The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment, inviting dynamic Indian citizens (Men and Women) to join as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers. This recruitment drive offers 284 vacancies across Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, including NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry. Aspiring candidates can apply online from 12 November 2026 to 11 December 2026. This is a golden opportunity to serve the nation with pride and build a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force.
Table of Contents
Overview Table
| ProJobAlert.com | |
| IAF AFCAT 01/2027 Officer Recruitment Advertisement No.: AFCAT 01/2027 | |
| Recruitment Authority | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Total Vacancies | 284 Posts |
| Job Location | All India |
| Start Date to Apply | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026 |
| Qualification | Graduation, B.E./B.Tech, Post Graduation |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Apply Online Now | |
Important Dates
- Notification Released: Released
- Application Start: 12 November 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 11 December 2026
- AFCAT Exam Date: 31 January 2027
- Admit Card Available: 27 January 2027 onwards
Application Fees
- AFCAT Entry: Rs. 550/- + 18% GST
- NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Entry: Not Applicable
Age Limit as on 01 January 2028
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age (Flying Branch): 24 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2004 to 01 Jan 2008)
- Maximum Age (Ground Duty): 26 Years (Born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008)
- Age Relaxation:
- Upper age limit for Flying Branch candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008).
Qualification Details
- Flying Branch: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (min 50% marks each) AND Graduation (min 3 years degree) OR BE/B.Tech (4 years) OR cleared Section A & B of AMIE/Aeronautical Society of India.
- Ground Duty (Technical) - Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)}: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (min 50% marks each) AND MSc Electronics with BSc Physics OR 4-year Engineering/Technology degree/integrated Post-Graduation OR cleared Sections A & B of AMIE/Aeronautical Society of India OR Graduate membership of IETE in specified disciplines.
- Ground Duty (Technical) - Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (min 50% marks each) AND 4-year Engineering/Technology degree/integrated Post-Graduation OR cleared Sections A & B of AMIE/Aeronautical Society of India in specified disciplines.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (min 50% marks each) AND Graduation (min 3 years degree) OR BE/B.Tech (4 years).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Administration & Logistics: Passed 10+2 AND Graduate Degree (min 3 years degree) OR cleared Section A & B of AMIE/Aeronautical Society of India.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Accounts Branch: Passed 10+2 AND B.Com (min 3 years) OR BBA/BMS/BBS (with Finance specialization) OR Qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA OR B.Sc with Finance specialization.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Education: Passed 10+2 AND Post-Graduation in any discipline (including integrated PG) AND Graduation in any discipline.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Meteorology: Passed 10+2 AND B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics OR 4-year Graduation in Engineering/Technology in specified streams.
- NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch): NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate (acquired within 2 years of registration date) with eligibility as per Flying Branch.
- GATE Score Entry (Technical Branches): BE/B.Tech in specified disciplines AND qualified GATE exam in relevant subjects (score obtained within 3 years preceding course commencement).
Full Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must meet specific educational qualifications and age limits for each branch. Ensure you have the mandatory Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level for most technical and flying roles.
| Branch | Educational Qualification | Age Limit (as on 01 Jan 2028) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch |
| 20 to 24 years (born between 02 Jan 2004 to 01 Jan 2008). Up to 26 years for CPL holders (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
| Ground Duty (Technical) - AE(L) |
| 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
| Ground Duty (Technical) - AE(M) |
| 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Weapon Systems (WS) |
| 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Administration & Logistics |
| 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Accounts Branch |
| 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Education |
| 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Meteorology |
| 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
| NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch) | NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate (acquired within two years commencing from AFCAT registration date) with Flying Branch eligibility. | 20 to 24 years (born between 02 Jan 2004 to 01 Jan 2008). Up to 26 years for CPL holders (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
| GATE Score Entry (Technical Branches) | Bachelor of Engineering (BE)/ Bachelor of Technology (B Tech) degree from 133 specified disciplines and qualified in any of the 10 specified disciplines of GATE exam (score obtained within three years preceding course commencement). | 20 to 26 years (born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008). |
Physical Test Criteria
Candidates must meet stringent physical and medical standards set by the Indian Air Force. This includes specific requirements for height, weight, vision, and overall physical fitness to ensure suitability for demanding service conditions.
