Indian Air Force has announced the Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 01/2026 for Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. Both male and female candidates can apply for the January 2027 course.
In this article, you will find all important details like eligibility criteria, age limit, application process, selection stages, salary, and more, so you can apply confidently and prepare smartly.
Table of Contents
Air Force AFCAT 01/2026v Notification Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer (Flying, Ground Duty Tech/ Non-Tech) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
| Notification Date | 3rd November 2025 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| Course Start Date | January 2027 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start | 17th November 2025 |
| Application End | 14th December 2025 |
| Admit Card | To be notified |
| Exam Date | To be notified |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee (₹) |
|---|---|
| All categories | 550 |
| NCC Special Entry/Metrology | Nil |
- Pay online. (Fee is non-refundable)
Age Limit (as on 1 January 2027)
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (born between 2 Jan 2003 & 1 Jan 2007)
- Upper age limit for candidates with a valid and current Commercial Pilot License: 26 years
- Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Tech): 20 to 26 years (born between 2 Jan 2001 & 1 Jan 2007)
Vacancy Details
Indian Air Force has announced a total of 340 vacancies under the AFCAT 1/2026 Notification. These include posts in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry for both male and female candidates.
| Entry Type | Post Code / Branch | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT (Flying Branch) | Flying | 34 | 04 | 38 |
| AFCAT (Ground Duty – Technical) | AE (L) – SSC | 100 | 23 | 123 |
| AE (M) – SSC | 38 | 09 | 47 | |
| AFCAT (Ground Duty – Technical) | AE (L) – PC | 03 | 03 | 06 |
| AE (M) – PC | 09 | 03 | 12 | |
| AFCAT (Ground Duty – Non-Technical) | Admin | 48 | 12 | 60 |
| LGS | 09 | 02 | 11 | |
| Accounts | 08 | 02 | 10 | |
| Education | 02 | 02 | 04 | |
| WS Branch | 21 | 05 | 26 | |
| Meteorology | 01 | 02 | 03 |
Total Vacancies: 340 Posts
NCC Special Entry
- Flying Branch: 10% of seats out of CDSE vacancies for Permanent Commission (PC) and 10% out of AFCAT vacancies for Short Service Commission (SSC) are reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Citizen of India.
Educational Qualifications:
1. Flying Branch
To apply for the Flying Branch, candidates must have:
- 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, minimum 50% marks in each subject
- A graduation degree (3-year) in any stream with a minimum of 60% marks,
OR - A B.E./B.Tech degree (4-year) with a minimum of 60% marks
- Candidates who cleared Section A & B of the Aeronautical Society of India / Institution of Engineers with a minimum of 60% marks are also eligible
2. Ground Duty (Technical Branch)
for Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) [AE(L)]
- 10+2 with Physics and Math, 50% each
- Four-year Engineering/Technology degree with minimum 60% marks in the fields of:
- Electronics / Electrical / Telecommunication / Information Tech / Computer Science
- Instrumentation / Avionics and relevant disciplines
for Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) [AE(M)]
- 10+2 with Physics and Math, 50% each
- Four-year Engineering/Technology degree with 60% marks in fields like:
- Mechanical / Aerospace / Aeronautical / Industrial Engineering
- Manufacturing / Production / Mechatronics and relevant streams
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branches)
- for Administration & Logistics
- Graduation with a minimum of 60% marks in any discipline
- for Accounts Branch
- B.Com or equivalent degree with a minimum of 60% marks
- for Education Branch
- Post-Graduation with minimum 50% marks and graduation with 60% marks
- for Weapon Systems (WS)
- Graduation with a minimum of 60% marks
- 10+2 with Physics and Math, 50% each
- for Meteorology
- Post-Graduation degree with minimum 50% marks in relevant Science disciplines like
- Meteorology / Atmospheric Science / Environmental Science / Physics / Geophysics / Oceanography / Mathematics / Statistics
- Post-Graduation degree with minimum 50% marks in relevant Science disciplines like
Important Points
- Final-year students can apply, but they must produce proof of passing with the required marks before training
- Engineering candidates should ensure degree duration is 4 years and is recognised by AICTE/UGC
- Candidates must have studied Physics & Maths in 12th, especially for the Flying & Technical branches
Application Process
- Apply online at afcat.cdac.in from 10 Nov to 9 Dec 2025.
