Your Guide to Joining the Indian Air Force: AFCAT 01/2026 Notification
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the short notification for its upcoming Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026. This is a massive opportunity for ambitious young men and women from all over India to join the elite ranks of the IAF as Commissioned Officers. This recruitment drive is for courses scheduled to begin in January 2027, opening doors to the prestigious Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The NCC Special Entry scheme for the flying branch is also part of this notification.
If you have ever dreamed of a life filled with adventure, leadership, and service to the nation, this is your call. The Indian Air Force offers a career that is not just a job but a way of life, filled with honour, dignity, and exceptional growth prospects. This article breaks down all the available details from the official notification, including salary, eligibility, and the application process, to help you prepare for this first step towards a glorious career. The online application window is set to open on 10th November 2025 and will close on 9th December 2025. Read on for a complete guide to the AFCAT 01/2026 recruitment.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026: Key Highlights
- Post Names: Commissioned Officers (Flying, Ground Duty Technical & Non-Technical)
- Recruitment: Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026) & NCC Special Entry
- Application Dates: 10 November 2025 to 09 December 2025
- Salary: Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) + MSP
- Job Location: All India
- Course Commencing: January 2027
This recruitment is conducted by the Indian Air Force to select the best and brightest candidates to be trained at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad). The AFCAT is a national-level competitive exam that tests candidates on their aptitude and skills, paving the way for a challenging and rewarding career in the defence sector.
AFCAT 01/2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force is recruiting for multiple branches through this notification. While the exact number of vacancies for each post has not been specified in this short notice, the branches and course numbers have been announced. A detailed, post-wise vacancy breakdown will be available in the full notification, which is expected on 09 November 2025.
| Branch | Course Number | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M & W | To be Notified |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/SSC/M & W | To be Notified |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M & W | To be Notified |
| NCC Special Entry (Flying) | 221/27F/PC/M & SSC/M&W | 10% seats of CDSE/AFCAT vacancies |
We will update this section with the exact vacancy numbers as soon as they are officially released.
Eligibility Criteria for Indian Air Force Recruitment 2025
Meeting the eligibility criteria is the first and most important step. The IAF has specified clear age limits in the short notification.
Educational Qualification
The detailed educational qualifications for each specific branch (Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical) will be released in the complete notification on 09 November 2025.
- As a general guideline for past AFCAT entries, candidates for Ground Duty branches typically require a graduate degree in any discipline (for Non-Tech) or a B.E./B.Tech degree (for Technical).
- The Flying Branch often requires candidates to have passed 12th standard with Physics and Maths, in addition to a graduate degree.
- However, these are just guidelines. Applicants must read the detailed notification carefully to confirm their specific educational and-discipline-wise eligibility before applying.
Age Limit
The age limits are calculated as of 01 January 2027:
- Flying Branch:
- Candidates should be between 20 to 24 years old.
- This means you must be born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
- Relaxation for CPL Holders: The upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years.
- Such candidates must be born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches:
- Candidates should be between 20 to 26 years old.
- This means you must be born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
AFCAT 01/2026 Salary and Benefits
A career in the Indian Air Force is not only about prestige but also comes with a handsome salary and comprehensive benefits. On successful commissioning, you will be appointed as a Flying Officer.
The pay scale is based on the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) recommendations. The position of Flying Officer is at Pay Level 10 in the Defence Matrix, which means the basic pay starts at ₹56,100 and can grow up to ₹1,77,500 as you advance in your career.
But that’s not all. In addition to the basic pay, you will receive a Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month. Even during your one-year training period at the Air Force Academy, you will receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month.
The total salary is significantly higher when allowances are included. The IAF provides allowances based on your branch, nature of duty, and place of posting. These include:
- Flying Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Technical Allowance
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Risk and Hardship Allowance
Beyond the salary, the perks are exceptional. Officers are entitled to furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for themselves and their dependents, Canteen (CSD) facilities, officers’ mess, loans at subsidised rates, and Leave Travel Concession (LTC). You are also entitled to 60 days of annual leave and 20 days of casual leave per year, subject to service requirements. Furthermore, a substantial insurance cover of ₹1.25 crore is applicable.
Indian Air Force Selection Process Explained (AFCAT 01/2026)
The detailed selection procedure and exam pattern will be published in the full notification. However, the selection process for AFCAT recruitment traditionally follows a multi-stage process designed to select the most capable candidates. Here is what you can generally expect:
Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination
This is the first hurdle. It is an online, computer-based test (CBT) that assesses your aptitude across various subjects.
- Subjects: The exam typically includes sections on General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude.
- Marking: There is usually a negative marking scheme for incorrect answers, so accuracy is as important as speed.
- EKT (for Technical Branch): Candidates applying for the Ground Duty (Technical) branch will also likely need to appear for an Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
Candidates who successfully clear the written exam’s cut-off marks will be called for the AFSB interview. This is a comprehensive, multi-day testing process conducted at one of the Air Force Selection Boards.
- Testing: The AFSB interview is designed to test your personality, psychological aptitude, and leadership potential. It typically involves:
- Screening Test: Includes a picture perception and discussion test (PP&DT).
- Psychological Tests: Written tests conducted by a psychologist.
- Group Tests: A series of indoor and outdoor tasks to assess teamwork and leadership.
- Interview: A personal interview with a senior Air Force officer.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates who are recommended by the AFSB will proceed to the final stage, which is a thorough medical and physical examination. You must be medically fit as per the standards prescribed by the Indian Air Force to be considered for the final merit list.
How to Apply Online: Step-by-Step Guide
The application process is entirely online. Follow these steps carefully to submit your application successfully.
Before you begin, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- Your Aadhaar Card (which is mandatory for registration).
- A scanned recent passport-size photograph.
- A scanned copy of your signature.
- Bank details for paying the application fee online.
Step-by-Step Process:
- Visit the official AFCAT application portal. (link provided below)
- On the homepage, look for the “AFCAT 01/2026” notification link.
- Click on “Candidate Login” and then select “New Candidate Registration”.
- Register by providing your name, email ID, mobile number, and other basic details. Your Aadhaar number will be required.
- Once registered, log in using your new credentials and fill out the detailed application form.
- You will need to enter your personal details, educational qualifications, and communication address.
- Upload the scanned copies of your photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee online using a debit card, credit card, or net banking.
- After successful payment, review your application one last time to ensure all details are correct.
- Submit the final application form and take a printout for your future reference.
AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment: Important Dates
Mark your calendars! Missing a deadline is not an option for a career in the armed forces.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Detailed Notification Release | 09 November 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | 10 November 2025 (11:00 AM) |
| Online Application Closes | 09 December 2025 (11:30 PM) |
| Course Commencing Date | January 2027 |
Application Fees
A nominal fee is required to complete the application process.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry (All Categories) | ₹550/- + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
Note: The examination fee is non-refundable.
Essential Links
Stay connected with the official sources and get all the latest updates.
- Apply Online
- Official Notification (Short)
- Official Website
- Join our Whatsapp Channel
- Join our Telegram Channel
- Follow us on Indian App Arattai
This is a fantastic opportunity to build a career with the Indian Air Force, one of the most technologically advanced air forces in the world. The IAF offers not just a job, but a life of pride, adventure, and service to the nation. This AFCAT 01/2026 entry is your chance to be part of that legacy. Prepare well, read the detailed notification carefully when it is released on November 9th, and make sure to apply before the December 9th deadline. Your journey to “Touch the Sky with Glory” begins now!