The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 01/2026 notification to recruit 340 officers for the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry. The online application process begins on 17 November 2025 and closes on 14 December 2025. The AFCAT written examination will be held on 31 January 2026.
This article provides comprehensive details on eligibility requirements, vacancy distribution, age limits, salary, selection procedure, application steps, and direct access to the official notification and online application portal.
IAF AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment Overview
Organization Details
- Company Name: Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Post Name: Officers through AFCAT 01/2026
- Total Vacancies: 340
- Pay Matrix: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500
- Qualification: Any Graduate, B.Tech/B.E, Post Graduate (as per branch requirements)
- Age Limit: 20 to 26 years
- Online Application Start Date: 17 November 2025
- Last Date to Apply: 14 December 2025
- Official Website: afcat.edcil.co.in
Vacancy Details
AFCAT Entry
Flying Branch
- SSC (Men): 34
- SSC (Women): 04
Ground Duty (Technical)
AE (L) / AE (M)
- PC (Men): AE(L) 03, AE(M) 09
- PC (Women): AE(L) 03, AE(M) 03
- SSC (Men): AE(L) 100, AE(M) 38
- SSC (Women): AE(L) 23, AE(M) 09
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Weapon Systems: 21 (Men SSC), 05 (Women SSC)
- Administration: 48 (Men SSC), 12 (Women SSC)
- Logistics: 09 (Men SSC), 02 (Women SSC)
- Accounts: 08 (Men SSC), 02 (Women SSC)
- Education: 02 (Men SSC), 02 (Women SSC)
- Meteorology: 01 (Men SSC), 02 (Women SSC)
NCC Special Entry
- Flying Branch (PC and SSC):
10% of seats from CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% of AFCAT vacancies for SSC.
Eligibility Criteria
Flying Branch
- Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level,
or - BE/B.Tech degree.
Ground Duty (Technical)
- BE/B.Tech degree in the specified engineering disciplines.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Graduation or Post-Graduation in relevant fields including Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, or related subjects.
Age Limit (as on 1 January 2027)
Flying Branch
- 20 to 24 years (Born between 2 January 2003 to 1 January 2007)
- For holders of a valid Commercial Pilot License:
Upper age limit relaxed to 26 years (Born between 2 January 2001 to 1 January 2007)
Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical)
- 20 to 26 years (Born between 2 January 2001 to 1 January 2007)
Salary Structure
Officers (All Branches)
- Level 10 Pay: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500
- Additional allowances vary according to branch, nature of duty, and posting location.
Flight Cadets
- Stipend during training: Rs. 56,100 per month
Application Fee
- AFCAT Entry: Rs. 550 + GST (non-refundable)
- NCC Special Entry: No fee
Important Dates
- Online Registration Starts: 17 November 2025
- Last Date for Application: 14 December 2025
- AFCAT Exam Date: 31 January 2026
Selection Process
AFSB Testing
Stage I
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test
- Document verification
- Candidates who do not qualify are released the same day
Stage II
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tests and Interview over the next five days
For Flying Branch
- CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System)
Only for recommended candidates
One-time eligibility test
Final Merit List
- Based on marks in the written exam and AFSB tests
- Includes medical fitness and branch availability
- 10% of vacancies reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate holders
How to Apply
Step 1: Online Registration
Visit the official AFCAT portal at afcat.edcil.co.in.
Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration.
Step 2: Complete the Application Form
Fill in personal details, communication details, qualifications, and upload documents including photograph and signature.
Step 3: Verify All Information
Check all details before submitting.
Corrections cannot be made after selecting Submit or Make Payment.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
Applicable only for AFCAT entry.
If multiple applications are submitted, only the latest will be considered, but additional fees will not be refunded.
Step 5: Final Submission
After payment and form completion, submit the application.
Candidates should retain a copy of the submitted form for reference.