Overview
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is inviting applications for 340 Officer positions through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026). This is a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation as a commissioned officer in one of the world’s leading air forces. Positions are open across Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches for both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) tracks.
🏢 Organization Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Recruitment Program | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026) |
| Total Vacancies | 340 Posts |
| Post Type | Commissioned Officers |
| Job Type | Full-time Permanent/Short Service Commission |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Pay Matrix | Rs. 56,100 – 177,500 |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 17th November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14th December 2025 |
| AFCAT Written Examination | 31st January 2026 |
| AFSB Interview & Medical | To be announced |
| Result / Selection List Release | To be announced |
📍 Vacancy Details by Branch
The 340 positions are distributed across different branches and entry types:
| Branch | Entry Type | Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying | SSC | Male | 34 |
| Flying | SSC | Female | 4 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | PC | AE(L): 3, AE(M): 9 | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | PC | AE(L): 3, AE(M): 3 | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | SSC | AE(L): 100, AE(M): 38 | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | SSC | AE(L): 23, AE(M): 9 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | SSC | WS: 21, Admin: 48, Lgs: 9, Accts: 8, Edn: 2, Met: 1 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | SSC | WS: 5, Admin: 12, Lgs: 2, Accts: 2, Edn: 2, Met: 2 | |
| NCC Special Entry | As per CDSE & AFCAT vacancies | 10% reservation |
PC = Permanent Commission | SSC = Short Service Commission | AE = Aeronautical Engineer
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Flying Branch
- Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE) / B.Tech degree in any discipline
- Valid Commercial Pilot License (optional but upper age limit relaxation available)
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
- Bachelor of Engineering (BE) / B.Tech degree in specified engineering disciplines such as:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
- Graduation or Post-Graduation in relevant fields such as:
- Administration
- Accounts
- Logistics
- Education
- Any other recognized discipline
NCC Special Entry
- 10% seats reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate holders in Ground Duty branches
⏳ Age Limit (as on 1st January 2027)
| Branch | Age Range | Birth Date Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 20 to 24 years | 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007 |
| Flying (with CPL) | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007 |
| Ground Duty | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007 |
Note: Age relaxation as per Government of India rules may be applicable
💰 Salary & Monthly Stipend
During Training:
- Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month during one year of training at Air Force Academy
After Commissioning (Permanent Officers):
- Pay Matrix: Rs. 56,100 – 177,500
- Level: 10
- Minimum Support Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500/-
- Additional Allowances based on branch/duty/posting:
- Flying Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Technical Allowance
- Risk & Hardship Allowance
- Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance (as applicable)
Application Fee:
- AFCAT Entry Examination: Rs. 550/- + GST (Non-refundable)
- NCC Special Entry: No fee (Nil)
🎯 Selection Process
Stage-I: AFSB Testing (Screening)
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test conducted on Day 1
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test on Day 1
- This is a screening test; only qualifiers proceed to Stage-II
- Document verification for eligibility check
- Candidates not qualifying or ineligible are sent back on Day 1
Stage-II: AFSB Testing (5 Days)
- Psychological Test (Day 1 Evening)
- Group Tests & Interview (Days 2-5 after document check)
- Assessment of officer-like qualities and leadership potential
For Flying Branch Only
- Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for recommended candidates
- This test is conducted once in a lifetime
- Previous CPSS/PABT failures or Flight Cadets suspended from training are ineligible
Final Merit List
- Minimum qualifying marks required separately in written exam and AFSB test
- Merit ranking based on total marks from written exam and AFSB tests
- Medical fitness clearance required
- Branch allotment based on vacancies, performance, medical fitness, and candidate preference
📑 How to Apply
Follow these steps to apply online:
Step 1: Visit the official portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Step 2: Read the detailed advertisement and instructions carefully
Step 3: Click on “Register/Sign Up” and fill personal details
Step 4: Use your Aadhaar Card number (mandatory for registration)
Step 5: You’ll receive User ID and Password via email and SMS
Step 6: Log in using your credentials
Step 7: Click “Go to Application”
Step 8: Fill all required fields carefully:
- Personal Details
- Communication Details
- Qualification Details
- Branch Preference
- Declaration
Step 9: Upload relevant documents:
- Passport-sized photograph
- Digital signature
Step 10: Select your exam center preference
Step 11: Pay application fee online via Payment Gateway (Rs. 550 + GST for AFCAT Entry)
Step 12: Submit your application before 14th December 2025
Important: Once submitted, details cannot be edited. Review everything carefully before final submission.
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Have the following documents ready in soft copy format:
- Educational Certificates: 10th mark sheet, 12th mark sheet, Graduation degree/diploma
- Engineering Degree: BE/B.Tech certificate and mark sheets (if applicable)
- Post-Graduation Degree: Master’s degree certificate and mark sheets (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card (mandatory)
- PAN Card
- Passport (if available)
- Passport-sized Photograph (4×6 cm, white background)
- Digital Signature
- Medical Fitness Certificate (if required)
- Character Certificate from school/college
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applying for NCC Special Entry)
- Valid Commercial Pilot License (if applying for Flying Branch with CPL)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable)
All documents should be clear, legible scans in JPEG or PDF format
📘 Important Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Detailed Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Employment Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official AFCAT Portal | Click Here |
| Indian Air Force Official Website | Click Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
| Download Mobile App | Click Here |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When can I start applying? A: Online applications begin from 17th November 2025 and close on 14th December 2025.
Q: How many positions are available? A: There are 340 total officer positions across Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches.
Q: What is the salary offered? A: During training, Flight Cadets receive Rs. 56,100/- per month. After commissioning, the pay matrix is Rs. 56,100 – 177,500 with additional allowances.
Q: What are the age requirements? A: Flying Branch: 20-24 years (26 years if you have Commercial Pilot License). Ground Duty: 20-26 years (as on 1st January 2027).
Q: Do I need to pay application fee? A: Yes, Rs. 550 + GST for AFCAT Entry. NCC Special Entry has no fee.
Q: Is Aadhaar Card mandatory? A: Yes, Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
Q: Can I apply for multiple positions? A: You can apply for one entry type, but can select multiple branch preferences. Only the latest application against your Aadhaar will be considered.
Q: What happens if I submit multiple applications? A: Only the latest application will be considered. However, fees paid for previous applications will NOT be refunded.
Q: When is the written examination? A: The AFCAT examination is scheduled for 31st January 2026.
Q: What is the selection process? A: Written AFCAT exam → AFSB Interview & Psychological Tests → Medical Fitness → Final Selection based on merit.
🔔 Important Tips Before Applying
✅ Ensure your Aadhaar Card details are accurate and updated ✅ Fill the application form very carefully – no changes allowed after submission ✅ Double-check all qualifications and dates entered ✅ Upload clear, legible copies of all documents ✅ Remember your User ID and Password for future reference ✅ Apply well before the deadline to avoid last-minute issues ✅ Read the full notification and instructions on the official website ✅ Check age eligibility based on your birth date as on 1st January 2027 ✅ Prepare well for the AFCAT written examination ✅ Stay updated on AFSB dates through official channels
