, you may see the merit list. A few weeks following the announcement of the AFCAT results, the merit list is often made public. All candidates whose names have been chosen for the AFSB interview, the next phase of the selection process, will be listed on the merit list.

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