The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 01/2026 admit card on January 22, 2026, for the exam scheduled on January 31, 2026, and candidates must download it online from afcat.cdac.in, verify details, and carry a colour printout along with a valid original photo ID, two passport-size photos, and a ballpoint pen while strictly following exam-day protocols and dress code.
The exam will be held in two shifts with strict reporting and gate-closing times, consists of 100 MCQs for 300 marks with negative marking, and covers General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Reasoning, and Numerical Ability.
Based on past trends, candidates should target 160+ marks to be safe, as clearing the written exam leads to the AFSB interview, medical examination, and final merit list, while any admit card issues must be reported promptly to the AFCAT helpdesk.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AFCAT 01/2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 22 January 2026 |
| Exam Date | 31 January 2026 (Saturday) |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
| Exam Mode | Online (CBT) |
| Shifts | 2 (Morning & Afternoon) |
| Total Questions | 100 MCQs |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Marking Scheme | +3 Correct, −1 Incorrect |
| Safe Score Target | 160+ Marks |
| Mandatory Documents | Admit Card, Original Photo ID, 2 Photos |
| Post Exam Stages | AFSB Interview → Medical → Merit List |
AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2026: Direct Link, Exam Day Protocol & Final Strategy
🔴 LIVE UPDATE (January 22, 2026): The Indian Air Force (IAF) is releasing the Admit Card for AFCAT 01/2026 today.
Exam Date: January 31, 2026 (Saturday)
The countdown has begun for the Air Force Common Admission Test. With the exam scheduled for the end of this month, your Admit Card is the most critical document to secure immediately. This guide covers everything from the download process to the strict exam-day dress code and expected cut-offs.
📥 1. How to Download Your Admit Card
The admit card is available only online. No hard copy will be sent by post.
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to afcat.cdac.in.
- Select Login: On the homepage, click on the “Candidate Login” tab and select “AFCAT 01/2026 – Cycle”.
- Input Credentials: Enter your registered Email ID and Password.
- Security Check: Type the CAPTCHA code visible on the screen.
- Download: Click on “Download Admit Card”.
- Verify & Print: Check for any errors in your name/photo. Take two colour printouts (mandatory for clarity) and save the PDF backup on your phone/cloud.
⚠️ Forgotten Password? Click on “Forgot Password” on the login page. You will receive a reset link on your registered email ID.
⏰ 2. Exam Schedule & Shift Timings
The exam will be conducted in two shifts on January 31, 2026. Punctuality is non-negotiable; latecomers are strictly barred.
| Feature | Shift 1 (Morning) | Shift 2 (Afternoon) |
|---|---|---|
| Reporting Time | 07:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Gate Closing | 09:30 AM (Strict) | 02:00 PM (Strict) |
| Exam Time | 09:45 AM – 11:45 AM | 02:15 PM – 04:15 PM |
| Subject | AFCAT (All Candidates) | AFCAT (All Candidates) |
🎒 3. Exam Day Protocol: The “Must-Carry” List
The IAF is extremely strict about entry requirements. Ensure you have the following before leaving home:
✅ Mandatory Documents
- Admit Card: Hard copy (Color printout preferred).
- Original Photo ID: Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Driving License, or Passport. (Note: College IDs or photocopies are NOT accepted).
- Passport Photos: Two (2) passport-sized colour photographs (same as uploaded during registration). These are required for the attendance sheet.
- Ballpoint Pen: Blue or Black only (for rough work and signing).
🚫 Prohibited Items (Strictly Banned)
- Electronics: Mobile phones, smartwatches, bluetooth devices, calculators.
- Stationery: Pencil boxes, geometry boxes, clipboards, or slide rules.
- Personal Items: Purses, wallets, handbags, and eatables.
- Jewelry: No rings, lockets, chains, or bracelets. (Religious symbols might be allowed strictly after frisking, but it is safer to remove them).
👕 Dress Code Guidelines
- Footwear: Wear slippers or sandals with flat heels. Closed shoes (boots, sneakers) are generally discouraged and may require you to remove them during frisking.
- Clothing: Wear clothes with small buttons. Avoid large buttons, jackets with many pockets, or elaborate embroidery.
📝 4. AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Pattern & Syllabus
The written exam is an objective test (Multiple Choice Questions) conducted in English.
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Marking Scheme:
- +3 Marks for every correct answer.
- -1 Mark (Negative Marking) for every incorrect answer.
