Educational Qualifications
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Bachelor's degree in any discipline with minimum required marks.
- Ground Duty (Technical): B.E./B.Tech degree in relevant engineering streams.
- Flying Branch: Graduation (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or B.E./B.Tech.
(Note: Detailed eligibility, including minimum percentage, is specified in the official notification.)
Age Limits (as on January 1, 2027)
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years.
- Ground Duty Branches: 20 to 26 years.
Application Fee
- ₹550 (non-refundable) for all candidates (applicable for AFCAT entry; exempt for NCC Special Entry).
Selection Stages
- Online Written Examination (AFCAT).
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview.
- Document Verification.
- Medical Examination.
(Medical examinations are conducted at designated centers such as the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru, and Air Force Central Medical Establishment, New Delhi.)
Exam Details
- Total Marks: 300
- Questions: 100 (objective type)
- Sections: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude Test.
- Duration: 2 hours
- Marking: +3 for correct answers; -1 for incorrect (negative marking applies).
Pay and Allowances (Level 10 of 7th CPC Pay Matrix)
Officers start at the rank of Flying Officer with basic pay of ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 per month (plus allowances like Military Service Pay, Flying Allowance for pilots, Technical Allowance, etc.). Progression includes:
- Flight Lieutenant: ₹61,300–₹1,93,900
- Squadron Leader: ₹69,400–₹2,07,200
- Wing Commander: ₹1,21,200–₹2,12,400
- Higher ranks up to Air Marshal: Up to ₹2,50,000 (fixed for Chief of Air Staff).
Application Process
- Go to the official website afcat.cdac.in.
- Select the AFCAT 01/2026 registration/link on the homepage.
- Register (if new) and complete the online form with personal, educational, and other details.
- Upload scanned copies of required documents (photo, signature, thumb impression, etc.).
- Pay the application fee online.
- Submit the form and download/take a printout of the confirmation for records.
Candidates should apply early to avoid last-minute issues. For the latest updates and detailed notification, refer to the official Indian Air Force AFCAT portal.
