Air Force Common Admission Test
Air Force Common Admission Test

AFCAT 2026: Answer Key (OUT), Final Answer Key, Result

AFCAT exam 2026 - The AFCAT 1 exam 2026 answer key has been released on February 1, 2026 along with the question paper and response sheet. Applicants download their answer key from the official website - afcat.edcil.co.in

AFCAT 1 Exam 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF), exam conducting body of Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) has officially released the AFCAT 1 answer key along with the question paper and candidate's response sheet. Those who appeared for the AFCAT 1 exam 2026 conducted on January 31, 2026 can now download their answer key from the official website - afcat.edcil.co.in. The AFCAT 1 answer key is released in a PDF format containing the correct answers for all the 100 objective questions. For every correct answer candidates will be rewarded with three marks and for every incorrect answer one mark will be deducted. IAF has also opened an objection window for candidates who want to raise challenge against their answer key. Candidates are advised to submit their objections within the stipulated time via the official portal. The official notice clearly mentions that the objections sent through any other mode or after the deadline will not be accepted by the examination body. 

The AFCAT 1 admit card 2026 was released on January 22, 2026 on its official website. Those candidates who have registered for the AFCAT 1 exam 2026 can now check and download their admit card from the official website - afcat.cdac.in. To access the admit card candidates must enter their user ID and password. The AFCAT 1 exam 2026 will be conducted on January 31, 2026. The city intimation slip has been released on the official website. The exam city slip is an important document which informs the applicants about the city in which their AFCAT 1 exam centre will be located. The city intimation slip helps candidate to make their travel arrangement in advance so that there is no last minute hassel.

The AFCAT test has various rounds that applicants will need to attempt and excel in to be recruited as an IAF officer. The first round is the written exam, followed by screening tests and interviews which are administered by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB.) The final round is the medical test after which shortlisted candidates will be required to complete the AFCAT training. For the flying and technical branches, training will last 74 weeks; for the non-tech branches, it will be 52 weeks. However, the time frame may vary depending on the operational requirements of IAF.

The AFCAT 1 application window 2026 opened on November 17, 2025 and the last date to apply for the AFCAT 1 exam was December 19, 2025. The exam will be conducted online, featuring objective questions in General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude.

Also Read: 

After the successful conclusion of the AFCAT exam, the Indian Air Force will release the AFCAT result 2026. Along with the result, AFCAT Cut off 2026 will also be released. Aspirants must note that the cut off for all candidates remains the same. Last year, AFCAT 1 Cutoff was announced on March 17, 2025. The total cut off out of 300 marks is 121. This cut off is common for all the categories. Candidates who qualified the exam securing the cut off marks were selected for AFSB interview.

AFCAT Exam 2026

Applicants must check the tables below to understand the significant details of the exam.

Particulars

Exam Details

Exam Name

AFCAT

AFCAT Full Form

Air Force Common Admission Test

Exam Purpose

To Recruit Officers in the IAF

Exam Conducting Body

Indian Air Force

Official Website

afcat.cdac.in

Level of Exam

National

Job Posts

Flying Branch, Ground Duties (non-technical and technical)

Exam Frequency

Twice a Year: AFCAT 1 & AFCAT 2

AFCAT Exam Date 2026

The tables below include the important dates for both AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2

AFCAT 1 Exam Date 2026

Details

Exam Dates (Tentative)

AFCAT 1 Notification Released

November 3, 2025

AFCAT 1 Registration (Start and End Dates)

November 17, 2025 to December 19, 2025

AFCAT 1 Admit Card Released

January 22, 2026 

AFCAT 1 Exam Date

January 31, 2026

AFCAT 1 Exam Result Announced

March 2026 (Tentative)

AFCAT 2 Exam Date 2026

AFCAT 2 2026 notification has not yet been released by the officials. However candidates can get a rough idea of it by checking the previous years' dates. Refer below to check the dates for AFCAT 2 exam 2025-

Details

Exam Dates

AFCAT 2 Notification

June 2, 2025

AFCAT 2 Registration

June 2, 2025 to July 1, 2025

AFCAT 2 Admit Card

August 2025

AFCAT 2 Exam Date

August 23, 24, and 25, 2025

AFCAT 2 Result

September 16, 2025

AFCAT Eligibility 2026

To determine whether candidates are qualified to take the AFCAT exam or not, they must first comprehend the AFCAT Eligibility. Students will not be allowed to take the exam if they do not meet these requirements, which have been set forth by the exam authorities themselves. Both male and female candidates are eligible to attempt the exam for various posts and branches given that they meet the minimal educational requirements, nationality, marital status, AFCAT age limit, physical and medical conditions.

AFCAT 1 registration process 2026 closed on December 19, 2025. 

