IAF AFCAT Recruitment 2025 : The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 01/2026 notification for courses commencing in January 2027. The IAF invites unmarried men and women from Indian citizens as per the Citizenship Act, 1955, to join as Commissioned Officers in the Flying, and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. Online registration for AFCAT 01/2026 will commence on 10th November 2025 at 1100 Hrs and close on 9th December 2025 at 2330 Hrs.
IAF AFCAT Recruitment 2025 – AFCAT 01/2026 Notification
The detailed AFCAT 01/2026 Notification PDF is available on the official website for candidates’ reference. This PDF contains comprehensive information on vacancies, eligibility, selection procedure, medical standards, and the online application process. Aspirants are advised to read and understand all details thoroughly before proceeding with the registration.
Download AFCAT 01/2026 Notification PDF
IAF AFCAT 01/2026 : Overview
The AFCAT 01/2026 offers a prestigious opportunity to join the Indian Air Force as a Commissioned Officer. Below is a detailed overview with all key information for aspirants.
| Organization | Indian Air Force |
|---|---|
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Vacancies | To be announced (Refer to official website on 09 Nov 25) |
| Course Number | 221/27F/SSC/M & W, 220/27T/SSC/ 110AEC/M & W, 220/27G/SSC/ M & W |
| Registration Dates | 10th Nov 2025 to 9th Dec 2025 |
| Mode of Application | Online |
| Selection Process | AFCAT Online Test, AFSB Interview, Medical Examination |
| Training Commencement | Last week of Dec 2026 / First week of Jan 2027 |
IAF AFCAT 01/2026 Vacancies
The exact number of vacancies for AFCAT 01/2026 is tentative and will be published on the official website on 9th November 2025. The vacancies are for the following branches:
- Flying Branch: Through AFCAT & NCC Special Entry (For SSC)
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: Through AFCAT
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch: Through AFCAT
IAF AFCAT 01/2026 Eligibility 2025
The AFCAT 01/2026 has defined clear eligibility criteria for all candidates. Applicants must meet requirements related to age and educational qualifications.
Air Force AFCAT Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years (i.e., born between 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007). Age Relaxation: Candidates with a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA can be up to 26 years (i.e., born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007). |
| Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Tech) | 20 to 26 years (i.e., born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007). |
Air Force AFCAT Educational Qualification
Detailed educational qualifications for each branch are available in the official notification. A brief is as follows:
- Flying Branch: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or BE/B.Tech degree.
- Ground Duty (Technical): BE/B.Tech degree in specified streams.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation/Post-Graduation in relevant streams (e.g., Administration, Accounts, Logistics, Education).
Air Force AFCAT Apply Online 2026
The AFCAT 01/2026 application process is completely online. Candidates must register on the official website. It is crucial to use a unique and active email ID and mobile number, which must be maintained throughout the selection process. No changes to the application will be allowed after submission.
Direct Link to Apply for AFCAT 01/2026 (Active from 10 Nov 2025)
How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2026?
Candidates applying for the AFCAT must complete the process online only. Eligible candidates can apply for one or more entries but must register separately for each.
| Step | Procedure |
|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in. |
| 2 | Click on the application link for AFCAT 01/2026. |
| 3 | Register using a valid Email ID and Mobile Number. |
| 4 | Fill in the online application form with all required details carefully. |
| 5 | Upload scanned documents (photograph, signature, etc.) as per specified guidelines. |
| 6 | Pay the applicable examination fee online (if applicable). |
| 7 | Submit the form and take a printout for future reference. |
AFCAT Application Fee 2026
Candidates registering for the AFCAT entry are required to pay a non-refundable examination fee. However, candidates applying only for the NCC Special Entry are exempt from this fee.
| Category of Applicant | Application / Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550/- + GST (Non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | Nil |
IAF AFCAT 01/2026 Salary and Benefits 2026
The Indian Air Force offers an attractive pay structure and numerous benefits.
- Stipend during Training: Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month.
- Pay on Commissioning (Flying Officer): The starting salary is in Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix (Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500) along with Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500/- and various allowances.
- Allowances: Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, etc.
- Privileges: Furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents, canteen facilities, subsidised loans, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and 60 days annual leave.
- Insurance: A cover of Rs. 1.25 Crore (on contribution) from Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS).
- Sports & Adventure: Access to state-of-the-art facilities for sports and adventure activities like skydiving, mountaineering, and water rafting.
FAQs
Q1. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2026?
Ans: The last date to submit the online application is 9th December 2025 (2330 Hrs).
Q2. When will the training for AFCAT 01/2026 commence?
Ans: The training for all courses is scheduled to commence in the last week of December 2026 / first week of January 2027 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal.
Q3. Are female candidates eligible to apply?
Ans: Yes, unmarried female candidates are eligible for Short Service Commission (SSC) in both Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Q4. What is the policy on tattoos?
Ans: Permanent tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearms (inside of elbow to wrist) and the reverse side of the palm/back of both hands. Tattoos on any other part of the body are not permitted.
Q5. Is Aadhaar Card mandatory for registration?
Ans: Yes, an Aadhaar Card is mandatory for the registration process. A PAN Card and an account in SBI/Nationalised Bank are mandatory at the time of joining the Air Force Academy.