Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment – Easy English Guide
(Join as Flying Officer – Course Starts January 2027)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has opened a big recruitment to become Commissioned Officers.
Both boys and girls can apply.
You can join the Flying Branch (pilot) or Ground Duty Branches (Technical & Non-Technical).
This exam is called AFCAT 01/2026.
The training will start in January 2027 at Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.
Important Quick Details
- Exam Name: AFCAT 01/2026
- Posts: Flying Officer (Pilot + Ground Duty jobs)
- Apply Online From: 17 November 2025 (11 AM)
- Last Date to Apply: 14 December 2025 (11:30 PM)
- Exam Date: 31 January 2026
- Salary: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 + ₹15,500 flying pay every month
- Job Location: Anywhere in India
Number of Posts (Tentative – can change a little)
| Branch | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (Pilot) | 34 | 04 |
| Ground Duty – Technical | ||
| • Electronics (AE-L) | PC: 03 + SSC: 100 | PC: 03 + SSC: 23 |
| • Mechanical (AE-M) | PC: 09 + SSC: 38 | PC: 03 + SSC: 09 |
| Ground Duty – Non-Technical | ||
| • Weapon Systems | 21 | 05 |
| • Administration | 48 | 12 |
| • Logistics | 09 | 02 |
| • Accounts | 08 | 02 |
| • Education | 02 | 02 |
| • Meteorology | 01 | 02 |
(NCC Special Entry for Flying Branch also available – 10% seats)
Who Can Apply? (Eligibility)
1. Flying Branch (Pilot)
- Age (on 1 Jan 2027): 20 to 24 years → Born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2007
(If you have a valid Commercial Pilot Licence → age up to 26 years) - Education:
- 10+2 with minimum 50% in Physics and Maths
- Plus any Graduation with 60% marks OR B.E./B.Tech with 60% marks
2. Ground Duty (Technical) – Electronics & Mechanical
- Age: 20 to 26 years → Born between 2 Jan 2001 and 1 Jan 2007
- Education:
- 10+2 with 50% in Physics and Maths
- 4-year Engineering degree (B.E./B.Tech) with 60% marks in allowed branches
(Check official list – almost all main branches are allowed)
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Age: 20 to 26 years (same as above)
- Education (60% marks needed in most cases):
- Administration/Logistics → Any Graduation
- Accounts → B.Com or finance-related degree
- Education → Post-Graduation (50%) + Graduation (60%)
- Meteorology → B.Sc (Physics + Maths) or B.Tech
Salary & Benefits (Very Good!)
- Starting basic pay: ₹56,100 per month
- Plus ₹15,500 Flying Allowance (for pilots)
- During 1-year training also: ₹56,100 stipend every month
- Total in-hand salary in first year: ₹80,000 to ₹1,10,000+ per month
- Free house or HRA, free medical for family, canteen, insurance ₹1.25 crore, 60 days leave per year, and many more perks.
Selection Process – Step by Step
- AFCAT Online Exam (31 Jan 2026)
→ 100 questions – General Awareness, English, Maths, Reasoning
→ 3 marks for correct, –1 for wrong answer
→ 2 hours exam - AFSB Interview (5–6 days)
→ Only if you clear the written exam
→ Intelligence test, psychological test, group tasks, personal interview - Medical Test
→ Very strict medical check-up - Final Merit List
Application Fee
- Normal AFCAT entry → ₹550 + GST (all categories)
- NCC Special Entry → Free
How to Apply Online (Simple Steps)
- Go to official website: afcat.cdac.in
- Click on AFCAT 01/2026 → “New Registration”
- Register with Aadhaar, mobile, email
- Fill the form carefully
- Upload photo, signature, thumb impression (live photo also taken by camera)
- Pay ₹550 online (if applicable)
- Submit and take printout
Important Dates
- Apply starts: 17 November 2025 (11:00 AM)
- Last date: 14 December 2025 (11:30 PM)
- Exam date: 31 January 2026
- Course starts: January 2027
This is a golden chance to become a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force!
Start preparing for AFCAT exam now and apply before 14 December 2025.
