The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 01/2026 notification, opening the gateway for young and ambitious Indians to join one of the most prestigious defence forces in the world. This is your golden opportunity to become an Air Force Officer in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry branches.
With 340 officer posts up for grabs and an attractive salary of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500, this recruitment drive promises an exciting and rewarding career for those who dare to dream big and fly high!
Let’s dive deep into the details, including eligibility, vacancies, pay scale, exam pattern, and how to apply.
AFCAT 01/2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026) |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officers |
| No. of Vacancies | 340 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 + Allowances |
| Start Date to Apply | 17 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 December 2025 |
| Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Official Website | https://afcat.edcil.co.in |
AFCAT 01/2026 Vacancy Details
The 340 vacancies are distributed across Flying, Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) and NCC Special Entry branches. Here’s the breakdown:
Flying Branch
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Men (SSC): 34
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Women (SSC): 04
Ground Duty (Technical)
| Entry | Branch | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE(L) | Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) | 03 | 03 | 100 | 23 |
| AE(M) | Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) | 09 | 03 | 38 | 09 |
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
| Branch | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon Systems (WS) | 21 | 05 |
| Administration | 48 | 12 |
| Logistics | 09 | 02 |
| Accounts | 08 | 02 |
| Education | 02 | 02 |
| Meteorology | 01 | 02 |
NCC Special Entry
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Flying Branch: 10% seats out of CDSE and AFCAT vacancies reserved for NCC ‘C’ certificate holders.
Eligibility Criteria
1. Flying Branch
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Qualification: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 or BE/B.Tech degree.
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Age Limit: 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2027 (born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2007).
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For CPL holders: Upper age limit relaxed to 26 years.
2. Ground Duty (Technical Branch)
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Qualification: BE/B.Tech degree in relevant engineering disciplines such as Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Aeronautical, or Computer Science.
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Age Limit: 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2027 (born between 02 Jan 2001 – 01 Jan 2007).
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch)
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Qualification: Graduation or Post-Graduation in relevant fields such as Administration, Accounts, Education, or Logistics.
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Age Limit: 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2027.
AFCAT 01/2026 Salary and Benefits
The Indian Air Force offers one of the most lucrative pay packages in the defence sector.
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Flying Officer Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
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Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month
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Training Stipend: ₹56,100 per month
In addition to the basic pay, officers are entitled to several allowances such as:
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Flying Allowance
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Technical Allowance
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Transport Allowance
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Risk & Hardship Allowance
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Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer Allowance
Total Monthly Pay can go beyond ₹2,00,000 depending on posting and duties.
AFCAT 01/2026 Selection Process
The AFCAT selection process is conducted in three major stages:
Stage 1 – Written Examination (AFCAT)
The online AFCAT exam is scheduled for 31 January 2026 and includes:
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General Awareness
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Verbal Ability in English
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Numerical Ability
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Reasoning and Military Aptitude
Candidates who qualify the written test proceed to AFSB testing.
Stage 2 – AFSB Testing
Stage-I (Screening Test):
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Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
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Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
Candidates who qualify are eligible for Stage-II.
Stage-II (Psychological & Group Testing):
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Psychological Test
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Group Discussion and Group Planning Exercise
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Interview
For the Flying Branch, qualified candidates must also undergo the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test — a once-in-a-lifetime evaluation.
AFCAT 01/2026 Merit List
Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks in both the written test and AFSB to be considered.
The final merit list is based on total marks obtained and medical fitness.
The allotment of branches depends on the candidate’s performance, preferences, and number of vacancies.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST (Non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
Important Dates to Remember
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 17 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 December 2025 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2026
Here’s a step-by-step guide to applying online:
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Visit the Official Website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
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Sign Up / Register: Enter personal and contact details to receive login credentials via email/SMS.
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Login and Fill Application Form: Provide academic, communication, and qualification details.
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Upload Documents: Recent passport-size photograph, signature, and other required certificates.
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Pay Application Fee: Pay ₹550 + GST (if applicable) via online payment gateway.
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Submit Application: Verify all details before final submission. Once submitted, details cannot be edited.
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Download Confirmation Page: Keep a printout for future reference.
⚠️ Note: Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration. Only the latest application submitted against one Aadhaar Number will be considered valid.
Why You Shouldn’t Miss AFCAT 01/2026
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✈️ Prestigious Career: Serve as a commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force.
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💸 Attractive Pay & Perks: Salary up to ₹1.77 lakh/month + allowances.
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🌍 Nationwide Opportunity: Candidates from all over India can apply.
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🎓 Open for Graduates & Engineers: Whether you’re a B.Tech or any Graduate, there’s a role for you.
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🏅 Special Entry for NCC Cadets: Extra advantage for those holding NCC Air Wing 'C' certificates.
📎 Important Links
🔹 Official Notification PDF: Click Here
🔹 Official Website: Click Here
🔹 Official Website: Click Here
Final Words
The AFCAT 01/2026 notification is your ticket to an adventurous, disciplined, and honorable life in the Indian Air Force. With 340 vacancies, the competition will be fierce — so start preparing early and give your best shot.
If you’ve ever dreamed of flying high or leading with pride in the blue uniform, this is your moment!
👉 Apply online from 17 November 2025 to 14 December 2025 at https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
Don’t wait until the last day — the sky is waiting for you!
