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AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification & Physical Standards
Indian Air Force
📍
Location
All India
📅
Last Date
19 Jun 2026
💼
Salary
Level 10 (Pay Matrix ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
Indian Air Force - Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) Official Notification Poster & Schedule

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification & Physical Standards

Indian Air Force — Ministry of Defence

AV
By Anita Verma • 25 Jun 2026
Defence Eligibility 📍 All India Expired
Listen to this page इस पेज को सुनें
⏱️ ~3 min audio summary • English / हिंदी
Recruitment Application Window Concluded
Deadline: 19 Jun 2026
🔔 Notice: Applications for this position have concluded. Looking for active vacancies? Explore Latest Defence Jobs →
👥 Total Vacancies 300 Posts
📍 Job Location All India
💰 Salary / Pay Level 10 (Pay Matrix ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
🎯 Selection Mode Online Test (AFCAT), AFSB Interview, Medical Examination
🎓 Detailed qualification, age limit & exam pattern: View Eligibility Table ↓
📋

Age Eligibility & DOB Range for Commissioned Officer (AFCAT)

Cut-off Date: 19 Jun 2026 — Candidates must be between 20 to 26 years (General category). Category-wise relaxation and exact DOB boundaries are shown below.

Category Min Age Max Age Relaxation DOB Must Be Between
General (UR) 20 yrs 26 yrs — 20 Jun 2000 to 19 Jun 2006
EWS 20 yrs 26 yrs — 20 Jun 2000 to 19 Jun 2006
OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) 20 yrs 29 yrs +3 yrs 20 Jun 1997 to 19 Jun 2006
SC (Scheduled Caste) 20 yrs 31 yrs +5 yrs 20 Jun 1995 to 19 Jun 2006
ST (Scheduled Tribe) 20 yrs 31 yrs +5 yrs 20 Jun 1995 to 19 Jun 2006
PwD (General) 20 yrs 36 yrs +10 yrs 20 Jun 1990 to 19 Jun 2006
🧮

Check Your Age Eligibility — Interactive Calculator

Prescribed Age: 20–26 Years (As on 19 Jun 2026)

⚡ Instant Validation
Cut-off date reference: Official Notification (19 Jun 2026) Check Eligibility for Other Exams →
💰

Expected In-Hand Salary for Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) — Pay Level 10 (Grade Pay ₹5,400 - PB3)

This post carries Pay Level 10 (Grade Pay ₹5,400 - PB3) under the 7th Central Pay Commission with entry-level basic pay of ₹56,100/month. Below is the estimated monthly in-hand salary across all three city classifications (DA at 50% included).

Component X-City (Metro) Y-City (Town) Z-City (Rural)
Basic Pay ₹56,100 ₹56,100 ₹56,100
Dearness Allowance (50%) ₹28,050 ₹28,050 ₹28,050
HRA ₹16,830 (30%) ₹11,220 (20%) ₹5,610 (10%)
Transport Allowance (+ DA) ₹10,800 ₹5,400 ₹5,400
Gross Monthly Pay ₹111,780 ₹100,770 ₹95,160
Total Deductions (NPS, CGHS, etc.) −₹9,385 −₹9,385 −₹9,385
✨ Estimated In-Hand Salary ₹102,395 ₹91,385 ₹85,775

Estimates based on 7th CPC Pay Matrix with current DA rate (50%). Actual salary may vary based on posting location, additional allowances, and individual deductions. Use the interactive calculator below for detailed city-wise breakdown.

💰

7th Pay Commission In-Hand Salary Explainer

Pay Level 10 (Grade Pay ₹5,400 - PB3) • Starting Basic: ₹56,100/month

DA 50% Included
Select Posting City Tier (Affects HRA & TA):
➕ Monthly Earnings (Gross Pay)
Basic Pay: ₹56,100
Dearness Allowance (DA 50%): +₹28,050
House Rent Allowance (HRA 20%): +₹11,220
Transport Allowance (TA + DA): +₹5,400
Total Gross Monthly Pay: ₹100,770
➖ Monthly Deductions
NPS Tier-1 (10% of Basic+DA): -₹8,415
CGHS, CGEGIS & PT: -₹970
Total Deductions: -₹9,385
Estimated In-Hand Monthly Salary
₹91,385
Net credited to bank account every month
📌

Executive Summary & Key Facts

Verified Fact Sheet

The Indian Air Force has issued an official recruitment notification for Commissioned Officer (AFCAT), announcing a total of 300 vacancies located in All India. The closing date for submission of online application forms is 19 June 2026. To be eligible, applicants must hold 12th Pass, Graduate, BE/B.Tech, Post Graduate and be within the prescribed age limit of 20-26 years, with category relaxation applicable as per government guidelines. Selected candidates will receive an approved pay scale of Level 10 (Pay Matrix ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500). The selection procedure comprises Online Test (AFCAT), AFSB Interview, Medical Examination. For complete guidelines, syllabus breakdown, and official notification PDF, refer to the verified information below on ApplySarkariJob.

