Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces and is responsible for conducting air operations and maintaining the country's aerial defence capabilities. It was formally established on 8 October 1932 and has since developed into a highly technical and specialised military organization.

For recruitment aspirants, the IAF provides multiple entry routes depending on educational qualification, age, branch and category of service. One of the principal officer-entry examinations is the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), which is used for recruitment to Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches under the applicable entry notifications.

The IAF also recruits personnel through the Agniveervayu scheme under the Agnipath framework. Agniveervayu recruitment has a separate eligibility, selection and training process from AFCAT officer entry.

For AFCAT 02/2026, the official notification invited applications for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, including applicable special-entry categories. The notification scheduled the online AFCAT examination for 8 August 2026 for courses commencing in July 2027.

Candidates should not treat AFCAT as the only Indian Air Force entry route. Depending on the recruitment notification, entry can also occur through NDA, CDS, NCC Special Entry, technical or other specified schemes. The applicable official notification determines eligibility, examination stages, medical standards and final selection requirements.

The Indian Air Force came into being on 8 October 1932. It initially operated with a small fleet and a limited number of trained personnel. During the Second World War it expanded significantly and participated in operations in the region. After independence, the IAF developed into a modern air force with increasingly specialised aircraft, weapons, air defence, transport, helicopter, technical and support capabilities. The official IAF history identifies 8 October 1932 as its founding date.

The Indian Air Force is organized as a military service under the Ministry of Defence. Its structure includes Air Headquarters and operational and training commands, stations, wings, squadrons, support units and training establishments. Recruitment and personnel administration are supported through dedicated selection and training systems, while operational commands manage the IAF's flying, technical, logistics and support functions.