AFCAT 1 Selection Process 2026: Dates, Procedure, Selection Criteria, AFSB Interview

AFCAT Selection Process 2026

AFCAT Selection Process 2026 is designed by the Indian Air Force (IAF). There are two big stages in the AFCAT selection process: an online test and the AFSB interview.  As per the AFCAT 2026 Selection Process, the AFCAT online test will have questions from the following sections: General Awareness, English Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability and Military Reasoning and Aptitude Test. There will be a total of 300 marks for this paper. 

Those who will qualify for this online test will proceed to the next AFCAT selection procedure, that is, the AFSB interview. AFCAT Exam is conducted to recruit students as Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty branches and Technical and Non-Technical. Go through this page to learn more about the AFCAT exam selection process 2026.

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AFCAT 2026 Selection Process Highlights

Primary steps in the AFCAT 2026 selection procedure include the AFSB test, document verification, written examination, and medical checkup. The table below briefly describes the AFCAT selection procedure 2026 that the students can refer to:

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What's New in AFCAT 2026 Selection Process?

The following changes have been introduced in the AFCAT process of selection 2026:

• Computerized Pilot Selection System: This will be a mandatory test for those candidates who are applying for the Flying branch. It is a Computer-based examination designed to assess flying aptitude.
• Concentrated Psychological Examinations: The psychological examinations will become more focused during the SSB interview. This will ensure that people selected for the IAF are psychologically capable and cognitively able to handle the rigours of their work.
• Implementation of New Test for Assessing Personality: A new test for assessing personality shall be conducted during the SSB interview. Under the process of this examination, an assessment will be made of the personality of the applicant and their potential for successful integration into the IAF.

Steps of AFCAT 2026 Selection Process

Here's a breakdown of AFCAT 2026 selection process:

• Step 1: Fill out AFCAT 2026 Application Form.
• Step 2: Take the Online AFCAT Written Examination, which consists of two stages:
  • Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT).
  • Stage II: Psychological Test, Group Test, Interview, and Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
• Step 3: After the written exam, undergo a Medical Examination as part of AFCAT interview process.
• Step 4: The All India Merit List is prepared based on performance.

Note: Understanding each of these steps and the tests involved will help you navigate AFCAT 2026 selection process effectively. Keep reading to learn more about each stage and test.

AFCAT 2026 Detailed Selection Process

As discussed above, AFCAT 2026 selection process takes place in multiple stages starting from the release of the exam notification to the preparation of AFCAT merit list. Joining instructions are sent to the candidates who are selected based on their overall merit. Each of the steps in AFCAT selection process 2026 has been discussed below.

Step 1: Release of Exam Notification

The Indian Air Force consequently publishes the official notice with all the information on the exam and AFCAT selection process. Interested candidates have to fill the application form before the deadline. Another important check before applying is to confirm your AFCAT eligibility. You need to be aware of the following information about applying:

• Candidates must pass AFCAT for all entries – all branches, except NDA and CDSE.
• The notifications regarding AFCAT are published in June and December.
• AFCAT examinations are conducted all across the country.

Step 2: Appearing for AFCAT 2026 (Written Test) 

Selections for AFCAT begin with the written test. Thus, there are questions from English, general awareness, numerical ability, and reasoning & military aptitude. Candidates desirous of joining the technical branch of the IAF will have to additionally attend another test called the Engineering Knowledge Test, or EKT.

Two hours will be given to the candidates for their written examination, where they need to complete object-type questions (Multiple Choice Questions). Here's the marking scheme for AFCAT written test 2026:

• A +3-mark award will be given for every correct answer.
• -1 mark for every incorrect answer.
• No mark will be given for any untried answers.

Step 3: Interview Round (AFSB interview) 

Candidates who fail to select the date and exam venue for the AFSB interview within the deadline will be allotted the same on a random basis and no requests for any change will be entertained. The AFSB test is conducted only for the qualified candidates of the online exam. Only such candidates can select the interview date and venue.

Step 4: Medical Examination

Candidates should be mentally as well as physically fit while going for any selection round in the Indian Air Force. A medical examination is conducted by the conducting body of AFACT 2026 to examine the physical and medical health of the candidate.

AFCAT Medical Examination Centres

There are two centres where the medical examination of candidates recommended by the AFSB takes place. These are:

• Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi

• Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru

Step 5: Preparation of the All India Final Merit List

A final merit list for AFCAT 2026 will be prepared based on the overall performance in the exam. This merit list will be prepared concerning the following factors:

• AFCAT Score of the candidate
• Performance of the Candidate in the AFSB Interview

Whether or not a candidate will be included in AFCAT 2026 final merit list also depends on being declared medically fit in their Medical Examination. The joining instructions will be issued based on the availability of various branches and sub-branches.

AFSB Interview in AFCAT 2026

The candidates for recruitment in the IAF will be interviewed by the Air Force Selection Board for 4 to 5 days under the prescribed AFCAT 2026 selection process. Only qualified candidates in AFCAT 2026 will be called to the Interview Centres available at the selected locations of the country. The date and location for the AFSB interview are communicated to candidates through a Call Letter downloadable from AFCAT's official website. Following are the available centres for the AFSB interview in AFCAT interview process:

Candidates who opt for the Meteorology Branch and NCC Special Entry will be directly invited to any of the available centres for testing. Other candidates who have applied for the flying branch may choose between Dehradun, Mysore and Varanasi for their interview session.

