IAF Recruitment 2026 for 480 Apprentice, Officers, Ground Duty Staff and Other Posts @ indianairforce.nic.in
Key Highlights
Job Overview
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
|---|---|
| Post Name | NDA Air Force Officers, CDS Air Force Officers, Apprentice, Flying Officers, Ground Duty Officers |
| Total Vacancies | 910 Posts |
| Qualification | Educational requirements vary by post: 10th/12th pass with Physics & Mathematics for NDA; Graduation with Physics & Mathematics or Engineering degree for CDS; 10th/12th + ITI with minimum 40% marks for Apprentice; Graduation/B.E./B.Tech with 60% marks for AFCAT officers |
| Age Limit | Age limits vary by post: 16-19 years for NDA (born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010); 20-24 years for CDS (born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2007); 17-35 years for Apprentice; 20-26 years for AFCAT officers depending on branch |
| Salary | Salary varies by post: Rs. 56,100/month stipend during NDA/CDS training, then Defence Pay Matrix Level 10; Rs. 10,500/month stipend for Apprentice; Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 (Level 10) plus Rs. 15,500 MSP for AFCAT officers |
| Location | All India |
| Category | Defence Jobs |
Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced multiple recruitment drives for 2026, offering over 910 vacancies across various posts including NDA Air Force Officers (120 posts), CDS Air Force Officers (32 posts), Apprentices (144 posts), and AFCAT Officers (620+ posts). The recruitment covers Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches. Educational requirements range from 12th pass with Physics & Mathematics to graduation and engineering degrees. Age limits vary from 17-35 years depending on the post. Selection involves written examinations conducted by UPSC for NDA/CDS, direct AFCAT for officers, and IAF selection process for apprentices. Successful candidates will receive competitive pay scales, with officers getting Level 10 pay matrix (Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500) plus military service pay. Applications are being accepted online through respective portals with deadlines in December 2025. This presents excellent career opportunities for young Indians to serve the nation through the Indian Air Force.
Complete Job Details
Educational Qualification
Educational requirements vary by post: 10th/12th pass with Physics & Mathematics for NDA; Graduation with Physics & Mathematics or Engineering degree for CDS; 10th/12th + ITI with minimum 40% marks for Apprentice; Graduation/B.E./B.Tech with 60% marks for AFCAT officers
Age Limit
Age limits vary by post: 16-19 years for NDA (born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010); 20-24 years for CDS (born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2007); 17-35 years for Apprentice; 20-26 years for AFCAT officers depending on branch
Age relaxation applicable as per government rulesApplication Fee
Read Notification
First, download and read the official notification carefully to understand eligibility criteria and requirements.
Check Eligibility
Verify that you meet all the eligibility requirements including age, qualification, and other criteria.
Prepare Documents
Keep your documents ready: Photo, Signature, ID Proof, Educational Certificates, etc.
Apply Online/Offline
Visit the official website and complete the application process before the last date.
Indian Air Force (IAF) Recruitment
NDA Air Force Officers, CDS Air Force Officers, Apprentice, Flying Officers, Ground Duty Officers
Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced multiple recruitment drives for 2026, offering over 910 vacancies across various posts including NDA Air Force Officers (120 posts), CDS Air Force Officers (32 posts), Apprentices (144 posts), and AFCAT Officers (620+ posts). The recruitment covers Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches. Educational requirements range from 12th pass with Physics & Mathematics to graduation and engineering degrees. Age limits vary from 17-35 years depending on the post. Selection involves written examinations conducted by UPSC for NDA/CDS, direct AFCAT for officers, and IAF selection process for apprentices. Successful candidates will receive competitive pay scales, with officers getting Level 10 pay matrix (Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500) plus military service pay. Applications are being accepted online through respective portals with deadlines in December 2025. This presents excellent career opportunities for young Indians to serve the nation through the Indian Air Force.
