The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the notification for AFCAT 01/2026 to fill 340 vacancies in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry. The online application process will begin on 17 November 2025 and will remain open until 14 December 2025 . The AFCAT written examination is scheduled to be conducted on 31 January 2026 .
Eligible and interested candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT portal. This notification covers detailed information on eligibility, age criteria, salary, selection stages, and application procedure.
Overview – AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment Particulars Details Organization Indian Air Force (IAF) Exam Name AFCAT 01/2026 Post Name Commissioned Officers Total Vacancies 340 Salary Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 (Level 10) Required Qualification Graduate/Engineering/Relevant PG Age Limit 20 – 26 Years Apply Online Starts 17 November 2025 Last Date to Apply 14 December 2025 Official Website https://afcat.edcil.co.in
AFCAT 01/2026 Vacancy Distribution Entry Branch Course No. Men (PC) Women (PC) Men (SSC) Women (SSC) AFCAT Entry Flying 221/27F/SSC/M&W – – 34 04 AFCAT Entry Ground Duty (Technical) AE(L) & AE(M) 110 AEC 03 / 09 03 / 03 100 / 38 23 / 09 AFCAT Entry Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Admin, Lgs, WS, Accounts, Edn, Met — – – 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 — 10% seats reserved from CDSE and AFCAT vacancies
Educational Eligibility
Flying Branch
Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR
BE/B.Tech degree.
Ground Duty (Technical)
BE/B.Tech in relevant Engineering/Technology disciplines.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Graduate/Post Graduate in respective fields such as Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, etc.
Age Criteria (as on 01 January 2027) Branch Age Range Birth Range Flying Branch 20 to 24 years Born between 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2007 Flying with CPL Upper limit 26 years Born between 02 Jan 2001 – 01 Jan 2007 Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech) 20 to 26 years Born between 02 Jan 2001 – 01 Jan 2007
Salary and Training Stipend
Flying Officer (After Commissioning): Level 10 Pay Matrix: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500 per monthFlight Cadet Stipend during Training: Rs. 56,100 per monthAdditional allowances include Flying Pay, Technical Pay, Hardship Allowance, etc., based on posting and branch.
Application Fees Entry Type Fee AFCAT Entry Rs. 550 + GST (Non-Refundable)NCC Special Entry No Fee
Selection Process Stage I
Officer Intelligence Rating Test
Picture Perception & Discussion Test
Document Verification (Only for qualified candidates)
Candidates failing Stage I will be released the same day.
Stage II
Psychological Test
Group Tests
Personal Interview (Over multiple days)
For Flying Branch
CPSS (Computerized Pilot Selection System) test
Only once in a lifetime
Candidates who previously failed CPSS/PABT are not eligible.
Final Merit List
Prepared based on AFCAT written exam + AFSB Interview performance.
How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2026
Visit: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Register using Email ID and Mobile Number.
Login and fill personal, academic, and branch preference details.
Upload scanned photograph and signature.
Pay the application fee (if applicable).
Submit the application and take a printout.
Note: Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration.
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