🇮🇳 Touch the Sky with Glory: Become an IAF Officer
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 01/2026 notification, inviting dynamic and passionate candidates to join as Commissioned Officers in the world's fourth largest air force. With 340 prestigious vacancies across Flying, Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry branches, this is your chance to embark on a career of honor, adventure, and service to the nation.
Key Details at a Glance:
- Organization: Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Examination: Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026)
- Total Vacancies: 340 Officer Posts
- Application Period: 17th November - 14th December 2025
- Exam Date: 31st January 2026
- Official Portal: afcat.edcil.co.in
📅 Important Dates Schedule
| Event | Date | Important Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Release | 21st November 2025 | |
| Online Registration Starts | 17th November 2025 | 10:00 AM onwards |
| Last Date to Apply | 14th December 2025 | Until 11:59 PM |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 31st January 2026 | Computer Based Test |
| AFSB Interview | February-March 2026 | For qualified candidates |
| Final Merit List | April 2026 |
📊 Detailed Vacancy Distribution
Branch-wise Vacancy Breakdown
| Branch | Entry Type | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying | AFCAT Entry | - | - | 34 | 04 | 38 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | PC/SSC | 15 | 06 | 138 | 32 | 191 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | SSC | - | - | 89 | 25 | 114 |
| Flying (NCC Special Entry) | PC/SSC | 10% of CDSE/AFCAT vacancies |
Specialization Details:
Ground Duty (Technical):
- AE(L): Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics)
- AE(M): Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
- Admin: Administration
- Lgs: Logistics
- Accts: Accounts
- Edn: Education
- Met: Meteorology
- WS: Weapon Systems
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualifications
Flying Branch:
- Graduation (minimum 60%) with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR
- BE/B.Tech degree (minimum 60%)
- Additional: Commercial Pilot License holders eligible up to 26 years
Ground Duty (Technical):
- BE/B.Tech degree in specified engineering disciplines
- AE(L): Electronics/Telecommunication/Electrical/Instrumentation/Computer Science Engineering
- AE(M): Mechanical/Production/Industrial Production/Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering
Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
- Admin & Lgs: Graduation (minimum 60%)
- Accts: B.Com degree (minimum 60%)
- Edn: MA/M.Sc degree in relevant subjects
- Met: M.Sc in Meteorology/Physics/Mathematics
Age Limit (as on 1st January 2027)
| Branch | Age Range | Born Between |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 20-24 years | 2nd Jan 2003 - 1st Jan 2007 |
| Flying (CPL holders) | Up to 26 years | 2nd Jan 2001 - 1st Jan 2007 |
| Ground Duty | 20-26 years | 2nd Jan 2001 - 1st Jan 2007 |
Physical Standards
- Height: Minimum 162.5 cm (relaxed for certain regions)
- Weight: Proportionate to height and age
- Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other (correctable to 6/6)
- Chest: Minimum 5 cm expansion
💰 Salary & Allowances
Pay Scale & Benefits
- Basic Pay: Level 10 (₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month
- Grade Pay: As per 7th CPC
- Gross Salary: ₹70,000 - ₹90,000 per month (starting)
Additional Allowances:
- Flying Allowance: ₹25,000 per month (for Flying Branch)
- Technical Allowance: ₹3,000 - ₹6,000 per month
- Transport Allowance
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Kit Maintenance Allowance
Training Period Stipend:
- Flight Cadets: ₹56,100 per month fixed stipend during 1-year training
Post-Training Benefits:
- Free medical facilities for self and dependents
- Government accommodation (subject to availability)
- 60 days annual leave with travel concession
- Canteen and CSD facilities
- Group insurance and pension benefits
📝 Selection Process
Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination
- Mode: Online Computer Based Test
- Duration: 2 hours
- Subjects: General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, Military Aptitude
- Negative Marking: Yes
- Minimum Qualifying Marks: As determined by IAF
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
Day 1:
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)
- Screening Test: Only qualified candidates proceed
Subsequent Days:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tests
- Personal Interview
- Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS): For Flying Branch recommended candidates only
Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Comprehensive medical tests at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME)
- Medical standards as per branch requirements
Stage 4: Final Merit List
- Based on combined performance in AFCAT and AFSB
- Weightage: AFCAT (85%) + AFSB (15%)
🖥️ How to Apply
Step-by-Step Application Guide:
- Visit Official Website: afcat.edcil.co.in
-
Registration:
- Click "New Registration"
- Enter basic details (Name, Email, Mobile)
- Aadhaar Card mandatory for registration
- Note User ID and Password sent via email/SMS
-
Complete Application Form:
- Login with credentials
- Fill personal, educational, and communication details
- Select preferred branch(es)
- Upload required documents
-
Document Upload (Scanned Copies):
- Recent passport photograph (20-50 KB, JPG/JPEG)
- Signature (10-20 KB, JPG/JPEG)
- 10th and 12th Marksheets
- Graduation/Post-graduation certificates
- CPL certificate (if applicable)
- NCC 'C' certificate (if applicable)
-
Application Fee Payment:
- AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + GST
- NCC Special Entry: No fee
- Payment Modes: Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking
-
Final Submission:
- Review all details carefully
- Submit application
- Download confirmation page
- Take printout for future reference
Important Notes:
- Multiple applications from same Aadhaar will be rejected
- Branch selection is crucial - choose carefully
- Keep registered email/mobile active throughout process
- No changes allowed after final submission
📚 AFCAT Exam Pattern & Syllabus
