The Indian Air Force has released the Airforce Vacancy 2026 notification through AFCAT for candidates who want to start their career as Commissioned Officers in the defence sector. Both male and female candidates can apply for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty Branches as per the eligibility criteria.
This recruitment is a good opportunity for candidates who are looking for a government job in the Indian Air Force. Before filling out the application form, applicants should check the official notification carefully and make sure they meet all the required conditions.
Every year, a large number of graduates and engineering candidates apply for AFCAT recruitment is expected to receive a strong response as well. Candidates are advised to read the eligibility details, important dates, and other recruitment information properly before completing the online application process.
Airforce Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 379 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Category | 12th Pass |
Airforce Vacancy Educational Qualification
Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must have passed Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. They should also have a graduation degree with at least 60% marks from a recognized university.
For the Ground Duty Technical Branch, candidates must possess a BE or B.Tech degree in the relevant engineering stream from a recognized institution.
For Ground Duty Non-Technical Branches, candidates should have a graduation or post-graduation degree in the concerned discipline. The required qualification may differ according to the branch selected.
Airforce Vacancy Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Entry | No Fee |
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must pay the required examination fee through online payment methods. Once the fee is paid, it will not be refunded under any condition.
Airforce Vacancy Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 20 to 26 Years |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 Years |
For the Flying Branch, applicants should be between 20 and 24 years of age as on 01 July 2027. Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA can get age relaxation up to 26 years.
For Ground Duty branches, the minimum age is 20 years and the maximum age is 26 years.
Airforce Vacancies Details
| Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 03 |
| Ground Duty Technical Branch | 156 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch | 220 |
| Total | 379 |
The vacancies are divided among different branches of the Indian Air Force. Candidates should check the eligibility criteria carefully before applying. The number of vacancies may increase or decrease as per the requirements of the Air Force.
Airforce Vacancy Salary Details
Selected candidates will receive an attractive salary package under the Indian Air Force pay structure. Newly commissioned officers are placed in Pay Level-10 of the pay matrix.
| Branch / Post | Basic Pay |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | ₹56,100 per month |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | ₹56,100 per month |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | ₹56,100 per month |
Along with basic pay, officers receive Military Service Pay (MSP), Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, accommodation benefits, and other government facilities. The Indian Air Force also provides career growth opportunities, professional training, medical facilities, insurance coverage, and retirement benefits.
Airforce Vacancy Physical Standards
Candidates must meet the medical and physical standards prescribed by the Indian Air Force. Physical fitness and medical eligibility are important requirements for selection.
The medical test includes checking overall health, eyesight, hearing ability, and physical fitness. Candidates who fail to meet the required standards may be declared medically unfit.
Applicants are advised to read the detailed medical guidelines available in the official notification before applying.
Airforce Vacancy Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 04 August 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Training Commencement | July 2027 |
How to Apply Online for Airforce Vacancy
Candidates can apply online through the AFCAT portal. The registration process starts with creating a candidate account using a valid email address and mobile number.
After registration, applicants need to fill in their personal details, educational qualifications and communication details carefully. All information should be entered exactly as mentioned in official documents.
Candidates must then upload the required documents and proceed with the online fee payment process. After successful payment, applicants should review the complete application form and submit it online.
A printout of the final submitted application form should be kept safely for future use. Candidates are advised to complete the application process well before the last date to avoid technical issues.
Airforce Vacancy Important Links
| Official Notification / PDF | Download Notification |
| Online Application Link | Apply Online |
| Official Website | https://afcat.cdac.in/ |