Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment: Flying Officer & Ground Duty Branches – Apply Now!
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the notification for AFCAT 01/2026 course, inviting unmarried Indian citizens (men and women) to apply for Commissioned Officer posts in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches. Courses will commence in January 2027 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad).
This is your chance to serve the nation with pride and build a distinguished career in one of the world’s most respected air forces.
Key Highlights – AFCAT 01/2026
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026 |
| Posts | Commissioned Officers (Flying & Ground Duty) |
| Entries | AFCAT Entry & NCC Special Entry |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Period | 17 November 2025 to 14 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Vacancy Details (Tentative)
| Entry | Branch | PC/SSC | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | Flying | SSC | 34 | 04 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Technical) | |||
| AE(L) | PC | 03 | 03 | |
| AE(L) | SSC | 100 | 23 | |
| AE(M) | PC | 09 | 03 | |
| AE(M) | SSC | 38 | 09 | |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | |||
| Weapon Systems (WS) | SSC | 21 | 05 | |
| Administration | SSC | 48 | 12 | |
| Logistics | SSC | 09 | 02 | |
| Accounts | SSC | 08 | 02 | |
| Education | SSC | 02 | 02 | |
| Meteorology | SSC | 01 | 02 | |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | PC/SSC | 10% of CDSE/AFCAT vacancies (Men & Women) |
Note: Vacancies are tentative and may change.
Eligibility Criteria (as on 01 January 2027)
Age Limit
| Branch | Age on 01 Jan 2027 | Born Between (both dates inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC) | 20–24 years | 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2007 |
| Flying Branch (CPL holders) | Up to 26 years | 02 Jan 2001 – 01 Jan 2007 |
| Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech) | 20–26 years | 02 Jan 2001 – 01 Jan 2007 |
Educational Qualification (Minimum 60% marks or equivalent wherever applicable)
Flying Branch
- 10+2 with ≥50% each in Maths & Physics
- Graduation (any discipline) OR B.E./B.Tech (4 years) OR cleared Section A & B of AMIE/Aeronautical Society of India
Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) & AE(M)
- 10+2 with ≥50% each in Physics & Maths
- 4-year degree in specified Engineering disciplines (detailed list in official notification)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Weapon Systems: 10+2 with ≥50% each in Maths & Physics + Graduation/B.E./B.Tech
- Admin & Logistics: Graduation in any discipline
- Accounts: B.Com / qualified CA/CMA/CS etc.
- Education: PG with ≥50% + Graduation ≥60%
- Meteorology: B.Sc (Physics + Maths) or B.Tech
Salary & Allowances (7th CPC)
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay | MSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | ₹15,500 p.m. |
During Training: Fixed stipend ₹56,100 p.m. Additional Allowances: Flying Allowance (pilots), Technical Allowance, DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, etc.
Other Benefits
- Insurance cover ₹1.25 crore
- Furnished accommodation
- Medical facilities for self & family
- CSD canteen, loans, LTC, 60 days annual leave + 20 days casual leave
Selection Process
- AFCAT Online Exam (300 marks, negative marking 1 mark per wrong answer)
- General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude
- AFSB Interview (at Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, Varanasi or Guwahati)
- Day 1: Officer Intelligence Rating + PP&DT
- Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview
- Medical Examination
- All India Merit List
Application Fee
| Entry | Fee (incl. GST) |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST (non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
How to Apply (Step-by-Step)
- Visit afcat.cdac.in
- Click on “Candidate Login” → “New Candidate Registration”
- Register using Aadhaar, mobile & email
- Fill application form, upload photo, signature & thumb impression
- Complete “Live Photograph” capture
- Pay fee online (except NCC entry)
- Submit & take printout
Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Application Starts | 17 Nov 2025 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 Dec 2025 (11:30 PM) |
| AFCAT Exam | 31 January 2026 |
| Course Commences | January 2027 |
Don’t miss this golden opportunity to wear the IAF uniform. Start preparing now and apply before 14 December 2025!
Official Notification & Apply Link: https://afcat.cdac.in
Best of luck – may you soar high with the Indian Air Force!
