9 months ago
IAF AFCAT 1/2026 Registration Opens November 10 for Officer Roles
The Indian Air Force is looking for new officers and is starting a big test called AFCAT.
Both men and women can apply online starting November 10th and have until December 9th, 2025.
You need to have finished high school with science (Physics and Math) and have a college degree.
If you want to fly planes, you need to be between 20 and 24 years old.
If you want to work in other jobs like technical or non-technical support, you can be up to 26 years old.
The test will have a written part, an interview, and a medical check-up.
If you pass, you'll train to become an officer at a special Air Force Academy.
Indian Air Force (IAF) opens registration for AFCAT 1 2026 for Group A Gazetted Officers on November 10, 2025.
Applications will be accepted online until December 9, 2025, on the official AFCAT website.
Eligibility requires 10+2 with Physics & Math, a graduate degree, and specific age criteria for Flying (20-24 years) and Ground Duty (up to 26 years) branches.
The selection process includes a written test, Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, and a medical examination.
Successful candidates will undergo training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
- Who
- Men and women eligible for Group A Gazetted Officer roles in the Indian Air Force.
- What
- Application for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026.
- Where
- Online via the official AFCAT website (afcat.cdac.in).
- When
- Registration begins November 10, 2025, and ends December 9, 2025.
- Why
- To recruit officers for the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches of the Indian Air Force.
Flying Branch
Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branches
Age Limit
Flying Branch
Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years old.
Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branches
The upper age limit is 26 years.
Key facts
- Exam Name
- Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 1) 2026
- Application Start Date
- November 10, 2025
- Application End Date
- December 9, 2025
- Eligible Candidates
- Men and Women
- Officer Category
- Group A Gazetted Officers
- Educational Requirement
- 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, plus a graduate degree.
- Selection Process
- Online Test, AFSB Interview, Medical Examination
Quotes
Indian Army
The entity conducting the recruitment for Permanent Commission.
“The candidates will be awarded Engineering degree after successful completion of four years training.”
NDTV
“Initially, they will be granted Permanent Commission in the Army in the rank of Lieutenant (Lt.).”
NDTV
Lieutenant Colonel (Lt Col)
Salary Level for Lieutenant Colonel.
“Level 12A 1,21,200-2,12,400”
NDTV
“Level 10 56,100-1,77,500”
NDTV
Major General (Maj Gen)
Salary Level for Major General.
“Level 14 1,44,200-2,18,200”
NDTV
“Level 11 69,400-2,07,200”
NDTV
Lieutenant General HAG Scale (Lt Gen)
Salary Level for Lieutenant General HAG Scale.
“Level 15 1,82,200- 2,24,100”
NDTV
“Level 16 2,05,400-2,24,400”
NDTV
The gentlemen cadets
Cadets undergoing training in the Indian Army.
“On completion of four years of training, they will be commissioned in the rank of Lt and will be entitled to pay as admissible to the rank.”
NDTV
“The gentlemen cadets will be given a stipend of Rs 56,100 per month as admissible to NDA cadets, on completion of three years training.”
NDTV
Captain (Capt)
Salary Level for Captain.
“Level 10B 61,300-1,93,900”
NDTV
Colonel (Col)
Salary Level for Colonel.
“Level 13 1,30,600-2,15,900”
NDTV
Brigadier (Brig)
Salary Level for Brigadier.
“Level 13A 1,39,600-2,17,600”
NDTV
State
The governing body responsible for training costs.
“The entire cost of training Rs 13,940 will be borne by State, however, the same will be recovered from candidates on withdrawal from academy / voluntary resignation (for personal reasons).”
NDTV
