What's in this article?
The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 01/2026 Notification for recruitment of officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches including NCC Special Entry. A total of 340 vacancies are available for the January 2027 course. Online applications are open from 17 November 2025 to 19 December 2025 (extended). Eligible men and women can apply through the official AFCAT portal.
AFCAT 01/2026 Vacancy Overview
ProJobAlert.com |
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|---|---|
| AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment Notification Advertisement No.:- AFCAT 01/2026 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Flying Branch & Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Start Date to Apply | 17 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 December 2025 (Extended) |
| Qualification | 12th with Physics & Maths + Graduation/BE/B.Tech (as per branch) |
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 Years (as on 01 January 2027) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, AFSB Interview, Document Verification, Medical Examination |
| Salary | As per 7th CPC Pay Matrix for Commissioned Officers |
| Application Fees |
₹550/- for all candidates No fee for NCC Special Entry No fee for Meteorology Entry |
| Application Mode | Online via AFCAT official website |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Portal |
| 👉 Apply Online Now | |
Important Date
- Notification Released: 17 November 2025
- Application Start: 17 November 2025
- Last Date : 19 December 2025 (Extended)
- Correction Date: Up to Last Date of Application
- Exam Date: 31 January 2026 (Saturday)
- Admit Card: January 2026 (Tentative)
- Course Commencement: January 2027
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years (Flying Branch), 26 Years (Ground Duty)
- Age Relaxation:
- Flying Branch: Up to 26 Years for candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India).
- Note: Kindly Read Full Official Notification Before Apply.
Application Fees
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹550/- + 18% GST
- SC / ST: ₹550/- + 18% GST
- NCC Special Entry & Meteorology Entry: No Fee
Qualification
- Flying Branch: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (50% each) and Graduation (60%) OR BE/B.Tech (60%).
- Ground Duty Technical: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (50% each) and Engineering Degree in relevant disciplines (60%).
- Ground Duty Non-Technical: Graduation/Post Graduation in relevant streams (60%).
- NCC Special Entry: NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate holders.
Full Eligibility
Candidates applying for AFCAT 01/2026 must be Indian citizens, meet age criteria (20–26 years), and hold required educational qualifications as per branch. Final year students can also apply if they secure minimum 60% marks up to last declared semester and produce proof by 30 November 2026.
| Branch | Educational Qualification | Age Limit |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 10+2 with Physics & Maths (50%) + Graduation/BE/B.Tech (60%) | 20–24 Years (26 with CPL) |
| Ground Duty Technical | Engineering Degree in relevant disciplines (60%) | 20–26 Years |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Graduation/Post Graduation in relevant streams (60%) | 20–26 Years |
| NCC Special Entry | NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) | 20–24 Years |
Physical Test Criteria
Applicants for AFCAT 01/2026 must meet Indian Air Force medical and physical standards. Candidates should be physically fit to undergo training, with height, weight, and vision standards as per Appendix A of the notification.
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height (Men) | 162.5 cm (minimum) |
| Height (Women) | 162.5 cm (minimum) |
| Leg Length | 99 cm – 120 cm |
| Thigh Length | Minimum 64 cm |
| Sitting Height | 81.5 cm – 96 cm |
| Vision | 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in other (correctable) |
Salary
Selected candidates through AFCAT 01/2026 will be commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force with pay as per the 7th CPC Pay Matrix. The starting salary includes allowances, MSP, and other benefits, making the monthly package attractive and competitive for Flying Branch and Ground Duty officers.
| Branch | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10) + MSP ₹15,500 + Flying Allowances |
| Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10) + MSP ₹15,500 + Other Allowances |
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500/- per month
- Flying Allowance: ₹11,250/- per month (Flying Branch)
- Other Allowances: Transport, Uniform, Housing, and Medical facilities
- Pension Benefits: Applicable for Permanent Commission officers only
- SSC Officers: Not entitled to pension but eligible for gratuity and other benefits
- Insurance Cover: ₹1 Crore under IAF Group Insurance Scheme
Selection Process
The AFCAT 01/2026 Selection Process involves multiple stages including written exam, AFSB interview, medical examination, and document verification. Candidates must qualify each stage to be considered for final selection in Flying and Ground Duty branches.
- Written Examination: Online AFCAT exam conducted nationwide.
- AFSB Interview: Air Force Selection Board testing including psychological, group, and personal interview rounds.
- Medical Examination: Comprehensive medical tests as per IAF standards.
- Final Merit List: Based on performance in all stages and availability of vacancies.
Exam Pattern
The AFCAT Exam Pattern consists of objective type questions covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude. The exam is conducted online with negative marking for wrong answers.
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 2 Hours |
| Verbal Ability (English) | 25 | 75 | |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 | |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 32 | 96 | |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Only For Technical Branch
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) | 50 | 150 | 45 Minutes |
- Negative Marking: -1 mark for each wrong answer
- Mode of Exam: Online Computer Based Test
- Language: English only
Post / Category Wise Vacancy
The AFCAT 01/2026 recruitment offers opportunities across Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches (Technical and Non-Technical) for both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC). Vacancies are available for men and women candidates in various specializations including Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics), Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical), Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, and Meteorology.
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M&W | -- | -- | 34 | 04 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/PC/110AEC/M&W 220/27T/SSC/110AEC/M&W |
AE(L): 03 AE(M): 09 |
AE(L): 03 AE(M): 03 |
AE(L): 100 AE(M): 38 |
AE(L): 23 AE(M): 09 |
|
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | -- | -- | WS: 21 Admin: 48 Lgs: 09 Accts: 08 Edn: 02 Met: 01 |
WS: 05 Admin: 12 Lgs: 02 Accts: 02 Edn: 02 Met: 02 |
|
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 221/27F/PC/M and 221/27F/SSC/M&W | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC | |||
Note: AE(L) = Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics), AE(M) = Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical), WS = Weapon Systems, Admin = Administration, Lgs = Logistics, Accts = Accounts, Edn = Education, Met = Meteorology. Vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on service requirements effective January 2027.
How To Apply
Candidates must apply online for AFCAT 01/2026 through the official AFCAT portal. Applications are accepted only via the website, and Aadhaar card is mandatory for registration. Ensure all details are correct before final submission.
- Step 1: Visit the official AFCAT portal afcat.cdac.in.
- Step 2: Register with valid email ID, mobile number, and Aadhaar details.
- Step 3: Fill personal, academic, and communication details carefully.
- Step 4: Upload scanned photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
- Step 5: Pay application fee online (₹550/- + GST, exempted for NCC/Meteorology).
- Step 6: Submit the application and take a printout for future reference.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2025 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Madhya Pradesh Jobs | Click Here |
| Defence Jobs | Click Here |
| Home Page | Click Here |
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2026?
The last date to apply online is 19 December 2025 (extended).
How many vacancies are available in AFCAT 01/2026?
A total of 340 vacancies are available across Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Non-Technical, and NCC Special Entry.
What is the age limit for AFCAT 01/2026?
The age limit is 20 to 24 years for Flying Branch and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty branches.
Is there any application fee for AFCAT 01/2026?
Yes, candidates must pay ₹550/- + 18% GST. However, NCC Special Entry and Meteorology candidates are exempted.
When will the AFCAT 01/2026 exam be conducted?
The AFCAT exam will be held on 31 January 2026 (Saturday).
Can final year students apply for AFCAT 01/2026?
Yes, final year students can apply provided they have secured 60% marks up to the last declared semester and submit proof by 30 November 2026.