Overview for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2025
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test, officially known as AFCAT 01/2026. This is a recruitment drive inviting Indian citizens, both men and women, to join as Group A Gazetted Officers. The drive covers vacancies in the Flying Branch as well as Ground Duty branches, which are further divided into Technical and Non-Technical roles. Additionally, there is an intake for the NCC Special Entry
Important Dates:
| Event | Date |
| Start of Online Application | 17th November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply & Pay Fees | 14th December 2025 |
| Admit Card Download | 22nd January 2025 |
Vacancy Details:
| Entry Type | Branch | Men / Women | PC / SSC | Vacancies |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | Men | SSC | 34 |
| Women | SSC | 04 | ||
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) – AE(L) | Men | PC | 03 |
| Men | SSC | 100 | ||
| Women | PC | 03 | ||
| Women | SSC | 23 | ||
| Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) – AE(M) | Men | PC | 09 | |
| Men | SSC | 38 | ||
| Women | PC | 03 | ||
| Women | SSC | 09 | ||
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Weapon Systems (WS) | Men | SSC | 21 |
| Women | SSC | 05 | ||
| Administration (Admin) | Men | SSC | 48 | |
| Women | SSC | 12 | ||
| Logistics (Lgs) | Men | SSC | 09 | |
| Women | SSC | 02 | ||
| Accounts (Accts) | Men | SSC | 08 | |
| Women | SSC | 02 | ||
| Education (Edn) | Men | SSC | 02 | |
| Women | SSC | 02 | ||
| Meteorology (Met) | Men | SSC | 01 | |
| Women | SSC | 02 | ||
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | Men & Women | PC & SSC | 10% of CDSE vacancies for PC 10% of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
Salary Details
Officers in the IAF receive a competitive pay package based on the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
- Rank: Flying Officer
- Pay Level: Level 10
- Pay Scale: Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500 per month
- Stipend: Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month during their one year of training.
Application Fees:
| Category | Fee Amount |
| AFCAT Entry Candidates | Rs. 550/- + 18% GST |
| NCC Special Entry | Nil (Exempted) |
Educational Qualification
| Branch | Educational Requirements | Minimum Marks |
| Flying Branch | 1. Passed 10+2 with Maths & Physics AND 2. Graduation (min 3 years) in any discipline OR BE/B Tech (4 years) OR Cleared Section A & B of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India | 10+2: 50% each in Maths & Physics Graduation: 60% |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)}: 10+2 with Physics & Maths AND 4-year Degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant streams (e.g., CS, IT, ECE, Electrical, etc.) OR Cleared Section A & B exam | 10+2: 50% each in Maths & Physics Graduation: 60% |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}: 10+2 with Physics & Maths AND 4-year Degree in Engineering/Technology in relevant streams (e.g., Mechanical, Industrial, Auto, Aero, etc.) OR Cleared Section A & B exam | 10+2: 50% each in Maths & Physics Graduation: 60% 53 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Weapon Systems (WS): 10+2 with Maths & Physics AND Graduation (min 3 years) OR BE/B Tech | 10+2: 50% each in Maths & Physics Graduation: 60% |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Administration & Logistics: 10+2 AND Graduate Degree (min 3 years) in any discipline OR Cleared Section A & B of Associate Membership | Graduation: 60% |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Accounts: 10+2 AND Graduation in B. Com / BBA (Finance) / BMS (Finance) / BBS (Finance) / BSc (Finance) OR Qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA | Graduation: 60% |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Education: 10+2 AND Post-Graduation in any discipline AND Graduation in any discipline | PG: 50% Graduation: 60% |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Meteorology: 10+2 AND BSc with Physics & Maths OR 4-year Engineering Graduation in relevant streams | Graduation: 60% |
Age Limit:
Flying Branch
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 24 years
Candidates must have been born between 02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007
Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech)
- Minimum age: 20 years
- Maximum age: 26 years
Candidates must have been born between 02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007
Only unmarried male candidates are eligible for this course.
Selection Process:
| Stage | Description |
| 1. Online AFCAT Exam | Objective type written test for all candidates (except NCC Special Entry) |
| 2. AFSB Testing | Held at Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, or Guwahati. Stage-I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test & Picture Perception and Discussion Test Stage-II: Psychological Test, Group Tests, and Interview (5 Days). |
| 3. Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) | Only for recommended Flying Branch candidates (Once in a lifetime test) |
| 4. Medical Examination | Comprehensive physical and medical assessment. |
| 5. Final Merit List | Based on total marks in Written Exam and AFSB Test |
How to Apply:
The application process is entirely online.
- Visit the official website.
- Sign Up: Register with your full name, email ID, and mobile number to generate an OTP.
- Sign In: Use the system-generated User ID and Password received on your email/mobile to log in.
- Fill Details: Complete the Personal Details, Qualification Details, Course Preference, and Communication Details.
- Upload Documents: Upload your photograph, signature, and thumb impression in the specified JPG/JPEG formats.
- Payment: Pay the examination fee of Rs. 550 + GST (if applicable) using Net Banking, Credit/Debit Cards, or UPI.
- Submit:
Important Documents:
You need to have specific documents ready for different stages of the selection.
For Online Application (Scanned)
- Recent passport size colour photograph (100kb to 200kb).
- Signature (80kb to 150kb).
- Thumb impression (50kb to 100kb) – Left thumb for males, Right thumb for females.
For Exam Centre
- Print out of e-Admit Card.
- Original Aadhaar Card.
- Another valid original photo identity card (PAN/Passport/Driving Licence/Voter ID).
- Two passport size colour photographs (same as the one uploaded).
- Ballpoint Pen (Blue or Black).
For AFSB Interview
- AFCAT Admit Card.
- Original Matriculation/Secondary School Certificate and Mark sheets (for Date of Birth verification).
- Original Marks Sheet & Certificate of 10+2.
- Original/Provisional Graduation/Post Graduation Degree Certificates and Mark Sheets of each semester.
- NCC Certificate (if applicable).
- NOC from employer (if working in Government/PSU).
- Original valid Commercial Pilots’ License (if applicable).
- 20 copies of recent passport size colour photographs
Important links
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 17th November 2025 |
| Apply Online Start | 17th November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14th December 2025 |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Websites | Click Here |
Is there a physical fitness test during the AFSB?
Yes. You are advised to be physically fit. The recommended standard is the ability to run 1 mile (1.6 kms) in 10 minutes, do 10 push-ups, and 3 chin-ups.
Can I apply if I am currently in the final year of my graduation?
Yes. Candidates studying in the final year or semester can apply, provided they have no present backlog and have secured a minimum of 60% marks up to the last semester/year for which results are declared. They must submit proof of passing the final examination by 30 November 2026.