AFCAT Salary: Allowances, Pay Scale, Job Profile and Rank
Air Force Common Admission Test 2025 ( AFCAT )
Registration - 1 Dec '25
AFCAT Salary: Indian Air Force (IAF) prescribes AFCAT salary in the official notification. The pay scale of candidates joining through the AFCAT exam is INR 56,100. Apart from the basic pay of AFCAT, candidates are also entitled to various benefits. The benefit related to the Indian Air Force pay scale starts with the beginning of the training period itself.
AFCAT exam is conducted to recruit eligible male and female candidates to the post of Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
AFCAT selection process comprises the online test and AFSB interview. The AFCAT exam is conducted online. AFCAT test comprises questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English . Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. The total marks allotted to the test are 300.
The AFSB interview is conducted in several stages. The stage 1 of AFSB interview comprises Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and discussion test. The Stage 2 of AFSB interview comprises Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interview and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test (conducted for candidates who opts for flying branch). In this article, we have discussed in detail AFCAT salary, allowances, perks, promotions, and many more.
Candidates clearing AFCAT exam are offered a salary of INR 56,100-1,77,500. The salary structure is given below. Rank-Flying Officer-Level-10 Pay as per defence matrix-INR 56,100-1,77,500 Military Service Pay (MSP)-INR 15,500 per month. The rank-wise AFCAT Salary is given below: Flying Officer-INR 56,100 1,77,500 Flight Lieutenant- INR 6,13,00-1,93,900 Squadron Leader-INR 6,94,00 2,07,200 Wing Commander-INR 1,21,200 2,12400 Group Captain-INR 1,30,600-2, 15,900 Air Commodore-INR1,39,600-2,17,600 Air Vice Marshal-INR 1,44,200-2,18,200 Air Marshal HAG Scale-INR 1, 82, 200-2,24,100 HAG+Scale- INR 2,05,400 2,24,400 VACS/Airforce Cdr/ Air Marshal (NFSG)0- INR 2,25,000/-(fixed) CAS- INR 2,50,000/-(fixed) Selection of candidates for AFCAT exam is done based on the online test AFSB interview. Candidates are selected as Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
AFCAT exam means Air Force Common Admission Test. This exam is taken to select candidates for admission in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches in Indian Air Force. AFCAT exam is conducted by Indian Air Force. CDS exam is conducted for candidates who wish to make their career in the Defence Forces- Army, Navy, and Air Force. Selected candidates undergo training at Indian Military Academy (IMA), Indian Naval Academy (INA), Air Force Academy (AFA). The selection process of CDS comprises written exam and SSB Interview. The AFCAT selection process comprises online test and AFSB interview.
- AFCAT Salary Structure
- AFCAT Promotions and Growth
- AFCAT selection process
- AFCAT Salary FAQs
AFCAT Salary Structure
The salary given to the Flying Officer on commissioning as per the seventh CPC is given below.
| Rank |
Flying Officer |
| Level |
10 |
| Pay as per defence matrix |
INR 56,100-1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) |
INR 15,500 per month |
AFCAT Salary for Flying Branch
AFCAT salary for Flying Branch is given below.
| Salary Details | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay |
56,100 |
| MSP |
15,500 |
| DA (28%) |
15,708 |
| Flying Pay |
25,000 |
| TA ( For X Class Cities) |
7,200 |
| DA on TA (28%) |
2,016 |
| Kit Maintenance |
600 |
| Gross Salary |
1,22,024 |
Also Read:
AFCAT Salary for Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
The salary structure of AFCAT Ground Duty (Technical) branch is given below.
| Salary Details | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay |
56,100 |
| MSP |
15,500 |
| DA (28%) |
15,708 |
| Technical Pay |
10,000 |
| TA ( For X Class Cities) |
7,200 |
| DA on TA (28%) |
2,016 |
| Gross Salary |
1,06,524 |
AFCAT Salary for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
The table below shows AFCAT salary for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch.
| Salary Details | Amount (INR) |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay |
56,100 |
| MSP |
15,500 |
| DA (28%) |
15,708 |
| TA ( For X Class Cities) |
7,200 |
| DA on TA (28%) |
2,016 |
| Gross Salary |
96,524 |
AFCAT Salary Per Month
AFCAT salary per month consists of base pay, and some additional allowances and benefits. There is a fixed amount of increment given to every candidate on the basis of their service period. AFCAT salary differs from rank to rank and during training candidates are offered a stipend of INR 56,100.
AFCAT Allowances
Apart from the AFCAT salary and allowances, IAF officers are also entitled to various perks and privileges. The privileges given to candidates are given below.
- Furnished accommodation
- Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
- Canteen, Officers’ Mess
- Loans at subsidised rates, LTC
- Leave Travel Concession. Officers in the Air Force are entitled to leave (60 days annual and 20 days casual) subject to service exigencies
AFCAT Salary: Insurance Cover
Candidates are given insurance cover of INR 1 crore. This is applicable to serving officers. An additional cover of INR 12 Lakh (on contribution) is applicable to Flying Branch Officers.