| Criteria | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Height (Male) | 157 cm (Ground Duty), 162 cm (Flying Branch, FTE, WSO of Su 30 MKI), 157 cm (Other Aircrew) |
| Minimum Height (Female) | 152 cm (Ground Duty), 162 cm (Flying Branch, FTE, WSO of Su 30 MKI), 157 cm (Other Aircrew) |
| Height Relaxation | Lakshadweep ethnicity: 155 cm (Male), 150 cm (Female). Gorkhas, North-Eastern & Hilly regions of Uttarakhand: 152 cm (Male), 147 cm (Female). |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 05 cm |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age as per official charts (Annexure 1 & 2 of Appendix A). |
| Physical Conditioning (Mandatory during training) | Running: up to 4 Km in 15 minutes, Skipping, Push ups & Sit-ups: Minimum 20 each, Chin ups: 08, Rope Climbing: 3 to 4 metres, Swimming (25 m). |
| Visual Acuity (Flying Branch - A1G1) | Hypermetropia: +1.5 D Sph, Manifest Myopia: Nil, Astigmatism: +0.75 D Cyl (within +1.5 D Max), Retinoscopic Myopia: Nil. Visual Acuity: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 both eyes only for Hypermetropia. Colour Vision: CP-I. |
| Visual Acuity (Ground Duty - A4G1) | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph, Myopia: -3.50 D Sph, Astigmatism: +2.50 D Cyl. Correctable to 6/6 in each eye. Colour Vision: CP-II. |
| Ocular Muscle Balance (Flying Duties) | Maddox Rod Test at 06m (Exo - 06 Prism D, Eso - 06 Prism D, Hyper - 01 Prism D, Hypo - 01 Prism D), Maddox Rod Test at 33cm (Exo -16 Prism D, Eso - 06 Prism D, Hyper - 01 Prism D, Hypo - 01 Prism D), TNO Test or Titmus Fly Test (All of BSV grades), Convergence (Up to 10 cm), Cover Test for Distance and Near (Latent divergence/convergence recovery rapid and complete). |
| Dental Standards | Minimum 14 dental points. Any four of the six anterior teeth and any six of the ten posterior teeth must be present in good functional opposition. |
Salary / Pay Scale
Selected candidates will receive an attractive salary package as Flying Officers, along with various allowances. During training, Flight Cadets will also receive a fixed stipend.
| Rank | Pay as per Defence Matrix | Level | MSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Rs. 56100 - 177500 | 10 | Rs. 15500 |
- Fixed Stipend: Flight Cadets receive Rs. 56,100/- per month during training.
- Allowances: On commissioning, various allowances like Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance are applicable based on branch and duty.
- Insurance: Mandatory Insurance Cover is provided by Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS).
Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 01/2027 involves a written examination (AFCAT), followed by Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing, and a comprehensive medical examination. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from the written exam.
- Online AFCAT Examination: Candidates applying through AFCAT entry will appear for an online objective type test.
- AFSB Testing (Stage-I & Stage-II):
- Stage-I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Picture Perception, and Discussion Test (Screening Test).
- Stage-II: Psychological Test, Group Tests, Interview, and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) for eligible Flying Branch candidates.
- Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by AFSB will undergo a thorough medical examination.
- Final Merit List: Based on marks in the written exam (if applicable) and AFSB tests, medical fitness, and availability of vacancies.
- Training: Successful candidates will undergo training at Air Force Training Establishments.
Exam Pattern
The AFCAT online examination consists of objective-type questions covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude. There is negative marking for incorrect answers.
| Exam | Subject | Duration | No. of Questions | Max Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | 02 Hours | 100 | 300 |
- Marking Scheme: Three marks for every correct answer.
- Negative Marking: One mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
- Un-attempted Questions: No marks for un-attempted questions.
- Language: The online examination will be in English only.
- Standard: Numerical Ability questions will be of Matriculation level; other subjects will be of Graduation level.
- Normalisation: Marks will be normalised if the exam is conducted in multiple shifts.
Post / Category Wise Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has announced a total of 284 vacancies for AFCAT 01/2027, distributed across various branches including Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) for both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC).
