The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 01/2026 notification for the recruitment of 340 Officers across various branches including Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry. This is a golden opportunity for aspirants who dream of serving the nation as commissioned officers in one of the world’s most elite air forces.
The online application process begins on 17-11-2025 and will remain open until 14-12-2025. The AFCAT 01/2026 written examination is scheduled to be held on 31 January 2026.
Highlights :
| Company Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Officers – Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026) |
| No. of Posts | 340 |
| Pay Matrix | Rs. 56,100 to 1,77,500 |
| Qualification | Any Graduate, B.Tech/B.E, Any Post Graduate |
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 years |
| Start Date for Apply Online | 17-11-2025 |
| Last Date for Apply Online | 14-12-2025 |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
Total Vacancies :
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Vacancies (Men PC) | Vacancies (Women PC) | Vacancies (Men SSC) | Vacancies (Women SSC) |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 34 | 04 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/PC/110AEC/M&W | AE(L): 03AE(M): 09 | AE(L): 03AE(M): 03 | AE(L): 100AE(M): 38 | AE(L): 23AE(M): 09 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | — | — | Weapon Systems (WS): 21Admin: 48Lgs: 09Accts: 08Edn: 02Met: 01 | Weapon Systems (WS): 05Admin: 12Lgs: 02Accts: 02Edn: 02Met: 02 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 221/27F/PC/M and 221/27F/SSC/M&W | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies (PC) | — | 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies (SSC) | — |
Age Limit (as on 01-01-2027) :
| Branch | Age Limit | Date of Birth Range | Additional Details |
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2027 | Born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive) | — |
| Flying Branch (with valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License) | Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years | Born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive) | CPL must be valid and current |
| Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2027 | Born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive) | Applies to Tech and Non-Tech both |
Educational Qualifications (as on 01-01-2027) :
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
| Flying Branch | Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR a BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized university. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | BE/B.Tech degree in specified engineering disciplines as listed in the official notification. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Graduation or Post-Graduation in relevant fields such as Administration, Accounts, Logistics, Education, etc. |
Application Fee :
| Entry Type | Examination Fee |
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550 + GST (Non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | NIL |
Selection Process : :
AFSB Testing Process
Stage I & Stage II Details
| Stage | Details |
| Stage I | – Officer Intelligence Rating Test- Picture Perception & Discussion Test- Conducted on Day 1- Screening test; only qualified candidates proceed- Document verification for Stage I qualified candidates- Candidates failing Stage I or eligibility criteria are sent back the same day |
| Stage II | – Psychological Test on Day 1 (Evening)- Group Tests & Interview over the next 5 days after document check |
Flying Branch (Additional Test)
| Test | Details |
| Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) | – Administered only to recommended candidates- Once-in-a-lifetime test- Candidates who failed CPSS/PABT earlier or were suspended from flying training are not eligible |
Final Merit List Criteria
| Category | Details |
| Minimum Marks Requirement | Candidates must secure minimum qualifying marks separately in the written exam and AFSB test as set by IAF |
| Merit Preparation | Final merit based on total marks of written exam + AFSB tests |
| Result Communication | Mode of result communication will be decided by IAF |
| NCC Reservation | 10% vacancies reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate holders in Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Branch Allotment | Based on vacancies, performance, medical fitness, and candidate’s branch preference |
Application Process :
| Instruction | Details |
| Official Application Link | https://afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Aadhaar Requirement | Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration |
| Accuracy of Information | Incorrect information may lead to cancellation of candidature at any stage |
| Before Submit | Verify all fields before clicking “Submit”; details cannot be edited afterward |
| Multiple Applications | If more than one application is submitted, only the latest (based on Aadhaar) will be considered |
| Refund Policy | Fees paid for additional applications are non-refundable |
| Instructions & Advertisement | Must read instructions carefully on https://afcat.edcil.co.in |
| After Final Submission | No changes will be allowed once the form is finally submitted |
| Before Payment | Verify details before “Make Payment”; editing will not be allowed after this step |
| Candidate Responsibility | Candidates must ensure all details provided are accurate and correctly filled |
| Step I: Registration / Sign Up | – Enter personal and contact details- User ID and password sent to registered email and mobile via SMS- After registration, click Go to Application or log out and re-login to proceed |
| Step II: Filling Application Form | – Fill Personal Details- Enter Communication Details- Enter Qualification Details- Accept Declaration- Upload required documents (photo, signature)- Submit Application Fee online (if applicable) through Payment Gateway |
Salary Details :
| Component | Details |
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Pay Matrix (Defence Pay Matrix) | Rs. 56,100 to 1,77,500 |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| MSP (Military Service Pay) | Rs. 15,500 per month |
| Flight Cadet Stipend (During Training) | Rs. 56,100 per month (fixed stipend for 1 year training) |
| Allowances After Commissioning | Based on branch, duty nature, and posting location |
| Types of Allowances | Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Test Pilot Allowance, Flight Test Engineer Allowance, Risk & Hardship Allowance, etc. |
Important Dates :
| Starting Date for Apply Online | 17-11-2025 |
| Last Date for Apply Online | 14-12-2025 |
| Online AFCAT Examination Date | 31-01-2026 |
Important Links :
| Apply Online | Click here (Start 17-11-2025) |
| Official Notification PDF | Click here |
| Official Website | Click here |
| Daily Visit Our Website & Check Latest Job Notification | Click here |
FAQs :
1. What is the total number of vacancies for AFCAT 01/2026?
A total of 340 officer posts are available across Flying, Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry branches.
2. What are the application dates for AFCAT 01/2026?
The online application starts on 17 November 2025 and ends on 14 December 2025.
3. When will the AFCAT 01/2026 exam be conducted?
The online AFCAT exam will be held on 31 January 2026.
4. What is the age limit for applying?
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years
- Flying Branch (CPL holders): Up to 26 years
- Ground Duty Technical/Non-Technical: 20 to 26 years
5. What is the educational qualification required for AFCAT?
- Flying Branch: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 or BE/B.Tech
- Technical Branch: BE/B.Tech in specified engineering streams
- Non-Technical Branch: Graduation or Post-Graduation in relevant fields
6. What is the application fee for AFCAT 01/2026?
- AFCAT Entry: Rs. 550 + GST
- NCC Special Entry: No fee
7. How can I apply for AFCAT 01/2026?
You need to apply online through the official portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
8. Is Aadhaar Card mandatory for application?
Yes, Aadhaar Card is mandatory for AFCAT registration.
9. Can I edit my application form after submission?
No, details cannot be edited after clicking “Submit” or after “Make Payment.”
So verify all details carefully.
10. Will multiple applications be accepted?
Only the latest application submitted using the same Aadhaar number will be considered.
Fees for additional applications are not refundable.
11. Is there any reservation for NCC candidates?
Yes, 10% seats are reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate holders in Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech) branches.
12. What is the stipend during training?
Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month during one year of training.