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Indian Air Force AFCAT 01-2026 Recruitment – Apply Online for Flying and Ground Duty Posts
Indian Air Force AFCAT 01-2026 Recruitment – Apply Online
Indian Air Force (IAF)
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Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment 2025 – Apply Online for 340 Posts
Join Indian Air Force has issued the latest notification for AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment 2025 for admission to the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. Through this intake, a total of 340 vacancies will be filled as Class-I Gazetted Officers. The online application window is open from 17 November 2025 to 14 December 2025 via the official AFCAT portal. Interested male and female candidates who meet the eligibility conditions can apply online after carefully reading the notification.
Selection under AFCAT 01/2026 will be based on a Computer Based Test (AFCAT/EKT), AFSB testing (interview and psychological assessment) and medical examination. Candidates finally recommended will join their respective courses commencing in January 2027.
AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment 2025 – Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment 2025 |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026 |
| Branches | Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Total Vacancies | 340 Posts |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Application Dates | 17 November 2025 to 14 December 2025 |
| Exam Level | National Level |
| Official AFCAT Portal | afcat.cdac.in (AFCAT online application portal) |
AFCAT 01/2026 – Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 17 November 2025 |
| Start of Online Registration | 17 November 2025 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 14 December 2025 (up to 11:30 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 14 December 2025 |
| AFCAT 01/2026 Admit Card | January 2026 (tentative, 3rd week) |
| AFCAT 01/2026 Exam Date | 31 January 2026 (10:00 AM to 12:00 Noon) |
| Course Commences | January 2027 |
AFCAT 01/2026 Application Fee
| Entry Type / Category | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates (AFCAT Entry – Flying & Ground Duty) | ₹550/- (plus applicable GST) |
| NCC Special Entry | ₹0/- (No fee) |
| Meteorology Entry | ₹0/- (No fee) |
| Payment Mode | Online (Debit Card / Credit Card / Net Banking) or as specified in notification |
The fee is non-refundable. Candidates must ensure successful payment and keep the transaction details for future reference.
AFCAT 01/2026 Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027)
- Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry): 20 to 24 years
Candidates must be born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
Upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years (i.e. born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007) for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA (India). - Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches: 20 to 26 years
Candidates must be born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
Note: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. Marriage during training is not permitted; violation may lead to discharge and recovery of training cost.
AFCAT 01/2026 Vacancy Details (340 Posts)
The distribution of vacancies as per entry type and branch for AFCAT 01/2026 is summarised below:
| Entry Type | Branch / Post Code | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch | 34 | 04 | 38 |
| AFCAT (Ground Duty – Technical) | AE (L) – SSC | 100 | 23 | 123 |
| AE (M) – SSC | 38 | 09 | 47 | |
| AE (L) & AE (M) – PC (Combined) | 12 | 06 | 18 | |
| AFCAT (Ground Duty – Non-Technical) | Administration | 48 | 12 | 60 |
| Logistics (LGS) | 09 | 02 | 11 | |
| Accounts | 08 | 02 | 10 | |
| Education | 02 | 02 | 04 | |
| Weapon Systems (WS) Branch | 21 | 05 | 26 | |
| Meteorology | 01 | 02 | 03 | |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying Branch | 10% of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% of AFCAT vacancies for SSC (on top of notified AFCAT seats) | ||
The above distribution is indicative; candidates should rely on the official notification for detailed branch-wise and course-wise vacancy breakup.
AFCAT 01/2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry)
- Passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and at least 50% marks in each subject, and
- Graduation with a minimum of 60% marks in any discipline from a recognised University, OR
- B.E./B.Tech (4-year degree) with at least 60% marks, OR
- Cleared Section A & B examination of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with minimum 60% marks.
2. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
(a) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) – AE (L):
- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, and
- Degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant disciplines (as specified in the notification) with at least 60% marks, OR
- Equivalent qualifications as mentioned by IAF in the detailed advertisement.
(b) Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) – AE (M):
- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, and
- 4-year degree in Mechanical / Industrial / Production / Aeronautical / equivalent Engineering with minimum 60% marks, OR
- Other equivalent engineering qualifications notified by IAF.
