Indian Air Force Group C Recruitment 2025 notification released for Cook, MTS, Carpenter & Housekeeping Staff posts. Check eligibility, salary & application process.: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 01/2026 Notification to fill 340 Officer posts across multiple branches, including Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry. This recruitment drive offers one of the most prestigious opportunities for candidates who wish to serve the nation as commissioned officers.
The online registration begins on 17 November 2025, and the last date to apply is 14 December 2025. The AFCAT 01/2026 examination is scheduled to be conducted on 31 January 2026. Candidates fulfilling the eligibility criteria can apply through the official AFCAT portal.
This detailed article covers eligibility, vacancy distribution, age limits, salary, selection process, and step-by-step application instructions along with all essential links.
IAF AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment 2025 – Overview
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 01/2026 |
| Post Type | Commissioned Officers |
| Total Vacancies | 340 |
| Qualification Required | Any Graduate, B.Tech/B.E, Any Post Graduate |
| Age Limit | 20–26 Years |
| Apply Online Start Date | 17 November 2025 |
| Apply Online Last Date | 14 December 2025 |
| AFCAT 01/2026 Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level 10) |
AFCAT 01/2026 Vacancy Details – 340 Posts
The vacancies are divided as per AFCAT Entry and NCC Special Entry:
1. AFCAT Entry – Flying Branch
| Category | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| SSC (Short Service Commission) | 34 | 04 |
2. Ground Duty (Technical Branch)
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) – AE (L)
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) – AE (M)
| Category | AE(L) | AE(M) |
|---|---|---|
| Men (PC) | 03 | 09 |
| Women (PC) | 03 | 03 |
| Men (SSC) | 100 | 38 |
| Women (SSC) | 23 | 09 |
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch)
Men (SSC)
- Weapon Systems (WS): 21
- Admin: 48
- Logistics: 09
- Accounts: 08
- Education: 02
- Meteorology: 01
Women (SSC)
- Weapon Systems (WS): 05
- Admin: 12
- Logistics: 02
- Accounts: 02
- Education: 02
- Meteorology: 02
4. NCC Special Entry – Flying Branch
10% seats out of CDSE vacancies (PC)
10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies (SSC)
IAF AFCAT 01/2026 Eligibility Criteria
1. Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
- Graduation (min. 60%) with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level
or - BE/B.Tech (minimum 60%)
Ground Duty (Technical)
- BE/B.Tech in eligible engineering streams (Electronics/Mechanical)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Graduation or Post-Graduation in relevant subjects:
- Administration
- Accounts
- Logistics
- Education
- Meteorology
Age Limit (as on 01 January 2027)
Flying Branch
- 20 to 24 years
- Born between 02 January 2003 – 01 January 2007
- CPL holders: Upper age limit 26 years
Ground Duty Branches (Technical & Non-Technical)
- 20 to 26 years
- Born between 02 January 2001 – 01 January 2007
IAF Officer Salary (During Training & After Commission)
1. Training Stipend
- ₹56,100/month for one year training
2. After Commissioning
- Pay Level 10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- MSP (Military Service Pay): ₹15,500/month
- Additional Allowances:
- Flying Allowance
- Technical Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Risk & Hardship Allowance
- Test Pilot Allowance
- Field Area Allowance
Application Fee: Indian Air Force Group C Recruitment 2025
- AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + GST
- NCC Special Entry: No fee
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Apply Online Begins | 17 November 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 14 December 2025 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 31 January 2026 |
AFCAT 01/2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes:
1. Online AFCAT Exam
2. AFSB Testing
Stage I
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test
Candidates failing Stage I are sent back the same day.
Stage II
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tests
- Personal Interview
For Flying Branch:
CPSS Test (Once in a lifetime attempt)
3. Final Merit List
Prepared based on:
- AFCAT Written Marks
- AFSB Performance
- Medical Fitness
- Branch Preference
- Availability of Vacancies
How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2026
Follow the steps to apply online:
- Visit the official AFCAT website: afcat.edcil.co.in
- Click on “AFCAT 01/2026 Apply Online”
- Complete Registration (Sign-Up) – You will receive User ID & Password
- Log in and fill details:
- Personal information
- Educational qualifications
- Communication details
- Upload photo & signature
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Review and submit the form
- Download the application confirmation page
Note: Aadhaar Card is compulsory for registration.
Details cannot be edited after final submission.
IAF AFCAT 01/2026 – Essential Links
- Apply Link: Click Here
- Official Notification PDF: Click Here
- Employment Notification: Click Here
- Official Website: Click Here
- Join WhatsApp Channel: Click Here
- Join Telegram Channel: Click Here
FAQs – IAF AFCAT 01/2026 Recruitment 2025
1. When does the AFCAT 01/2026 online application start?
The online application starts on 17 November 2025.
2. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2026?
The last date to apply is 14 December 2025.
3. What is the total number of vacancies in AFCAT 01/2026?
There are 340 Officer posts.
4. What is the age limit for AFCAT recruitment?
The maximum age limit is 26 years depending on the branch.
5. What qualifications are required for AFCAT 01/2026?
Candidates must have Graduation or BE/B.Tech depending on the branch.
