Complete Guide to AFCAT salary and allowances per month 2026

The AFCAT salary and allowances per month for a newly commissioned Flying Officer start at a basic pay of (₹56,100) under Level 10 of the 7th CPC, with total in-hand monthly earnings ranging between (₹71,872) and (₹85,372) depending on whether you join the Flying, Technical, or Non-Technical Ground Duty branches.

What is the Exam?

The Air Force Common Admission Test, universally known as AFCAT, is a national-level competitive examination conducted biannually by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to select Class-A Gazetted Officers. We at ExamBhai recognize this examination as one of the most prestigious gateways for dynamic young men and women aspiring to serve the nation in Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.

Beyond the unmatched pride of wearing the blue uniform, the compensation package structured under the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) remains a massive driving force for aspirants. Understanding the components of the AFCAT salary and allowances per month helps candidates gauge the immense financial security, professional respect, and lifestyle benefits that accompany a career in the Indian Air Force.

Key Highlights 2026

To understand the scope of the examination and its financial rewards, let us review the core parameters of the recruitment cycle:

• Conducting Body: Indian Air Force (IAF)
• Exam Name: Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
• Frequency: Twice a year (AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2)
• Entry Branches: Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
• Commission Type: Permanent Commission (PC) for men and Short Service Commission (SSC) for men and women
• Starting Basic Pay: (₹56,100) per month (Level 10)
• Training Stipend: (₹56,100) per month across all branches
• Official Website: afcat.cdac.in

Syllabus 2026

A comprehensive understanding of the syllabus is essential to clear the written stage and secure your position as a commissioned officer. The exam tests candidates across four major subjects.

Exam Pattern

The AFCAT written exam is conducted entirely in online mode. Candidates must manage their time effectively to excel under strict negative marking criteria.

To test your readiness against actual exam benchmarks, we strongly recommend you to practice free mock tests for Defence on ExamBhai to analyze your speed and accuracy.

Eligibility Criteria

Meeting the eligibility benchmarks set by the authorities is mandatory before submitting your candidature. According to guidelines outlined on the official portal afcat.cdac.in, the parameters are structured as follows:

• Flying Branch: Age between (20) to (24) years. Requires a minimum of (50%) marks each in Maths and Physics at Class 12, along with a graduation degree or BE/BTech degree.
• Ground Duty (Technical): Age between (20) to (26) years. Requires specific engineering qualifications with a minimum of (60%) aggregate marks.
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Age between (20) to (26) years. Requires a graduation degree with minimum (60%) marks or equivalent depending on the specific profile (Administration, Logistics, Accounts).
• Marital Status: Candidates below (25) years of age must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.

Application Process

The application cycle for AFCAT is managed strictly through digital channels. Follow these sequential steps to complete your registration without errors:

1. Navigate to the official website at afcat.cdac.in.
2. Complete the initial registration using a valid email ID and active mobile number.
3. Log in with the generated credentials to fill out the online application form with personal, educational, and communication details.
4. Upload scanned copies of your passport-size photograph, signature, and thumb impression as per specified dimensions.
5. Pay the requisite examination fee online via debit card, credit card, or net banking.
6. Submit the final form and take a clear printout for future reference during the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview stages.

Preparation Strategy

Cracking AFCAT requires a structured, time-bound study plan. Because the exam features a balanced mix of English, General Awareness, Mathematics, and Reasoning, aspirants must dedicate specific hours daily to master shortcuts and conceptual clarity. We advise candidates to build short notes for current affairs and practice past years' question papers religiously.

To bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and real-time execution, you should access specialized defence study materials and practice free mock tests for Defence on ExamBhai. Consistent evaluation of your mock scores helps minimize negative marking vulnerabilities during the real test.

Cut-Off Trends

The AFCAT cut-off varies every cycle based on the difficulty level of the question paper, normalization processes, and total vacancies announced. Historical data monitored through official notifications on afcat.cdac.in indicates that the written exam cut-off typically hovers around (145) to (165) marks out of (300) for general categories, while the final merit list—incorporating AFSB interview scores—shifts higher. Candidates must target a score above (180) marks in the written test to stay safely ahead of historical competition thresholds.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting basic AFCAT salary per month?

The starting basic pay for a newly commissioned Flying Officer is (₹56,100) per month under Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission.

What are the branch-wise in-hand salaries for AFCAT officers?

In-hand salaries vary by branch after mandatory deductions like PF and insurance: Flying Branch officers receive approximately (₹85,372), Ground Duty (Technical) officers receive around (₹74,872), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) officers draw about (₹71,872) per month.

What is the training stipend given during the AFCAT academy period?

During the entire duration of training at Air Force training establishments, cadets receive a fixed monthly stipend of (₹56,100) (Starting pay in Level 10).

Do Flying Branch officers receive extra allowances?

Yes, Flying Branch officers are entitled to a specialized Flying Allowance of (₹25,000) per month, significantly elevating their gross and net monthly income packages.

What allowances are included in the AFCAT salary structure?

Officers receive Dearness Allowance (DA), Transport Allowance (TA), Military Service Pay (MSP) of (₹15,500) per month, kit maintenance allowances, and city-specific House Rent Allowance (HRA) if government accommodation is not utilized.

What insurance coverage is provided to Indian Air Force officers?

Serving IAF officers are covered under a robust insurance policy worth (₹75) lakhs, with an additional coverage of (₹10) lakhs specifically applicable to pilots in the Flying Branch.