The Indian Air Force (IAF) invites applications from eligible candidates for recruitment to 340 Officer positions through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026). This is a golden opportunity for graduates and engineering professionals to serve the nation and build a prestigious career in the Indian Air Force.
Organization: Indian Air Force (IAF)
Total Vacancies: 340 Posts
Post Type: Commissioned Officers (Permanent Commission & Short Service Commission)
Job Type: Government Job – Defense Services
Application Mode: Online only
Official Website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 17th November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14th December 2025 |
| AFCAT Examination Date | 31st January 2026 |
📍 Vacancy Details
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M&W | – | – | 34 | 04 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/PC/110AEC/M&W<br>220/27T/SSC/110AEC/M&W | AE(L): 03<br>AE(M): 09 | AE(L): 03<br>AE(M): 03 | AE(L): 100<br>AE(M): 38 | AE(L): 23<br>AE(M): 09 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | – | – | WS: 21<br>Admin: 48<br>Lgs: 09<br>Accts: 08<br>Edn: 02<br>Met: 01 | WS: 05<br>Admin: 12<br>Lgs: 02<br>Accts: 02<br>Edn: 02<br>Met: 02 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 221/27F/PC/M and 221/27F/SSC/M&W | 10% of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
Note: PC = Permanent Commission, SSC = Short Service Commission, AE(L) = Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics), AE(M) = Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical), WS = Weapon Systems
🎓 Educational Qualifications
For Flying Branch:
- Graduation degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR
- BE/B.Tech degree in any discipline
For Ground Duty (Technical):
- BE/B.Tech degree in specified engineering disciplines
For Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
- Graduation or Post-Graduation in relevant fields such as Administration, Accounts, Logistics, Education, or Meteorology
💰 Salary Details (Per Month)
During Training:
- Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month during the one-year training period
After Commissioning:
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10 as per Defence Pay Matrix)
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500
- Additional Allowances: Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, etc., based on branch and posting location
🎯 Selection Process
The selection process consists of two main stages:
1. Written Examination (AFCAT)
- Online exam scheduled for 31st January 2026
- Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks
2. AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) Testing
Stage-I (Day 1):
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test
- This is a screening test; only qualified candidates proceed to Stage-II
- Document verification for eligibility
Stage-II (5-6 Days):
- Psychological Tests (Day 1 Evening)
- Group Tests
- Personal Interview
3. For Flying Branch Only:
- Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for recommended candidates only
- This is a once-in-a-lifetime test
- Candidates who have failed CPSS/PABT previously or suspended from flying training are not eligible
Final Merit List:
- Based on combined performance in written examination and AFSB tests
- Branch allotment depends on vacancies, performance, medical fitness, and candidate preference
- 10% vacancies reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate holders in Ground Duty branches
⏳ Age Limit (as on 01-01-2027)
For Flying Branch:
- General: 20 to 24 years (Born between 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007)
- With Valid Commercial Pilot License: Upper age relaxed up to 26 years (Born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007)
For Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical):
- Age Limit: 20 to 26 years (Born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007)
📑 How to Apply
Follow these simple steps to apply online:
Step 1: Registration
- Visit the official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration
- Register with personal and contact details
- User ID and password will be sent via email and SMS
Step 2: Fill Application Form
- Login using the credentials received
- Complete all sections: Personal Details, Communication Details, Educational Qualifications
- Upload photograph and signature (as per specifications)
- Review all details carefully before submission
Step 3: Payment
- Pay application fee online through Payment Gateway
- AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + GST (Non-refundable)
- NCC Special Entry: No fee required
Important Points:
- Details cannot be changed after final submission
- Only the latest application against an Aadhaar Number will be considered if multiple applications are submitted
- Fee paid for additional applications is non-refundable
- Incorrect information may lead to cancellation of candidature at any stage
⚙️ Key Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory)
- Recent passport-size photograph (as per specifications)
- Signature in prescribed format
- Educational certificates and mark sheets
- Date of Birth proof
- Commercial Pilot License (if applicable for Flying Branch)
- NCC Certificate (if applying through NCC Special Entry)
📘 Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification PDF | Download Here |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official IAF Website | Visit Website |
💡 Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can I edit my application after submission? No, details cannot be changed after final submission. Please verify all information carefully before submitting.
Q2. Is there any reservation for NCC candidates? Yes, 10% of vacancies in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches are reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate holders.
Q3. What happens if I fail the Stage-I screening test? Candidates who don’t qualify Stage-I will be sent back on the first day itself and won’t undergo further testing.
Q4. Can I apply for multiple branches? Yes, you can apply for eligible branches based on your qualifications. Branch allotment will depend on merit, vacancies, and your preference.
Don’t miss this opportunity to serve the nation! Apply before 14th December 2025.
Touch the sky with glory! 🇮🇳
