IAF AFCAT Online Form 2025: Key Dates, Eligibility and Application Tips

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Indian Armed Forces; every year, it recruits commissioned officers through several entry schemes. One of the key routes is via the AFCAT exam, which opens up slots in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) branches for eligible graduates.

Why the “Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)” Matters

AFCAT isn’t just another recruitment test. It’s your gateway to becoming a commissioned officer in the Air Force, with high responsibilities, leadership tasks, and a career that stands out. Passing it means you’ve cleared the first big hurdle—then come interviews, medicals, physical fitness tests, and more.

Background Context: AFCAT 2025 & 2026 Cycle

Recent Notification Timeline

Although our focus is on the online form for 2025, the IAF has already released the notification for the AFCAT 01/2026 cycle: applications are open from 17 November 2025 to 14 December 2025 for the January 2027 course. For the 2025 cycle (AFCAT 2/2025), applications opened earlier (for example, July 2025 had registration for 284 vacancies). Also, a correction window was open for the 2025 exam in August.

Vacancy Trends and What 2025 Means for You

In recent cycles, we’re seeing a shift: the AFCAT 01/2026 notification lists 340 vacancies for courses commencing January 2027.
So for the 2025 form, you’re either looking at the last few days or catching that last cycle window—being on time and eligible is critical.

Focus Keyword Section: IAF AFCAT Online Form 2025 – What You Need to Know

Registration Window & Key Dates

For the “AFCAT 01/2026” cycle, the online application runs from 17 November 2025 to 14 December 2025.
If you’re focusing on the 2025 cycle: registration for AFCAT 2/2025 opened around early July 2025.
Important: always check the official notification (link below) because dates can be revised.

Branches of Entry: Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)

You need to know which branch you’re applying for:

Flying Branch: for pilots and flying officers

Ground Duty (Technical): engineering/technical roles

Ground Duty (Non-Technical): administrative, logistics, etc

Eligibility Criteria at a Glance

Key parameters include:

Age limits (varies by branch)

Educational qualifications (graduate, BE/BTech, sometimes 12th with Physics & Maths)

Marital status (usually unmarried for entry)

Nationality: Indian citizen

Important Dates You Must Bookmark

Event	Date (2025/2026 cycle)
Online form opens	17 November 2025
Last date to apply	14 December 2025
Exam date (AFCAT 01/2026)	31 January 2026
Correction window (previous cycle)	7–9 August 2025 for AFCAT 2025

Mark these in your calendar, set reminders, and don’t wait till the last minute.

Eligibility Criteria Deep Dive

Age Criteria for Flying & Ground Duty

Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as on a specified date (for 2026 cycle, as of 01 Jan 2027)

Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years as of the same date.

For candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL), upper age limit may extend to 26 years.

Educational Qualifications

Flying Branch: Graduation plus 12th with Physics & Maths or BE/BTech.

Ground Duty (Technical): BE/BTech in relevant field.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation in any discipline.

Marital Status & Other Entry Conditions

The candidate must usually be unmarried at the time of entry.

Final year/semester students may be eligible provided they complete the qualification by a stipulated date.

Citizenship: Indian.

Exam Pattern & Syllabus Overview

Written Test Format

The written exam typically has 100 questions (300 marks) with a duration of 2 hours for AFCAT (non-technical).

Negative marking: Usually 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer.

Sections include: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude.

If you apply for Technical branch, there’s also the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) portion.

Additional Tests: AFSB Interviews & Medicals

After the online exam, shortlisted candidates undergo the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, group tasks, psychological tests.

Medical fitness is a strict requirement before final commissioning.

Physical fitness/facility for flying branch may include running, swimming, etc.

Preparation Tips & Strategy for Success

How to Manage Time and Topics

Make a study schedule: allocate daily slots for General Awareness, English, Maths, Reasoning, and Branch-specific topics.

Prioritise weak areas but don’t ignore your strong ones.

Mock Tests, Previous Year Papers & Shortcuts

Solve past year papers to familiarise yourself with question types.

Use mocks to improve speed and accuracy; aim for completing in less than allotted time to leave buffer.

Learn shortcuts especially for Numerical Ability (time & work, percentage, ratio, etc.).

Physical Fitness & Non-Written Aspects

Start basic physical fitness training early: running, push-ups, core strength.

As the role may require leadership and physical resilience, being in good shape helps your AFSB profile.

Mental preparation: be confident, practice group discussion, mock psychological tests, communication skills.

Why This Is the Right Time to Apply

Cadre Strength, Career Growth and National Service

Joining the IAF via AFCAT means you’re stepping into a role that blends service, challenge, adventure, and leadership. The officer cadre is dynamic, with chances to soar (literally) and lead.

Why 2025’s Cycle Matters for Your Career Journey

If you aim for the 2026 or 2027 course (as the January 2027 intake is already advertised), applying now puts you ahead. Also, the competitive exam cycles are well-defined, giving you ample preparation time. With vacancies being announced early, your preparation window is wide.

Conclusion

If your goal is to serve in the Indian Air Force and you see “IAF AFCAT online form 2025” flashing on your screen, this is your moment. But action matters: mark the dates, meet eligibility, prepare smartly, and apply meticulously. The journey from application to commissioning is long—but every journey starts with that step: submitting your form correctly and on time.

With the information above—key dates, eligibility criteria, vacancy insights, how to apply, and concrete preparation tips—you’re equipped to take that step confidently. Remember: competition is stiff, but so is opportunity.

Stay focused, keep your documents ready, practise daily, maintain your physical fitness, and above all, stay calm and consistent. Best of luck on your AFCAT journey!