Commonly asked questions
The rank-wise salary of AFCAT Officers is given below:
| Rank | Level | Pay Scale (In INR) |
|---|---|---|
Flying Officer | Level 10 | 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
Flight Lieutenant | Level 10 B | 6,13,00-1,93,900 |
Squadron Leader | Level 11 | 6,94,00 – 2,07,200 |
Wing Commander | Level 12A | 1,21,200 – 2,12400 |
Group Captain | Level 13 | 1,30,600-2, 15,900 |
Air Commodore | Level 13A | 1,39,600-2,17,600 |
Air Vice Marshal | Level 14 | 1,44,200-2,18,200 |
Air Marshal HAG Scale | Level 15 | 1, 82, 200-2,24,100 |
HAG+Scale | Level 16 | 2,05,400 – 2,24,400 |
VACS/Airforce Cdr/ Air Marshal (NFSG) | Level 17 | 2,25,000/- (fixed) |
CAS | Level 18 | 2,50,000/- (fixed) |
AFCAT salary is different for different branches. The annual AFCAT salary package is given below.
Branch | Annual package (In INR) |
Flying Branch | 8-10 LPA |
Ground Duty (Tech) | 7-9 LPA |
Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | 7-9 LPA |
The stipend offered to men and women cadets during the entire duration of training at any of the Air Force Training Institutions is INR 56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10). On successful completion of the training, the AFCAT salary of candidates in the pay matrix of Commissioned Officers will be fixed in the first cell of Level 10.
AFCAT Promotions and Growth
Promotions are offered to candidates on the basis of their performance and years of service. Candidates who have served for three years as Flying Officers are promoted to Flight Lieutenant. To qualify for promotions, candidates need to undergo departmental tests. If an employee completes six years of service, they are ranked as the Squadron leader. Technical Officers who are engineers are given the seniority of two years. It is mandatory for all officers to attend the C examination which comprises General Knowledge and post concerning topics for departmental promotion and to seek promotion in ranks.
The level and ranks given to the officers are given below.
| Post | Level |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer Flying Lieutenant |
Junior Level |
| Squadron Leader Wing Commander Group Captain |
Executive Level |
| Air Comrade Air Vice-Marshal Air Marshal |
Director Level |
| Air Chief Marshal |
Chief |
Important Points:
- Promotions for AFCAT are applicable to the first three ranks on the basis of the timeline
- On completion of training in flight cadet, candidates are commissioned as Flying Officers
- On completion of three years of service, the Flying Officers are promoted to Flying Lieutenant after passing the department test
- On completing six years of service, candidates are promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader
- Promotions for other posts are done based on the job and vacancies
- All Officers are required to attend the 'C' examination that consists of General Knowledge and post-related topics for departmental promotion and ranks
AFCAT Job Profile
The job profile for the various branches is given below.
| AFCAT Flying Branch |
|
| AFCAT Ground Duty (Tech) |
|
| AFCAT Ground Duty (Non-Tech) |
|
Training of AFCAT Officers
After candidates clear the selection procedure, they are sent to one of the Air Force training establishments. Here, they have to undergo scientifically planned, rigorous physical and academic training that is aimed at gearing them for life in the Indian Air Force. All Air Force training establishments are equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure and the best of the best facilities, including institutes, swimming pools, squash courts, etc. Once they join these training establishments, the IAF takes care of all their requirements like messing, lodging, etc., and also gives them a monthly stipend during the last year of training.
Commonly asked questions
Training of newly appointed officers is conducted at Air Force Academy Dundigal (Hyderabad). The duration of training for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches is 74 weeks and that of Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches is 52 weeks at Air Force Training Establishments. Candidates are advised to keep themselves in good physical condition to adapt to physical training at AFA that encompasses running, swimming, rope climbing and other forms of physical training in which they are required to undergo mandatory tests during the training. Candidates should keep themselves fit by following the below-mentioned routine: Running upto 4 kms in 5 minutes Skipping Push-ups & Sit-ups minimum 20 each Chin ups: 8 Rope Climbing: 3 to 4 meters Swimming (25 m).
Candidates after admission in Air Force Academy will not be considered for any other commission. They are not permitted to appear for any interview or exam after they have finally selected for training at AFA. No request for withdrawal of candidature received from a candidate after they have submitted their applications is entertained under any circumstance. PAN Card, Aadhaar card and account in SBI/ Nationalized Bank is mandatory at the time of joining Air Force Academy (AFA). Use/possession of narcotics is banned. Candidate may be tested for presence of drugs in the body during Medicals and subsequently during training/ service career as an officer. If candidate is found to be using/ in possession of narcotics during any time of training/service career, candidate would be debarred from training /service as per extant policy.
