Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2026: Officer Recruitment for Flying and Ground Duties
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the Air Force Common Admission Online Test (AFCAT) - 01/2026 for the recruitment of Commissioned Officers. This opportunity is open for eligible Indian citizens to join the Flying Branch and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, as well as through the NCC Special Entry scheme.
Online applications are invited for courses commencing in January 2027. Both men and women can apply for Short Service Commission (SSC) in various branches, while Permanent Commission (PC) is also available under specific entries.
AFCAT 01/2026 Vacancy Details: A Total of 317 Positions
The recruitment drive aims to fill 317 officer vacancies across different branches. Below is a detailed breakdown of the available positions:
Flying Branch Vacancies
- Short Service Commission (SSC) Men/Women: 38 vacancies (Men-34, Women-04)
Ground Duty Branch (Technical) Vacancies
- Aeronautical Engineering Electronics (AE(L) Permanent Commission): 06 vacancies (Men-3, Women-3)
- Aeronautical Engineering Electronics (AE(L) Short Service Commission): 123 vacancies (Men-100, Women-23)
- Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical (AE(M) Permanent Commission): 12 vacancies (Men-9, Women-3)
- Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical (AE(M) Short Service Commission): 47 vacancies (Men-38, Women-9)
Ground Duty Branch (Non-Technical) Vacancies
- Weapon Systems (WS) Branch Short Service Commission: 26 vacancies (Men-21, Women-05)
- Administration Short Service Commission: 60 vacancies (Men-48, Women-12)
- Accounts Short Service Commission: 10 vacancies (Men-08, Women-02)
- Logistics Short Service Commission: 11 vacancies (Men-09, Women-02)
- Education Short Service Commission: 04 vacancies (Men-02, Women-02)
- Metallurgical Short Service Commission: 03 vacancies (Men-01, Women-02)
NCC Special Entry Vacancies
- Flying Branch Permanent Commission (Men): 10% of seats reserved from CDSE vacancies for PC.
- Flying Branch Short Service Commission (Men/Women): 10% of seats reserved from AFCAT vacancies for SSC.
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 01/2026
Pay Scale and Allowances
Selected candidates will receive an attractive remuneration package. The Pay Scale offered is Pay Level-10, ranging from ₹56100 to ₹110700. In addition, officers will be eligible for Military Service Pay (MSP) and numerous other allowances as per government rules.
Age Requirements (as of 01/01/2027)
- For Flying Branch: Candidates must be between 20-24 years of age. An age relaxation is provided for candidates holding a current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India), with the upper age limit extended to 26 years.
- For Ground Duty Officer Branches (Technical and Non-Technical): Candidates must be between 20-26 years of age.
AFCAT 01/2026 Examination and Application Process
The online AFCAT examination for the 01/2026 cycle is scheduled to be conducted on 31/01/2026.
How to Apply Online
Suitable and aspiring candidates are required to submit their applications online through the official Air Force AFCAT recruitment website. The application window opens on 17/11/2025 and closes on 14/12/2025. Applicants must ensure they complete the online application process within these specified dates.
For detailed information and to apply, please visit the official recruitment website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in/