With the AFCAT 1 2026 Admit Card officially released on January 22, the countdown has begun for the Indian Air Force’s first major recruitment exam of the year. Scheduled for Saturday, January 31, 2026, the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) will be conducted in two shifts across the country.
While most candidates have already downloaded their hall tickets from afcat.edcil.co.in, many often overlook the strict exam day rules. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is known for its zero-tolerance policy regarding dress code and documentation. To ensure you don’t face any last-minute panic at the exam center, here is a comprehensive guide on shift timings, the mandatory dress code, and the documents you must carry.
AFCAT 1 2026 Shift Timings and Reporting Schedule
The exam will be conducted in an online Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. Candidates must strictly adhere to the reporting time mentioned on their admit card. Latecomers are typically not allowed entry under any circumstances.
| Activity | Shift 1 (Morning) | Shift 2 (Afternoon) |
| Candidate Reporting Time | 07:30 AM | 12:30 PM |
| Entry Gate Closing | 09:30 AM | 02:00 PM |
| Pre-Exam Verification | 07:30 AM – 09:30 AM | 12:30 PM – 02:00 PM |
| Reading of Instructions | 09:30 AM – 09:45 AM | 02:00 PM – 02:15 PM |
| Exam Start Time | 09:45 AM | 02:15 PM |
| Exam End Time | 11:45 AM | 04:15 PM |
Note: Please verify the exact timing on your individual admit card, as center-specific instructions may vary slightly.
Mandatory Dress Code (Do’s and Don’ts)
The IAF has a specific dress code to ensure security and fair conduct during the exam. Ignoring these rules can lead to unnecessary delays or even disqualification at the entry gate.
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What to Wear (Allowed)
- Clothes: Wear simple, comfortable clothing. Light-colored clothes with half sleeves and no big buttons are recommended.
- Footwear: Wear slippers or flat sandals with no closed toes. This is the most preferred footwear as it speeds up the frisking process.
What NOT to Wear (Strictly Prohibited)
- Clothing: Avoid jackets, coats, or clothes with large pockets, heavy embroidery, or big buttons.
- Footwear: Shoes are generally not allowed inside the lab. If you wear shoes, you may be asked to remove them outside the exam hall.
- Accessories: All forms of jewelry (rings, earrings, nose pins, chains, necklaces, bangles) are strictly prohibited.
- Headgear: Caps, hats, and scarves are not allowed unless worn for religious reasons (e.g., turbans for Sikh candidates).
Checklist: Documents to Carry
Before leaving for the exam center, ensure you have the following items in a transparent pouch:
- Printed Admit Card: A clear printout (preferably color) of the AFCAT 1 2026 Admit Card.
- Original Photo ID: A valid government-issued ID (Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Voter ID, Passport, or Driving License). The name on the ID must match the admit card exactly.
- Passport Size Photos: Two recent color passport-size photographs (same as the one uploaded during registration). These will be pasted on the attendance sheet.
- Ballpoint Pen: A blue or black ballpoint pen for rough work and signing the attendance sheet.
- Aadhaar Card: It is mandatory to carry your Aadhaar card for biometric verification.
Last-Minute Advice for Aspirants
With less than 10 days left, focus on revising high-yield topics like Static GK (Defence Awards, Capitals, Sports) and Maths formulas.
- Mock Tests: Attempt at least one mock test during the actual shift timing (9:45 AM or 2:15 PM) to condition your brain.
- Verify Center: Check the location of your exam center on Google Maps a day in advance to plan your travel.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Can I wear shoes to the AFCAT exam center?
It is highly recommended to wear flat sandals or slippers. If you wear shoes, you will likely be asked to remove them outside the exam hall/lab for security reasons.
Q2: Is a color printout of the admit card mandatory?
While not strictly mandatory, a color printout is preferred by the IAF to ensure your photograph and details are clearly visible for verification.
Q3: What should I do if my name is spelled wrong on the admit card?
You must immediately contact the AFCAT Query Cell and carry a valid original ID proof with the correct name, along with an affidavit explaining the error, to the exam center.
Q4: Will there be a facility to keep bags and phones at the center?
Most centers do not provide lockers or safe custody for valuable items like mobile phones and bags. It is best to leave them at home or with a guardian.
Q5: Is there negative marking in AFCAT 1 2026?
Yes, there is a negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer. You get +3 marks for every correct answer.