Are you passionate about serving the nation and aiming to join the Indian Air Force (IAF)? The wait is over! The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 02/2025 notification inviting online applications from men and women for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Eligible candidates can also apply through the NCC Special Entry Scheme.

Get all the crucial details below and apply now to secure your place in the IAF for the July 2026 course!

✈️ Air Force Indian AFCAT 02/2025 – Important Highlight

🛫 Vacancy Breakdown – AFCAT Entry and NCC Special Entry

AFCAT Entry

➤ Flying Branch

• Men: 1

• Women: 2

➤ Ground Duty (Technical)

• AE(L): Men – 85, Women – 23

• AE(M): Men – 38, Women – 10

➤ Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

• Weapon Systems Branch: 19 vacancies for men and 5 for women

• Admin: Men – 46, Women – 12

• Logistics: Men – 11, Women – 4

• Accounts: Men – 9, Women – 2

• Education: Men – 7, Women – 2

• Meteorology: Men – 6, Women – 2

NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch)

• 10% of vacancies from CDSE and AFCAT will be allocated under this scheme.

⚠️ Note: Vacancies are tentative and may vary as per organizational requirements.

📅 Important Dates

• Online Registration Start: 2nd June 2025

• Last Date to Apply: 1st July 2025

• Course Commencement: July 2026

🎓 Eligibility Criteria

Age Limit (as on 1st July 2026)

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (extendable up to 26 years for candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License)”

• Ground Duty: 20 to 26 years

Educational Qualifications & Physical Standards

For comprehensive details on educational qualifications, medical standards, and physical fitness criteria, please refer to the official notification

📝 Selection Process

• Online AFCAT Exam

• SSB Interview

• Medical Examination

Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry are exempted from the written examination Shortlisted candidates will be called for SSB directly.

💰 Pay Scale & Benefits

• Stipend during Training: ₹56,100/month

• Additional allowances: Flying, Transport, Technical, Risk/Hardship, etc.

• Insurance: ₹1.25 Cr cover via AFGIS

• Facilities: Subsidized loans, LTC, Canteen, Medical, Sports, and more.

📍 Training Details

• Location: Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad)

• Duration:

  • Flying & Ground Duty (Tech): 62 weeks

  • Ground Duty (Non-Tech): 52 weeks

🧾 Application Fee

• AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + GST (Non-refundable)

• NCC Special Entry: No Fee

🚫 Important Guidelines

• Marital Status: unmarried 

• Tattoos: Only permissible in specific areas (inner forearm/reverse palm)

• Narcotics: Strictly prohibited

• TA Reimbursement: Only for 1st-time AFSB candidates

📌 How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2025

1. Visit afcat.cdac.in

2. Ensure registration using a valid and active email ID and mobile number

3. Complete the online application form with accurate and verifiable information

4. Upload necessary documents

5. Pay the application fee (if applicable)

6. Submit and save the acknowledgment

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. Who can apply for AFCAT 02/2025?
Men and women Indian citizens with the required age, educational qualifications, and medical standards.

Q2. Is it permissible to apply for both AFCAT and NCC Special Entry simultaneously?
Yes, eligible candidates must register separately for each.

Q3. Is there any age relaxation for CPL holders?
Yes, Flying Branch candidates with a valid CPL (issued by DGCA) can apply up to the age of 26.

✅ Final Thoughts

“A career in the Indian Air Force is not merely a job—it’s a prestigious journey defined by honor, unwavering discipline, and unmatched adventure. If you're passionate about flying, engineering, leadership, or logistics, the AFCAT 02/2025 recruitment is your gateway to an elite lifestyle and lifelong pride. Don’t miss this opportunity—Seize this opportunity—submit your application before 1st July 2025!