Online Applications: 12 November 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has invited online applications from eligible unmarried Indian men and women for commissioning as Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches through AFCAT 01/2027, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry.
The courses are scheduled to commence in January 2028 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad). Eligible candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT website from 12 November 2026 to 11 December 2026.
The recruitment offers opportunities for Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC), depending on the entry and branch. Candidates interested in joining the Indian Air Force should read the eligibility requirements, age limits, selection procedure and other details before submitting their applications.
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Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment – Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Recruitment Name | AFCAT 01/2027 |
| Advertisement | AFCAT 01/2027 |
| Entry | AFCAT, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officers |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026 |
| Official Website | https://afcat.cdac.in/ |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 12 November 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 11 December 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
Vacancy Details
The recruitment notification covers the following entries and branches:
| Entry | Branch | Course/Entry |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | Flying Branch |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | AE (L) and AE (M) |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education and Meteorology |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | NCC Special Entry |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | Technical Branch |
Total Vacancies: The advertisement refers to vacancies published in the induction cycle 01/2027 notification. Exact vacancy figures are not specified in the supplied two-page advertisement. Vacancies are subject to organizational requirements and may change.
Branch-Wise Eligibility and Age Limit
1. Flying Branch
- Age Limit: 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2028.
- Date of Birth: 02 January 2004 to 01 January 2008 (both dates inclusive).
- Candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA have an upper age limit of 26 years.
- CPL candidates must be born between 02 January 2002 and 01 January 2008.
2. Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branch
- Age Limit: 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2028.
- Date of Birth: 02 January 2002 to 01 January 2008 (both dates inclusive).
Candidates must fulfil the educational qualifications, physical and medical standards prescribed for their respective branches. Detailed qualification requirements should be checked in the complete official notification.
Type of Commission
Permanent Commission (PC)
– Men and women joining as Permanent Commission officers will continue to serve until the age of superannuation in their respective branches.
Short Service Commission (SSC)
Flying Branch:
- Men and women: 14 years from the date of commissioning.
- The initial engagement period for Flying Branch SSC officers is 14 years.
Ground Duty Branch:
- Men and women: Initial engagement period of 10 years.
- An extension of 4 years may be granted subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability and merit.
Ground Duty SSC officers may be considered for Permanent Commission at a later date, subject to service requirements and applicable policies. SSC officers are not entitled to a pension under the conditions mentioned in the advertisement.
Salary and Pay Scale
Indian Air Force commissioned officers receive salary and allowances according to their rank and applicable pay regulations.
| Particulars | Salary |
|---|---|
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 |
| Fixed Stipend During Training | ₹56,100 per month |
In addition to basic pay and MSP, officers are eligible for applicable allowances, including:
- Flying Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Technical Allowance
- Risk and Hardship Allowance
- Special Compensatory Allowance
- Other admissible allowances according to posting and service conditions
Training Details
Training will commence in the first week of January 2028 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad).
| Branch | Training Duration |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 74 weeks |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 74 weeks |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 50 weeks |
Training for Ground Duty (Technical) branches is conducted at Air Force Training Establishments, Pune, Karnataka and other designated locations as applicable.
Application Fee
| Entry | 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 through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are not required to pay the examination fee.
Selection Process
The selection process includes the following stages, as applicable to the entry:
- AFCAT Online Examination: Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must appear for the online examination.
- AFSB Testing: Shortlisted candidates are called for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) selection process.
- Psychological Tests and Interviews: Candidates undergo the prescribed assessment process.
- Physical Fitness and Medical Examination: Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical and medical standards.
- Final Merit List: Selection is based on merit, eligibility and applicable selection criteria.
Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry must follow the respective entry-specific shortlisting and selection procedures.
How to Apply Online for Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official AFCAT recruitment portal by following these steps:
- Visit the official website: https://afcat.cdac.in/
- Open the AFCAT 01/2027 recruitment notification.
- Select the appropriate entry: AFCAT, NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry.
- Complete the online registration process.
- Log in using the registered credentials.
- Fill in the application form with personal, educational and other required details.
- Upload the necessary documents, photograph and signature as instructed.
- Pay the application fee, if applicable.
- Review all the information entered in the application form.
- Submit the application and download or print the confirmation page for future reference.
Important: Candidates must register separately for each entry for which they are eligible. The advertisement states that details submitted in the online application form will be considered final, and subsequent amendments will not be allowed.
Important Instructions for Candidates
- Candidates must be unmarried at the commencement of the course and must remain unmarried during training.
- Candidates must maintain their registered email ID and mobile number throughout the selection process.
- Permanent body tattoos are generally not permitted except in the specified areas and under the conditions mentioned in the advertisement.
- Candidates must disclose relevant information regarding tattoos and comply with the prescribed rules.
- Use or possession of narcotic or psychotropic substances is prohibited.
- Candidates must maintain good physical fitness to undergo mandatory training activities.
- Travel allowance is admissible to eligible candidates appearing before the Air Force Selection Board for the first time, subject to the prescribed conditions.
- Candidates must furnish correct and active bank account details for reimbursement of admissible travel expenses.
Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | AFCAT Official Portal |
| Official Website | Indian Air Force |
| Recruitment Notification | View AFCAT Notification |
Notification Download: Candidates should visit the official AFCAT portal and download the complete AFCAT 01/2027 notification to check branch-wise educational qualifications, vacancy distribution, medical standards, examination details and entry-specific conditions before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment?
Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 is a recruitment process for commissioning eligible men and women as officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
2. When will AFCAT 01/2027 online applications start?
The online application process will start on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
3. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
The last date for submission of online applications is 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM.
4. What is the age limit for AFCAT Flying Branch?
Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years as on 01 January 2028. Candidates holding a valid and current DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence can have an upper age limit of 26 years.
5. What is the age limit for Ground Duty branches?
The prescribed age limit is 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2028.
6. What is the salary of an Indian Air Force Flying Officer?
The Flying Officer pay scale is ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 under Level 10, with Military Service Pay of ₹15,500.
7. What is the AFCAT 01/2027 application fee?
The AFCAT examination fee is ₹550 plus GST. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from the examination fee.
8. When will AFCAT 01/2027 courses commence?
The courses are scheduled to commence in the first week of January 2028.
9. Where can candidates apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Candidates can apply online through the official website https://afcat.cdac.in/.
10. What is the selection process for AFCAT 01/2027?
The selection process includes the AFCAT online examination, AFSB testing, medical examination and final merit selection, as applicable to the entry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment?
Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 is a recruitment process for commissioning eligible men and women as officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
2. When will AFCAT 01/2027 applications start?
The online application process starts on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
3. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
The last date for submission of online applications is 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM.
4. What is the age limit for AFCAT Flying Branch?
The age limit is 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2028. Candidates holding a valid and current DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence can have an upper age limit of 26 years.
5. What is the age limit for Ground Duty branches?
The age limit is 20 to 26 years as on 01 January 2028.
6. What is the salary of an Indian Air Force Flying Officer?
The pay scale is Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 under Level 10, with Military Service Pay of Rs. 15,500.
7. What is the AFCAT 01/2027 application fee?
The AFCAT examination fee is Rs. 550 plus GST. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from the examination fee.
8. When will AFCAT 01/2027 courses commence?
The courses are scheduled to commence in the first week of January 2028.
9. Where can candidates apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Candidates can apply online through https://afcat.cdac.in/.
10. What is the selection process for AFCAT 01/2027?
The selection process includes the AFCAT online examination, AFSB testing, medical examination and final merit selection, as applicable to the entry.