AFCAT selection process
AFCAT selection process comprises online test and AFSB interview. The online test is conducted for 300 marks and carries questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. Candidates qualifying the online test are called for AFSB interview. The medical fitness of candidates is judged at the time of document verification.
Commonly asked questions
The full form of AFCAT is Air Force Common Admission Test whereas the full form of NDA is National Defence Academy. Both exams are the sought-after defence entrance exams in the country. NDA exam is conducted by Union Public Service Commission to select candidates for admission to the Army, Navy and Air wings of NDA and Indian Naval Academy Courses. AFCAT exam is conducted to select candidates as Class 1 gazetted Officers in the flying branch and ground duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. NDA exam is conducted after Class 12 whereas AFCAT is conducted after graduation. The selection process of AFCAT comprises online test and AFSB interview. NDA selection process comprises written exam and SSB interview. Candidates after clearing NDA exam are required to first undergo training at the National Defence Academy after which they are sent to the respective defence academies as per their preferences for further training. Through AFCAT exam candidates are directly inducted into the Indian Air Force. There is also a difference in the exam pattern and syllabus of NDA and AFCAT. NDA exam pattern is such that it is divided into two papers-Maths and GAT. NDA exam is conducted offline and carries 900 marks. AFCAT exam pattern is such that it comprises several sections such as General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. Additionally, candidates who opt for the technical branch in AFCAT are required to appear for Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). The total marks allotted to the AFCAT test are 300 whereas EKT 150 marks.
AFCAT exam is conducted to select Commissioned Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The exam is conducted twice a year-February and August/September. The exam for the February session is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in January. The exam for the August/September session is conducted for admission to the courses commencing in July. AFCAT selection process comprises online test and AFSB interview. The online test comprises questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English Numerical Ability, Military Reasoning, and Aptitude test. The total marks allotted to the test are 300. The AFSB interview is conducted at Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar and Mysuru. The AFSB interview is conducted in two stages. Stage 1 comprises Intelligence rating Test and Picture perception and Discussion Test. Stage 2 comprises Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interview and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test (For Flying Branch) candidates. If candidates are recommended by the Selection Board, they are send for the medical examination either at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru. The All India Merit List is compiled based on their performance in the online test and interview, subject to being medically fit. Based on the vacancies available in various branches/sub-branches, joining instructions are issued to join one of the training establishments.
AFCAT Salary FAQs
Candidates can check below AFCAT salary FAQs.
Commonly asked questions
Candidates after admission in Air Force Academy will not be considered for any other commission. They are not permitted to appear for any interview or exam after they have finally selected for training at AFA. No request for withdrawal of candidature received from a candidate after they have submitted their applications is entertained under any circumstance. PAN Card, Aadhaar card and account in SBI/ Nationalized Bank is mandatory at the time of joining Air Force Academy (AFA). Use/possession of narcotics is banned. Candidate may be tested for presence of drugs in the body during Medicals and subsequently during training/ service career as an officer. If candidate is found to be using/ in possession of narcotics during any time of training/service career, candidate would be debarred from training /service as per extant policy.
AFCAT Exam
Student Forum
Anything you would want to ask experts?Answered a month ago
AFCAT 2 2025 result was announced on September 16, 2025. The result was announced on the official website. However, we have provided the direct link to check the result on this page. Candidates qualifying the online test are called for AFSB interview.
S
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
AFCAT question paper is framed in English. The test paper carries questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test. Total marks allotted to the test are 300.
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
Aspirants should practice the AFCAT previous year question paper for five to seven years. Practising the previous years' question papers helps candidates to know the difficulty level of the exam. This also helps candidates to solve the question paper in the exam with accuracy.
A
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
There is a medical test in the AFCAT selection process. The medical test is conducted at the time of AFSB Interview. It is one of the most important factors in the selection process of AFCAT. Candidates not clearing the medical test are rejected from further processes.
M
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
AFCAT selection process is the same for men and women candidates. However, the eligibility in terms of height and weight is slightly different from the male counterparts. Candidates applying for the AFCAT exam are required to appear for the online test and AFSB interview.
I
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
AFCAT official answer key is released by the examination authority. However, the unofficial answer keys are released by the coaching institutes. Candidates can use the unofficial answer keys till the time the official answer keys are not released.
B
Contributor-Level 7
Answered 2 months ago
The memory-based AFCAT answer keys are provided by the coaching institutes based on the feedback provided by the students. They are not 100 percent accurate, therefore, candidates should not completely rely on the same.
A
Contributor-Level 10
Answered 2 months ago
AFCAT 1 notification 2026 will be released in December 2025. AFCAT 2 notification will be released in May 2026. The notification will be released in PDF form and comprises the important details related to the exam. Candidates must check the notification before applying for the exam.
R
Contributor-Level 7
UGC NET 2025 Dec Application 7 Oct '25 - 7 Nov '25
When AFCAT 2 2025 result will be announced?