The wait is finally over for thousands of defence aspirants across India. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 1 2026 Admit Card on January 22, 2026. Candidates who have applied for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026 cycle can now download their hall tickets from the official website.
This exam is the gateway for joining the Indian Air Force as a Class-1 Gazetted Officer in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. With the exam scheduled for later this month, candidates must secure their admit cards immediately to avoid last-minute hassles.
Here is everything you need to know about the exam schedule, how to download your call letter, and important exam day guidelines.
AFCAT 1 2026: Important Dates and Exam Schedule
The Indian Air Force has confirmed the schedule for the upcoming examination. The exam will be conducted in online mode (Computer Based Test) across various centers in India.
| Event | Date |
| Admit Card Release Date | January 22, 2026 (Out Now) |
| AFCAT 1 2026 Exam Date | January 31, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Shift 1 Reporting Time | 08:00 AM |
| Shift 2 Reporting Time | 12:30 PM |
Note: Please check your specific shift timings and reporting time mentioned on your individual admit card.
How to Download AFCAT 1 Admit Card 2026
Candidates can download their hall tickets by following these simple steps. You will need your registered email ID and password.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the official AFCAT website ( afcat.cdac.in or afcat.edcil.co.in).
- Candidate Login: Click on the “Candidate Login” tab and select “AFCAT 01/2026”.
- Enter Credentials: Enter your registered Email ID and Password.
- Enter Captcha: Type the security code shown on the screen.
- Download: Once logged in, click on the “Download Admit Card” link.
- Print: Save the PDF and take a clear printout (preferably in color) for the exam day.
Important: If you have forgotten your password, use the “Forgot Password” option on the login page to reset it using your registered email.
Exam Day Guidelines and Documents to Carry
Strict rules are followed at AFCAT exam centers. To ensure a smooth entry, candidates must carry the following items:
- Printed Admit Card: A hard copy of the AFCAT 1 2026 admit card.
- Photo ID Proof: Original and valid ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License). The name on the ID must match the name on the admit card.
- Passport Size Photos: Carry 2 passport-size color photographs (same as the one uploaded during registration).
- Ballpoint Pen: A blue or black ballpoint pen for rough work and signing the attendance sheet.
Prohibited Items
Candidates are strictly prohibited from carrying electronic devices (phones, smartwatches, Bluetooth devices), calculators, purses, or study material inside the exam hall.
Read more: CMAT 2026 Admit Card Out
Exam Pattern Overview
For those using the final days for revision, here is a quick recap of the exam pattern:
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Total Questions: 100
- Maximum Marks: 300 (3 marks for each correct answer)
- Negative Marking: -1 mark for every incorrect answer
- Subjects: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude.
What Happens Next?
After the exam on January 31, 2026, the Indian Air Force will release the results tentatively within a month. Qualified candidates will then be called for the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interview, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview.
Candidates are advised to focus on their revision and mock tests in these final days.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: When is the AFCAT 1 2026 exam?
The exam is scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026.
Q2: Which website should I visit to download the admit card?
You can download the admit card from the official website afcat.cdac.in or afcat.edcil.co.in.
Q3: My photograph is not clear on the admit card. What should I do?
If there are any discrepancies or if the photo is unclear, contact the AFCAT Query Cell immediately. Also, carry extra passport-size photos and a valid photo ID to the exam center.
Q4: Is it mandatory to carry a color printout of the admit card?
While a black and white printout is accepted if legible, a color printout is highly recommended to ensure your photo and details are clearly visible to the invigilator.
Q5: What is the reporting time for Shift 1?
The reporting time for Shift 1 is typically 08:00 AM. However, please verify the exact time mentioned on your specific admit card.