Welcome to the comprehensive job posting for the Indian Air Force (IAF) AFCAT 01/2026 recruitment. This detailed guide provides all essential information for aspiring candidates interested in joining as officers in various branches of the Indian Air Force. Whether you are a fresh graduate or an experienced professional, this document covers eligibility criteria, application procedures, selection process, and more to assist you in your application journey.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment Overview
The Indian Air Force has announced an official notification inviting applications from eligible candidates for the recruitment of 340 Officer posts through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026. Interested candidates can submit their applications online via the official IAF website starting from November 17, 2025, with the last date to apply being December 14, 2025. The selected candidates will have the opportunity to serve as Officers across various branches of the Indian Air Force, enjoying competitive salaries, allowances, and additional benefits.
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Advertisement | Official Notification PDF: Click here |
| Recruitment Authority | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Officer – AFCAT 01/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Pay Scale | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) with MSP Rs. 15,500 |
| Educational Qualification | Any Graduate, B.Tech/B.E, Post Graduate |
| Application Start Date | November 17, 2025 |
| Application Last Date | December 14, 2025 |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
Vacancy Details and Branches
The recruitment process encompasses various branches where candidates can serve based on their qualifications and interests. The following table provides a detailed breakdown of vacancies across different entries and branches.
Filing the Vacancies
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Total Vacancies | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M&W | 34 (Ground Duty) | – | – | 34 | 04 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/PC/110AEC/M&W | AE(L): 3 AE(M): 9 AE(L): 100 AE(M): 38 AE(L): 23 AE(M): 9 |
AE(L): 3 AE(M): 9 |
AE(L): 3 AE(M): 3 |
AE(L): 100 | AE(M): 38 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | Weapon Systems: 21 Admin: 48 Logistics: 09 Accounts: 08 Education: 02 Metrology: 01 |
– | – | Weapon Systems: 5 Admin: 12 Logistics: 2 Accounts: 2 Education: 2 Metrology: 2 |
||
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 221/27F/PC/M & 221/27F/SSC/M&W | 10% seats of CDSE vacancies for PC and AFCAT vacancies for SSC | – | – | 10 | 10 |
Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they meet the specified eligibility criteria for their respective branches and entries. The eligibility parameters are based on educational qualifications, age limits, and physical fitness.
Educational Qualifications
- Flying Branch: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or B.Tech/B.E degree.
- Ground Duty (Technical): B.Tech/B.E 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 | Age Range | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 20 to 24 years | Born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007. Candidates with valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License relax age up to 26 years, born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007. |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years | Born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007. |
Salary Structure and Benefits
The selected officers will receive a competitive salary along with various allowances and benefits, including allowances for flying, transport, technical duties, risk, and hardship. The initial salary for Flying Officers is based on the Defence matrix as Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500, along with a fixed MSP of Rs. 15,500.
Additional Compensation Details
- During training, Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month for one year.
- Post-commissioning allowances vary based on branch, duty location, and operational requirements.
- Allowances may include Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance, Risk Allowance, and Hardship allowances.
Application Fee
| Type of Application | Fee | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Examination for AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550/- + GST | Non-refundable |
| NCC Special Entry | NIL | Application is free of charge |
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: November 17, 2025
- Application Last Date: December 14, 2025
- Online AFCAT Examination Date: January 31, 2026
Selection Process
The recruitment involves a rigorous selection process that includes multiple stages designed to assess the candidate’s aptitude, psychological fitness, and overall suitability for the Indian Air Force. The process is as follows:
Stage I: AFSB Screening Test
The first stage involves the Officer Intelligence Rating Test, followed by Picture Perception and Discussion Test conducted on the initial day. Candidates who clear this stage will proceed to document verification and subsequent testing.
Stage II: Advanced Testing and Interviews
- Psychological Tests: Conducted on Day 1 evening.
- Group Tests & Personal Interview: Spread over the next five days after document verification.
- For Flying Branch candidates: The Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) will be administered. Note that candidates with prior failures in CPSS/PABT or those suspended from flying training are ineligible.
Final Merit List
The final merit list will be based on a combination of written examination scores and performance in AFSB tests. Candidates must secure the minimum qualifying marks separately in both components. The final selection will be in the order of merit derived from the combined scores.
How to Apply
Interested candidates are required to apply online at the official AFCAT portal: afcat.edcil.co.in. The application process involves several steps as outlined below:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Registration: Sign up on the portal by providing personal details. A User ID and password will be sent to your registered email and mobile number.
- Login: Use the credentials to log in and proceed to complete the application form.
- Fill Personal & Contact Details: Enter accurate information in all fields.
- Upload Documents: Upload recent passport-sized photograph and signature.
- Qualification Details: Fill in educational qualifications.
- Declaration & Payment: Verify all entered details, agree to terms, and make payment of the examination fee using online payment gateways.
- Final Submission: Submit the application form. Ensure all details are correct as fields cannot be edited after final submission.
Note: Only the latest submission for a given Aadhaar number will be accepted. Keep a copy of the confirmation and payment receipt for future reference.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
| Question | Answer |
|---|---|
| What is the start date to apply online for AFCAT 01/2026? | November 17, 2025 |
| What is the last date to apply online? | December 14, 2025 |
| Who is eligible to apply? | Any graduate, B.Tech/B.E, or postgraduate candidates meeting age criteria. |
| What is the maximum age limit? | 26 years as of January 1, 2027 |
| How many vacancies are available? | Total of 340 officer posts |
For further details, updates, and guidance, candidates are encouraged to visit the official IAF AFCAT portal and regularly check for notifications and announcements.