The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026 for recruitment of Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. This is an opportunity for unmarried male and female Indian citizens to join the elite force. The courses for the selected candidates will commence in January 2027.
Job Details
| Department | Indian Air Force |
| Employment Type | Permanent Commission (PC) & Short Service Commission (SSC) |
| Job Title(s) | Flying Officer, Ground Duty Officer (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Application Start Date | 17 November 2025 |
| Application End Date | 14 December 2025 |
| Location | Across India |
| Application Method | Online |
| Official Site | afcat.edcil.co.in |
Advertisement No.
AFCAT- 01/2026
Post and Vacancy Details
| Entry | Branch | Commission | Vacancies (Men) | Vacancies (Women) |
| AFCAT | Flying | SSC | 34 | 4 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) | PC | 3 | 3 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) | SSC | 100 | 23 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(M) | PC | 9 | 3 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(M) | SSC | 38 | 9 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Weapon Systems (WS) | SSC | 21 | 5 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Admin | SSC | 48 | 12 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Lgs | SSC | 9 | 2 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accts | SSC | 8 | 2 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Edn | SSC | 2 | 2 |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Met | SSC | 1 | 2 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | PC & SSC | 10% of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
Disclaimer: Vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on service requirements.
Salary Details
The salary for the selected candidates will be as per the 7th CPC pay matrix. The pay scale for Flying Officers is Level 10, with a basic pay of Rs. 56,100 per month. In addition to the basic pay, officers are entitled to various allowances such as Military Service Pay (MSP), Dearness Allowance, and others based on their posting and nature of duty.
Educational Qualification
The educational qualifications vary for different branches:
- Flying Branch: Candidates should have passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and (a) Graduation with minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent or (b) BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent or (c) Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:
- Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)}: Candidates with a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/ Technology from recognized University OR cleared Sections A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India or Graduate membership examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in the relevant disciplines.
- Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}: Candidates with a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognized University OR cleared Sections A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in the relevant disciplines.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches:
- Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: Candidates should have passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and (a) Graduation with minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent or (b) BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Administration & Logistics: Passed 10+2 and Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent or cleared section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Accounts Branch: Passed 10+2 and done Graduation in any of the following streams with 60% marks or equivalent from a recognized university: B.Com Degree (Min three years course), BBA (with specialization in Finance)/ BMS (with specialization in Finance)/ BBS (with specialization in Finance), Qualified CA/ CMA/ CS/ CFA, B.Sc. with specialization in Finance.
- Education: Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation with 50% marks in any discipline including integrated courses offering PG (Single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry) and 60% marks in graduation in any discipline.
- Meteorology: Passed 10+2 and B Sc with Physics and Mathematics with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent or four year Graduation in Engineering/Technology in relevant streams.
Age Limit
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2027 (born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007, both dates inclusive). Upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years.
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch: 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2027 (born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007, both dates inclusive).
Selection Process
The selection process consists of the following stages:
- Online AFCAT examination.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing (for candidates who clear the written exam).
- Medical Examination.
How to Apply
- Visit the official AFCAT website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Register by creating a login ID and password.
- Fill out the online application form with the required details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable).
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Instructions
- Candidates must ensure they fulfill all eligibility conditions before applying.
- Candidature is provisional and can be canceled at any stage if the candidate is found to be ineligible.
- Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.
- The date of birth as recorded in the Matriculation or equivalent certificate will be accepted.
Important Dates
| Online Application | 17 Nov 2025 to 14 Dec 2025 |
| AFCAT Examination | 31 Jan 2026 |
| Course Commencing | January 2027 |
Important Links
- Notification Link: Click Here
- Apply Link: Click Here