AFSB Interview Schedule

In the process of AFCAT 2026 selection process, the AFSB Interview is conducted in 2 stages over 4 to 5 days, depending on which branch has been chosen by the candidate. Candidates applying for the Flying Branch have to appear for a 5-day interview while it lasts 4 days for Ground Duty applicants.

AFSB Interview Day-Wise Schedule

Different Stages in an AFSB Interview

Following are the details of the different stages in an AFSB interview.

AFSB Interview Stage I

Stage I of an AFSB Interview is the screening test of AFCAT 2026 selection process. It takes place on the very first day of candidates arriving at the AFSB centre; this consists of two tests. These are:

• Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
• Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)

Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test: Here, candidates have to appear for an OIR test, which is the test of ability in quantifications and reasoning, conducted in the AFSB centre.

PPDT or Picture Perception and Discussion Test: Pictures are shown to the candidate on screen only for a limited period, following which he/she has to identify the main characters and then go on to formulate a short story based on the picture. In the 2nd part, they have to present their story and reach a conclusion in a group discussion.

The results of Stage I are declared within a few days of both tests having been conducted. The candidates who qualify in Stage I have to stay back and appear for Stage II of the AFSB Interview. Candidates who do not qualify or are screened out have to return from the centres.

AFSB Interview Stage II

The AFSB interview is quite a long process. It goes for the next 4 to 5 days. The following 4 tests are conducted during the Stage II of the interview.

• Psychological Test (PT)
• Group Test (GT)
• Personal Interview (PI)
• Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)

Psychological Test: Candidates who are qualified to undergo the screening for the AFSB interview will have to report for the Psychological Test in the afternoon after lunch. In the following tests, series are conducted for the psychological evaluation of the candidates. Document verification is carried out after the test.

Group Test (GT): The candidates are divided into different groups and each group is assigned a GTO. Various tests will be taken that will put the group in various tactical situations where they will work together and come up with solutions.

Interview: Candidates have to appear for a Personal Interview with an Interviewing Officer at the centre of AFSB. The interview can happen on any one of the following days after the PT. Candidates would already be pre-informed of their AFCAT interview process schedule.

Computerised Pilot Selection System: The CPSS is held on the 5th day, and only candidates who have applied for the Flying branch are required to appear for this test.

Note: Permanent body tattoos will only be allowed on the inner face of the forearm (from the inside of the elbow to the wrist) and on the reverse side of the palm. Candidates shouldn't use narcotics.

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Documents Required for AFCAT 2026 Interview

Following documents will be required by the candidates at the time of AFCAT selection process: 

• 10/10+2 Certificate and Mark sheets (Original and 2 photocopies).

• Copies of recent passport size colour photographs 

• Original valid Commercial Pilots’ License, issued by DGCA, if applicable. 

• Inbound Railway Ticket/ Bus Tickets. (For refund of Travelling Allowance) .

• Original NCC Certificate(if applicable) 

• Copies of recent passport size colour photographs 

• Provisional Graduation Degree/ Post Graduation Degree Certificates and Mark Sheet (Original and 2 photocopies)

• NOC from employers from Central/ State Govt. or Public Sector 

• AFCAT Admit Card (Original and 2 photocopies)

Note: For the candidates who are in the final year/ semester have to attach documents including Aggregate Percentage, Discipline in Graduation/ Post Graduation, Certificate from the College Principal, Declaration of Final Result (in DD/MM/YYYY Format). (Original and 2 photocopies)

AFCAT Selection Process: Types of Commission

To candidates who pass the AFCAT selection procedure, the Indian Air Force (IAF) provides two types of commissions:

Permanent Commission (PC) for Men

• Candidates who are commissioned as officers in the Permanent Commission (PC) serve in their respective branches until the age of superannuation, based on their rank.
• All advantages and privileges offered to regular officers, including pension, medical benefits, and leave, are accessible to PC officers.
• PC officers can also advance to higher positions based on their performance and seniority.

Short Service Commission (SSC) for Men and Women

• SSC officials are appointed for a set length of time, usually 10-14 years.
• SSC officers are not eligible for pensions or other benefits that PC officers are.
• SSC officers can be extended for four years, according to service criteria, vacancy availability, desire, and merit.
• SSC officers who are not extended beyond their first period of duty are discharged.

The type of commission granted to a candidate is determined by their performance during the screening process, as well as the availability of openings.

AFCAT Salary 2026

After passing the AFCAT 2026 exam, the beginning salary is around INR 56,100 per month. This is the pay scale for an Indian Air Force Flying Officer. The officer's remuneration will rise in line with his or her rank and seniority.  An Air Force officer's salary includes additional benefits/perks such as:

• House allowance
• Medical allowance
• Transport allowance
• Leave travel allowance
• Gratuity
• Pension

In-Hand Salary

Rank-Wise Salary

What After the AFCAT 2025 Selection Process?

Those who make it to the last round of AFCAT 2025 selection process and over the required score are recruited. Following AFCAT 2025 screening process, applicants are shortlisted and subsequently undergo an intense onboarding training regimen with the IAF. It is strongly encouraged that candidates promptly arrive at their appointed training location. The training timetables for trainees in technical and non-technical disciplines vary from one another. Examine the details in the following section.

• AFCAT Ground Duty selection process includes a 74-week instruction course for the technical and flying branches.  

• The training program for applicants aspiring to the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch will span 52 weeks.

Note: Candidates must strive to perform their best in each phase of the examination since AFCAT 2025 selection procedure is entirely determined by the administrating authority.