The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment 2025, inviting applications from energetic and dedicated Indian citizens to join as Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches, including NCC Special Entry. This recruitment drive offers 340 vacancies for men and women who dream of serving the nation with pride, discipline, and honor. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is one of India’s most prestigious examinations, providing an opportunity to build a challenging and rewarding career in the defense services.
Important Dates
- Application Start Date: 17 November 2025
- Application Last Date: 14 December 2025
- Online AFCAT Exam Date: 31 January 2026
- Course Commencement: January 2027
Total Vacancies – 340 Posts
The recruitment includes 340 officer vacancies distributed among the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches, and NCC Special Entry. Both men and women are eligible under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) as per branch allocation.
Branch-wise Vacancy Distribution
1. Flying Branch (SSC): Men – 34, Women – 04
2. Ground Duty (Technical):
- AE (L): Men – 103 (PC + SSC), Women – 26 (PC + SSC)
- AE (M): Men – 47 (PC + SSC), Women – 12 (PC + SSC)
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical): - Weapon Systems – Men 21, Women 05
- Administration – Men 48, Women 12
- Logistics – Men 09, Women 02
- Accounts – Men 08, Women 02
- Education – Men 02, Women 02
- Meteorology – Men 01, Women 02
4. NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch): 10 percent of the total vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders.
Application Fees
- For AFCAT Entry: ₹ 550 + GST (Non-Refundable)
- For NCC Special Entry: No Fee
Payment must be made online through debit card, credit card, UPI, or net-banking. Once paid, the fee is non-refundable.
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of India.
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027)
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007).
Candidates with a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License can apply up to 26 years of age. - Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years (born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007).
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch: Graduation with minimum 60% marks and Physics and Mathematics at 10 + 2 level or BE/B.Tech with 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Technical): Four-year engineering degree or integrated post-graduate degree in relevant engineering fields such as Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Telecommunication, or IT with 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
- Weapon Systems – Graduation or B.E./B.Tech with 60%.
- Administration and Logistics – Graduation with 60%.
- Accounts – B.Com with 60%.
- Education – Post-Graduation with 50% and Graduation with 60%.
- Meteorology – B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics or equivalent degree with 60%.
Marital Status
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of training. Marriage during training is strictly prohibited.
Salary Scale and Benefits
- Pay Scale (Level 10): ₹ 56,100 – ₹ 1,77,500 per month
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹ 15,500 per month
- Stipend for Flight Cadets: ₹ 56,100 per month during training
Allowances and Perks
Officers are entitled to various allowances depending on their branch and posting location, including:
- Flying Allowance up to ₹ 11,250 per month
- Technical Allowance ₹ 2,500 per month
- Field Area, Transport, and Hardship Allowances
- Free Medical Care for Self and Dependents
- Subsidized Housing, Canteen, and Travel Facilities
- Pension and Insurance benefits for Permanent Commission officers
Selection Process
The IAF AFCAT recruitment involves multiple stages to test mental aptitude, leadership potential, and physical fitness.
1. Online AFCAT Exam
Objective test covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude. Qualified candidates proceed to AFSB testing.
2. AFSB Testing (Air Force Selection Board)
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT). This is a screening stage; those who do not qualify are eliminated on Day 1.
- Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, and Personal Interview conducted over five days to assess leadership and communication skills.
3. CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System)
For Flying Branch applicants only. It is a one-time eligibility test to assess aptitude for flying.
4. Medical Examination
All recommended candidates must undergo medical tests as per Air Force standards.
5. Final Merit List
Prepared based on performance in the written exam and AFSB interview, subject to medical fitness and branch availability.
Training Details
- Location: Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad
- Duration: Approximately one year
Training includes academic classes, military discipline, and specialized professional instruction. Cadets who fail to meet standards or marry during training are disqualified.
How to Apply
- Register Online using a valid email ID and mobile number. User ID and password will be sent to the registered contacts.
- Log In and complete the application form with personal, educational, and branch details.
- Upload Documents such as photograph and signature in the prescribed format.
- Pay Application Fee online (if applicable). Double-check all entries before final submission.
- Submit and Download the confirmation page for future reference.
Key Instructions
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration.
- Submit only one application; multiple entries will be rejected.
- Provide accurate details as any error may lead to disqualification.
- No request for change in details will be entertained after submission.
- The IAF reserves the right to modify or cancel the recruitment process if necessary.
