Indian Air Force invites applications for 340 Officer posts

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026 notification for the recruitment of 340 officers across various branches, including Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry. The online application process will begin on November 17, 2025, and remain open until December 14, 2025. The written examination for the recruitment is scheduled to be held on January 31, 2026.

According to the official notification, candidates who meet the eligibility criteria can apply online through the official AFCAT portal at https://afcat.edcil.co.in . Applicants are advised to verify all the details carefully before submitting the application, as incorrect information may lead to disqualification at any stage of the selection process. Aadhaar card details are mandatory for registration, and only the latest application submitted against a particular Aadhaar number will be considered valid.

The recruitment drive aims to fill officer vacancies through Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) in different branches. Under the Flying Branch, 38 vacancies have been notified for SSC, while Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches together account for a major portion of the total posts. In addition, 10 percent of the vacancies are reserved for NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate holders under the NCC Special Entry scheme.

For eligibility, candidates applying for the Flying Branch must have completed graduation with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level or hold a B.E./B.Tech degree. For Ground Duty (Technical) positions, a B.E./B.Tech degree in the specified engineering disciplines is required, whereas Ground Duty (Non-Technical) roles require graduation or post-graduation in relevant fields such as Administration, Accounts, Logistics, or Education. The age limit for the Flying Branch is between 20 and 24 years as of January 1, 2027, with a relaxation of up to 26 years for those holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). For Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, the age limit is between 20 and 26 years.

The pay scale for officers is as per Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix, ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500. In addition, a Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 will be provided. Flight cadets undergoing training will receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month. Officers are also entitled to various allowances based on their posting and nature of duty, such as flying allowance, technical allowance, transport allowance, and risk and hardship allowance.

The selection process comprises a written examination followed by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing, which is conducted in two stages. Stage I includes the Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with a Picture Perception and Discussion Test, while Stage II consists of psychological assessments, group tasks, and personal interviews. Candidates recommended for the Flying Branch will also have to undergo the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test. The final merit list will be prepared based on candidates’ performance in the written test, AFSB stages, and medical examination.

Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force are required to submit their applications online through the AFCAT portal. A non-refundable examination fee of ₹550 plus GST is applicable for AFCAT entries, while there is no fee for NCC Special Entry applicants. Applicants are advised to read the official notification carefully and ensure that all details entered are accurate before making the final submission.

The AFCAT 01/2026 recruitment offers a significant opportunity for young aspirants to build a career as commissioned officers in one of India’s most prestigious defence services. With a structured selection process and defined eligibility criteria, the Indian Air Force continues to attract dynamic and qualified individuals dedicated to serving the nation.