Overview
The Indian Air Force is conducting AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 01/2026 to recruit 340 commissioned officers. This is a prestigious opportunity to serve the country as an Air Force officer with international standards of training, excellent salary, and career growth. Graduates can apply for various branches including Flying, Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry.
🏢 Organization
Indian Air Force (IAF)
Location: Pan-India (Various Air Force stations across India)
Ministry: Ministry of Defence, Government of India
📊 Total Vacancies
340 Posts across multiple entry streams and branches
| Entry Type | Flying | Ground Duty (Tech) | Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | NCC Special Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Vacancies | 38 | Multiple | Multiple | 10% of vacancies |
💼 Post Type
Commissioned Officer – Officer ranks in the Indian Air Force system.
📅 Job Type
Full-Time Career Services – Permanent commission with pension, international exposure, and career progression.
🌐 Application Mode
Online Only – Applications through official AFCAT portal only.
🔗 Official Website
https://afcat.edcil.co.in OR https://indianairforce.nic.in
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Opens | November 17, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | December 19, 2025 |
| AFCAT Examination Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Result/Selection List Release | To be announced |
📍 Vacancy Details
Flying Branch
- SSC Entry: 34 Men + 4 Women = 38 Vacancies
- Permanent Commission (PC) + Short Service Commission (SSC) options
- Requires Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or BE/B.Tech degree
Ground Duty – Technical
- Aerospace Engineering: Multiple vacancies
- Aeronautical Engineering: Multiple vacancies
- Both PC and SSC entries available
Ground Duty – Non-Technical
- Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology
- SSC entry for graduates and post-graduates
NCC Special Entry
- 10% of vacancies reserved
- For NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate holders only
🎓 Educational Qualifications
| Branch | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Flying | Physics & Maths at 10+2 level OR BE/B.Tech degree |
| Ground Duty – Technical | BE/B.Tech in Aerospace/Aeronautical Engineering |
| Ground Duty – Non-Technical | Any Graduation OR Post-Graduation in relevant field |
| NCC Special Entry | Any Graduation + Valid NCC ‘C’ Certificate |
Additional Requirements:
- Indian citizen as per government rules
- Physically and medically fit
- No color blindness (for Flying Branch)
💰 Salary / Stipend (Per Month)
| Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Base Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹177,500 |
| Minimum Starting Pay | ₹56,100/- per month |
| Monthly Stipend (Training Year) | ₹56,100/- (Fixed) |
Plus Allowances:
- Flying Allowance (Flight branch)
- Technical Allowance (Technical branch)
- Transport Allowance
- Risk & Hardship Allowance (as per posting)
- Other DA/HRA as per government rules
Additional Benefits:
- Accommodation & Food during training
- Medical facilities for self & family
- Pension & retirement benefits
- International exposure & training
⏳ Age Limit (As on January 1, 2027)
| Branch | Age Range | Birth Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20-24 years | Jan 2, 2003 to Jan 1, 2007 |
| Flying (CPL Holders) | 20-26 years | Jan 2, 2001 to Jan 1, 2007 |
| Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech) | 20-26 years | Jan 2, 2001 to Jan 1, 2007 |
Note: Commercial Pilot License (CPL) holders from DGCA can apply with relaxed upper age limit.
🎯 Selection Process
Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination (January 31, 2026)
- Online exam format
- Questions on General Knowledge, Reasoning, English, Mathematics
- Duration: 2 hours (approximately)
- Qualifying marks: 40% minimum
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing (5-6 days)
Day 1 – Stage I Screening:
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR)
- Picture Perception & Discussion (PP&D)
- Only qualified candidates proceed
Day 2 onwards – Stage II:
- Psychological Test
- Group Tests (discussions, planning, leadership)
- Personal Interview
- Document verification
For Flying Branch Candidates (Selected):
- Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) – Once in lifetime test
- Cockpit procedures & aviation knowledge assessment
Final Merit List:
- Based on combined performance in written exam and AFSB
- Medical fitness clearance mandatory
- Branch allotment based on merit and choice
📑 How to Apply
Step 1: Visit https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Step 2: Click “Sign Up/Registration”
Step 3: Provide personal details:
- Full name, date of birth
- Email ID (must be valid and active)
- Mobile number
- Aadhaar number (Mandatory)
Step 4: User ID and password will be sent to:
- Email address provided
- SMS to registered mobile number
Step 5: Login with credentials and proceed to “Go to Application”
Step 6: Fill Application Form completely:
- Personal details
- Communication details
- Educational qualifications
- Branch preference & entry type
Step 7: Upload documents:
- Passport-size photograph
- Digital signature
- Educational certificates
Step 8: Declaration:
- Read and accept terms & conditions
Step 9: Pay Examination Fee:
- AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + GST
- NCC Entry: FREE (No fee)
- Online payment only (Credit/Debit Card, Net Banking)
Step 10: Submit application and save confirmation
Step 11: Download and print acknowledgement for records
⚙️ Key Documents Required
Educational Documents:
- Bachelor’s/Master’s degree certificate
- Mark sheets from university
- Stream certificates (Physics, Maths for Flying)
- Engineering degree (for Tech posts)
Identity & Age Proof:
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
- Birth certificate or equivalent
- Passport (if available)
- PAN Card
For NCC Special Entry:
- Valid NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing)
- Service discharge certificate
For CPL Holders (Flying):
- Valid Commercial Pilot License from DGCA
- Flying experience documentation
Other Documents:
- Medical fitness report (if any)
- Character certificate
- Caste certificate (if applicable)
Digital Copies Required:
- Recent passport-size photograph (colored)
- Digital signature scan
Important: All original documents must be produced during AFSB interview for verification.
📘 Important Links
| Document/Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Official AFCAT Portal | Apply Here |
| Detailed Notification PDF | Download |
| Indian Air Force Website | Visit |
| AFCAT Application Link | Click Here |
⚡ Key Points to Remember
✅ Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration
✅ Apply before December 19, 2025
✅ Examination on January 31, 2026 (Nationwide)
✅ No age relaxation for general category
✅ Medical fitness is mandatory
✅ No re-attempt allowed for Flying Branch CPSS
✅ Fill application carefully – no changes after submission
✅ Keep print of acknowledgement for reference
❓ Quick FAQ
Q: Can women apply?
A: Yes, women can apply for all branches including Flying branch.
Q: What if I have CPL (Commercial Pilot License)?
A: You can apply with relaxed age limit up to 26 years.
Q: Can I change my application after submission?
A: No, details cannot be changed after final submission. Fill carefully.
Q: How many times can I attempt?
A: AFCAT can be attempted multiple times, but CPSS (Flying) is once in lifetime.
Q: What is the selection procedure timeline?
A: Written exam (Jan 31), AFSB (Feb-Mar), Results (May-June) – Approximately.
Don’t Miss This Golden Opportunity! 🚀
Serve your nation with pride and build an outstanding career in the Indian Air Force. Apply today and be part of the elite force protecting India!
Last Updated: December 13, 2025
Next AFCAT after this will be announced separately
