The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the aerial warfare branch of the Indian Armed Forces. It plays a crucial role in defending the nation’s airspace and safeguarding its sovereignty. To maintain its operational efficiency and meet the demands of modern warfare, the IAF conducts regular IAF recruitment drives to attract talented individuals who aspire to serve their country. In this article, we will explore the various aspects of Indian Air Force recruitment, including eligibility criteria, selection process for Officers and Airmen, and available career opportunities.
Contents
- 1 🇮🇳 Indian Air Force (IAF) Recruitment 2026
- 2 📅 Latest Indian Air Force (IAF) Vacancies 2026
- 3 ✅ IAF Eligibility Criteria (General)
- 4 ✈️ Officer Entry & Selection Process
- 5 👨🔧 Airmen Entry & Selection Process
- 6 📝 How to Prepare for Indian Air Force Recruitment
- 7 🌍 About Indian Air Force (IAF)
- 8 ❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about IAF Recruitment
🇮🇳 Indian Air Force (IAF) Recruitment 2026
The Indian Air Force recruitment process provides a prestigious opportunity for motivated individuals to serve their country and pursue a rewarding career. With stringent selection procedures and comprehensive training programs, the IAF ensures that its personnel possess the necessary skills, dedication, and commitment to uphold the nation’s security.
🚀 Quick Links for IAF Jobs
📅 Latest Indian Air Force (IAF) Vacancies 2026
Apprentice Training (Technical Trades) - ( 144 Posts)
| Post Name | Apprentice Training (Technical Trades) |
| Number of Posts | ( 144 Posts) |
| Job Location: | -, Chandigarh |
| Pay Scale: | INR10500 |
| Last Date for application: | 30th December 2025 |
1. AFCAT 01/2025 – 336 Officer Posts
| Post Name | AFCAT 01/2025 – 336 Posts (Officer Entry) |
| Educational Qualification | Candidates must have passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and a Graduation (any Disciplines) or BE/B Tech degree OR equivalent qualification. *For More Details Refer the Official Notification.* |
| Advt No | – |
| Age Limit (as on 01-01-2026) | Flying Branch: Min 20 Years, Max 24 Years. (Born between 02 Jan 2000 to 01 Jan 2006) Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): Min 20 Years, Max 26 Years. (Born between 02 Jan 2000 to 01 Jan 2006). |
| Application Fee | For AFCAT entry: Rs. 550/- + GST For NCC Special Entry: Nil Payment Mode: Online |
| Last Date to Apply | Dec 31, 2024 |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply Online |
| Official Notification | View Details |
Branch-wise Vacancy Distribution (AFCAT)
| Post Name | Branch | Total Vacancy (Men (SSC)) | Total Vacancy (Women (SSC)) |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 21 | 09 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 148 | 41 | |
| Ground Duty (Non- Technical) | 94 | 23 | |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% of seats (Supernumerary) | |
2. Airmen (Group Y) Medical Assistant Rally Recruitment
Age Limit Criteria
Medical Assistant Trade:
- Unmarried Candidates: Born between 24 June 2003 and 24 June 2007 (both dates inclusive).
Medical Assistant Trade (with Diploma / B.Sc in Pharmacy):
- Unmarried Candidates: Born between 24 June 2000 and 24 June 2005 (both dates inclusive).
- Married Candidates: Born between 24 June 2000 and 24 June 2003 (both dates inclusive).
- Upper Age Limit: 25 Years (Unmarried) / 28 Years (Married) at the time of enrollment.
Educational Qualification
Medical Assistant Trade:
- Passed 10+2 / Intermediate / Equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
Medical Assistant Trade (with Diploma / B.Sc in Pharmacy):
- Passed 10+2 / Intermediate / Equivalent with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English. AND hold a Diploma or B.Sc in Pharmacy.
Physical & Medical Standards
- Height: Minimum acceptable height is 152.5 cms.
- Chest: Well-proportioned and developed with a minimum range of expansion of 5 cms.
- Weight: Proportionate to height and age as applicable for IAF.
- Hearing: Normal hearing (able to hear forced whisper from 6 meters by each ear separately).
- Dental: Healthy gums, good set of teeth, and minimum 14 dental points.
- Visual Standards: 6/36 each eye, correctable to 6/9 each eye; Max limits of Refractive Error Not exceeding + 3.50D including Astigmatism.
Rally Schedule (Previous Example)
| Post Name | Rally Date |
| Group Y / Medical Assistant | 28 & 29-03-2024 |
| Group Y / Medical Assistant | 31 & 01-04-2024 |
| Group Y / Medical Assistant (For candidates holding Diploma / B.Sc in Pharmacy) | 03 & 04-04-2024 |
| Post Name | Airmen (Group Y) Medical Assistant |
| Qualification | 10+2 or Equivalent |
| Advt No | 01/2024 |
| Last Date to Apply | Apr 05, 2024 |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply Online |
| Official Notification | View Details |
3. Agniveer Vayu Intake (01/2026) – Airmen Entry
Application Fee
- Examination Fee: Rs. 550/- plus GST
- Payment Mode: Through Online (Debit Cards/ Credit Cards/Internet Banking)
Age Limit (Agniveer Vayu)
- Candidates must be born between 01 January 2005 and 01 July 2008 (both dates inclusive).