📌 Last Date to Submit Application: 23 Jun 2022
📋 Indian Air Force (IAF) – Overview
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | NDA Air Force Officers, CDS Air Force Officers, Apprentice, Flying Officers, Ground Duty Officers |
| Total Vacancies | 910 Post(s) |
| Salary / Stipend | Salary varies by post: Rs. 56,100/month stipend during NDA/CDS training, then Defence Pay Matrix Level 10; Rs. 10,500/month stipend for Apprentice; Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 (Level 10) plus Rs. 15,500 MSP for AFCAT officers |
| Qualification Required | Educational requirements vary by post: 10th/12th pass with Physics & Mathematics for NDA; Graduation with Physics & Mathematics or Engineering degree for CDS; 10th/12th + ITI with minimum 40% marks for Apprentice; Graduation/B.E./B.Tech with 60% marks for AFCAT officers |
| Age Limit | Age limits vary by post: 16-19 years for NDA (born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010); 20-24 years for CDS (born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2007); 17-35 years for Apprentice; 20-26 years for AFCAT officers depending on branch |
| Job Location | All India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 07 Dec 2025 |
| Last Date | 23 Jun 2022 |
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |
📊 Vacancy Details
| Post Name | No. of Posts |
|---|
| Post Name | Vacancies | Education |
|---|---|---|
| NDA Air Force - Flying Branch | 92 | 12th with Physics & Math |
| NDA Ground Duties - Technical | 18 | 12th with PCM |
| NDA Ground Duties - Non-Technical | 10 | 12th Pass |
| CDS Air Force Academy | 32 | Degree with Physics & Math or Engineering |
| IAF Apprentice (Various Trades) | 144 | 10th/12th + ITI |
| AFCAT Flying Branch | 38 | Graduation/B.E/B.Tech with 60% |
| AFCAT Ground Duty Technical | 188 | B.E/B.Tech with Physics & Math at 10+2 |
| AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical | 114 | Graduation in any discipline |
| AFCAT Flying & Ground Duty Officers | 280+ | Graduation/B.E/B.Tech/PG with 60% |
✅ Eligibility Criteria
📚 Educational Qualification
- NDA: 12th Class with Physics and Mathematics
- CDS: Degree with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level OR Engineering Degree
- Apprentice: 10th/12th Pass + ITI with 40% marks (NCVT/SCVT certified)
- AFCAT: Graduation/B.E/B.Tech with 60% marks
- NDA: Born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010
- CDS: 20-24 years (born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2007)
- Apprentice: 17-35 years as on 09 February 2025
- AFCAT: 20-24 years for Flying Branch, 20-26 years for Ground Duty
- Must be unmarried for NDA/CDS during training
- Indian citizenship required
- Medical and physical fitness standards as per IAF norms
Education Requirements:
Age Limits:
Other Requirements:
👤 Age Limit
- Age limits vary by post: 16-19 years for NDA (born between 1st July 2007 and 1st July 2010); 20-24 years for CDS (born between 2 Jan 2003 and 1 Jan 2007); 17-35 years for Apprentice; 20-26 years for AFCAT officers depending on branch
- Age relaxation applicable for SC/ST/OBC/PwD/Ex-Servicemen as per government rules
💰 Salary Structure
Pay Scale: Salary varies by post: Rs. 56,100/month stipend during NDA/CDS training, then Defence Pay Matrix Level 10; Rs. 10,500/month stipend for Apprentice; Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 (Level 10) plus Rs. 15,500 MSP for AFCAT officers
Additional allowances as per government norms (DA, HRA, TA, etc.)
💳 Application Fee
Payment Mode: Online through Debit Card/Credit Card/Net Banking/UPI
📝 Selection Process
- Written Examination (UPSC for NDA/CDS, AFCAT for officers)
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
- CPSS (Computerized Pilot Selection System) for Flying Branch
- Medical Examination as per Air Force standards
- Document Verification
- Merit List preparation and final selection
Note: Selection process may vary. Please refer to official notification for exact details.
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 10 Dec 2025 |
| Application Start Date | 07 Dec 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | 23 Jun 2022 |
| Exam Date | To be announced |
| Admit Card Release | Before exam date |
📝 How to Apply
- Visit upsconline.nic.in and complete One-Time Registration
- Select respective exam (NDA/CDS) and Air Force preference
- Fill application form with personal and educational details
- Upload required documents and pay application fee
- Submit before 30th December 2025 (6:00 PM)
- Visit apprenticeshipindia.gov.in portal
- Register and login starting from 7th December 2025
- Fill application form with trade preferences
- Upload required documents
- Submit before 30th December 2025
- Visit afcat.cdac.in between specified dates
- Fill personal, communication, and educational details
- Upload photo, signature, and thumb impression
- Pay application fee online
- Submit before deadline
Application Process varies by post:
For NDA/CDS:
For Apprentice:
For AFCAT:
⭐ Important Highlights
- ✨ Total Vacancies: 910 Post(s)
- ✨ Attractive Salary: Salary varies by post: Rs. 56,100/month stipend during NDA/CDS training, then Defence Pay Matrix Level 10; Rs. 10,500/month stipend for Apprentice; Rs. 56,100 - Rs. 1,77,500 (Level 10) plus Rs. 15,500 MSP for AFCAT officers
- ✨ Location: All India
- ✨ Application Mode: Online
- ⚠️ Don't miss the last date: 23 Jun 2022
⚠️ Disclaimer: All information provided above is collected from official sources. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official notification before applying. We are not responsible for any changes or discrepancies.
Selection process may vary. Please refer to official notification for exact details.
Important Disclaimer
All information on this page is collected from official sources. Please verify all details from the official notification before applying. We are not responsible for any changes or errors in the information provided.