The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT 01/2027 Notification, inviting applications for Commissioned Officer posts in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical). This recruitment also includes NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry. Eligible male and female candidates can apply online from 12 November 2026 to 11 December 2026 for courses commencing in January 2028.
Table of Contents
Overview Table
| ProJobAlert.com | |
| IAF AFCAT 01/2027 Officer Recruitment Advertisement No.: 01/2027 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Total Vacancies | To be Announced Soon |
| Job Location | All India (Training at Hyderabad) |
| Start Date to Apply | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026 |
| Qualification | Graduate / Engineering Degree |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Apply Online Now | |
Important Dates
- Notification Released: 02 November 2026
- Application Start: 12 November 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 11 December 2026
- Course Commencement: January 2028
- Exam Date: To be Notified
- Admit Card: To be Notified
Application Fees
- AFCAT Entry: Rs. 550/- + GST
- NCC Special Entry: No Fee
- GATE Score Entry: No Fee
Age Limit as on 01 January 2028
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 26 Years
- Age Relaxation:
- Flying Branch: 20-24 years (Born between 02 Jan 2004 to 01 Jan 2008)
- Flying Branch (CPL Holders): 20-26 years (Born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2006)
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20-26 years (Born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008)
Qualification Details
- Flying Branch: Class 12th with Physics & Mathematics (min 50% each) AND a 3-year Graduation in any discipline OR BE/B.Tech (4-year course).
- Ground Duty (Technical) – AE (Electronics/Mechanical): Class 12th with Physics & Mathematics (min 50% each) AND a 4-year Engineering/Technology Degree in relevant discipline.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Weapon Systems: Class 12th with Physics & Mathematics AND a 3-year Graduation in any discipline OR BE/B.Tech (4-year course).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Administration & Logistics: Class 12th AND a 3-year Graduation in any discipline.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accounts: Class 12th AND B.Com (min 3 years), BBA (Finance), BMS (Finance), BBS (Finance) or B.Sc. with Finance specialization. CA/CMA/CS/CFA qualified also eligible.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Education: Class 12th AND Graduation in any discipline AND a Postgraduate Degree in any discipline.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Meteorology: Class 12th AND B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics OR a 4-year Engineering/Technology Degree in relevant discipline.
Full Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for AFCAT 01/2027 must meet specific age, educational, and marital status requirements. Ensure you fulfill all criteria for your chosen branch before applying to the Indian Air Force.
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Passed Class 12 with Mathematics and Physics (min 50% marks in each). Must have a minimum 3-year graduation degree in any discipline OR a BE/B.Tech degree (4-year course) from a recognised university. Candidates who have cleared Sections A and B of the Associate Membership Examination of the Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India are also eligible. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) – AE (Electronics) | Passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics (min 50% marks in each). Must have a minimum 4-year degree or integrated postgraduate qualification in Engineering/Technology in an eligible discipline (e.g., Electronics, Electrical, Computer Science, IT). |
| Ground Duty (Technical) – AE (Mechanical) | Passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics (min 50% marks in each). Must hold a minimum 4-year Engineering/Technology degree or integrated postgraduate qualification in an eligible discipline (e.g., Mechanical, Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechatronics). |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Weapon Systems | Passed Class 12 with Mathematics and Physics, followed by a minimum 3-year graduation degree in any discipline or a 4-year BE/B.Tech degree from a recognised university. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Administration and Logistics | Passed Class 12 and hold a minimum 3-year graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accounts | Passed Class 12 and completed graduation in B.Com (minimum 3 years), BBA (Finance), BMS (Finance), BBS (Finance) or B.Sc. with specialisation in Finance. Candidates qualified in CA, CMA, CS or CFA can also apply. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Education | Passed Class 12, completed graduation in any discipline and hold a postgraduate degree in any discipline. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Meteorology | Passed Class 12 and hold a B.Sc. degree with Physics and Mathematics or a 4-year Engineering/Technology degree in an eligible discipline (e.g., Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Computer Science, IT). |
Physical/Medical Standards
Candidates must meet the prescribed physical and medical standards set by the Indian Air Force. Detailed requirements will be available in the comprehensive notification on the official website.
- Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement. Marriage is strictly prohibited during the training period.
- Permanent Body Tattoos: Generally not permitted, except on the inner face of forearms and reverse side of the palm/back of hands. Tribal candidates with traditional tattoos may be considered on a case-by-case basis.
- Narcotics/Psychotropic Substances: Use or possession is strictly banned. Candidates may be tested for drugs during medicals and training.