Written Examination Pattern:
| Section | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 | 2 Hours |
| Verbal Ability | 30 | 90 | |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 | |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 35 | 105 | |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Additional: EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) for Ground Duty (Technical) candidates
- Questions: 50
- Marks: 150
- Duration: 45 minutes
Key Syllabus Areas:
General Awareness:
- Current Affairs (national & international)
- History, Geography, Polity
- Basic Science
- Defence awareness
- Sports and awards
Verbal Ability:
- Comprehension
- Error Detection
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Sentence Completion
- Vocabulary
Numerical Ability:
- Number System
- Percentage, Profit & Loss
- Time, Speed & Distance
- Simple & Compound Interest
- Data Interpretation
Reasoning & Military Aptitude:
- Verbal & Non-verbal reasoning
- Spatial ability
- Situational judgment
- Leadership qualities
🏆 Preparation Strategy
30-Day Intensive Plan
Week 1-2: Foundation Building
- Daily current affairs (The Hindu, Indian Express)
- Basic mathematics concepts revision
- Vocabulary building (10 new words daily)
- Reasoning practice from standard books
Week 3-4: Advanced Preparation
- Previous year papers (2018-2025)
- Mock tests every alternate day
- Time management practice
- Weak area improvement
Week 5-6: Revision & Mock Tests
- Full-length mock tests daily
- Topic-wise revision
- Current affairs compilation review
- Last-minute tips and strategies
Recommended Study Material:
- General Awareness: Lucent's GK, Manorama Yearbook
- Mathematics: R.S. Aggarwal's Quantitative Aptitude
- English: Wren & Martin, SP Bakshi
- Reasoning: R.S. Aggarwal's Verbal & Non-verbal Reasoning
- Current Affairs: Monthly magazines, Newspapers
Online Resources:
- Official Website: indianairforce.nic.in
- Mock Tests: CareerPolitics Test Series
- Current Affairs: CareerPolitics Daily Updates
- Video Lessons: CareerPolitics YouTube Channel
🎖️ Career Growth & Opportunities
Promotion Hierarchy:
- Flying Officer
- Flight Lieutenant
- Squadron Leader
- Wing Commander
- Group Captain
- Air Commodore
- Air Vice Marshal
- Air Marshal
- Air Chief Marshal
Specialization Opportunities:
- Flying Branch: Fighter Pilot, Transport Pilot, Helicopter Pilot
- Technical Branch: Aircraft Maintenance, Weapons Systems
- Non-Technical: Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education
Advanced Training:
- Basic military training at Air Force Academy, Hyderabad
- Specialized training in India and abroad
- Opportunities for higher education through IAF
- Exchange programs with friendly foreign countries
⚠️ Important Instructions
Before Application:
- Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria
- Prepare all documents in prescribed format
- Have valid Aadhaar card ready
- Read official notification thoroughly
During Application:
- Select branch carefully based on eligibility
- Upload clear, recent photographs
- Keep application reference number safe
- Complete fee payment before deadline
After Application:
- Regularly check email for updates
- Download admit card when released
- Begin comprehensive preparation
- Maintain physical fitness
Medical Fitness Tips:
- Regular exercise and healthy diet
- Avoid prohibited substances
- Get complete medical check-up beforehand
- Maintain optimum BMI
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can women apply for Flying Branch?
Yes, women can apply for Flying Branch under Short Service Commission (SSC).
Q2: Is there any relaxation for NCC certificate holders?
Yes, 10% vacancies reserved for NCC Air Wing 'C' certificate holders.
Q3: What is the service period?
- Permanent Commission: Up to retirement age
- Short Service Commission: 10 years extendable to 14 years
Q4: Can final year students apply?
Yes, final year students can apply provided they complete degree before commencement of course.
Q5: Is there any bond period?
Yes, selected candidates sign a bond to serve IAF for minimum period.
Q6: What is CPSS test?
Computerised Pilot Selection System - once in a lifetime test for Flying Branch.
Q7: Are spectacles allowed?
Yes, with certain restrictions. Check detailed medical standards.
Q8: Can I apply for multiple branches?
Yes, you can select multiple branches based on eligibility.
✨ Why Join Indian Air Force?
Career Advantages:
- Prestigious Career: Serve the nation with pride and honor
- Adventure & Challenge: Exciting and dynamic work environment
- Global Exposure: Opportunities for international training and assignments
- Job Security: Permanent career with pension benefits
- Respect & Recognition: High social standing and respect
Life as an IAF Officer:
- State-of-the-art technology exposure
- Leadership development opportunities
- Sports and adventure activities
- Community service and outreach programs
- Camaraderie and lifelong friendships
Beyond the Uniform:
- Opportunities for higher education
- Skill development in diverse fields
- Post-retirement career options
- Life of discipline, integrity, and excellence
📢 Final Application Alert
The AFCAT 01/2026 recruitment presents a golden opportunity to join the elite cadre of Indian Air Force officers. With only 340 vacancies and applications closing on 14th December 2025, aspiring candidates must act swiftly and decisively.
Key Action Points:
- ✅ Verify eligibility criteria thoroughly
- ✅ Gather and prepare all required documents
- ✅ Apply well before deadline to avoid last-minute rush
- ✅ Start comprehensive preparation immediately
- ✅ Maintain physical and mental fitness
Remember: This is not just a career choice - it's a calling to serve the nation with courage, commitment, and excellence. Your journey to touch the sky with glory begins with this application!
Important Notice: This information is compiled from official IAF notification. For complete details and updates, please refer to the official website afcat.edcil.co.in. CareerPolitics is an independent career guidance platform.
Join Our Community: For regular updates and preparation guidance, visit CareerPolitics.com. Fly high with your dreams! ✈️🇮🇳
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