The following steps will be required to be followed in order to apply online for the AFCAT 1 2026 exam-

  • Visit the IAF official website 
  • The next step would be to visit the tab “Career” tab 
  • Candidates will be required to fill in their registration details to fill up the application form
  • After the form is submitted, the AFCAT password and registration ID would be sent to the registered Email address
  • The final step would be to pay the AFCAT registration fee

AFCAT Fee 2026

After submitting the online application, select the "Make Payment" option to pay the non-refundable examination fee of Rs. 250 for AFCAT admission (not applicable for NCC special entry). Credit cards, debit cards, and net banking can all be used to pay the exam fee. Cash, cheques, or demand draughts (DD) are not acceptable methods of payment for test fees. Moreover, the fee structure will be the same for every applicant and would not be altered on the grounds of gender.

AFCAT 1 admit card is an important document that needs to be carried to the exam centre on the day of the exam. Without a valid AFCAT admit card, students will not be able to enter the test centre. The AFCAT 1 admit card is expected to release in February 2026. The following steps could be used to successfully download the admit card - 

  • Applicants must visit the official website 
  • They will need to complete the AFCAT login using their credentials
  • After logging in, they will see the admit card link which will be available on the homepage
  • Candidates must proceed to download the admit card and are advised to take a printout for the same
  • A confirmation Email or SMS will be sent to the candidate. 
  • Students will receive the admit card (which includes the hall ticket number) at their registered email address 

Check More Details: AFCAT Admit Card

The following table highlights the AFCAT exam pattern for the reference of students. It is important that candidates understand the exam format in order to perform well on the day of the exam.

AFCAT Marking Scheme

Candidates will be marked for the exam in the following manner-

  • Plus 3 marks will be awarded for every right answer
  • A Minus 1 mark will be deducted for every wrong answer
  • Unattempted answers will not be marked

General Knowledge, Mathematics, Reasoning & Military Aptitude, and English make up the AFCAT syllabus. The level of the questions in the numerical ability section will be matriculation level. Other subjects will be at the graduation level. The following is a list of each subject's specific syllabus:

Aspirants should be informed of the cut-off to determine the target score and obtain a better idea of the exam's difficulty. The AFCAT cut off 2026 will be announced along with the result. 

The AFACT 1 cutoff 2025 was 121 out of 300

Factors that affect the cutoff include-

  • The total number of vacancies
  • Minimum and maximum scores of candidates
  • The difficulty level of the test
  • The total number of candidates 

Check Details: AFCAT Cut-Off

The exam conducting body releases the AFCAT Vacancies along with the official notification. The Indian Air Force advertises a number of vacancies each year for various flying branch and ground-duty positions. Both technical and non-technical roles, such as pilots, engineers, accountants, etc., are covered by these job openings. For both papers 1 and AFCAT 2, the vacancies are announced separately. 

AFCAT 1 2025 Vacancies are yet to be announced. Meanwhile, candidates can check AFCAT 1 2025 Vacancies in the tables below-

 

Vacancy for AFCAT 1 NCC Special Entry

Check AFCAT 2 Vacancies Below

Some general AFCAT preparation tips that must be followed by applicants in order to maximize the result include-

  • Use adequate AFCAT books and study material
  • Practice every day without distractions
  • Keep revising what one has already studied
  • Stay updated with current affairs
  • Eat healthy food and exercise daily
  • Align preparation with the AFCAT pattern and syllabus
  • Understand the exam pattern
  • Solve as many AFCAT mock tests as possible 
  • Practice with previous year's question papers
  • Build a study routine and follow it consistently

The AFCAT books, which are written in an understandable manner, should be purchased by applicants. Also, candidates must look for books that provide learning materials, practice exams, and study guides. If a candidate picks a suitable study material, their preparation will be substantially enhanced. The following factors must be considered by students before buying any books:

  • Easy-to-grasp content
  • Inclusion of practice questions and mock tests
  • Content of every AFCAT section
  • Tips on how to ace the exam
  • Includes answer keys which are detailed

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the AFCAT selection process?

Applicants planning to take the AFCAT exam must know the selection process and the different rounds. The first stage is the written test, followed by different screening tests and interviews. The final round is a medical test. Those who qualify for all the rounds will get to start the AFCAT training.

What is the maximum score in the AFCAT exam?

The maximum score in the AFCAT exam is 300. There are a total of four sections that combine together to make 300 the maximum score in the exam.

What is the AFCAT registration fee?

Students will need to pay INR 250 which is the registration fee for the AFCAT exam. Those failing to pay this sum of amount will not be considered registered candidates.

What is the AFCAT 1 2026 Exam date?

AFCAT 1 exam 2026 will be conducted on January 31, 2026. 

Can students in high school give the AFCAT exam?

No, Applicants must have passed Class 12 with a minimum of four years of degree completion or integrated post-graduation in Engineering or Technology from an accredited university, as well as 60% in Physics and Mathematics.

What is the AFCAT 1 2026 age eligibility?

The Flying Branch's AFCAT 1 age limit for 2026 session is 20 to 24 years. 

When is the last date to apply for AFCAT 1 2026?

The AFCAT 1 registration 2026 will close on December 14, 2025

Loading...