AFCAT Salary 2026: In-Hand Pay, Job Profile and Promotions

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) offers one of the most respected career opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces. Candidates who clear AFCAT and join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers receive a well-structured salary, attractive perks, and steady career growth. The AFCAT Salary 2026 structure reflects the latest defence pay levels, allowances and benefits applicable to Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) officers. This article explains the complete AFCAT Salary 2026 details including in-hand pay, pay scale, job responsibilities, promotion hierarchy, and various allowances.

AFCAT Salary 2026 Overview

Candidates who clear the AFCAT exam and complete training at the Air Force Academy (AFA) are commissioned as Flying Officers. Their salary, allowances, and benefits follow the Defence Pay Matrix as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).The compensation includes basic pay, MSP (Military Service Pay), and a wide range of allowances based on posting, branch, and job profile.

Branch	Monthly Pay Range
Flying Branch	85,372/-
Ground Duty (Technical)	74,872/-
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)	71,872/-

Depending on posting and allowances, the in-hand salary can range between ₹85,000 to ₹1,10,000 per month. Officers working in operational, remote or specialized areas may receive additional increments and location-based payments.

Other AFCAT Allowances 2026

Along with salary, officers receive several allowances based on branch and posting. Common Allowances for AFCAT Officers

Flying Allowance
Transport Allowance
Technical Allowance
Field Area Allowance
Special Compensatory (Hill Area) Allowance
Special Force Allowance
Siachen Allowance
Island Special Duty Allowance
Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance
Area and Remote Locality Allowance
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Dearness Allowance (DA)

Allowances significantly increase the overall in-hand salary.

AFCAT Training Stipend

The AFCAT training stipend, as per the latest notification, is fixed at Rs. 56,100 per month for all trainees. The duration of training differs based on the branch: candidates selected for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) branches undergo 62 weeks of training, while those in Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches complete 52 weeks of training. All training is conducted at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. At the time of joining, candidates must have a PAN card and an active SBI bank account, and Aadhaar card is compulsory for registration.

Stipend of ₹56,100 per month
62 weeks training for Flying & Technical branches
52 weeks training for Non-Technical branches
Free accommodation throughout training

This stipend matches the pay given at the starting Level-10 scale, ensuring that trainees are financially supported as they prepare for commissioning.

Detailed AFCAT Salary Structure

The salary structure under the 7th CPC is designed to reward responsibility, discipline, risk, and skill.

Particulars	Details
Rank	Flying Officer
Level	10
Basic Pay Range	Rs. 56,100- Rs. 1,77,500
Military Service Pay (MSP)	Rs. 15,500 per month

In addition to basic pay and MSP, officers may also receive allowances based on duties, hazards, and field postings.

AFCAT Perks and Additional Benefits

Beyond their salary, AFCAT officers receive exclusive government privileges that ensure comfort, security, and lifestyle enhancement. Benefits include:

Free medical facilities
CSD (Canteen) benefits
Furnished accommodation or HRA
Insurance cover
Pension and post-retirement benefits
Subsidised schooling for children
Travel concessions

AFCAT Job Profile

AFCAT officers are allotted responsibilities based on the branch they join.

Branch	Job Description
Flying Branch	Operating and managing fighter aircrafts; ammunition & material transport; air support missions; helicopter assistance in emergencies and supply operations.
Ground Duty (Technical)	Maintenance and servicing of aircraft and equipment; management of radar systems, aircraft operations, and technical procedures.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)	Administration, accounts, logistics, education; air traffic & fighter control; managing financial and departmental operations.

AFCAT Promotion and Career Growth

The IAF provides structured promotions based on performance, service duration, and departmental examinations.

Promotion Levels

Level	Rank
Junior Level	Flying Officer → Flying Lieutenant
Executive Level	Squadron Leader → Wing Commander → Group Captain
Director Level	Air Commodore → Air Vice-Marshal → Air Marshal
Chief Rank	Air Chief Marshal

Promotion Timeline & Criteria

Commissioned as Flying Officer after completing training
After 3 years + departmental exam, promoted to Flying Lieutenant
After 6 years, promoted to Squadron Leader
Higher ranks depend on merit, service record and vacancies
Officers must pass a ‘C’ Test that evaluates knowledge and service performance

A career through AFCAT promises not only honor but unmatched lifestyle benefits, steady income growth, lifelong security, and a chance to serve the nation with dignity. With world-class salary packages, structured promotions, training support, and post-service opportunities, AFCAT remains one of the most prestigious and rewarding options for young graduates aiming to join the Indian Armed Forces.