Overview
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is recruiting talented graduates to become commissioned officers through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). This is a prestigious opportunity to serve your country and build a rewarding career in aviation, technical expertise, and leadership roles.
🏢 Organization Details
| Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Recruitment Exam | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026) |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
📊 Vacancy Summary
Total Vacancies: 340 Officer Positions
| Branch | Entry Type | Men Positions | Women Positions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying | SSC | 34 | 4 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | PC & SSC | Multiple Branches | Multiple Branches |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | SSC | Various (Admin, Logistics, Accounts, etc.) | Various |
| NCC Special Entry | PC & SSC | 10% of total vacancies | Included |
Post Type: Government Job (Commissioned Officer)
Job Type: Full-time (Permanent)
Application Mode: Online Only
📅 Important Dates to Remember
| Milestone | Date |
|---|---|
| Start of Online Application | 17-11-2025 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 14-12-2025 |
| Online AFCAT Examination | 31-01-2026 |
🎓 Educational Qualifications
Flying Branch:
- Bachelor’s Degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR
- B.Tech/B.E degree from recognized institute
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:
- B.Tech/B.E degree in specified engineering disciplines (Aeronautical, Mechanical, Electronics, etc.)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch:
- Bachelor’s Degree or Post-Graduation in relevant fields such as:
- Administration
- Accounts
- Logistics
- Education
- Psychology
- Any other relevant discipline
General Requirement: Any Graduate qualification from a recognized university
💰 Salary & Stipend Details (Per Month)
| Designation | Salary |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
| Flight Cadet (During Training) | Fixed Stipend: Rs. 56,100 |
| Pay Level | Level 10 (as per Defence Matrix) |
| MSP (Minimum Starting Pay) | Rs. 15,500 |
Additional Benefits After Commissioning:
- Flying Allowance (for Flying Branch)
- Transport Allowance
- Technical Allowance (if applicable)
- Risk and Hardship Allowance
- Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance
- Other allowances based on posting location and branch
⏳ Age Limit (As on 01-01-2027)
| Branch | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying | 20 years | 24 years | 02-01-2003 to 01-01-2007 |
| Flying (with Commercial Pilot License) | 20 years | 26 years | 02-01-2001 to 01-01-2007 |
| Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) | 20 years | 26 years | 02-01-2001 to 01-01-2007 |
💳 Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550 + GST (Non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | FREE (No Fee) |
🎯 Selection Process
The IAF follows a rigorous multi-stage selection process:
Stage 1: Online AFCAT Written Examination (31-01-2026)
- Objective type questions on relevant subjects
- Duration: 2 hours
- Candidates must qualify with minimum marks set by IAF
Stage 2: AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) Testing
Day 1 – Stage I (Screening):
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIRT)
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT)
- Only qualified candidates proceed to next stages
- Document verification for branch eligibility
- Unqualified candidates sent back same day
Day 1 Evening to Day 5 – Stage II:
- Psychological Test
- Group Tests (Group Discussion, Group Planning Exercise)
- Personal Interview
- Document re-verification
Stage 3: For Flying Branch Only – Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
- Administered to AFSB recommended candidates
- One-time test in lifetime
- Candidates failing CPSS earlier or suspended from flying training are NOT eligible
Stage 4: Medical Examination & Fitness Assessment
- Comprehensive medical checkup
- Fitness verification
- Branch suitability assessment
Final Merit List:
- Merit based on combined marks from written exam and AFSB tests
- Minimum qualifying marks required separately for written exam and AFSB
- Branch allotment based on vacancies, performance, medical fitness, and candidate preference
📑 How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Registration & Sign Up
- Visit official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
- Click on “Apply Online” or “New Registration”
- Fill in personal and contact details
- User ID and password will be sent to your registered email and mobile number
Step 2: Complete Your Application
- Log in using your User ID and password
- Click “Go to Application”
- Fill in all required fields:
- Personal Details
- Communication Details (Address, Phone, Email)
- Educational Qualification Details
- Declaration (agree to terms and conditions)
Step 3: Upload Documents
- Upload clear photograph (as per specifications)
- Upload signature image
- Ensure files meet required format and size
Step 4: Pay Application Fee
- Complete fee payment through online payment gateway
- Save your payment receipt for future reference
- NCC candidates don’t need to pay any fee
Step 5: Final Submission
- Verify all information carefully before final submission
- IMPORTANT: Once submitted, NO changes are allowed
- Double-check your Aadhaar number, name, contact details, qualifications
Important Tips:
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration
- Only the latest application submitted against your Aadhaar will be considered
- Extra application fees are non-refundable
- Exercise extreme care while filling – incorrect information leads to cancellation
⚙️ Key Documents Required
- Aadhaar Card (Mandatory for registration)
- Educational Certificates (10th, 12th, Graduation/Post-Graduation as applicable)
- Passing Certificates with marks sheet
- Degree Certificate (Final)
- Caste Certificate (if applicable for reserved category)
- NCC Certificate (if applicable for NCC Special Entry)
- Commercial Pilot License (if applicable for Flying Branch)
- Medical fitness reports (during AFSB testing)
- Character certificate (if required)
- Recent passport-size photograph (4×6 cm, color)
- Signature (clear black ink on white background)
📘 Important Links & Resources
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | https://afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Detailed Notification PDF | https://afcat.edcil.co.in/assets/images/news/AFCAT_02_2025/Notification_AFCAT_01-2026.pdf |
| Official IAF Website | https://indianairforce.nic.in |
| Employment Notification | Check official website |
| Telegram Channel | Follow for latest updates |
| WhatsApp Channel | Subscribe for notifications |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: When should I apply?
A: Applications open from 17-11-2025 and close on 14-12-2025. Apply as early as possible.
Q: What’s the eligibility for Flying Branch?
A: You need a Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2, or B.Tech/B.E degree.
Q: What are the age limits?
A: Flying Branch: 20-24 years; Ground Duty: 20-26 years (as on 01-01-2027).
Q: When is the written examination?
A: Online AFCAT exam is scheduled for 31-01-2026.
Q: Is the application fee refundable?
A: No, the application fee (Rs. 550 + GST) is non-refundable.
Q: Can I apply for multiple branches?
A: Yes, you can apply for multiple branches based on your qualifications.
Q: What if I submit multiple applications?
A: Only your latest application will be considered. Extra fees won’t be refunded.
Q: Is Aadhaar mandatory?
A: Yes, Aadhaar is mandatory for online registration.
Q: What is the salary of a Flying Officer?
A: Rs. 56,100 to 1,77,500 with additional allowances based on branch and posting.
🔔 Pro Tips for Aspirants
✅ Apply Early: Don’t wait until the last day to avoid technical issues
✅ Check Requirements: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria before applying
✅ Accurate Details: Fill information carefully – NO corrections allowed after submission
✅ Document Verification: Keep all original certificates ready for verification
✅ Prepare Well: Start AFSB exam preparation early – competition is tough
✅ Physical Fitness: Maintain good physical fitness for medical examination
✅ Document Format: Upload photos and signatures in correct format and size
✅ Save Details: Take screenshot of application number and confirmation
Ready to Fly High? Apply Now and Serve the Nation! 🇮🇳
