The IAF AFCAT 01/2026 notification has been released by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for the recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, for courses commencing in January 2027.
📅 Key Dates and Application Details
| Particular | Details |
| Total Vacancies | 340 (Approximate) |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
| Application Start Date | November 17, 2025 (11:00 AM) |
| Application Last Date | December 14, 2025 (11:30 PM) |
| Exam Date (Tentative) | January 31, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Application Fee (AFCAT Entry) | ₹550/- (Plus GST) |
| Application Fee (NCC Special/Meteorology Entry) | ₹0/- (NIL) |
| Official Website | https://afcat.cdac.in/ or https://afcat.edcil.co.in/ |
🎓 Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility criteria are based on Age, Educational Qualification, and Marital Status, as on January 01, 2027.
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027)
| Branch | Age Range | Born Between (Both Dates Inclusive) | Notes |
| Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special) | 20 to 24 years | 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007 | Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for valid CPL holders. |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007 |
Educational Qualification
| Branch | Minimum Mandatory Qualifications |
| Flying Branch | 1. 10+2: Must have passed with minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics. AND 2. Graduation: 3-year graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks OR BE/B.Tech (4-year course) with a minimum of 60% marks. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) (Aeronautical Engineer) | 1. 10+2: Must have passed with minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics. AND 2. Engineering Degree: Minimum 4-year degree in Engineering/Technology OR a minimum of 60% marks in specific examinations like AMIE/Aeronautical Society of India in the relevant field. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 1. Administration & Logistics: Graduate in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks. 2. Accounts: B.Com (minimum 3-year course) with a minimum of 60% marks. 3. Education/Meteorology: Post-Graduate Degree in the relevant subject with specified minimum marks. |
Note on Marital Status: Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried at the time of the commencement of the course. Marriage during the training period is strictly prohibited.
📝 Selection Procedure
The selection process is conducted in four main stages:
- Written Examination (AFCAT): Computer Based Test.
- Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) is compulsory for Ground Duty (Technical) branch applicants.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview: A 5-day process involving:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT). (Screening Test)
- Stage II: Psychological Tests, Group Tests (GTO), and Interview.
- Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS): Only for Flying Branch recommended candidates. This is a once-in-a-lifetime test.
- Medical Examination: Conducted at designated Air Force hospitals.
Exam Pattern (AFCAT)
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 2 Hours (120 minutes) |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 75 | |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 | |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | 35 | 105 | |
| Total | 100 | 300 | |
| EKT (For Ground Duty Technical) | 50 | 150 | 45 minutes |
- Marking Scheme: +3 Marks for every correct answer, and -1 Mark for every incorrect answer.
💪 Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the specific minimum physical standards:
| Branch | Minimum Height (Male) | Minimum Height (Female) |
| Flying Branch | 162.5 cm | 162.5 cm |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
Pay Scale:
Upon successful completion of training, officers are commissioned as Flying Officer at Level 10 of the Pay Matrix, with a pay of ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 plus Military Service Pay (MSP) and other allowances.
