Overview
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is inviting applications for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026) to recruit 340 qualified officers across multiple branches. If you’re a graduate with a passion for serving the nation and meet the eligibility criteria, this is your chance to become an IAF officer. The selection process includes a written exam followed by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing.
🏛️ Organization
Indian Air Force (IAF)
Ministry of Defence, Government of India
📊 Total Vacancies
340 Officer Posts
The vacancies are distributed across three main entry categories:
- AFCAT Entry (Regular): Majority of posts
- NCC Special Entry: 10% of Ground Duty vacancies reserved for NCC Air Wing candidates
- Flying & Ground Duty Branches: Both technical and non-technical positions available
💼 Post Type
Officer Positions – Direct commissioning as Flight Cadets leading to permanent officer rank
🕐 Job Type
Permanent Commission (PC) & Short Service Commission (SSC)
🌐 Application Mode
Online Only via the official AFCAT portal
📍 Official Website
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 17th November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14th December 2025 |
| Online AFCAT Exam | 31st January 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| Result Announcement | To be announced |
📍 Vacancy Details
Vacancy Distribution by Branch & Entry Type
| Branch | Entry Type | Male Vacancies | Female Vacancies | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying | SSC | 34 | 04 | 38 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | PC & SSC | 12 | 06 | 18 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | SSC | 89 | 25 | 114 |
| NCC Special Entry | PC & SSC | Special Quota (10% of Ground Duty) | Special Quota (10% of Ground Duty) | — |
Note: Different specializations are available under Technical and Non-Technical branches including Aeronautical Engineering, Weapons Systems, Administration, Accounts, Logistics, and more.
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Flying Branch
- Bachelor’s degree (Any stream) with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR
- BE/B.Tech degree in any discipline
Ground Duty (Technical Branch)
- BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering fields such as:
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Computer Science Engineering, and other specified disciplines
Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch)
- Bachelor’s degree or Post-Graduation in relevant fields such as:
- Administration
- Commerce/Accounting
- Logistics & Supply Chain
- Education
- Meteorology
NCC Special Entry
- Must have completed NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate
- Other eligibility criteria remain the same as per applied branch
💰 Salary & Stipend Details
During Training (One Year at Air Force Academy)
- Fixed Monthly Stipend: Rs. 56,100/-
After Commissioning as Officer
- Pay Level: 10
- Base Pay: Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 (Pay Matrix)
- Minimum Starting Pay: Rs. 56,100/-
- MSP (Minimum Starting Pay): Rs. 15,500/-
Additional Allowances (Post-Commissioning)
Officers receive various allowances based on branch and posting location:
- Flying Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Technical Allowance
- Risk & Hardship Allowance
- Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance (if applicable)
⏳ Age Limit
As on 1st January 2027:
| Branch | Age Range | Birth Year Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 20 to 24 years | 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007 |
| Flying (CPL Holders) | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007 |
| Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007 |
Upper Age Relaxation: Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) can apply up to age 26 for the Flying branch.
🎯 Selection Process
The IAF follows a comprehensive multi-stage selection process to identify the best candidates:
Stage 1: Written Examination (AFCAT)
- Duration: 2 hours
- Total Marks: Based on IAF guidelines
- Content: General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning
- Qualification: Candidates must meet the minimum qualifying marks set by IAF
- Screening: Only qualified candidates proceed to AFSB testing
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing (5-6 Days)
Day 1 – Morning:
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR)
- Picture Perception and Discussion (PP&DT) Test
- Document verification for branch eligibility
- ⚠️ Candidates who fail to qualify in Stage-I or don’t meet eligibility criteria are sent back on the first day itself
Day 1 – Evening to Day 6:
- Psychological Test
- Group Tests (Group Planning Exercise, etc.)
