The Indian Air Force has released the notification for AFCAT 2026 (Air Force Common Admission Test) to recruit Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. This is a prestigious opportunity for graduates who aspire to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Armed Forces.
AFCAT is conducted twice a year and offers permanent commission and short service commission in various branches.
Recruitment Overview
- Organization: Indian Air Force
- Exam Name: AFCAT 2026
- Post Name: Commissioned Officer
- Branches:
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Job Location: Across India
- Mode of Application: Online
- Service Type: Permanent Commission (PC) / Short Service Commission (SSC)
Important Dates (Expected)
- Notification Release: Early 2026
- Online Application Start Date: To Be Announced
- Last Date to Apply: To Be Announced
- Admit Card Release: Before Exam
- AFCAT Exam Date: Expected February / August 2026
Candidates should regularly visit the official website of AFCAT for updates.
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
- Graduation (Minimum 60% marks) in any discipline with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level
OR - BE / B.Tech (Minimum 60%)
Ground Duty (Technical)
BE / B.Tech degree in relevant engineering discipline with minimum 60% marks
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Graduation (Minimum 60%) in relevant discipline
- Postgraduate degrees for specific branches like Education
Age Limit (Expected)
Flying Branch
- 20 to 24 Years
- Upper age limit up to 26 years for candidates holding valid CPL
Ground Duty (Technical / Non-Technical)
- 20 to 26 Years
Age calculated as per official notification cut-off date.
Salary Structure
Selected candidates will receive salary as per 7th Pay Commission:
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹56,100 (Level 10)
- Military Service Pay: ₹15,500
- Flying Allowance (Flying Branch): Extra
- Additional Benefits:
- DA
- HRA
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Facilities
- Canteen & Insurance Benefits
- Pension (as per rules)
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
1. Online AFCAT Written Examination
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude
2. AFSB Interview (5 Days Process)
- Screening Test
- Psychological Test
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
3. Medical Examination
4. Final Merit List
Application Fee
- AFCAT Entry: ₹250 (Approx.)
- NCC Special Entry: No Fee
Payment Mode: Online
How to Apply?
Candidates must apply through the official AFCAT portal: https://afcat.cdac.in
Steps:
- Register with email ID
- Fill application form
- Upload documents
- Pay application fee
- Submit and download confirmation page
Required Documents
- Graduation Marksheet
- 10th & 12th Certificate
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
Why Choose AFCAT?
- Officer Rank from Day 1
- Attractive Salary & Allowances
- High Social Prestige
- Adventurous & Technical Career
- Leadership Opportunities
- National Service
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. What is the salary of AFCAT Officer?
Starting basic pay is ₹56,100 plus allowances.
Q2. Can final year students apply?
Yes, if they meet eligibility conditions specified in notification.
Q3. Is there negative marking in AFCAT?
Yes, 1 mark deducted for each wrong answer.
Q4. How many times is AFCAT conducted in a year?
Twice a year (AFCAT 1 & AFCAT 2).
