Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced an official notification for the recruitment of 340 Officer posts across various branches. This comprehensive job description provides detailed information about the recruitment process, eligibility criteria, application procedure, selection process, salary structure, important dates, and links to official resources. Eligible candidates aspiring to serve in the Indian Air Force can review all necessary details below and proceed with their application accordingly.
Indian Air Force (IAF) AFCAT 01/2026 Officer Recruitment Overview
The Indian Air Force invites applications from eligible candidates for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 01/2026 cycle to fill 340 commissioned officer positions. Candidates across various educational backgrounds including graduation, engineering, and post-graduation are encouraged to apply.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Title | IAF AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment 2025 |
| Company | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Officers – AFCAT 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Pay Matrix | Rs. 56100 – 177500 |
| Qualification | Any Graduate, B.Tech/B.E, Post Graduate |
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 years (as on 01-01-2027) |
| Application Start Date | 17-11-2025 |
| Application End Date | 19-12-2025 |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
Vacancy Details and Branch-wise Allocation
AFCAT Entry and Technical & Non-Technical Branches
| Entry Type | Branch | Course Number | Vacancies (Men & Women) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying (AFCAT Entry) | Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M&W | 34 Men (SSC), 4 Women (SSC) |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | AE(L), AE(M) | 220/27T/PC, 220/27T/SSC, 110AEC/M&W | AE(L): 03, AE(M): 09 (Technical); Other branches have vacancies as per detailed table |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Various | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | Weapon Systems Branch: 21, Admin: 48, Logistics: 09, Accounts: 08, Education: 02, Metallurgy: 01 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 221/27F/PC/M and 221/27F/SSC/M&W | 10% seats out of CDSE and AFCAT vacancies for PC and SSC respectively |
Eligibility Criteria for IAF Officer Posts
Educational Qualifications
Candidates must fulfill specific educational requirements depending on the branch they wish to apply for:
Flying Branch
- Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or
- B.Tech/B.E degree
Ground Duty (Technical)
- B.E/B.Tech degree in specified engineering disciplines
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Graduation or Post-Graduation in fields such as Administration, Accounts, Logistics, or Education
Age Limit as on 01-01-2027
| Branch | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 20 years | 24 years (relaxable up to 26 years for CPL holders) |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 20 years | 26 years |
Salary and Benefits
The selected candidates will receive a comprehensive pay structure and allowances as part of the Indian Air Force remuneration package. Here’s a detailed breakdown:
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level 10 (Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500) |
| Basic Pay | Rs. 56,100 |
| MSP | Rs. 15,500 |
| Training Stipend | During one year of training, Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month. |
| Post-Commission Allowances | Based on branch, duty location, allowances include Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Risk, and Hardship Allowance. |
Application Fee Details
The fee structure for the AFCAT entrance is as follows:
| Type of Entry | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry Examination | Rs. 550 + GST (non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | NIL |
Important Dates for Application and Examination
- Start Date for Online Application: 17-11-2025
- Last Date for Online Application: 19-12-2025
- Offline AFCAT Exam Date: 31-01-2026
Selection Process for IAF Officer Posts
Stage-I: AFSB Screening
The selection process begins with the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing, which includes:
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test — includes Picture Perception and Discussion Test.
- This is a screening test; only qualifying candidates proceed to the next stage.
- Following Stage-I, documents are verified to confirm eligibility.
- Candidates failing to qualify or meet criteria are eliminated from further testing.
Stage-II: Psychological and Group Tests
- Psychological Test — conducted on Day 1 (evening).
- Group Tests and Interview — held over the next five days post-document verification.
Special Selection: Flying Branch
- Candidates recommended for flying roles will undergo Administrator Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
- This is a one-time test; candidates who have previously failed PABT or have suspended training are ineligible.
Final Merit List and Branch Allocation
The merit list is prepared based on performance in written tests and AFSB assessments. Selection criteria include:
- Minimum qualifying marks in each stage.
- Order of merit based on total marks.
- Availability of vacancies and medical fitness.
- Candidate preferences and branch allocation.
10% of vacancies are reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate holders in Ground Duty branches.
How to Apply for IAF Officer Posts
The application process must be completed online via the official portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Register by providing personal and contact details. A User-ID and password will be sent via email and SMS.
- Step 2: Log in to the portal using the received credentials.
- Step 3: Fill in detailed personal information, educational qualifications, and upload scanned copies of photographs and signatures.
- Step 4: Pay the applicable application fee online via the integrated payment gateway.
- Step 5: Submit the completed application form before the deadline.
Ensure all information is accurate before final submission, as editing post-submission is not permitted.
Official Links and Resources
- Download Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for AFCAT 01/2026
- Official Indian Air Force Website
- Direct Application Link
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the starting date to apply online for AFCAT 01/2026?
The application window starts from 17-11-2025.
2. What is the last date to submit the online application?
The last date for online submission is 19-12-2025.
3. Who is eligible to apply for this recruitment?
Graduates, B.Tech/B.E degree holders, and Post Graduates fulfilling age and qualification criteria are eligible.
4. What is the maximum age limit for applicants?
The maximum age limit is 26 years as of 01-01-2027, with relaxations for CPL holders.
5. How many vacancies are available?
A total of 340 officer posts are available across various branches.
For detailed information and updates, candidates are advised to visit the official websites and read the full advertisement before applying.
Note: For detailed eligibility, syllabus, and other instructions, refer to the official notification linked above.