Advertisement Numbers: AFCAT- 01/2026 Application Last Date: December 14, 2025 Post Names: Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical), NCC Special Entry
Advt. Details
Advertisement Number: AFCAT- 01/2026
Application Start Date: 17 November, 2025 (1100 Hr)
Application Deadline: 14 December, 2025 (23:30 Hr)
Total Vacancies: 340+ (AFCAT Entry, excluding NCC Special Entry)
Post Name(s): Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) Branch, Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch, NCC Special Entry
Location: India-wide
About Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) invites dynamic Indian citizens, both men and women, to join as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in various branches. This Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment drive aims to fill positions in the Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches, including NCC Special Entry. Candidates will embark on a challenging and rewarding career, serving the nation with pride.
Vacancy Details
| Entry | Name of the Post (Branch) | No. of Vacancies (Men) | No. of Vacancies (Women) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch | SSC: 34 | SSC: 04 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | PC: AE(L) :03PC: AE(M) :09SSC: AE(L) :100SSC: AE(M) :38 | PC: AE(L) :03PC: AE(M) :03SSC: AE(L) :23SSC: AE(M) :09 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non – Technical) | SSC: Weapon Systems (WS) Branch:21 Admin:48 Lgs:09 Accts :08 Edn :02 Met :01 | SSC: Weapon Systems (WS) Branch:05 Admin :12 Lgs :02 Accts :02 Edn :02 Met :02 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
| Total (AFCAT Entry) | 340+ Vacancies |
Note: Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/- per month during the one-year training period.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment must meet specific eligibility conditions. Ensure you review these details carefully before submitting your application.
Educational Qualification
- Flying Branch: Candidates must have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level. Additionally, they require a Graduation (3-year degree) in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent, OR a BE/B.Tech (4-year degree) with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent, OR clearance of Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch [AE(L) & AE(M)]: Candidates need a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. They must also possess a minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university, OR have cleared Sections A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in relevant engineering disciplines. For a detailed list of eligible disciplines, refer to the official Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment notification.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch:
- Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: Passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level. Graduation (3-year degree) in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent, OR BE/B.Tech (4-year degree) with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Administration & Logistics: Passed 10+2 and hold a Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Accounts Branch: Passed 10+2 and completed graduation in B.Com (Min three years course), Bachelor of Business Administration (with specialization in Finance), Bachelor of Management Studies (with specialization in Finance), Bachelor of Business Studies (with specialization in Finance), Qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA, or B.Sc. with specialization in Finance, all with 60% marks or equivalent.
- Education: Passed 10+2 and hold a Post-Graduation with 50% marks in any discipline (including integrated courses offering PG) and 60% marks in Graduation in any discipline.
- Meteorology: Passed 10+2 and possess a B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent, OR a four-year Graduation in Engineering/Technology discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in specified streams.
- Note: Candidates in their final year/semester can also apply, provided they have no current backlogs and have secured a minimum of 60% marks up to the last declared semester/year. They must submit proof of completion of their final exams by November 30, 2026.
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027)
- Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry): Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age. This means applicants should have been born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
- Relaxation: The upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years. Such candidates should have been born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch: Candidates must be between 20 to 26 years of age. This means applicants should have been born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
- Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the commencement of the course. Marriage is not permitted during the training period.
Application Fee
- General / OBC / EWS: ₹550/- + 18% GST
- SC / ST / PwBD / Female: ₹550/- + 18% GST (As per notification, no specific exemption for these categories mentioned except NCC Special Entry)
- NCC Special Entry: Not applicable (Exempted from fee).
- Note: Once the fee is paid, it is non-refundable under any circumstances.
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- Stage 1: Online AFCAT (Written Test): This computer-based test covers General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude. The AFCAT exam will be conducted on January 31, 2026. (NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from the written exam and proceed directly to AFSB testing).
- Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing: Successful candidates from the written exam (or directly for NCC Special Entry) will undergo AFSB testing. This includes Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Picture Perception and Discussion Test, Psychological Test, Group Tests, and an Interview. For Flying Branch candidates, the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) is also administered.
- Stage 3: Document Verification: Candidates must present all original documents for verification to confirm their eligibility.
- Stage 4: Medical Fitness Test: A comprehensive medical examination as per IAF standards will be conducted to ensure candidates meet the required physical and medical fitness criteria. Detailed medical standards are available in the official notification.
How to Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment
- Registration: Visit the official AFCAT website https://afcat.edcil.co.in. Sign up by providing your personal and contact details, including a valid Email ID and Mobile Number. An OTP will be sent for verification. Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
- Fill Application Form: Log in with your generated User ID and Password. Complete the online application form with personal, communication, and qualification details.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size color photograph (100KB to 200KB), signature (80KB to 150KB), and thumb impression (50KB to 100KB). Ensure the photograph is the same used throughout the process.
- Pay Application Fee: Proceed to the payment gateway and pay the non-refundable application fee of ₹550/- + 18% GST (if applicable) through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from this fee.
- Submit and Print: After successful payment, the application form will be automatically submitted. Print a copy of your submitted application form for future reference. No edits are possible after final submission.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | November 17, 2025 |
| Online Application Last Date | December 14, 2025 |
| AFCAT Admit Card Download | January 22, 2026 onwards |
| AFCAT Exam Date | January 31, 2026 |
| Deadline for Final Year Exam Completion Proof | November 30, 2026 |
Important Links
Notification links
Notification Link
Apply Link
Apply Online (Link will be active on Nov 17, 2025)
Official links
Official Website
FAQs
How many vacancies are available in the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment?
There are 340+ vacancies for AFCAT Entry, along with additional seats for NCC Special Entry as per prevailing norms for the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment.
What is the last date to apply for the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment?
The last date to apply online for the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment is December 14, 2025.
Who can apply for the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment?
Indian citizens (Men and Women) who meet the specified age and educational qualification criteria for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) Branch, Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch, and NCC Special Entry can apply for this Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment.
What is the selection process for the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment?
The selection process for the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment includes an Online AFCAT (Written Exam) for AFCAT entry candidates, followed by Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing, document verification, and a medical fitness test. NCC Special Entry candidates are directly called for AFSB.
Where can I apply for the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment?
You can apply online for the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment through the official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in/.
What is the salary offered to Flying Officers after the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment?
During training, Flight Cadets receive a stipend of ₹56,100/- per month. On commissioning, a Flying Officer’s pay is ₹56,100 – ₹177,500 (Level 10) plus ₹15,500 Military Service Pay (MSP) in the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment.
Disclaimer
The details in this article are taken from the official notification for easy reference. InfrontJob provides this blog post to help candidates stay informed and access verified job updates. For the latest updates, amendments, or clarifications regarding the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment, kindly refer to the official sources.
