AFCAT 2026 refers to the Air Force Common Admission Test conducted by the Indian Air Force for recruiting officers in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) branches, with results and scorecards released post-exam on the official portal.
Exam Overview
AFCAT 1 2026 exam occurred on January 31, 2026 (Saturday), for 284-340 vacancies starting training in January 2027; it features 100 MCQs (300 marks, 2 hours) across English, GK, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning/Military Aptitude (+3/-1 marking).
Result & Scorecard Access
Results (expected February-March 2026) and scorecards are available at afcat.cdac.in/login or careerairforce. nic.in via candidate login (email/registration ID); normalised scores reflect performance against cut-offs.
Cut-off Marks
| Category | Expected Cut-off (out of 300) |
|---|---|
| AFCAT (General) | 140-155 |
| EKT (Technical) | 50-60 |
How to check the AFCAT 2026 result online?
To check your AFCAT 1 2026 result online, visit the official IAF portal once declared (expected late February/early March 2026) and log in with your registered email ID and password.
Steps to Check
Go to afcat.cdac.in or afcat.edcil.co.in.
Click the “AFCAT 1/2026 Result” notification or login link.
Enter your email ID, password, and captcha code.
View/download your scorecard showing section-wise marks, total score, and qualifying status.
Print or save for AFSB reference.
Key Details
Scorecard includes name, roll number, marks out of 300, and cut-off comparison (expected 140-155). Results are merit-based for interview calls; check spam for login password if needed.
What is AFCAT 1 2026 cut-off marks?
AFCAT 1 2026 cut-off marks have not been officially released yet (as of March 3, 2026), as they are announced alongside the results on afcat. cdac.in, expected in late February/early March, post the January 31 exam.
Expected Cut-offs
Official cut-offs depend on exam difficulty, vacancies (284-340), and candidate performance, but predictions vary across sources.
| Exam | Expected Cut-off (out of 300) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT (All Branches) | 140-160 | Safe score: 170+ |
| EKT (Technical) | 40-60 | For Ground Duty Tech |
| Year | AFCAT Cut-off | EKT Cut-off |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT 1 2023 | 155 | – |
| AFCAT 1 2022 | 157 | 18 |
| AFCAT 1 2021 | 165 | 30 |
How to qualify for AFSB with cut off?
To qualify for AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) after AFCAT 1 2026, score at or above the official cut-off (out of 300) released with results on afcat. cdac.in—expected 140-160 based on trends.
Qualification Process
Clear Written Cut-off: No sectional cut-offs; overall AFCAT score determines AFSB call (e.g., ~155 for Flying, lower ~140 for Ground Duty).
Automatic Shortlisting: Results show your normalised marks vs. cut-off; qualified candidates get AFSB centre/date via email/SMS (e.g., Dehradun, Mysore, Gandhinagar).
Safe Target: Aim 170+ for a strong merit position, as borderline qualifiers get lower AFSB priority.
Next Steps Post-Cut-off
Download the scorecard and AFSB instruction letter from the portal.
Book travel to the allotted centre (5-day process: tests, psych, interview).
Prepare documents (10th/12th marksheets, DAF form); medicals follow the recommendation.
Final merit combines AFCAT + AFSB marks; cut-offs rise with easier papers/vacancies.
Documents for AFSB Reporting
Carry originals + 2 photocopies (except photos) in a folder; missing items mean return without testing or TA claim.
| Category | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| Call/Verification | – AFSB Call Letter (from afcat.cdac.in) – Original AFCAT Admit Card (or FIR + affidavit if lost) – Valid ID Proof (Aadhaar/Passport/Voter ID/Driving License/PAN/College ID) |
| Educational | – 10th Marksheet & Pass Certificate (DOB proof) – 12th Marksheet & Pass Certificate – Graduation Degree/Provisional + all semester marksheets (or Bonafide if final year) – PG if applicable |
| Additional (if applicable) | – NCC ‘C’ Certificate – NOC from employer (govt/PSU) – Commercial Pilot License (Flying branch) |
| Other Essentials | – 25 recent passport photos (white background, light clothes) – Printed DAF/Journey/Indemnity forms from the portal – Railway/Bus tickets (TA claim) – 2 Gazetted Officer references (if recommended) |
AFSB Reporting Guidelines
Follow these strictly to avoid rejection or loss of travel allowance (TA).
