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The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026. This recruitment cycle announces 284 vacancies for eligible candidates seeking commissioned officer positions in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
The courses are scheduled to commence in January 2028. The online registration window opens on 12 November 2026 and closes on 11 December 2026.
Candidates interested in understanding this recruitment should carefully review the official notification, including branch-wise educational qualifications, age requirements, selection criteria and medical standards.
AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026: Overview
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force to select eligible candidates for commissioned officer positions.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Examination | Air Force Common Admission Test |
| Recruitment Cycle | AFCAT 01/2027 |
| Total Vacancies | 284 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying & Ground Duty |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026 |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | careerairforce.gov.in |
AFCAT 01/2027 Important Dates
Candidates should take note of the following important dates associated with the recruitment process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | 11 November 2026 |
| Online Registration Begins | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date for Registration | 11 December 2026 |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 11 December 2026 |
| Examination Date | As per official notification |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
Candidates should refer to the official notification for the confirmed examination schedule and subsequent updates.
AFCAT 01/2027 Vacancy Details
A total of 284 vacancies have been announced across different branches and entry categories.
The recruitment includes:
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical) – Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
- Ground Duty (Technical) – Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Weapon Systems
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Administration
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Logistics
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accounts
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Education
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Meteorology
- GATE Score Entry – Ground Duty Technical
The number of vacancies is distributed among Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) entries, as specified in the official notification.
AFCAT 01/2027 Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility requirements differ according to the branch and entry category. Candidates must meet the prescribed educational qualifications and age criteria.
1. Flying Branch Eligibility
Candidates must fulfil the prescribed graduation requirements and have Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or hold an eligible BE/BTech qualification.
2. Ground Duty Technical Eligibility
Candidates applying for technical branches must possess the required engineering or technology qualifications.
The major categories include:
- Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
- Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)
The prescribed academic requirements include the required marks in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level and an eligible engineering qualification.
3. Ground Duty Non-Technical Eligibility
Educational requirements vary according to the position.
Some of the major categories include:
- Administration and Logistics
- Accounts
- Education
- Meteorology
- Weapon Systems
Relevant graduation or postgraduate qualifications are required depending on the selected entry.
Important: Candidates should check the detailed notification for the exact degree, subject combination and minimum percentage required for each branch.
AFCAT 01/2027 Age Limit
The age limit is calculated as of 1 January 2028.
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20–24 Years – Born between 02 Jan 2004 to 01 Jan 2008 |
| Flying Branch (Eligible CPL Holders) | Up to 26 Years – Born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008 |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20–26 Years – Born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20–26 Years – Born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008 |
Age Limit:
Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry:
- 20 to 24 years as on 01 Jan 2028 i.e. born between 02 Jan 2004 to 01 Jan 2008 (both dates inclusive).
- Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years i.e. Born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008 (both dates inclusive).
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch:
- 20 to 26 years as on 01 Jan 2028 i.e. born between 02 Jan 2002 to 01 Jan 2008 (both dates inclusive).
Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course and marriage is not permitted during training.
AFCAT 01/2027 Application Fee
The application fee mentioned in the recruitment information is:
| Entry Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 |
| NCC Special Entry | No Examination Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Examination Fee |
Candidates should verify the applicable fee and payment conditions in the detailed notification before completing any application-related process.
AFCAT Selection Process
The selection process involves multiple stages to assess candidates’ academic knowledge, aptitude and suitability for officer-level responsibilities.
The broad selection stages include:
- AFCAT Written Examination, wherever applicable.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) assessment.
- Psychological and aptitude assessments as applicable.
- Personal Interview.
- Medical Examination.
- Final merit list, subject to the prescribed selection criteria.
Candidates should refer to the official notification for entry-specific selection procedures.
AFCAT Salary and Pay Scale
The recruitment information mentions the following pay scale for commissioned officers:
Pay Level 10: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month.
Additional allowances and benefits are governed by the applicable Indian Air Force service rules and eligibility conditions.
How to Check the Official AFCAT 01/2027 Notification
Candidates and readers can refer to the official Indian Air Force recruitment announcement to understand the complete recruitment conditions.
The detailed notification contains information regarding:
- Branch-wise vacancies
- Educational qualifications
- Age and date-of-birth criteria
- Medical standards
- Selection procedure
- Examination-related instructions
- Service conditions
Official information: https://careerairforce.gov.in/
Why Is AFCAT an Important Defence Career Examination?
AFCAT is an important officer-entry examination in the Indian Air Force. It provides eligible graduates and engineering candidates with an opportunity to be considered for commissioned officer positions across different branches.
Understanding the eligibility conditions, academic requirements and selection procedure is essential before making any career-related decision.
Students currently studying in school can use this information to understand the different stages of defence education and the qualifications required for future officer-entry opportunities.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – AFCAT 01/2027
Q1. Has the AFCAT 01/2027 notification been released?
Yes. The Indian Air Force published the AFCAT 01/2027 recruitment announcement on 11 November 2026.
Q2. How many vacancies are announced under AFCAT 01/2027?
A total of 284 vacancies have been announced across the notified entry categories.
Q3. When does AFCAT 01/2027 registration begin?
The online registration window opens on 12 November 2026.
Q4. What is the last date for AFCAT 01/2027 registration?
The last date mentioned for registration is 11 December 2026.
Q5. What is the age limit for AFCAT 01/2027?
The prescribed age limit is 20–24 years for the Flying Branch and 20–26 years for Ground Duty branches, subject to applicable conditions.
Q6. What is the salary under AFCAT recruitment?
The notified pay scale is Level 10, ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month, along with applicable allowances.
Q7. Which branches are included in AFCAT 01/2027?
The recruitment includes Flying, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches.
Q8. When will the AFCAT 01/2027 courses commence?
The courses are scheduled to commence in January 2028.
Q9. What is the AFCAT application fee?
The stated examination fee for AFCAT Entry is ₹550. Certain other notified entry categories have no examination fee.
Q10. Where can candidates find the official AFCAT 01/2027 notification?
Candidates can visit the official Indian Air Force website at https://careerairforce.gov.in/ for the recruitment announcement and detailed notification.
Conclusion
AFCAT 01/2027 is an important recruitment cycle for candidates who meet the Indian Air Force’s prescribed educational, age and other eligibility requirements. With 284 announced vacancies and courses commencing in January 2028, understanding the official recruitment notification is essential.
Candidates should carefully verify all eligibility conditions and recruitment updates through official Indian Air Force sources before making any decisions.
About Trishul Defence Academy: Trishul Defence Academy provides defence examination education and guidance for aspirants preparing for various defence career pathways. Understanding examination requirements and planning academic preparation early can help students make informed decisions about their future.
