Indian Air Force Jobs 2026
AFCAT 2026: Indian Air Force Recruitment for Flying and Ground Duty – Complete Guide for Beginners
The Indian Air Force has announced recruitment for its 02/2026 induction cycle through AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test). This is your chance to become a commissioned officer in one of the most respected defence forces in the world. Whether you want to fly aircraft or work in a ground duty role — this guide explains everything in simple language.
What is in this article
- What is AFCAT?
- Types of branches you can join
- Important dates
- Who can apply – eligibility and age limit
- Educational qualification
- Physical and medical standards
- Salary after joining
- Selection process
- How to apply
- Exam fee
- Important rules to know
- Frequently asked questions
1. What is AFCAT?
AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test. It is the entrance exam conducted by the Indian Air Force to select officers for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
It is open to both men and women who are Indian citizens. Once selected, you are commissioned as an officer — which is a gazetted government post with a good salary, allowances, and lifelong pension benefits.
There are also two other entry routes announced in the same notification:
- NCC Special Entry — for candidates who hold an NCC Air Wing ‘C’ certificate
- GATE Score Entry — for engineering graduates who have a valid GATE score (Ground Duty Technical branch only)
2. Types of branches you can join
Flying Branch
You will be trained as a pilot and fly IAF aircraft. This is available through AFCAT entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Entry is not applicable here.
- Available for both men and women
- Short Service Commission (SSC) for men and women
- Permanent Commission (PC) is also offered — subject to merit and service requirements
Ground Duty – Technical Branch
You will work in the technical and engineering departments of the Air Force. This includes aeronautical engineering, electronics, and mechanical systems. Available through AFCAT and GATE Score entry.
Ground Duty – Non-Technical Branch
You will work in administration, accounts, logistics, education, and meteorology. This is available through AFCAT entry for both men and women.
About vacancies: The exact number of vacancies for each branch is published separately in the Induction Notification for Cycle 02/2026. For the Flying Branch SSC, there are 30 seats for men and 5 seats for women mentioned in this advertisement. For all other branches, please check the official IAF website for the complete vacancy list:
Visit: https://afcat.cdac.in
Visit: https://afcat.cdac.in
3. Important dates
| Activity | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application opens | 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last date to apply online | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Training commences (all branches) | July 2027 |
Exam date for AFCAT 02/2026 will be announced on the official website after the application window closes. Keep checking afcat.cdac.in regularly.
4. Who can apply – age limit
| Branch | Date of Birth (both dates inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007 (Age: 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027) |
| Ground Duty – Technical and Non-Technical (AFCAT & GATE entry) | Born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007 (Age: 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027) |
Special relaxation: If you hold a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA India, the upper age for Flying Branch is relaxed up to 26 years — born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007.
5. Educational qualification
| Branch | Minimum qualification needed |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT entry) | Graduation in any stream with minimum 60% marks in Class X or XII, AND minimum 60% overall in the qualifying degree OR B.E. / B.Tech with minimum 60% marks OR MCA with BCA / B.Sc. (Computer Science or IT) |
| Ground Duty – Technical | B.E. / B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline with minimum 60% marks OR Pursuing final year (result awaited is also allowed) |
| Ground Duty – Non-Technical | Graduation in any stream from a recognised university with minimum 60% marks |
| GATE Score Entry (Ground Duty Technical only) | B.E. / B.Tech with valid GATE score in relevant subject |
| NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch) | Graduation with minimum 60% marks + NCC Air Wing ‘C’ certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade |
If you are in your final year of graduation, you can still apply. But your result must be out and you must have 60% marks before you join training in July 2027.
6. Physical and medical standards
All candidates must pass a medical examination conducted by the IAF Medical Board. The standards are strict — there is no relaxation in medical standards under any circumstances.
Key physical requirements to keep in mind:
- You should be able to run 1.6 km in 10 minutes
- You should be able to do at least 10 push-ups and 3 chin-ups
- Good eyesight is required — especially for Flying Branch
- No permanent body tattoos are allowed on any part of the body except on the inner face of both forearms (from elbow to wrist) and the back of both hands
For full details on height, weight, eyesight standards, and medical requirements, visit the official IAF website: afcat.cdac.in
7. Salary after joining
After commissioning, officers are paid as per the 7th Pay Commission Defence Pay Matrix.
| Rank on joining | Pay as per Defence Matrix | Level | MSP (Military Service Pay) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 | Level 10 | Rs. 15,500 per month |
In addition to basic pay and MSP, you also get:
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Flying Allowance (for Flying Branch officers)
- Transport Allowance
- Technical Allowance (for Technical branch)
- Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer Allowance (where applicable)
- Risk and Hardship Allowance
- Free accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self and family
- Officers’ Mess, Canteen, and subsidised loans
- LTC (Leave Travel Concession) — 60 days annual leave and 20 days casual leave
Flight Cadets during training receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month for one year.
