Organization: Indian Air Force (IAF)
Exam: Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) – 01/2026
Notification: AFCAT 01/2026 / NCC Special Entry
Courses Commencing: January 2027
Application Mode: Online
Application Portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Registration Dates: 10 November 2025 (11:00 hrs) to 09 December 2025 (23:30 hrs)
About Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is one of the most prestigious defence organizations in India, offering opportunities for men and women to serve the nation as commissioned officers. Through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry, candidates can join the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. The IAF provides world-class training, career progression, and privileges including furnished accommodation, medical cover, canteen facilities, and adventure sports opportunities.
Branches, Course Numbers & Vacancies
Applications are invited for the following branches:
- Flying Branch: Course No. 221/27F/SSC/M & W
- Ground Duty (Technical): Course No. 220/27T/SSC/110AEC/M & W
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Course No. 220/27G/SSC/M & W
- NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch): Course No. 221/27F/PC/M & W
Note: Vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on organizational requirements.
Type of Commission
- Short Service Commission (SSC):
- Flying Branch SSC officers – 14 years from commissioning.
- Ground Duty SSC officers – 10 years initial tenure, extendable by 4 years based on service requirements.
- Permanent Commission (PC): May be granted later, subject to service requirements, vacancies, willingness, suitability, and merit.
Age Criteria
- Flying Branch: 20–24 years as on 01 January 2027 (born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007). Upper age limit relaxable to 26 years for candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India).
- Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical): 20–26 years as on 01 January 2027 (born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007).
Training
- Training commences in December 2026 / January 2027 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad).
- Duration:
- Flying & Ground Duty (Technical): 62 weeks
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 52 weeks
Pay, Allowances & Privileges
- Flying Officer Pay: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10, Defence Pay Matrix)
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500
- Stipend during training: ₹56,100 per month
- Allowances: Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, Risk & Hardship Allowance, etc.
- Privileges: Furnished accommodation, medical cover for self & dependents, subsidized loans, canteen facilities, Officers’ Mess, and adventure sports (skydiving, rafting, mountaineering, microlight flying).
Other Key Instructions
- Tattoos: Permanent tattoos are permitted only on the inner forearms and dorsal side of hands. Tribal customs may be considered case-to-case.
- Narcotics: Use/possession is strictly banned. Candidates may be tested during medicals and training.
- Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of training. Marriage during training is prohibited.
- Travel Allowance: First-time candidates appearing for AFSB are entitled to reimbursement of AC-III Tier/AC Chair Car fare or bus fare.
- Physical Conditioning: Candidates should be fit to run 1.6 km in 10 minutes, perform 10 push-ups and 3 chin-ups. Training includes swimming, rope climbing, and other endurance activities.
Application Fee
- AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + GST (non-refundable)
- NCC Special Entry: No fee required
Selection Procedure
- Stage 1: Online AFCAT Exam (CBT)
- Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Stage 3: Medical Examination
Contact & Queries
- Exam Queries: +91-9513252077 / Email: afcathelpdesk@edcil.co.in
- Eligibility & AFSB Queries: 011-23010231 Ext 7610
Disclaimer & Statutory Warning
- Selection in the Indian Air Force is fair and merit-based.
- Any attempt to influence the process, use unfair means, forgery, impersonation, or false information will lead to cancellation of candidature and legal action.
- Information in this advertisement is subject to change as per Government/IAF policies.