- The maximum upper age limit on the date of enrollment is 21 years.
Educational Qualification (Agniveer Vayu)
(a) Science Subjects:
Passed 10+2 / Equivalent with Mathematics, Physics and English with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English. OR
Passed Three years Diploma Course in Engineering (Mechanical/ Electrical/ Electronics/ Automobile/ Computer Science/ IT, etc.) with 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English. OR
Passed Two years Vocational Course with non-vocational subjects viz. Physics and Mathematics with 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
(b) Other than Science Subjects:
Passed 10+2 / Equivalent in any stream/subjects with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English. OR
Passed two years Vocational Course with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
| Post Name | Agniveer Vayu Intake (01/2026) |
| Qualification | 10+2, Diploma (Engg) |
| Advt No | – |
| Last Date to Apply | Jan 27, 2025 |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply Online |
| Official Notification | View Details |
✅ IAF Eligibility Criteria (General)
To be eligible for Indian Air Force recruitment, candidates must fulfill certain criteria regarding age, educational qualifications, and physical fitness. The specific requirements may vary based on the entry level (Officer or Airmen) and the trade one wishes to apply for. Generally, candidates must be Indian citizens and meet the prescribed age and educational criteria detailed in the official notification.
✈️ Officer Entry & Selection Process
The Officer entry is primarily done through the AFCAT and NCC Special Entry schemes.
1. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
- AFCAT is a national-level entrance examination for the selection of officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
- It assesses candidates’ aptitude in areas such as verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, and general awareness.
2. SSB Interview (Services Selection Board)
- Shortlisted candidates from the AFCAT are invited for the SSB Interview.
- The SSB is a comprehensive 5-day evaluation process that tests candidates’ personality, intelligence, and suitability, including a series of tests, group discussions, and personal interviews.
3. Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the SSB interview undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the stringent medical standards set by the Indian Air Force for fitness to perform duty effectively.
👨🔧 Airmen Entry & Selection Process
The Indian Air Force offers opportunities for Airmen recruitment in various trades. The selection process typically includes written tests, physical fitness tests, and medical examinations.
Group X Trades (Technical)
- The written test for technical trades assesses knowledge in subjects such as Mathematics, Physics, and English.
- Candidates must qualify the written test before proceeding to the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) and Medical Examination.
Group Y Trades (Non-Technical)
- The written test for non-technical trades evaluates proficiency in English, Reasoning, and General Awareness (RAGA).
- Similar to Group X trades, successful candidates proceed to the PFT and Medical Examination.
📝 How to Prepare for Indian Air Force Recruitment
To increase the chances of success in Indian Air Force Recruitment, aspiring candidates should adopt a focused and strategic approach:
- Know the Syllabus: Thoroughly understand the exam pattern and syllabus for AFCAT/Airmen tests.
- Regular Practice: Practice previous years’ question papers and mock tests regularly for aptitude tests.
- Physical Fitness: Maintain a high level of physical fitness to clear the Physical Fitness Tests (PFT).
- Current Affairs: Stay updated with current affairs and general knowledge for the General Awareness section.
- SSB Preparation: Work on communication skills, leadership qualities, and mental resilience for the SSB interview.
🌍 About Indian Air Force (IAF)
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the aerial warfare branch and one of the four professional uniformed services of the Indian Armed Forces. It is responsible for protecting the Indian airspace and conducting air operations during both wartime and peacetime. With a rich history and a strong commitment to excellence, the IAF plays a vital role in defending the nation’s sovereignty and ensuring its security.
The vision of the Indian Air Force is to safeguard the Indian skies and protect the nation’s interests with aerospace power. Its mission is to achieve and maintain air superiority, effectively conduct aerial warfare, and provide integrated air defense to the Indian territory.
The IAF was officially established on 8th October 1932 as an auxiliary air force under the British Empire. After India gained independence in 1947, the prefix “Royal” was dropped, and it became known as the Indian Air Force.
Organizational Structure (IAF Commands)
The Indian Air Force operates under the Chief of Air Staff and is divided into seven commands for efficient management and operational readiness:
- Western Air Command (WAC)
- Eastern Air Command (EAC)
- Central Air Command (CAC)
- Southern Air Command (SAC)
- Southwestern Air Command (SWAC)
- Training Command (TC)
- Maintenance Command (MC)
Each command is headed by an Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief (AOC-in-C) and is responsible for specific geographical regions and operational tasks.
Official Website: https://indianairforce.nic.in/
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about IAF Recruitment
The age limit varies based on the entry level and trade. Generally, the age limit for Airmen is up to 21-25 years, and for Officers (AFCAT) it is 20 to 26 years. Refer to the specific notification for exact dates.
Yes, women can apply for both officer (Flying and Ground Duty) and Airmen positions in the Indian Air Force.
There are separate eligibility requirements and sometimes relaxations, particularly for age in certain branches and physical standards, for women candidates. The details must always be checked in the official recruitment notifications.
Preparation should include focused study on subjects like Mathematics, Physics, English, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Regular practice with mock tests and physical fitness training is also essential.