- Register, fill out the application form, upload a photo/ a signature/ documents, and pay the fee.
- Print the confirmation and admit card for the exam.
Important Links
| Link Type | URL |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Physical & Medical Standards
| Standard | Flying Branch | Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech) |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Minimum 162.5 cm | Men: 157.5 cm Women: 152 cm |
| Weight | As per the height & age chart | As per the height & age chart |
| Vision | 6/6 in one eye & 6/9 in other (correctable to 6/6) | Corrected vision up to 6/6 accepted (limits apply) |
| Glasses/LASIK | Only allowed under strict conditions | Allowed under limits |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cm | Minimum 5 cm |
| Hearing | Normal hearing | Normal hearing |
| General Health | Must be physically & mentally fit; no major illness/surgery history | Same as flying |
Additional Notes
- Must have a Physics & Maths background for flying & technical branches.
- No spinal deformity, chronic diseases, or serious past surgeries.
- Tattoos are allowed only as per Air Force rules. (Tattoo Rules in Indian Army and Police Jobs)
Selection Process
- AFCAT Online Written Exam
- 100 MCQ questions, 2 hours, 300 marks
- Sections: GK, English, Maths, Reasoning, Military Aptitude
- EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) for the Technical branch
- 50 questions, 45 mins, 150 marks
- AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board)
- Psychological test, Group test, Personal interview
- Medical Examination (including physical standards)
Final merit list based on all stages and medical fitness.
Salary and Benefits details
Indian Air Force Officers get a handsome salary along with many allowances and facilities.
| Branch | Pay Level | Monthly Salary (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|
| All Branches | Level 10 (7th CPC) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Flying Branch | Incl. Flying Allowance | Up to ₹90,000+ |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Incl. Tech Allowance | Up to ₹80,000+ |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | — | Up to ₹75,000+ |
Other Allowances & Facilities
Along with the salary, Air Force officers enjoy many benefits like Military Service Pay, free accommodation or HRA, uniform and ration, free medical facilities for family, transport allowance, education support for children, LTC, and insurance with pension. Overall, the Air Force offers a secure, respectful, and premium lifestyle.
Career Growth and Promotion
Air Force Officers get structured promotions based on performance, training, and service period.
| Rank | Approx. Service |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer | On Commission |
| Flight Lieutenant | After 2 years |
| Squadron Leader | After 6 years |
| Wing Commander | After 13 years |
| Group Captain | Selection basis |
| Air Commodore | Selection basis |
| Air Vice Marshal | Selection basis |
| Air Marshal | Selection basis |
| Air Chief Marshal | Top Leadership Rank |
Growth Advantages
- Fast promotions with good performance
- Opportunity to take command roles
- Foreign postings & advanced training
- Chance to serve in prestigious branches like Garud, ATC, Flying units, HQ roles, etc.
IAF officers enjoy strong career growth, leadership roles, and immense respect in society.
FAQs: Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 01/2026
What is the AFCAT 2026 age limit?
For Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026, the age limit is 20–24 years for the Flying Branch and 20–26 years for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical), calculated as on 1 January 2027.
What is the selection process for AFCAT?
The Air Force AFCAT selection process includes an Online exam, an AFSB interview, and a medical examination, ensuring only qualified candidates join as officers.
What is the AFCAT application fee?
The AFCAT application fee is ₹550, while NCC Special Entry and Meteorology entry candidates can apply free of cost.
Can girls apply for AFCAT?
Yes, girls can apply for AFCAT. Both men and women are eligible for the Flying and Ground Duty branches under the Air Force AFCAT Recruitment.
Is B.Tech mandatory for AFCAT?
B.Tech degree is only mandatory for the Technical branch. For the Flying and Non-Technical branches, any graduation stream with the required marks is accepted.
Who can apply for AFCAT 2026?
Any Indian candidate who has graduated with the required marks and relevant subjects can apply for AFCAT 2026. Final-year students may also be eligible as per the notification rules.
Conclusion
Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 01/2026 opens the doors for young graduates to join the IAF as commissioned officers in flying, technical, and administrative roles. Make sure you fulfil eligibility, apply on time, and prepare thoroughly per the official syllabus!
If you are also interested in defence apprenticeships, then you can check the Naval Ship Repair Yard Apprentice Recruitment 2025 page on our site for more updates and opportunities.