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches
| Branch | Educational Requirement |
|---|---|
| Administration & Logistics | Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with at least 60% marks from a recognised University. |
| Accounts | B.Com or equivalent Commerce Degree with 60% marks from a recognised University. |
| Education | Postgraduate Degree (MA / M.Sc. / MCA / MBA etc.) with minimum 50% marks from a recognised University. |
| Weapon Systems (WS) Branch | Graduation in relevant disciplines with minimum marks as specified in the detailed notification. |
| Meteorology | Master’s Degree in relevant subjects (as per IAF list) with prescribed minimum marks. |
In addition, candidates must meet the required physical and medical standards, including minimum height norms (typically 157.5 cm for males and 152 cm for females for most ground branches, as per post-specific rules).
AFCAT 01/2026 Salary and Pay Scale
During training, cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/- per month. On successful completion, they are commissioned as officers in Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix.
| Component | Pay / Allowance |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Flying Officer) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month (Level 10) |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 per month (as applicable) |
| Flying Allowance (Flying Branch) | Additional fixed flying allowance per month as per rules |
| Other Allowances | Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, Ration Money, Children Education Allowance and other admissible perks |
Higher ranks such as Flight Lieutenant, Squadron Leader, Wing Commander and above receive pay at higher levels (Level 10B to Level 18) with corresponding benefits as per the 7th CPC.
AFCAT 01/2026 Selection Process
The selection procedure for AFCAT 01/2026 involves multiple stages:
- 1. Online Written Examination (AFCAT / EKT): Computer Based Test for all AFCAT candidates; EKT is applicable for certain technical branches.
- 2. AFSB Testing:
- Stage I – Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT).
- Stage II – Psychological Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks and Personal Interview.
- CPSS Test – Mandatory for candidates who have opted for Flying Branch.
- 3. Medical Examination: Detailed medical assessment at designated Air Force medical centres.
- 4. Final Merit List: Prepared based on performance in the written exam and AFSB tests, subject to medical fitness and branch preferences.
AFCAT 01/2026 Exam Pattern
| Exam | Subjects | Duration | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 2 Hours | 100 | 300 |
- Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
- Marking Scheme: +3 marks for each correct answer.
- Negative Marking: –1 mark for each incorrect answer.
Candidates should prepare as per the latest AFCAT syllabus covering English, General Knowledge, Reasoning/Military Aptitude and Quantitative Aptitude topics.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment 2025?
Candidates who wish to apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 must complete the online registration on the AFCAT portal. Follow the step-by-step process given below:
- Visit the official AFCAT online portal: afcat.cdac.in (or the latest AFCAT application website mentioned in the notification).
- Click on the link for “AFCAT 01/2026 – New Registration”.
- Complete the registration by providing your name, valid mobile number and email ID. Note down the generated Login ID and Password.
- Login with your credentials and select the branch/entry you wish to apply for (Flying / Ground Duty – Technical / Non-Technical).
- Fill in personal, educational and communication details carefully as per your documents.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent photograph, signature and required certificates in the prescribed format.
- Pay the examination fee (if applicable) through available online payment options.
- Verify all entries and submit the online form. After successful submission, download and print the application form/acknowledgement for future use.
Key Points for Aspirants
- Ensure you meet age, education and physical standards before applying.
- Use an active mobile number and email ID, as all communications will be sent through them.
- Fill details exactly as per matriculation and degree/ITI certificates.
- Do not wait until the last date; submit your form and fee well in advance.
- Regularly check the AFCAT portal for updates regarding admit card, exam schedule, AFSB dates and other notices.
Important Links
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download AFCAT 01/2026 Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official AFCAT Website | Click Here |
Disclaimer : This Information is Only Immediate Information. Complete Caution has been Taken to Create This Notification, But if There are Any Errors, We will not be Responsible. Therefore, Before filling the Form, Please Visit the Relevant Official Website and Read the Entire Information Carefully. We are Looking Forward to Updating From Time to Time but Still You Should Match the Official Website. If There is a Change in Date or Information, Contact us. In Case of Any Loss, the Student can not Submit the Information Given on This Website's Page as a Legal Document.