The Indian Air Force (IAF) is recruiting Commissioned Officers for Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches through AFCAT 01/2027. The online application window opens on 12 November 2026 and closes on 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM. Eligible candidates must apply via the official portal before the deadline.
Overview
AFCAT 01/2027 is the Air Force Common Admission Test conducted for commissioning officers into various branches of the Indian Air Force. This recruitment offers three main entry routes: AFCAT Entry (open to all eligible graduates), NCC Special Entry (for NCC cadets), and GATE Score Entry (for engineering graduates with valid GATE scores). The course is set to commence in January 2028 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal.
Successful candidates will serve as Commissioned Officers with an initial rank of Flying Officer and receive structured career progression, competitive remuneration, and access to world-class training facilities.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM |
| AFCAT 01/2027 Exam Date | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | To be announced |
| AFSB Interview | To be announced |
| Course Commencement | First week of January 2028 |
Application Fee
| Entry Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
Vacancy Details
| Entry Type | Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch | See the official notification |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | See the official notification |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | See the official notification |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying Branch | 10% of total flying branch seats |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | See the official notification |
Eligibility
Age Limit (as of 1 January 2028):
- Flying Branch: 20–24 years (standard entry) or up to 26 years if you hold a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
- Ground Duty (Technical): 20–26 years
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 20–26 years
Educational Qualification:
- Flying Branch: Bachelor's degree (any stream)
- Ground Duty (Technical): Bachelor's degree in Engineering
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Bachelor's degree (any stream)
NCC Special Entry: Candidates must possess an NCC B or C certificate and meet the age and educational requirements for their chosen branch.
GATE Score Entry: Candidates must have a valid GATE score and be engineering graduates. This entry is currently open only for Ground Duty (Technical) branch.
Branch-specific and detailed eligibility criteria are available in the official notification. Candidates are advised to review the complete eligibility matrix before applying.
How to Apply
- Visit the official AFCAT application portal at afcat.edcil.co.in
- Click on the AFCAT 01/2027 application link
- Register with a valid email address and mobile number
- Log in and fill the online application form with all required details
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph (4×6 cm), signature, and educational certificates as per specifications
- Review all information carefully before submission
- Pay the application fee online using a credit/debit card or internet banking (₹550 + GST for AFCAT Entry; no fee for NCC and GATE entries)
- Submit the application before 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM
- Download and save the confirmation receipt and acknowledgement slip
Salary
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Rank | Flying Officer |
| Pay Level | Level 10 (7th Central Pay Commission) |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500 per month |
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 per month during the course |
Training Duration: Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) candidates undergo 74 weeks of training. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) candidates complete 50 weeks of training at the Air Force Academy.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: What is the application deadline?
A: The online application window closes on 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM. No applications will be accepted after this date and time.
Q2: Is the application fee applicable to all candidates?
A: No. AFCAT Entry requires ₹550 + GST. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are completely fee-free.
Q3: What are the branch-wise age limits?
A: Flying Branch: 20–24 years (or up to 26 years with valid DGCA CPL). Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): 20–26 years.
Q4: What is the training duration and stipend?
A: Flying and Ground Duty (Technical): 74 weeks. Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 50 weeks. During training, cadets receive ₹56,100 per month.
Q5: When will the exam and admit card dates be announced?
A: The AFCAT 01/2027 exam date, admit card release date, and AFSB interview schedule will be announced on the official portal. Monitor the website regularly for updates.
Q6: What is the pay scale after commissioning?
A: Commissioned officers start at the rank of Flying Officer with a pay scale of ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500.
Disclaimer: Candidates must verify all details, eligibility criteria, and submission procedures on the official IAF website at afcat.edcil.co.in before applying. Sarkari Spot is an independent information platform and is not affiliated with the Indian Air Force.