- 0 Marks for unattempted questions.
| Section | Questions (Approx.) | Key Topics for Last-Minute Revision |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20-25 | Defense Exercises, Awards, Books & Authors, Sports Terms, History (Modern), Geography. |
| Verbal Ability | 25-30 | Antonyms/Synonyms, Idioms, Error Detection, Reading Comprehension. |
| Reasoning | 30-35 | Venn Diagrams, Dot Situation, Embedded Figures, Blood Relations, Analogy. |
| Numerical Ability | 15-20 | Time & Work, Speed Distance Time, Profit & Loss, Percentages, Simple Interest. |
📊 5. Cut-Off Trends & Safe Score
The cut-off depends on the difficulty level and number of vacancies (~340 this cycle). Based on recent years, here is the trend:
- AFCAT 1 2025 Cut-Off: ~121 Marks (Easier paper context)
- AFCAT 1 2024 Cut-Off: ~137 Marks
- AFCAT 1 2023 Cut-Off: ~155 Marks
Target Score for 2026:
To be safe, aim for 160+ marks.
Remember: Scoring just the cut-off gets you to the interview, but a high written score (170+) acts as a safety net for the final merit list.
🛣️ 6. What Happens After the Written Exam?
If you clear the AFCAT 1 2026 written exam, the selection process proceeds as follows:
- AFSB Interview: You will select a date and venue (Dehradun, Mysore, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, or Guwahati) for the Air Force Selection Board interview. This is a 5-day process involving psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
- Medical Examination: Recommended candidates undergo strict medical checks.
- Final Merit List: Based on Written Exam + AFSB Interview scores.
🆘 7. Helpdesk & Discrepancies
If your Admit Card has a spelling error, missing photo, or if you cannot download it:
- Email:
afcatcell@cdac.in - Phone: 020-25503105 / 020-25503106
- Timings: 9:30 AM – 1:00 PM & 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM (Monday to Friday)
FAQs
When was the AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2026 released?
The AFCAT 01/2026 admit card was released on January 22, 2026, on the official AFCAT website.
Where can I download the AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2026?
You can download the admit card only from the official website afcat.cdac.in using your registered email ID and password.
Will the AFCAT admit card be sent by post?
No, the Indian Air Force does not send admit cards by post; it is available online only.
What is the exam date for AFCAT 1 2026?
The AFCAT 01/2026 exam will be conducted on January 31, 2026 (Saturday).
How many shifts are there in AFCAT 1 2026?
The exam will be conducted in two shifts: a morning shift and an afternoon shift.
What happens if I reach the exam center late?
Late entry is strictly prohibited, and candidates arriving after gate closing time will not be allowed to appear for the exam.
What documents are mandatory to carry to the exam center?
You must carry a printed admit card, a valid original photo ID, two passport-size photographs, and a ballpoint pen.
Are photocopies or college ID cards accepted as ID proof?
No, only original government-issued photo IDs are accepted.
Is a color printout of the admit card compulsory?
While not officially mandatory, a color printout is strongly recommended for clarity and smooth verification.
What items are strictly prohibited inside the exam hall?
Mobile phones, smartwatches, calculators, bags, wallets, eatables, and any electronic devices are strictly banned.
Is there any dress code for AFCAT 1 2026?
Yes, candidates should wear simple clothing with small buttons and prefer slippers or sandals with flat heels.
Can I wear shoes or sneakers to the exam center?
Closed footwear is discouraged and may need to be removed during frisking.
What is the exam pattern of AFCAT 1 2026?
The exam consists of 100 objective questions for 300 marks to be completed in 2 hours.
Is there negative marking in AFCAT 1 2026?
Yes, one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer.
What subjects are included in the AFCAT exam?
The exam includes General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Reasoning, and Numerical Ability.
What is a safe score to clear AFCAT 1 2026?
Based on previous trends, a score of 160+ marks is considered safe.
Does clearing the cut-off guarantee final selection?
No, clearing the cut-off only qualifies you for the AFSB interview; final selection depends on combined performance.
What happens after clearing the AFCAT written exam?
Qualified candidates attend the AFSB interview, followed by a medical examination and final merit list.
How many days is the AFSB interview process?
The AFSB interview is a 5-day selection process.
Can I choose my AFSB interview date and center?
Yes, shortlisted candidates can select their preferred date and AFSB center from the available options.
What should I do if there is an error on my admit card?
You should immediately contact the AFCAT helpdesk via email or phone during working hours.
What if I forget my AFCAT login password?
You can reset your password using the “Forgot Password” option on the login page.
Is rough paper provided during the exam?
Rough work is allowed on the computer sheet or as instructed at the exam center.
Can I carry food or water inside the exam hall?
No, eatables are not allowed inside the exam hall.
Is Aadhaar card mandatory for AFCAT exam entry?
No, Aadhaar is not mandatory; any valid government-issued photo ID is acceptable.
Will my AFCAT score affect the final merit list?
Yes, the written exam score is added to the AFSB interview score for the final merit list.
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