The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced AFCAT 01/2027, the Air Force Common Admission Test for commissioned officers. It covers the Flying Branch and the Ground Duty branches, both Technical and Non-Technical. The advertisement invites unmarried men and women.
Online applications open on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM and close on 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM. This is an all-India officer entry, so a candidate from Meghalaya applies the same way as anyone else, online. Training is at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, from January 2028.
AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Department | Ministry of Defence, Government of India |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 01/2027 |
| Advertisement No. | CBC 10801/11/0018/2627 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty |
| Entry Types | AFCAT, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date | 11 December 2026 |
Entries and Branches
You apply through one of three entries, and each has its own branches:
| Entry | Branch |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) |
The Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch covers Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology and Weapon Systems, as notified. The short advertisement doesn’t give a total number of vacancies. The detailed induction notification has the branch-wise numbers, so check it before you decide.
Type of Commission
Permanent Commission (PC)
Men and women who join on a Permanent Commission serve until the age of superannuation in their branch, subject to the service rules.
Short Service Commission (SSC)
- Flying Branch: an initial engagement of 14 years from the date of commissioning
- Ground Duty branches: an initial tenure of 10 years, which may be extended by four more, subject to service needs and the rules
- Under the conditions in the advertisement, SSC officers don’t get a pension
Age Limit
Age is counted as on 1 January 2028.
| Branch | Age Limit | Date of Birth |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20–24 years | 2 January 2004 to 1 January 2008 |
| Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) | 20–26 years | 2 January 2002 to 1 January 2008 |
For the Flying Branch, the upper age limit is 26 years if you hold a valid and current DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued before the prescribed cut-off date.
Educational Qualification
Each entry has its own educational and subject requirements. The Flying Branch, the Technical branch (which needs an engineering qualification), the Non-Technical branches, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry all differ. The details we have don’t give the subjects or the minimum marks, so the detailed notification is where you check them. Do that before you register, because the requirements decide which entry you can use.
Salary and Pay
Selected candidates are commissioned as Flying Officers.
| Particulars | Salary |
|---|---|
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100–₹1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 per month |
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 per month |
Allowances may include Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance and House Rent Allowance, along with other applicable benefits.
Training
Training starts in the first week of January 2028 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
| Branch | Training Duration |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 74 weeks |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 74 weeks |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 50 weeks |
The duration and arrangements are subject to Air Force instructions.
Application Fee
| Entry Type | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 plus GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No fee |
Pay online through the application portal. The AFCAT fee is non-refundable.
Selection Process
- The online AFCAT examination, where it applies to your entry
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing
- Physical and medical examination
- The final merit list
NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates follow separate eligibility and selection instructions. All candidates must meet the IAF’s physical and medical standards, which the detailed notification sets out.
How to Apply for AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment
- Open the official AFCAT application website, afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Open the AFCAT 01/2027 application link.
- Select your entry: AFCAT, NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry.
- Register with the details asked for.
- Fill in your personal, educational and eligibility details.
- Upload the documents as the application instructions say.
- Pay the examination fee, if it applies to your entry.
- Check every detail, submit, and save the application form.
You need a separate registration for each entry. If you’re eligible for more than one, such as AFCAT and NCC Special Entry, you apply separately for each. If your certificates are photos, our Image to PDF Converter can turn them into files for upload, but check the portal’s size and format rules first.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 12 November 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
Important Links – AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment
| Particulars | Link |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Advertisement | Download Official Advertisement |
| Online Application | Apply Online |
| Indian Air Force Website | Visit the IAF Website |
| Recruitment Updates | Visit the Career Air Force Website |
What the Details We Have Don’t Say
They don’t give the total number of vacancies, the educational subjects and marks for each entry, the exam date or pattern, where the AFSB tests are held, or the physical standards. The detailed notification covers these.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is AFCAT 01/2027?
An Indian Air Force recruitment for commissioned officers in the Flying and Ground Duty branches, through the AFCAT, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry routes.
2. When can I apply?
From 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM until 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM.
3. What is the age limit?
20 to 24 years for the Flying Branch and 20 to 26 years for the Ground Duty branches, as on 1 January 2028.
4. What is the application fee?
₹550 plus GST for AFCAT Entry. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry carry no fee.
5. What does a Flying Officer earn?
Level 10, with a pay scale of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500, plus Military Service Pay of ₹15,500 a month and the applicable allowances. The training stipend is ₹56,100 a month.
Disclaimer: Meghalaya Job Portal is an independent information site and not the recruiting authority. Please read the detailed Indian Air Force AFCAT 01/2027 notification before you apply. The educational qualifications, vacancies, medical standards and other conditions follow the official instructions.
