AFCAT 01/2027 Notification Out: Apply Online from November 12, Check Eligibility and Salary.For graduates who dream of wearing the Indian Air Force uniform and serving as commissioned officers, the next recruitment opportunity is approaching. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the short notification for AFCAT 01/2027, inviting eligible Indian men and women to apply for officer-entry opportunities in the Flying and Ground Duty branches.
The recruitment includes AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry. Depending on the branch and entry route, candidates may be considered for Permanent Commission (PC) or Short Service Commission (SSC).
The online application window will open on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM and remain available until 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM. The selected candidates will join the courses scheduled to commence in January 2028 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
The short notice provides the broad recruitment schedule, age limits, training details and pay information. Candidates should refer to the detailed notification for the final vacancy distribution and branch-specific educational qualifications.
AFCAT 01/2027 Recruitment 2026: Important Details
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Air Force |
| Examination Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 01/2027 |
| Recruitment Batch | January 2028 Course |
| Post | Commissioned Officer |
| Entry Types | AFCAT, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Begins | 12 November 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026 |
| Training Begins | January 2028 |
| Training Academy | Air Force Academy, Dundigal |
| Official Application Portal | afcat.edcil.co.in |
AFCAT 01/2027 Application Dates
The Indian Air Force has announced the registration schedule for the January 2028 course. Candidates should note the exact closing time rather than waiting until the last day to submit their forms.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Short Notification Released | 2 November 2026 |
| Online Applications Begin | 12 November 2026, 11:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply | 11 December 2026, 11:30 PM |
| AFCAT Examination | To be announced |
| Admit Card | To be announced |
| AFSB Interview | Schedule to be announced |
| Course Commencement | January 2028 |
The examination and admit card dates have not been confirmed in the uploaded short notice. Candidates should keep checking the official website for updates.
Which Branches Are Included in AFCAT 01/2027?
This recruitment is not limited to Flying Branch aspirants. Candidates can also explore opportunities in Ground Duty, depending on their educational qualifications and the entry route for which they are eligible.
The available entry routes include:
| Entry | Branch |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying Branch |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) |
Ground Duty Non-Technical opportunities include branches such as Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Weapon Systems and Meteorology, subject to the detailed notification.
What about the total vacancies? The short notice does not provide a complete, confirmed branch-wise vacancy breakdown. Some secondary recruitment reports mention 379 posts, but candidates should verify the final number and distribution from the detailed Indian Air Force notification.
AFCAT 01/2027 Eligibility: Who Can Apply?
The Indian Air Force has different eligibility requirements for different branches. A candidate’s graduation subject, engineering discipline, academic marks and other qualifications can determine which entry routes are available.
Flying Branch
Candidates interested in becoming officers in the Flying Branch must meet the prescribed educational, age, physical and medical requirements.
The recruitment also includes NCC Special Entry for eligible candidates holding an NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate. Applicants must satisfy the other Flying Branch conditions as well.
Ground Duty Technical
This entry is intended for candidates with the engineering or technical qualifications prescribed for the relevant branch.
Eligible candidates may apply through AFCAT Entry or through GATE Score Entry, where applicable. The accepted engineering disciplines, degree requirements and minimum marks should be checked in the detailed notification.
Ground Duty Non-Technical
The Ground Duty Non-Technical branch includes several areas of responsibility, including:
- Administration
- Logistics
- Accounts
- Education
- Weapon Systems
- Meteorology
Each branch has its own educational requirements. Candidates should not assume that a general graduation degree makes them eligible for every Ground Duty post.
The complete notification should be checked for the exact degree, subject combination and minimum marks required for the chosen branch.
AFCAT 01/2027 Age Limit
Age eligibility is calculated as on 1 January 2028. The age range is different for Flying Branch and Ground Duty entries.
| Branch / Entry | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years |
| Flying Branch with valid DGCA CPL | Up to 26 years |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20 to 26 years |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20 to 26 years |
The prescribed date-of-birth ranges are:
- Flying Branch: 2 January 2004 to 1 January 2008.
- Flying Branch with valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence: 2 January 2002 to 1 January 2008.
- Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical: 2 January 2002 to 1 January 2008.
Both dates are inclusive. Candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) can receive the specified age relaxation for the Flying Branch.
AFCAT 01/2027 Application Fee
The examination fee depends on the entry through which a candidate applies.
| Entry Type | Examination Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
The AFCAT examination fee is non-refundable. Candidates should select the correct entry option and check the payment instructions before completing registration.
