IAF Recruitment 2025 : The brief notice for the next Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2026 has been made public by the Indian Air Force (IAF). Ambitious young men and women from all over India have a fantastic opportunity to become Commissioned Officers in the IAF’s elite ranks. This recruitment campaign will open doors to the esteemed Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches for courses that start in January 2027. This announcement also includes the NCC Special Entry program for the flying branch.
This is your call if you’ve ever imagined a life full of leadership, adventure, and national service. A career in the Indian Air Force is more than simply a job; it’s a way of life, full of honor, dignity, and great opportunities for advancement. To help you get ready for this initial step towards a fantastic career, this post breaks down all the information that is available from the official announcement, including salary, eligibility, and the application process. The window for online applications is scheduled to commence on November 10, 2025, and close on December 9, 2025. For a comprehensive guide to the AFCAT 01/2026 recruitment, continue reading.
IAF Recruitment 2025 AFCAT 1/2026
- Posts: Commissioned Officers (Technical & Non-Technical, Flying, Ground Duty)
- Recruitment: NCC Special Entry & Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 01/2026)
- Dates of Application: November 10, 2025, through December 9, 2025
- Salary: Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) + MSP
- Workplace: All of India
- Start of Course: January 2027
The Indian Air Force holds this recruiting in order to choose the most qualified applicants for training at the Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Hyderabad. A competitive exam at the national level, the AFCAT assesses candidates’ ability and abilities and opens doors to a demanding and fulfilling career in the defense industry.
AFCAT 1/2026 No of Posts
With this announcement, the Indian Air Force is hiring for several branches. The branches and course numbers have been disclosed, however the precise number of openings for each position has not been stated in this brief notification. The full notification, which is anticipated on November 9, 2025, will include a thorough post-by-post breakdown of open positions.
| Branch | Course Number | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 221/27F/SSC/M & W | To be Notified |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 220/27T/SSC/M & W | To be Notified |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 220/27G/SSC/M & W | To be Notified |
| NCC Special Entry (Flying) | 221/27F/PC/M & SSC/M&W | 10% seats of CDSE/AFCAT vacancies |
As soon as the precise number of open positions is officially announced, we will update this area.
Qualifications for 2025 Indian Air Force Recruitment
Education :
On November 9, 2025, the full notification will include the precise educational requirements for each branch (Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical).
- Candidates for Ground Duty branches generally need a graduate degree in any area (for Non-Tech) or a B.E./B.Tech degree (for Technical), according to previous AFCAT submissions.
- In addition to a graduate degree, candidates for the Flying Branch frequently need to have passed the 12th grade in math and physics.
- But they are merely recommendations. Before submitting an application, candidates must carefully review the comprehensive notification to verify their particular eligibility in terms of education and discipline.
Age Limit
- Flying Branch:
- The age range for candidates should be between 20 and 24.
- Accordingly, you have to have been born between January 2, 2003, and January 1, 2007 (inclusive).
- Relaxation for CPL Holders:
- Candidates with a current, valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) from the DGCA (India) are eligible to apply at any age up to 26.
- These applicants must have been born between January 02, 2001, and January 01, 2007 (inclusive).
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches:
- Applicants must be between the ages of 20 and 26.
- Accordingly, you have to have been born between January 02, 2001, and January 01, 2007 (inclusive).
IAF Recruitment 2025 Salary
In addition to distinction, a career in the Indian Air Force offers generous pay and extensive perks. You will be appointed as a Flying Officer upon successful commissioning.
The 7th Central Pay Commission’s (CPC) recommendations serve as the foundation for the pay scale. According to the Defence Matrix, the Flying Officer position is at Pay Level 10, which indicates that the starting salary is ₹56,100 and can increase to ₹1,77,500 as you progress in your career.
That’s not all, though. You will get a monthly Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 in addition to your base pay. You will be paid a set monthly stipend of ₹56,100 even during your year of training at the Air Force Academy.
When allowances are taken into account, the overall salary is much higher. Allowances are given by the IAF according to your branch, type of duty, and posting location. Among them are:
- Allowance for Flying
- Allowance for Transportation
- Technical Permission
- Allowance for Dearness (DA)
- Allowance for House Rent (HRA)
- Allowance for Risk and Hardship
The benefits are outstanding in addition to the pay. Officers are entitled to furnished housing, officers’ mess, canteen (CSD) facilities, full medical coverage for themselves and their dependents, subsidized loans, and Leave Travel Concession (LTC). Subject to service criteria, you are also eligible for 20 days of casual leave and 60 days of annual leave annually. Additionally, a significant insurance coverage of ₹1.25 crore is relevant.
AFCAT 1/2026 Registration 2025 Last Date
| Detailed Notification Release | 09 November 2025 |
| Online Application Starts | 10 November 2025 (11:00 AM) |
| Online Application Closes | 09 December 2025 (11:30 PM) |
| Course Commencing Date | January 2027 |
IAF Recruitment 2025 Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry (All Categories) | ₹550/- + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
Official Notification PDF : Click Here
Online Application : Click Here
How to Apply
- Go to the official AFCAT application website. (See the link below.)
- Locate the “AFCAT 01/2026” notification link on the homepage.
- Choose “New Candidate Registration” after clicking “Candidate Login.”
- Enter your name, email address, mobile number, and other pertinent information to register. We’ll need your Aadhaar number.
- After registering, use your new login information to access the comprehensive application form.
- Your personal information, educational background, and communication address must be entered.
- Upload scanned versions of your signature and photo in the required format.
- Use a credit card, debit card, or net banking to pay the application fee online.
- Check your application one last time to make sure all the information is accurate after the payment has been successfully completed.
- Turn in the completed application and print it off for your records.