Indian Air Force Opens AFCAT 01/2027 Applications for Commissioned Officer Posts

New Delhi, November 7, 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the AFCAT 01/2027 recruitment notification, inviting applications from eligible men and women for commissioned officer positions in its Flying and Ground Duty branches. The recruitment drive also includes opportunities through the NCC Special Entry Scheme and GATE Score Entry for eligible candidates.

The courses are scheduled to commence in January 2028. Online registration will open at 11 am on 12 November 2026 and close at 11.30 pm on 11 December 2026. Applications must be submitted through the official website, afcat.edcil.co.in.

Branches and vacancies

The recruitment covers the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches, which include Technical and Non-Technical roles. Candidates can apply through AFCAT Entry, while eligible applicants may also use the NCC Special Entry route for the Flying Branch or GATE Score Entry for Ground Duty Technical positions.

The notification lists opportunities for both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC), depending on the branch and entry scheme. The number of vacancies is subject to change according to the Air Force's organisational requirements and availability of training positions.

Age limit and eligibility

For the Flying Branch through AFCAT, candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age as on 1 January 2028. Applicants holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation may be eligible up to the age of 26.

For Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches, the prescribed age range is 20 to 26 years as on 1 January 2028. Applicants must meet the educational, physical and medical standards specified in the detailed notification. Qualifications vary according to the branch and entry route, with relevant engineering and other graduate qualifications required for particular posts.

Pay and service benefits

On commissioning, selected candidates will be appointed as Flying Officers in Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix, with a basic pay ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month. They will also receive Military Service Pay of ₹15,500, along with applicable allowances based on their branch, duties and place of posting.

Flight cadets will receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100 during training. Officers are also entitled to benefits including accommodation, medical facilities for themselves and dependants, leave, canteen facilities and other service privileges.

Application fee and training

Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must pay a non-refundable examination fee of ₹550 plus GST. No examination fee is required for NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry.

Training is scheduled to begin in the first week of January 2028 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad. It will last 74 weeks for Flying and Ground Duty Technical branches and 50 weeks for Ground Duty Non-Technical branches.

Applicants are advised to read the complete notification carefully and check their eligibility before registering. The IAF has also warned that incorrect information or attempts to influence the selection process may result in disqualification.

Application website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in

Registration period: 12 November–11 December 2026

By Catholic Connect Reporter