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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026 for candidates aspiring to become commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force. Through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), eligible unmarried male and female candidates can apply for various positions in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
The recruitment offers opportunities through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry, depending on the candidate’s qualifications and eligibility.
According to the recruitment details, the online application process will begin on 12 November 2026, and eligible candidates can submit their applications until 11 December 2026.
Candidates interested in serving the nation as Indian Air Force officers should check the eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications, selection process, salary structure and application procedure before applying.
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Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Examination | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
| Recruitment Batch | AFCAT 01/2027 |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
| Post | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying and Ground Duty |
| Entry Types | AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, GATE Score Entry |
| Gender | Male and Female |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date | 11 December 2026 |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Join Whatsapp Channel | Join Now |
Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 Vacancy Details
The AFCAT 01/2027 recruitment provides opportunities in different branches of the Indian Air Force. Candidates can apply for the branch and entry for which they meet the prescribed eligibility requirements.
The major recruitment categories include:
1. Flying Branch
Candidates can apply for Flying Branch positions through the prescribed entry schemes.
- Course Number: 223/28F/PC/M&W and 223/28F/SSC/M&W.
- Permanent Commission (PC) opportunities for eligible male candidates.
- Short Service Commission (SSC) opportunities for eligible male and female candidates.
- CDSE and AFCAT entry vacancies as per the notification.
2. Ground Duty Technical Branch
Engineering graduates can apply for the Ground Duty Technical Branch under the following categories:
- Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics).
- Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical).
Candidates must possess the required engineering qualifications and meet the prescribed academic conditions.
3. Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch
The Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch includes the following departments:
- Administration Branch
- Logistics Branch
- Accounts Branch
- Education Branch
- Meteorology Branch
Two seats are reserved from the Ground Duty Non-Technical vacancies for law-qualified candidates, subject to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Note: Candidates should refer to the official AFCAT notification for the exact vacancy distribution and branch-wise availability.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed age limit, educational qualifications and other eligibility conditions to apply for AFCAT 01/2027.
The requirements differ depending on the branch selected by the applicant.
Age Limit
The age eligibility is calculated as on 01 January 2028.
| Branch | Age Limit | Date of Birth |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20–24 Years | 02 January 2004 to 01 January 2008 |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20–26 Years | 02 January 2002 to 01 January 2008 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20–26 Years | 02 January 2002 to 01 January 2008 |
Age Relaxation: Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA, India, may receive an upper age relaxation up to 26 years for the Flying Branch, subject to the prescribed conditions.
Educational Qualification
Educational qualifications depend on the branch and entry scheme.
Flying Branch:
Candidates must fulfil the prescribed educational requirements, including the required Physics and Mathematics qualifications at the 10+2 level and the applicable graduation or engineering qualification.
Ground Duty Technical Branch:
Applicants must possess the relevant engineering degree in the prescribed discipline, including the required subjects and minimum marks.
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch:
Candidates must have the relevant bachelor’s or postgraduate qualifications, depending on the department.
Since educational requirements vary between branches, applicants should carefully read the official notification before submitting their forms.
NCC Special Entry
Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry must:
- Meet the Flying Branch eligibility requirements.
- Possess the required NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate.
- Fulfil all other conditions prescribed by the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT 01/2027 Selection Process
The Indian Air Force follows a multi-stage selection procedure to recruit suitable candidates for commissioned officer positions.
The selection process generally includes the following stages:
- AFCAT Online Examination
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing
- Psychological Assessment
- Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates must qualify for the applicable selection stages to be considered for final selection.
AFCAT 01/2027 Training Details
Candidates who successfully complete the selection procedure will undergo professional military training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
The training prepares candidates for their responsibilities as commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Academy | Air Force Academy, Dundigal |
| Training Location | Hyderabad, Telangana |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
| Flying Branch Training | 74 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Technical Training | 74 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical Training | 50 Weeks |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹56,100 |
Documents Required During Joining
Selected candidates may need the following documents:
- Aadhaar Card
- PAN Card
- Educational certificates and mark sheets
- Graduation or engineering degree certificates
- Active bank account details
- NCC Certificate, wherever applicable
- Other documents required by the Indian Air Force
Indian Air Force AFCAT Salary 2027
A career in the Indian Air Force offers an attractive salary package along with several allowances and service benefits.