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) | Total | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 223/28F/SSC/M&W | -- | -- | 28 | 08 | 36 | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) - AE(L) | 222/28T/PC/112AEC/M&W | 05 | 02 | 54 | 27 | 88 | ||
| Ground Duty (Technical) - AE(M) | 222/28T/SSC/112AEC/M&W | 08 | 02 | 18 | 08 | 36 | ||
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Weapon Systems | 222/28G/PC/M&W | -- | -- | 25 | 05 | 30 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Admin | 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 01 | 01 | 34 | 17 | 53 | ||
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Lgs | 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 01 | 01 | 06 | 03 | 11 | ||
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Accts | 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 01 | 01 | 03 | 03 | 08 | ||
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Edn | 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 01 | 01 | 01 | 01 | 04 | ||
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Met | 222/28G/SSC/M&W | 01 | 01 | -- | -- | 02 | ||
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 223/28F/PC/M and 223/28F/SSC/M&W | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC (M) and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC (M&W) | - | ||||
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) - AE(L) | 222/28T/PC/112AEC/M&W | 01 | 01 | 06 | 03 | 11 | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) - AE(M) | 222/28T/SSC/112AEC/M&W | 01 | 01 | 02 | 01 | 05 | ||
| Grand Total Vacancies | 284 | |||||||
Job Profile & Responsibility
As a Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer in the Indian Air Force, you will undertake diverse and challenging roles. Whether in the Flying Branch, commanding aircraft, or in Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical), managing critical operations, logistics, or administration, your responsibilities will directly contribute to national security and air superiority. The role demands high levels of discipline, leadership, and technical expertise, ensuring the smooth functioning and operational readiness of the Air Force.
- Flying Branch: Piloting various aircraft, engaging in combat missions, reconnaissance, transport, and training.
- Ground Duty (Technical) - Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics/Mechanical): Overseeing maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of aircraft, weapon systems, and associated ground equipment.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Weapon Systems: Managing the deployment and maintenance of advanced weapon systems.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Administration: Handling human resources, infrastructure management, and general administration.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Logistics: Managing supply chain, procurement, and inventory for various Air Force assets.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Accounts: Managing financial affairs, budgeting, and auditing within the Air Force.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Education: Providing academic and professional training to Air Force personnel.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) - Meteorology: Providing crucial weather intelligence for flight operations and strategic planning.
How to Apply
Candidates interested in the Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment must apply online through the official AFCAT website. Ensure all details are accurately filled and required documents are uploaded before the 11 December 2026 deadline.
- Visit the official AFCAT website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Click on the "Candidate Login" section and then "Register Here" for new users.
- Complete the Sign-up/Registration process by providing personal and contact details. A User-ID and password will be sent to your registered email and mobile number.
- Log in using your generated User-ID and password.
- Fill in the Personal Details, Communication Details, Qualification Details, and Course Preference sections carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of your recent passport size colour photograph (100KB-200KB), signature (80KB-150KB), and thumb impression (50KB-100KB) in JPG/JPEG format. Male candidates use left thumb, female candidates use right thumb.
- Review all entered information thoroughly before proceeding to the "Make Payment" option. No edits are possible after payment.
- Pay the application fee of Rs. 550/- + 18% GST (if applicable) online via Net Banking, Debit Cards, Credit Cards, or UPI. (NCC Special Entry/GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from fee).
- After successful payment, the application form will be auto-submitted. Print a copy of your submitted application form for future reference.
- Candidates are advised to apply well in advance to avoid last-minute technical issues.
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Latest Govt Jobs 2026 | Click Here |
| All India Govt Jobs | Click Here |
| Defence & Security Jobs | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
The last date to apply online for AFCAT 01/2027 is 11 December 2026.
How many vacancies are available in AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment?
There are a total of 284 vacancies for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches in the Indian Air Force.
What are the age criteria for Flying Branch in AFCAT 01/2027?
For Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 January 2028. For CPL holders, the age limit is relaxable up to 26 years.
What is the application fee for AFCAT 01/2027?
The application fee for AFCAT entry is Rs. 550/- + 18% GST. Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry are exempted from this fee.
What is the selection process for AFCAT 01/2027?
The selection process includes an Online AFCAT Examination (for AFCAT entry candidates), followed by AFSB Testing (Stage-I & Stage-II), and a comprehensive Medical Examination.
Can final year students apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Yes, candidates in their final year/semester of a degree course can apply, provided they have no current backlog at the time of application submission and can submit proof of completion by 30 November 2027.
What is the salary of a Flying Officer in IAF?
A Flying Officer receives a pay scale of Rs. 56100 - 177500 as per Defence Matrix Level 10, along with a Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15500 and other allowances.