Salary / Pay Scale
Selected candidates will be commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force, receiving an attractive salary package as per Pay Level 10 of the Defence Matrix.
| Pay Component | Amount/Details |
|---|---|
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 per month |
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 per month |
- Allowances: In addition to basic pay, officers receive various allowances such as Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, based on branch and posting.
- Privileges: Entitled to furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover, canteen facilities, subsidized loans, and generous leave (60 days annual, 20 days casual).
- Insurance: Mandatory insurance cover is applicable through the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS), providing substantial benefits for officers and their families.
Selection Process
The AFCAT 01/2027 selection process involves an online examination followed by comprehensive tests at the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) and a medical examination.
- Step 1: Online Examination: Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must appear for an online written examination.
- Step 2: AFSB Selection: Shortlisted candidates will undergo further selection at a designated Air Force Selection Board, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and interviews.
- Step 3: Medical Examination: Candidates must clear a stringent medical examination as per the standards prescribed by the Indian Air Force.
- Step 4: Final Selection: Final selection is based on merit, performance in all stages, and fulfillment of all recruitment requirements.
- Training: Successful candidates will undergo training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad), commencing in the first week of January 2028. Training duration is 74 weeks for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches, and 50 weeks for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches.
Exam Pattern
The AFCAT 01/2027 online examination will assess candidates across four key sections, with a negative marking scheme for incorrect answers.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) |
| Sections | General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test |
| Negative Marking | 1 mark for each incorrect answer |
- The exam aims to evaluate a candidate's general knowledge, language proficiency, quantitative skills, and logical reasoning abilities essential for an officer in the Indian Air Force.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force will announce the exact number of vacancies for AFCAT 01/2027 along with the detailed notification on 12 November 2026. The recruitment covers various branches and entry schemes.
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Vacancy |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 223/28F/SSC/M&W | To be announced |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | 222/28T/PC/M&W, 112AEC/M&W, 222/28T/SSC/M&W, 112AEC/M&W | To be announced |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 222/28G/SSC/M&W | To be announced |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 222/28G/PC/M&W, 222/28G/SSC/M&W | To be announced |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 223/28F/PC/M and 223/28F/SSC/M&W | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC & 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | 222/28T/PC/M&W, 112AEC/M&W, 222/28T/SSC/M&W, 112AEC/M&W | To be announced |
| Total Vacancies | To be Announced Soon | ||
Job Profile & Responsibility
As a Commissioned Officer in the Indian Air Force, you will undertake diverse and challenging roles based on your branch. Flying Branch officers are responsible for operating various aircraft, while Ground Duty (Technical) officers manage and maintain sophisticated equipment. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) officers handle administrative, logistics, accounts, education, and meteorology functions, ensuring smooth operations and strategic support for the Air Force. All roles demand leadership, technical expertise, and a commitment to national defense.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in joining the Indian Air Force through AFCAT 01/2027 must submit their applications online. Follow these steps carefully to ensure a successful application.
- Visit the official AFCAT website at afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Click on the "Apply Online" link for AFCAT 01/2027, which will be active from 12 November 2026.
- Select the appropriate entry scheme: AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, or GATE Score Entry.
- Complete the online registration form by providing all required personal details accurately.
- Fill in the detailed application form with your educational qualifications and other relevant information.
- Upload scanned copies of all necessary documents as per the specified format and size.
- Pay the applicable examination fee (if applying through AFCAT Entry) using the available online payment options.
- Review all entered information thoroughly before final submission to avoid any errors.
- Submit the application form and take a printout of the confirmation page for your records.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Defence & Security Jobs | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
When was the AFCAT 01/2027 Notification released?
The AFCAT 01/2027 Notification was released on 02 November 2026 for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches.
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
The online application process for AFCAT 01/2027 will close on 11 December 2026 (11:30 PM).
What is the age limit for AFCAT 01/2027?
As on 01 January 2028, the age limit for Flying Branch is 20 to 24 years (20-26 for CPL holders), and for Ground Duty Branches, it is 20 to 26 years.
What is the application fee for AFCAT 01/2027?
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must pay Rs. 550/- + GST. However, candidates applying via NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are exempt from the fee.
Are unmarried candidates eligible for AFCAT 01/2027?
Yes, candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement. Marriage is not permitted during the training period.
What are the main branches available in AFCAT 01/2027?
The main branches are Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical), including various sub-disciplines.
When will the AFCAT 01/2027 exam be conducted?
The exact exam date for AFCAT 01/2027 will be To be Notified by the Indian Air Force on their official website.