The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the notification for AFCAT 01/2026 inviting applications from Indian citizens (Men & Women) to join as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non‑Technical) branches, including NCC Special Entry.
The online application window is open from 17 Nov 2025 (11:00 hrs) to 14 Dec 2025 (23:30 hrs) via AFCAT Portal. The AFCAT exam will be conducted on 31 Jan 2026 (Saturday).
📊 Vacancy Details
Entry | Branch | Course No. | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
AFCAT Entry | Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M&W | – | – | 34 | 04 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/PC/110AEC/M&W | AE(L):03, AE(M):09 | AE(L):03, AE(M):03 | AE(L):100, AE(M):38 | AE(L):23, AE(M):09 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non‑Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M&W | – | – | WS:21, Admin:48, Lgs:09, Accts:08, Edn:02, Met:01 | WS:05, Admin:12, Lgs:02, Accts:02, Edn:02, Met:02 |
NCC Special Entry | Flying | 221/27F/PC/M & 221/27F/SSC/M&W | – | – | 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies | 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies |
👉 Vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on service requirements.
📌 Commission Types
Permanent Commission (PC): Men & Women in Technical Branches serve till superannuation.
Short Service Commission (SSC):
Flying Branch: 14 years.
Ground Duty (Tech & Non‑Tech): 10 years + 4 years extension (subject to merit & service needs).
🎓 Eligibility
Nationality: Indian citizen.
Age (as on 01 Jan 2027):
Flying Branch: 20–24 years (Commercial Pilot License holders up to 26 years).
Ground Duty (Tech & Non‑Tech): 20–26 years.
Education:
Flying Branch: 10+2 with Physics & Maths (50% each) + Graduation (60%) OR BE/B.Tech (60%).
Technical Branch: Engineering/Technology degrees in specified disciplines with 60%.
Non‑Technical Branches: Graduation/Post‑Graduation in relevant fields with 60%.
💰 Pay Scale & Benefits
Flying Officers: Level 10 in Pay Matrix (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) + MSP ₹15,500.
Other Allowances: Flying allowance, Dearness allowance, HRA, Transport allowance, Dress allowance, Risk & Hardship allowances.
CTC: Approx. ₹15–18 lakh per annum depending on branch & allowances.
📝 Application Process
Apply online via AFCAT Portal.
Aadhaar is mandatory for registration.
Application Fee: ₹550 + GST (NCC Special Entry exempted).
Upload scanned photo, signature & thumb impression as per guidelines.
📥 Official Links
Download Official Notification (PDF): AFCAT 01/2026 Notification
Apply Online: AFCAT Application Portal
🛠️ Helpful Tools for Candidates
Age Calculator: Check Age Eligibility
Date Calculator: Calculate Dates
Photo Resizer/Editor: Resize Photos for Application
✨ Final Note
The AFCAT 01/2026 notification opens doors for aspirants to join the Indian Air Force in Flying, Technical, and Non‑Technical branches. With attractive pay, allowances, and a prestigious career path, this is a prime opportunity for graduates and engineers to serve the nation.
