AFCAT 2026: Indian Air Force Recruitment for Flying and Ground Duty – Complete Guide for Beginners

Published: May 2026  ·  Source: Employment News 16–22 May 2026 / IAF Official Advertisement  ·  Reading time: ~7 minutes

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.

3. Important dates

4. Who can apply – age limit

5. Educational qualification

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

7. Salary after joining

After commissioning, officers are paid as per the 7th Pay Commission Defence Pay Matrix.

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

8. Selection process

1. AFCAT Online Exam
   Multiple choice questions testing General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. This is the first screening stage.
2. 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.
3. Medical Examination
   Candidates recommended by AFSB must pass a medical examination at a designated Air Force Hospital.
4. 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.

9. How to apply

1. Go to the official website
   Visit https://afcat.cdac.in — this is the only official website to apply. Do not apply anywhere else.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Pay the exam fee
   Pay online using Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card.
5. 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.

10. Exam 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.

12. Frequently asked questions

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.