AFCAT 1 2027 Notification Out: Important Dates, Eligibility, Exam Pattern and Selection Process

Overview 

AFCAT 1 2027 notification is out, with applications starting on 12 November 2026. The exam is scheduled for 31 January 2027 and offers opportunities in Flying and Ground Duty branches. Candidates who are excited for the exam are advised to check their age limit, educational qualifications and exam pattern before applying. Start preparing for the written exam and AFSB interview, with regular practice and proper guidance from Shield Defence Academy you can . 

The Indian Air Force offers graduates an exciting opportunity to serve the nation as commissioned officers through the Air Force Common Admission Test . If becoming an officer is your dream, it is time to start preparing for the upcoming AFCAT exam 2027.

The AFCAT 1 2027 notification is already out and the online application process begins on 12 November 2026. The recruitment offers opportunities in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Candidates must clear the written examination, AFSB assessment and medical examination to be considered for final selection.

AFCAT 1 2027 – Important Dates and Details

 Check the important details before applying for the AFCAT 1 2027 exam. And it is advised to each candidate to read the AFCAT 1 2027 official notification before filling out the application form. If you are looking for the best AFCAT coaching classes in Lucknow, join Shield Defence Academy.

AFCAT 1 2027 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must check their age, educational qualifications and other conditions before applying. 

Age Limit (as on 1 January 2028) 

• Flying Branch – 20 to 24 years
• Flying Branch with a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence – Up to 26 years
• Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) – 20 to 26 years

Educational Qualification –

• Flying Branch –  Graduation with at least 60% marks or BE/BTech with 60% marks. Candidates must also have secured at least 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12
• Ground Duty Technical – A relevant four-year engineering or technology qualification with the prescribed marks
• Ground Duty Non-Technical – Graduation with the required marks. Certain entries, such as Accounts and Education, have specific qualification requirements

Final-year students can also apply for this exam if they meet the conditions mentioned in the notification. Branch-wise qualifications and marital status requirements must be checked carefully by aspirants.

AFCAT 1 2027 Exam Pattern

The written examination is conducted online and contains objective-type questions. Understanding the marking scheme can be really helpful for candidates who are planning their attempts. Read carefully the given table below by Shield Defence Academy, AFCAT training classes in Lucknow.

The paper covers four major areas –

1. English – Comprehension, vocabulary, synonyms, antonyms, grammar and error detection
2. General Awareness – History, Geography, Polity, Sports, Defence Awareness, Science and Current Affairs
3. Numerical Ability – Percentage, Average, Ratio, Profit and Loss, Time and Work and Number System
4. Reasoning and Military Aptitude – Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Series, Classification and Spatial Ability

AFCAT 1 2027 Selection Process

Clearing the written examination of AFCAT 1 2O27 is only the first step. For serving the position you have also qualified through the following stages which are listed below by Shield Defence Academy, the best AFCAT preparation classes in Lucknow.

Step 1. Written Examination – Candidates appear for the online AFCAT test.

Step 2. AFSB Stage 1 – Includes the Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT).

Step 3. AFSB Stage 2 – Includes psychological tests such as TAT, WAT, SRT and SDT, GTO tasks and a personal interview.

Step 4. CPSS – Applicable to Flying Branch candidates who are required to undergo pilot aptitude testing. It is a once-in-a-lifetime test.

Step 5. Medical Examination – Candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards.

Step 6. Final Merit List – Selection depends on examination and AFSB performance, medical fitness and available vacancies.

How to Prepare for AFCAT 1 2027 with Shield Defence Academy?

Preparing for your upcoming exam AFCAT 1 2027 requires a balanced approach to written examination practice and AFSB preparation. At Shield Defence Academy,  NDA and AFCAT coaching in Lucknow provide structured preparation, best mentorship to students who are seeking for structured guidance for their AFCAT and other defence examinations. A focused preparation plan of the academy include –

• Concept-Based Learning – Understand English, Numerical Ability, General Awareness and Reasoning from the basics.
• Weekly Mock Tests – Practice regularly and review mistakes to improve speed and accuracy.
• Current Affairs – Stay updated with national, international and defence-related news.
• AFSB Preparation – Practice OIR, PP&DT, psychological tests, GTO tasks and interview questions.
• Personality Development – Improve communication, confidence, teamwork and decision-making.

Aspirants who are looking for a top defence coaching institute can enquire at Shield Defence Academy for AFCAT batches, course structure and SSB preparation facilities.

Conclusion

AFCAT 1 2027 is a big opportunity for graduates who want to build a career in the Indian Air Force. Each student is advised to note the application dates, check your eligibility and understand the complete selection process. Start practicing early and give equal attention to written exams as well as AFSB preparation. With consistent effort and proper guidance from Shield Defence Academy, top AFCAT preparation classes in Lucknow you can definitely prepare with greater confidence.

FAQs

1. When does the AFCAT 1 2027 application process begin?

Online applications will start from today onwards on 12 November 2026 at 11 AM and close on 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM, students who were waiting for the notification are advised to fill the form soonest.

2. What is the AFCAT 1 2027 examination date?

The examination is scheduled for 31 January 2027. Candidates are suggested to keep checking the official website for updates and future needs.

3. Does Shield Defence Academy provide AFCAT and AFSB preparation in Lucknow?

Yes, Shield Defence Academy provides AFCAT preparation along with AFSB. here the preparation for written eczema and SSB interview goes simultaneously. If you want to take admission you can enquire about available AFCAT coaching batches at the academy.