- Interview with IAF officers
- Medical Fitness Assessment
Stage 3: Flying Branch – Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
- ⚠️ Important: This is a once-in-a-lifetime test
- Only recommended candidates from AFSB undergo CPSS testing
- Candidates who failed CPSS/PABT in previous attempts or were suspended from flying training are NOT eligible
- Tests spatial awareness, coordination, and flying aptitude
Final Merit List & Branch Allotment
- Candidates ranked based on total marks from written exam and AFSB tests
- Final allotment depends on:
- Number of vacancies available
- Performance in selection process
- Medical fitness report
- Candidate’s choice of branch
📑 How to Apply
Applying for IAF AFCAT is simple and straightforward. Follow these easy steps:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official portal: afcat.edcil.co.in
- Click on “Sign Up / New Registration”
- Enter your personal details (Name, Email, Mobile Number)
- Create a User ID and Password (will be sent to your registered email and phone)
- ⚠️ Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration
Step 2: Login & Complete Application
- Log in using your User ID and Password
- Fill in complete Personal Details
- Enter Communication Details (Address, Phone)
- Provide Educational Qualifications with marks
- Select the branch(es) you want to apply for
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Upload clear, recent color passport-sized photograph (as per specifications)
- Upload clear digital signature
- All documents must be in the specified format (JPG/PNG)
Step 4: Declaration & Payment
- Read and accept the declaration terms
- Verify all information you’ve entered
- ⚠️ Once submitted, details cannot be edited
- Proceed to payment gateway
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
- AFCAT Entry Candidates: Rs. 550/- + GST (Non-refundable)
- NCC Special Entry Candidates: FREE (No fee required)
- Complete payment through online modes (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI)
Step 6: Confirmation
- After successful payment, you’ll receive a confirmation
- Save and download your acknowledgment receipt
- Keep your User ID and Password safe for future reference
- Admit Card will be available on the portal before exam date
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Keep these documents ready before starting the application:
For Registration:
- ✅ Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
- ✅ Valid Email ID
- ✅ Mobile Number (active and registered in your name)
For Application Form:
- ✅ Educational Certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation, Post-Graduation)
- ✅ Mark Sheets from all educational qualifications
- ✅ Passport/Voter ID/Driving License (for identity verification)
- ✅ Birth Certificate or School Records (for age verification)
For Upload:
- ✅ Recent color passport-sized photograph (35mm x 45mm, JPG/PNG format)
- ✅ Digital Signature (JPG/PNG format)
- ✅ Valid government-issued ID copy (PDF/JPG format)
At AFSB Interview:
- ✅ Original certificates and mark sheets
- ✅ Admit Card (downloaded from portal)
- ✅ Aadhaar Card or Valid Government ID
- ✅ Passport (if you have one)
- ✅ Medical records (if any)
📘 Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official AFCAT Portal | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Full Notification PDF | Download Here |
| IAF Official Website | indianairforce.nic.in |
| Application Fee Payment | Available on AFCAT portal |
| Admit Card Download | Available on AFCAT portal (before exam) |
| Result & Merit List | To be announced on official portal |
❓ FAQs
Q1. When can I start applying?
A: Applications opened on 17th November 2025.
Q2. What is the last date to apply?
A: The last date to apply is 14th December 2025. No applications will be accepted after this date.
Q3. Can I apply for multiple branches?
A: Yes, you can apply for multiple branches based on your eligibility. Each branch application will be considered separately.
Q4. What if I have a Commercial Pilot License (CPL)?
A: You can apply for the Flying branch with relaxed upper age limit up to 26 years.
Q5. Is NCC certificate mandatory?
A: No, but candidates with NCC Air Wing ‘C’ certificate get 10% of Ground Duty vacancies reserved specifically for them.
Q6. Can I edit my application after submission?
A: No, once you click “Submit,” you cannot edit any details. Verify everything carefully before submitting.
Q7. What is the application fee?
A: Rs. 550/- + GST for AFCAT Entry. No fee for NCC Special Entry candidates.
Q8. How many times can I apply?
A: Only the latest application submitted against your Aadhaar number will be considered for the admit card. Previous fees are non-refundable.
Q9. When is the written exam scheduled?
A: The AFCAT written exam is scheduled for 31st January 2026.
Q10. What are the minimum qualifying marks?
A: IAF will announce minimum qualifying marks after the exam. Separate minimum marks apply for written exam and AFSB tests.
🎯 Quick Checklist Before You Apply
- ✅ Check your eligibility (graduation, age, stream)
- ✅ Gather all required documents and certificates
- ✅ Take a clear passport-sized color photograph
- ✅ Have a valid email ID and active mobile number
- ✅ Keep your Aadhaar Card number ready
- ✅ Check exam date suits your preparation timeline
- ✅ Note down application fee amount
- ✅ Read the full notification carefully before applying
Best of Luck with your IAF AFCAT 01/2026 Application! 🚀
Last Updated: 18th November 2025
