Archive · 9 Nov 2025
Indian Air Force Opens AFCAT 2026 Applications for Officer Recruitment
The Indian Air Force is hiring new officers for roles like flying planes or working in technical and non-technical support jobs.
Applications for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) and special entry programs start on November 10th and end on December 9th, 2025.
There are different ways to apply, with specific requirements for age, education, and gender depending on the role.
Some positions are only for men, while others are open to both men and women.
Selected candidates will go through training and will be paid a starting salary of Rs 56,100 as Flying Officers.
The selection process involves a written test, interviews, and a medical examination.
The Indian Air Force has opened online applications for AFCAT 2026 and NCC Special Entry for Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.
Applications are accepted on the official IAF website (afcat.edcil.co.in) from November 10 to December 9, 2025.
Eligibility criteria, including age, nationality, marital status, gender, and educational qualifications, vary significantly depending on the entry type and branch.
Specific entry routes like CDSE are for men only, while NCC Special Entry and Short Service Commission are open to both men and women.
Selected candidates will undergo training and receive a starting pay of Rs 56,100 as Flying Officers, with additional allowances and Military Service Pay.
- Who
- The Indian Air Force (IAF)
- What
- Recruitment for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2026 and NCC Special Entry vacancies for Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.
- When
- Online applications open November 10 and close December 9, 2025.
- Where
- Official IAF website (afcat.edcil.co.in)
- Why
- To recruit officers for various branches of the Indian Air Force.
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
NCC Special Entry & SSC Entry
Gender Eligibility for Flying Branch
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
Open only to men.
NCC Special Entry & SSC Entry
Open to both men and women.
Educational Requirements for Flying Branch
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
Graduate (Three-Year Course) in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or BE/B Tech (Four-Year Course). No percentage bar.
NCC Special Entry & SSC Entry
Minimum 50% marks in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level, PLUS a graduate degree with minimum 60% marks or equivalent OR cleared Section A & B of engineering exams. NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate required.
Commission Type for Flying Branch
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE)
Offers Permanent Commission.
NCC Special Entry & SSC Entry
Offers Permanent Commission for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.
- Application Start Date
- November 10
- Application End Date
- December 9, 2025
- Official Website
- afcat.edcil.co.in
- Branches Open
- Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Starting Salary (Flying Officer)
- Rs 56,100
- Training Stipend
- Rs 56,100
- Pay Scale (Level 10)
- Rs 56,100 - Rs 1,77,500
- Military Service Pay (MSP)
- Rs 15,500