After successful completion of training, candidates are commissioned as Flying Officers and receive salary according to the applicable defence pay structure.
Flying Officer Salary Structure
| Salary Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 per month |
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 per month |
Additional Allowances and Benefits
Apart from the basic salary and Military Service Pay, eligible officers may receive:
- Flying Allowance
- Technical Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Risk and Hardship Allowances
- Test Pilot Allowance, wherever applicable
- Medical facilities
- Accommodation facilities
- Canteen facilities
- Officers’ Mess facilities
- Other applicable service benefits
Insurance Benefits
Indian Air Force officers are also covered under applicable insurance schemes. The recruitment details mention mandatory insurance coverage of ₹1.25 crore during active service, subject to the prescribed conditions.
AFCAT 01/2027 Application Fee
Candidates should check the applicable examination fee before submitting their applications.
| Entry Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Examination Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Examination Fee |
The AFCAT examination fee is non-refundable. Candidates applying exclusively through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are exempted from the examination fee, as per the supplied recruitment details.
Important Dates – AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment
Candidates should remember the following important dates:
| Events | Dates |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | As per Official Notification |
| Online Application Begins | 12 November 2026 |
| Application Start Time | 11:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026 |
| Application Closing Time | 11:30 PM |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
Applicants are advised to complete the registration process before the closing date to avoid last-minute technical problems.
How to Apply Online for Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027?
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT recruitment portal.
Follow these steps to complete the application process:
- Visit the official AFCAT recruitment website.
- Open the AFCAT 01/2027 recruitment notification.
- Click on the Apply Online or Registration option.
- Complete the registration process using the required details.
- Log in using your registration credentials.
- Fill in the personal, educational and other required information.
- Upload your photograph, signature and necessary documents.
- Pay the examination fee, if applicable.
- Carefully verify all the information entered in the application form.
- Submit the application and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Direct Application Portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Important Instructions for AFCAT Applicants
Before applying, candidates should keep the following instructions in mind:
- Read the complete official notification carefully.
- Ensure that you fulfil the prescribed age and educational requirements.
- Provide correct personal and academic information.
- Upload documents in the prescribed format and size.
- Follow the Indian Air Force tattoo policy.
- Maintain the required medical and physical fitness standards.
- Eligible first-time AFSB interview candidates may receive travel fare reimbursement according to the applicable rules.
- Avoid submitting multiple or incorrect applications.
- Do not provide false information or use unfair means during the selection process.
Any violation of recruitment rules may result in disqualification.
Important Links – Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027
| Description | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| AFCAT 01/2027 Official Notification | Check Now |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official AFCAT Website | Visit Website |
| Indian Air Force Website | Visit Official Website |
Candidates should use the official recruitment portal to access the notification and application form.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment?
AFCAT 01/2027 is a recruitment examination conducted by the Indian Air Force to select eligible candidates for commissioned officer positions in the Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Q2. When will AFCAT 01/2027 online applications begin?
The online registration process is scheduled to begin on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Q3. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
The last date for submitting the online application is 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM.
Q4. What is the age limit for the Flying Branch?
Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age as on 01 January 2028. Eligible CPL holders may receive an upper age relaxation up to 26 years.
Q5. What is the age limit for Ground Duty branches?
The prescribed age limit for Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches is 20 to 26 years.
Q6. What is the training stipend under AFCAT 01/2027?
Selected candidates receive a monthly training stipend of ₹56,100 during the prescribed training period.
Q7. What is the salary of an Indian Air Force Flying Officer?
The initial basic pay is ₹56,100 per month under Pay Level 10, along with Military Service Pay and applicable allowances.
Q8. What is the AFCAT 01/2027 application fee?
The examination fee for AFCAT Entry is ₹550 plus GST. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from the examination fee, according to the supplied details.
Q9. Where can candidates apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Candidates can submit their applications through the official recruitment portal: afcat.edcil.co.in.
Q10. When will the AFCAT 01/2027 training begin?
The training courses are scheduled to commence in January 2028.
Conclusion
The Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026 is an excellent opportunity for eligible graduates and engineering candidates who aspire to serve the nation as commissioned officers.
Interested candidates should carefully review the eligibility requirements, educational qualifications, salary details and selection procedure before applying.
The online application window will remain open from 12 November 2026 to 11 December 2026. Candidates are advised to complete their applications within the prescribed timeline and regularly check the official Indian Air Force recruitment portal for updates.
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