Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Dreaming of joining the Indian Air Force? Here’s your shot. The AFCAT Recruitment 2026 is about to kick off, opening the door for men and women who want to serve in one of India’s top defence forces. Whether you’re aiming for the Flying Branch or prefer Ground Duty—technical or non-technical—AFCAT 2026 has something for just about every background. Engineers, science grads, arts, management—you’re all in.
Getting in isn’t easy. First, there’s the written exam. Then, if you clear that, you’ll face the AFSB interview, a bunch of psychological tests, group tasks, and a thorough medical check. The whole process digs deep into your leadership skills, mental strength, and whether you’ve really got what it takes to wear the uniform.
If you make it, you’ll train at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad. After that, you’re an officer. It’s a shot at a life that’s disciplined, full of adventure, and earns you real respect—not to mention long-term career growth and the pride of serving the country.
So if you’re interested, keep an eye out for the official notification. Check the eligibility rules, go through the syllabus, and note down the important dates. Don’t wait until the last minute—start prepping now and make sure you don’t miss your chance.

Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 – Complete Notification, Eligibility, Salary, and Online Application Guide
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released its AFCAT Recruitment 2026 notification, opening an excellent opportunity for young men and women aiming to become Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches. With 341 vacancies, this recruitment is one of the most anticipated defence job openings of the year. The last date to apply is 14 December 2025, making it essential for aspirants to submit their applications on time.
If you have ever dreamed of wearing the IAF uniform, leading teams, flying advanced aircraft, or contributing to India’s defence mission, this recruitment drive is your chance. From job security and leadership exposure to attractive salaries and prestigious training, AFCAT offers one of the strongest career paths in the defence sector.
Table of Contents
Overview of AFCAT Recruitment 2026
Below is the quick snapshot of the recruitment in an easy-to-read format:
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Name | AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer (Flying & Ground Duty) |
| Total Vacancies | 341 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 December 2025 |
| Eligible Candidates | Men & Women |
| Training Location | Air Force Academy, Hyderabad |
| Posting Location | Anywhere in India |
| Salary Range | Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 per month |
Stay tuned to the official site or https://2pdfonline.com/ for updates!
Vacancy Breakdown – AFCAT 2026
The Indian Air Force has released posts under three major branches:
Branch-Wise Vacancies
- Flying Branch – Commissioned Officer
- Ground Duty (Technical) – Commissioned Officer
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Commissioned Officer
A total of 341 vacancies have been announced. Candidates can check the detailed category-wise and branch-wise vacancy distribution in the official notification.
Salary Structure and Perks
One of the biggest highlights of AFCAT 2026 is its attractive salary package, along with numerous allowances and career benefits.
Monthly Salary Details
| Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay | Rs. 56,100 per month |
| Maximum Pay | Up to Rs. 1,77,500 per month |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | Rs. 15,500 per month |
| Flying Allowance (for Flying Branch) | As per rules |
| Technical Allowance (for Tech Branch) | As per rules |
Additional Benefits
- Uniform allowance
- Travel allowance
- Field area benefits
- Medical facilities
- Canteen and mess facilities
- Job security and pension (as per rules)
Overall, this is one of the best salary packages available for a government defence role at entry level.
Age Limit – Who Can Apply
Age is a crucial eligibility factor. Below are the official age requirements:
| Branch | Minimum Age | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 18 Years | 25 Years |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 18 Years | 25 Years |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 18 Years | 25 Years |
Note: Age relaxations apply for reserved categories as per government rules.
Educational Qualifications – What You Need
To apply for AFCAT 2026, candidates must meet the required educational standards.
Basic Qualification
- A graduate degree with minimum 60% marks from a recognized university.
Technical Branch Eligibility
- Additional requirements like
- B.E/B.Tech in relevant engineering disciplines
- Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
Flying Branch Eligibility
- Physics and Mathematics in 12th standard
- Graduation with at least 60% marks
- or B.E/B.Tech with 60% marks
Make sure to verify your specific branch requirements in the official notice.
Place of Posting and Training
One of the most exciting parts of joining IAF is the variety of postings you can get.
Training Place
- Air Force Academy, Hyderabad
Posting Location
- Anywhere in India
- Based on Air Force requirements
- Includes strategic bases, training stations, and operational areas
This career path ensures extensive exposure and tremendous personal growth.
Selection Process – How You Get In
The AFCAT 2026 Selection Process is rigorous and designed to evaluate physical fitness, intelligence, leadership qualities, and medical suitability.
Stages of Selection
- AFCAT Online Written Examination
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Group Tests and Psychology Tests
- AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board)
- Medical Examination
You must clear each stage to progress to the next. The final merit list is based on performance and medical fitness.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
The exam is objective-type and conducted in English.
Marking Scheme
- +3 marks for every correct answer
- –1 mark for every incorrect answer
- 0 marks for questions left unattempted
Subjects Covered
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability & Reasoning
- Military Aptitude
The exam evaluates not just academic knowledge but also sharpness, logical thinking, and situational decision-making.
Application Fee
- Rs. 550 for all candidates
- NCC special entry candidates: No fee
- Payment modes: Credit Card, Debit Card, UPI, Net Banking
Serving IAF personnel applying for higher posts must also pay the fee.
🔗 Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 & Apply Link Table 🔗
| 🔗 Resource | 👉 Apply/View Link |
|---|---|
| 🧾 Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Official Career Page | Click Here Link |
| 🌐 Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Notice Link | Click Here Link |
| 📝 Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Apply Link | Apply Now Link |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 December 2025 |
| Exam Mode | Online |
Do not wait until the deadline. Once the window closes, late submissions will not be accepted.
Stay tuned to the official site or https://2pdfonline.com/ for updates!
Summary
The Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 opens a golden opportunity for aspirants aiming for a prestigious and fulfilling career as a Commissioned Officer in the Flying or Ground Duty branches. With 341 openings, excellent pay, nationwide postings, and structured training at the Air Force Academy, this recruitment stands out as one of the best defence job opportunities.
Candidates must meet the required age limit, educational qualifications, and successfully clear the multi-stage selection process to secure a position. The exam is competitive, but with the right preparation and determination, qualifying AFCAT can lead to a highly respected career.
Always refer to the official notification for updates and detailed rules.
AFCAT Recruitment 2026, Indian Air Force Jobs, Commissioned Officer Vacancy, Flying Branch Jobs, Ground Duty Technical, Defence Recruitment 2026, AFCAT Eligibility, AFCAT Salary, AFCAT Age Limit, AFCAT Syllabus, Air Force Academy Hyderabad.

