The Indian Air Force (IAF) is a global leader in aerospace power, offering one of the most prestigious career paths in the country. For 2026, the IAF has opened large-scale recruitment drives for Commissioned Officers through AFCAT 01/2026 and for the Agniveervayu Intake 01/2027. Whether you aspire to fly cutting-edge fighter jets or manage the complex logistics and technical systems of a modern air force, 2026 offers a wide array of entries for graduates and 12th-pass candidates alike.
Active Recruitment
2 Active-
Indian Air Force Airmen Group Y Medical Assistant Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for As per requirement PostsLast Date: Feb 01, 2026 Anywhere In India Tech Closing Soon
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Indian Air Force Agniveervayu Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for As per State-wise requirement PostsLast Date: Feb 01, 2026 Anywhere In India Tech Closing Soon
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About Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932. Its first ac flight came into being on 01 Apr 1933. It possessed a strength of six RAF-trained officers and 19 Havai Sepoys (literally, air soldiers). The aircraft inventory comprised of four Westland Wapiti IIA army co-operation biplanes at Drigh Road as the "A" Flight nucleus of the planned No.1 (Army Co- operation) Squadron.
Official Address
Contact Information
- 011 - 23010231
- : 011-23017918
- Visit Official Website
This organization has released 20 recruitment notifications in the last 3 years.
Expired / Closed Notifications
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AFCAT 01/2026 Notification Released: Apply Online at afcat.cdac.inClosed: Dec 14, 2025
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Indian Air Force (IAF) Invites Application for 153 LDC, MTS and Various PostsClosed: Jun 08, 2025
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AFCAT 2 Notification 2024 Published: Online Applications Open for 304 VacanciesClosed: Jun 28, 2024
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Indian Air Force (IAF) Invites Application for Agniveer (Musician) Recruitment 2024Closed: Jun 05, 2024
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Indian Air Force (IAF) Invites Application for Airmen Recruitment 2023Closed: Sep 12, 2023
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Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2023 Officer RecruitmentClosed: Jun 30, 2023
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Indian Air Force (IAF) Invites Application for Agniveer Vayu Recruitment 2023Closed: Mar 31, 2023
Current Active Recruitments 2026
| Recruitment Name | Entry Level | Status | Exam Date |
| AFCAT 01/2026 | Officers (Class-I Gazetted) | City Intimation Released | 31 January 2026 |
| Agniveervayu 01/2027 | Personnel Below Officer Rank | Applications Open | Starting 12 Jan 2026 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying Branch (Officers) | Applications Open | Direct AFSB Interview |
🏛️ Career Paths in the IAF
Joining the Air Force isn't just a job; it's a way of life governed by the motto "Nabha Sparsham Deeptam" (Touch the Sky with Glory).3 In 2026, candidates can join through three primary streams:
1. Commissioned Officers (AFCAT / NDA / CDS)
Officers lead the IAF and are responsible for mission planning and execution.4
- Flying Branch: Pilots for Fighter, Transport, and Helicopter fleets.5
- Ground Duty (Technical): Engineers managing aeronautical systems (AE-L and AE-M).6
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Includes Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, and the new Weapon Systems (WS) Branch.7
2. Agniveervayu (Agnipath Scheme)8
A four-year engagement model for youth aged 17.5 to 21.9
- Science Subjects: Requires 10+2 with Physics, Maths, and English.10
- Other Than Science Subjects: Open to any stream with 50% marks in 10+2.
- Benefit: Up to 25% of Agniveers are enrolled into the regular cadre after 4 years based on merit.11
💰 Salary, Perks & Seva Nidhi
The IAF provides a robust financial package along with unmatched lifestyle benefits.12
- Officers (Flying Officer): Basic Pay starts at ₹56,100 (Level 10).13 Including MSP of ₹15,500 and allowances, the starting monthly gross salary is approx.14 ₹85,000 - ₹1,10,000.15
- Agniveervayu: * Year 1: ₹30,000 (In-hand: ₹21,000)16
- Year 4: ₹40,000 (In-hand: ₹28,000)17
- Exit Package: A tax-free Seva Nidhi of approx.18 ₹10.04 Lakhs plus interest after 4 years.19
- Allowances: Hardship allowance, Dress allowance, Free Ration, and Canteen (CSD) facilities.20
🎯 Selection Process: The Road to the Blue Uniform
The selection process is designed to find candidates with "Officer Like Qualities" (OLQs).21
- Phase I: Written Test:
- AFCAT: 100 questions on Verbal Ability, GK, Reasoning, and Numerical Ability (300 Marks).22
- Agniveer: Online test covering Science and/or RAGA (Reasoning & General Awareness).23
- Phase II: AFSB / Selection Test:
- Day 1: Screening (OIR and PPDT).24
- Day 2-5: Psychological tests, Group Tasks (GTO), and Personal Interview.25
- Special Test: Candidates for the Flying Branch must clear the CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System), a once-in-a-lifetime test.26
- Phase III: Medicals: Rigorous fitness checks at specialized IAF Medical Boards (IAM/AFCME).27
💡 Preparation Tips for 2026
- Focus on Current Affairs: The IAF interview (AFSB) heavily tests your awareness of global defense trends and India's neighboring security issues.
- Physical Stamina: For Agniveervayu, start training for the 1.6 km run (6 min 30 sec for males), push-ups, and sit-ups early.
- Reasoning Accuracy: AFCAT 2026 has a negative marking of 1 mark for every wrong answer. High accuracy is more important than attempting every question.
Ensure you download your AFCAT 1 2026 Admit Card by the 3rd week of January 2026. For Agniveer aspirants, the registration window closes on February 1, 2026.
Mandatory Disclaimer: All recruitment details are based on the official IAF notifications for 2026. Always verify latest updates on the official portal.
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