8. Selection process
-
AFCAT Online Exam
Multiple choice questions testing General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. This is the first screening stage. -
AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board)
Candidates who clear the AFCAT exam are called for a 5-day AFSB interview at one of the selection centres across India. It includes psychological tests, group tests, and a personal interview. -
Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by AFSB must pass a medical examination at a designated Air Force Hospital. -
Merit List and Final Selection
Final selection is based on merit — combining AFCAT score, AFSB performance, and medical fitness. Selected candidates are allotted to branches based on vacancies and merit.
Training for all selected candidates starts in July 2027 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad). Flying Branch training is 62 weeks. Ground Duty (Technical) training is 52 weeks. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) training is 50 weeks.
9. How to apply
-
Go to the official website
Visit https://afcat.cdac.in — this is the only official website to apply. Do not apply anywhere else. -
Register with your email and mobile number
Create your account. Your email and mobile number must be active throughout the selection process — the IAF will contact you on these. -
Fill in your details carefully
Enter personal details, educational qualifications, and choose your entry type (AFCAT / NCC / GATE). Important: Once submitted, the form is final. No amendments will be accepted. -
Pay the exam fee
Pay online using Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card. -
Download your application and admit card
Save a copy of your application after submission. Admit card will be available for download separately before the exam.
Apply online and check exact vacancy numbers here:
https://afcat.cdac.in10. Exam fee
| Entry type | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry (all candidates) | Rs. 550 + GST (non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | No fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No fee |
11. Important rules to know before applying
- You must be unmarried at the time of joining. If you get married during training, you will be discharged and will have to refund all pay and allowances received.
- Use of narcotics is strictly banned. Candidates are tested for drugs during medicals and training.
- Do not apply for multiple entries — submit only one application. If you appear for the same type of entry again after having already appeared, no TA is admissible.
- Once submitted, the application is final. No changes will be allowed.
- Canvassing in any form — including trying to influence the selection process — will immediately disqualify you.
- The information you fill in the online form is considered final. Any false declaration found at any stage — even after joining — can lead to cancellation of candidature or removal from service.
Tattoo policy: Permanent tattoos are not allowed on any part of the body except on the inner face of both forearms (elbow to wrist) and the back of both hands. Small, non-offensive tattoos that are not prejudicial to good order and military discipline are permitted — for example, religious symbols or names of near and dear ones.
12. Frequently asked questions
Can girls apply for AFCAT 2026?
Yes. Women can apply for both Flying Branch (SSC) and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches through AFCAT 2026.
Can a commerce or arts graduate apply for AFCAT?
Yes — for the Ground Duty Non-Technical branch, any graduate with 60% marks can apply regardless of their stream. For Flying Branch, you also need 60% in Class X or XII separately.
What is the difference between PC and SSC in the Air Force?
PC means Permanent Commission — you serve until retirement age. SSC means Short Service Commission — you initially serve for 10 to 14 years. After SSC, you may get the option to convert to PC based on your performance and availability of vacancies.
I have a GATE score. Do I still need to appear for the AFCAT exam?
No. If you are applying through GATE Score Entry for Ground Duty Technical branch, you do not need to appear for the AFCAT exam. Your GATE score is used directly for shortlisting.
I am in my final year of engineering. Can I apply?
Yes. Final year students can apply. But your degree result must be out and you must have the required marks before you join training in July 2027.
What is AFSB? How many days does it take?
AFSB stands for Air Force Selection Board. It is a 5-day interview process that tests your personality, intelligence, leadership, and teamwork. It is conducted at selection centres across India. Only candidates who clear the AFCAT exam are called for AFSB.
Where do I check exact vacancies for each branch?
The exact vacancy breakdown for each branch and category is published separately in the official Induction Notification for Cycle 02/2026. Visit afcat.cdac.in for the full details.
Quick summary – AFCAT 2026
- Entry type: AFCAT / NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Entry
- Branches: Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical
- Application opens: 20 May 2026 | Closes: 19 June 2026
- Age limit: 20–24 years (Flying) | 20–26 years (Ground Duty)
- Minimum marks: 60% in graduation
- Exam fee: Rs. 550 + GST (Free for NCC and GATE entries)
- Training starts: July 2027 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad
- Starting pay: Rs. 56,100 + Rs. 15,500 MSP + allowances
- Apply at: afcat.cdac.in
Last updated: May 2026 · Source: Indian Air Force Advertisement (CBC 10801/11/0012/2627) published in Employment News 16–22 May 2026.
Always verify the latest details and exact vacancy numbers on the official website before applying: afcat.cdac.in
This article is for informational purposes only.