Reporting Rules
Time: Arrive by 0600h (6 AM) on reporting date from AFSB call letter (emailed/SMS after results).
Venue: Report to the allotted AFSB centre (e.g., Dehradun, Mysore, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, Guwahati).
Dress Code: Formal civilian clothes (shirt-trouser-shoes); no camouflage/military uniforms. Trim hair, clean shave.
Day-wise Process
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Document check → Stage 1 Screening (OIR Test, PPDT). Screened-out leave the same day. |
| Day 2 | Psych Tests (TAT, WAT, SRT, SD). |
| Day 3 | Group Tests I (GD, GPE, PGT, Snake Race). |
| Day 4 | Group Tests II (GAT, Lecturette) + Personal Interview. |
| Day 5 | CPSS (Flying only) + Conference + Result. |
No mobiles/electronics/jewellery; deposit at centre (not responsible for loss).
No intoxicants; ragging leads to disqualification.
TA only for first-timers; re-testees self-funded.
Medical post-recommendation: follow all instructions in the call letter precisely.
What happens after the AFSB conference and results?
After the AFSB conference on Day 5, results are announced immediately: recommended candidates stay for CPSS (Flying branch only) and proceed to medicals, while others depart with TA.
Post-Conference Outcomes
Recommended Candidates
Undergo medical examination at AFCME (Delhi), IAM (Bengaluru), or IAMC (Belgaum) within 2-4 weeks.
Submit documents for verification; temporary rejections (TR) can be appealed via the Board of Officers.
Placed on merit list if medically fit (AFCAT marks + AFSB performance).
Not Recommended
Receive feedback (if asked); eligible for reattempt in next AFCAT (no bar).
TA claim processed for first-timers only.
Final Merit & Training
All-India merit list released months later on careerairforce. nic. in, considering vacancies (284 for AFCAT 1/2026). Selected candidates receive joining letters for Air Force Academy training (January 2027).
AFSB Preparation Tips
Prepare for AFCAT 1 2026 AFSB by focusing on Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) like leadership, communication, and teamwork through consistent practice.
Key Strategies
Psych Tests: Practice TAT (positive, realistic stories), WAT (quick action words), SRT (practical responses), and SD (honest self-description) daily under time limits.
Screening (Day 1): Master PPDT—write structured stories (30s observe, 4min write), speak confidently in group discussion without dominating.
GTO Tasks: Build stamina for obstacles, snake race; show initiative in GD/GPE/PGT while cooperating with the team.
Communication: Read newspapers for current affairs/defence news; practice a lecturette (3min speech) and mock interviews on hobbies, achievements, “Why Air Force?”.
Daily Routine Tips
| Focus Area | Practice Time |
|---|---|
| Current Affairs | 1 hour |
| Psych/GTO Drills | 2 hours |
| Physical Fitness | 1 hour (running, obstacles) |
| Mock Interviews | 30 mins |
Official websites
| Purpose | Official Website | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Results/Scorecard | afcat. cdac.in | Log in with email/password; check cut-offs |
| Careerairforce Portal | careerairforce. nic. in | Merit lists, joining letters |
| Main IAF Site | indianairforce. nic. in | Notifications, guidelines |
| AFSB Guidelines | afcat. cdac.in/AFCAT/guidelines | Call letters, reporting rules |
AFCAT 1 2026 FAQs
Q: When is the AFCAT 1 2026 result expected?
A: Late February to early March 2026, after the January 31 exam, on afcat.cdac.in.
Q: How to check the scorecard and cut-off?
A: Log in at afcat.cdac.in with email/password; expected cut-off 140-160/300 for AFSB call.
Q: What if I score above the cut-off?
A: Automatically shortlisted for AFSB; receive call letter via email/SMS with centre and date.
Q: Documents needed for AFSB reporting?
A: Call letter, AFCAT admit card, 10th/12th/graduation marksheets, ID proof, 25 photos (originals + copies).
Q: AFSB reporting time and dress code?
A: Report by 6 AM; wear formal shirt-trouser-shoes, clean shave, no electronics/jewellery.
Q: What happens after the AFSB recommendation?
A: Medical exam within 2-4 weeks, then merit list and joining letter for Air Force Academy training.
Q: Can I reattempt if not recommended?
A: Yes, no bar; eligible for next AFCAT; first-timers claim TA.