Official Notification Verified
Cross-checked against official board announcement & verified by ApplySarkariJob Editorial Board. Sourced from careerairforce.gov.in ↗

📅 Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) - Important Dates & Schedule

Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) Schedule & Deadlines
Last Date to Apply
19 Jun 2026
Fee Payment Deadline19 Jun 2026

📋 Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) - Eligibility Criteria & Vacancy Overview

Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) Eligibility, Qualifications & Details
Post NameCommissioned Officer (AFCAT)
Total Vacancies300
Qualification12th Pass, Graduate, BE/B.Tech, Post Graduate
Age Limit20-26 years
SalaryLevel 10 (Pay Matrix ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500)
Application Fee₹550 + GST (approx)
Selection ProcessOnline Test (AFCAT), AFSB Interview, Medical Examination

📝 Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) - Detailed Notification Guide

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year to recruit Commissioned Officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. To be eligible for the 2026 cycle, candidates must fulfill strict criteria regarding nationality, age, education, and physical fitness.

Nationality and Marital Status

  • Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
  • Marital Status: Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried at the time of commencement of training. Widows, widowers, and divorcees below 25 years are not eligible.

AFCAT Age Limit 2026

The age limit is calculated as of June 1, 2027. Below are the branch-wise requirements:

BranchAge LimitDate of Birth Range
Flying Branch20 to 24 Years02 Jan 2003 to 01 Jan 2007
Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech)20 to 26 Years02 Jan 2001 to 01 Jan 2007

Note: Candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) are eligible for an upper age relaxation up to 26 years for the Flying Branch.

Educational Qualifications

1. Flying Branch

Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Additionally, they must meet one of the following:

  • Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks.
  • BE/B.Tech degree (four-year course) with a minimum of 60% marks.
  • Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with 60% marks.

2. Ground Duty (Technical)

  • Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics): 10+2 with 50% in Physics/Maths + Engineering degree in Electronics, Communication, Computer Science, IT, or related fields with 60% marks.
  • Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical): 10+2 with 50% in Physics/Maths + Engineering degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or related fields with 60% marks.

3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

  • Administration: Graduate degree in any discipline with minimum 60% marks.
  • Education: Post-Graduation with 50% marks + Graduation with 60% marks.
  • Meteorology: Post Graduate Degree in Sciences (Meteorology/Oceanography/Physics/Maths etc.) with 50% marks.

Physical Standards and Fitness

Candidates must be physically fit and meet the following minimum height requirements:

  • Flying Branch: 162.5 cm (Both Male and Female).
  • Ground Duty Branch: 157.5 cm (Male) | 152 cm (Female).

Candidates are advised to maintain physical fitness by practicing a 4 km run in 15 minutes, 20 push-ups, and 20 sit-ups daily.

How to Apply for AFCAT 2026

  1. Visit the official IAF recruitment portal at careerairforce.gov.in.
  2. Complete the online registration to generate a login ID and password.
  3. Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
  4. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
  5. Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
  6. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

❓ Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) Frequently Asked Questions

What is the last date to apply for Indian Air Force Commissioned Officer (AFCAT)?

The last date to submit online application forms for Indian Air Force Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) is 19 June 2026. Candidates are advised to submit applications before the closing date.

How many vacancies are available in Indian Air Force Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) recruitment?

A total of 300 vacancies have been officially announced for Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) across various categories.

What is the educational qualification required for Commissioned Officer (AFCAT)?

Candidates must possess: 12th Pass, Graduate, BE/B.Tech, Post Graduate as specified in the official notification.

What is the age limit for Indian Air Force Commissioned Officer (AFCAT)?

The prescribed age limit is 20-26 years. Category-wise age relaxations apply as per government rules.

What is the salary or pay scale for Indian Air Force Commissioned Officer (AFCAT)?

The pay scale for Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) is Level 10 (Pay Matrix ₹56,100 - ₹1,77,500) along with applicable allowances as per organizational guidelines.

How can I apply online for Indian Air Force Commissioned Officer (AFCAT)?

Eligible candidates can apply online by visiting https://careerairforce.gov.in or clicking the direct Apply Online link provided on this page, completing the registration, and uploading the required documents.

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🔗 Commissioned Officer (AFCAT) - Official Notification & Quick Links

Reviewed & Fact-Checked By
AV
Anita Verma
State PSC & University Jobs Desk

Verifies and publishes recruitment alerts from state public service commissions, high courts, universities, and health mission departments across India.

📝 808 articles published · View all posts →

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