AFCAT Salary 2027: Training Stipend and Flying Officer Pay
The financial benefits are an important part of the opportunity. Candidates selected for training will receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100 during the training period.
After successful commissioning, officers appointed to the rank of Flying Officer will be placed in Pay Level 10.
| Salary Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500 per month |
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 per month |
Additional allowances may include Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance and Transport Allowance, depending on the officer’s branch, posting and nature of duty.
AFCAT 01/2027 Training Duration
Training for the January 2028 course is scheduled to begin at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad. The duration depends on the branch.
| Branch | Training Duration |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 74 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Technical | 74 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 50 Weeks |
Candidates should follow the joining instructions issued by the Indian Air Force for reporting and training formalities.
AFCAT 01/2027 Selection Process
The selection process is designed to assess candidates’ suitability for service as Air Force officers. The applicable stages depend on whether a candidate applies through AFCAT, NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry.
For AFCAT Entry, the process includes the online examination followed by the prescribed Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) assessment. Candidates must also clear document verification and the required medical examination.
The broad stages are:
- Online AFCAT examination, wherever applicable.
- Air Force Selection Board assessment.
- Document verification.
- Medical examination.
- Final selection according to merit and applicable service requirements.
NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates must follow the selection procedure prescribed for their respective routes. The detailed notification should be consulted for the exact requirements.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 01/2027?
The online application facility will be available from 12 November 2026. Candidates can complete the process through the official AFCAT recruitment portal.
Follow these steps when the application link becomes active:
- Visit the official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in/.
- Open the AFCAT 01/2027 recruitment notification.
- Select the appropriate entry: AFCAT, NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry.
- Complete the registration using the required personal and contact details.
- Log in to access the application form.
- Enter your educational qualifications and other requested information.
- Upload the required photograph, signature and documents.
- Pay the examination fee if applying through AFCAT Entry.
- Review all the details before submitting the form.
- Submit the application and save a copy for future reference.
Candidates eligible for more than one entry must complete separate registrations for each applicable entry.
The Indian Air Force has also advised candidates to check their information carefully before final submission. The uploaded notification states that amendments to submitted application information will not be permitted subsequently.
Important Instructions Before Applying
Before completing the form, candidates should pay attention to a few conditions mentioned in the notification:
- Keep the registered email address and mobile number active throughout the selection process.
- Enter the correct date of birth and educational details.
- Check the branch-specific eligibility requirements carefully.
- Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical and medical standards.
- Permanent body tattoos are restricted, except in the specified areas and under the stated conditions. Small religious symbols may be permitted under the applicable rules.
- Use or possession of narcotic or psychotropic substances is prohibited and can lead to disqualification.
- Candidates must satisfy the applicable marital status requirements at the commencement of the course.
These conditions are important because meeting the educational qualification alone does not guarantee eligibility for selection.
AFCAT 01/2027 Notification: Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | AFCAT Official Application Portal |
| Short Notification | Available through the official recruitment portal |
| Indian Air Force Website | indianairforce.nic.in |
The application link is scheduled to become active on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Frequently Asked Questions About AFCAT 01/2027
1. Has the AFCAT 01/2027 notification been released?
Yes. The Indian Air Force released the short notification on 2 November 2026 for the January 2028 course.
2. When will AFCAT 01/2027 online registration begin?
The application process will start on 12 November 2026 at 11:00 AM.
3. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Candidates can submit their applications until 11 December 2026 at 11:30 PM.
4. How many vacancies have been announced?
The uploaded short notice does not provide a confirmed branch-wise vacancy total. Candidates should check the detailed notification for the final figures.
5. What is the age limit for AFCAT Flying Branch?
The age limit is 20 to 24 years as on 1 January 2028. Eligible candidates with a valid and current DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence may receive relaxation up to 26 years.
6. What is the age limit for Ground Duty branches?
The age limit for Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches is 20 to 26 years.
7. What is the AFCAT application fee?
AFCAT Entry candidates must pay ₹550 plus GST. There is no examination fee for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry.
8. What is the monthly stipend during training?
Selected candidates will receive ₹56,100 per month during training.
9. What is the Flying Officer salary?
The pay scale is ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 under Pay Level 10, along with Military Service Pay of ₹15,500 per month and applicable allowances.
10. When will the AFCAT 01/2027 course begin?
The course is scheduled to commence in January 2028 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
11. Can NCC candidates apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Yes. Eligible candidates holding an NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate can apply through NCC Special Entry, subject to the prescribed conditions.
12. Where can candidates apply for AFCAT 01/2027?
Applications will be accepted online through the official portal at afcat.edcil.co.in.
