Opportunity to Become an Officer in the Indian Air Force: Recruitment Announced for AFCAT 2027

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). This recruitment drive aims to fill a total of 284 vacancies across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches.

This is a golden opportunity for young individuals who dream of serving the nation and becoming officers in the Indian Air Force. The IAF has issued the notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test, with 284 positions available across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.

This recruitment is for courses commencing in January 2028, and both male and female candidates are eligible to apply. The online application process began today, November 12, 2026; eligible candidates can submit their forms via the official website until December 11, 2026.

Recruitment Schedule

Date of Notification Release: November 11, 2026
Start Date for Online Applications: November 12, 2026 (from 11:00 AM)
Last Date for Online Applications: December 11, 2026 (until 11:30 PM)
Date of Online Examination: January 31, 2027
Course Commencement Date: January 2028

Branch-wise Vacancy Details

This recruitment drive includes positions under both Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission. It comprises 36 vacancies in the Flying Branch, 124 vacancies in Ground Duty (Technical) — specifically AE(L) and AE(M) — and 108 vacancies in Ground Duty (Non-Technical) across the following streams: Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, and Meteorology. Additionally, there are 16 vacancies for Ground Duty (Technical) via the GATE score entry, while positions for the NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch) are reserved based on a specified percentage.

Age Limit and Marital Status

For this recruitment, age will be calculated as of January 1, 2028. Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must be between 20 and 24 years of age; for holders of a valid Commercial Pilot License, the upper age limit is 26 years. Candidates for Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches must be between 20 and 26 years of age. Furthermore, applicants must be unmarried at the time the course commences, as marriage is not permitted during the training period.

Educational Qualifications

For the Flying Branch, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics, and must also hold a 3-year graduation degree or a 4-year BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized university. For Ground Duty (Technical) posts, candidates must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics and possess a BE/B.Tech degree in a relevant engineering discipline. Requirements for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) posts vary: a graduation degree is required for the Weapon Systems and Administration branches, a degree in Commerce/Finance for the Accounts branch, and a post-graduation degree for the Education branch.

How to Apply?

To apply, candidates should first visit the official Indian Air Force website: afcat.edcil.co.in.
Click on the application link for AFCAT 1/2027.
Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
Log in using your user ID and password.
Enter your personal and educational details, and select your preferred branch.
Upload the required documents. Now, carefully check the entire form once again.
Finally, pay the fee and submit the form.