AFCAT Salary 2026, In Hand Salary, Job Profile & Allowances
Check AFCAT Salary 2026 details including in-hand salary, job profile, rank-wise pay scale, and various allowances offered to Indian Air Force officers after selection.
Nigam Sharma5 Nov, 2025
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AFCAT Salary 2026: The AFCAT 1 2026 notification is out now, opening the door for candidates to join the Indian Air Force in various branches such as Flying, Technical, and Non-Technical Ground Duty. The starting salary for an officer selected through AFCAT is ₹56,100 per month as per the 7th Central Pay Commission with several allowances such as Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, Flying Pay (for Flying branch), Transport Allowance, and House Rent Allowance. The in-hand salary varies but generally ranges between ₹85,000 to ₹1,10,000 depending on the branch and city of posting. Along with the competitive pay, officers enjoy comprehensive benefits including medical facilities, subsidized rations, insurance, and opportunities for career growth and promotions. This makes AFCAT a highly motivating and prestigious career option for graduate aspirants.
AFCAT Salary 2026
Flying branch officers receive a salary of ₹85,372, which is ₹8-10 LPA. Ground Duty officers (Technical Branch) receive a salary of ₹74,872, which is ₹7-9 LPA. Ground Duty officers (Non-Technical Branch) receive a salary of ₹71,872 per month, which is also ₹7-9 LPA. The salary structure also includes allowances and other benefits. There are additional allowances for officers who are posted in remote locations or leading operational tasks. There is also an option for officers to draw additional increments based on performance. Overall, the salary structure provided to Indian Air Force officers after clearing the AFCAT Exam is attractive and competitive.AFCAT Training Stipend
The training stipend to men and women during the entire training period at any of the Air Force Training Institutions after clearing the AFCAT is ₹56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10).- The training duration will be 74 weeks for the flying and technical branch.
- In the case of Non-Tech branches, it will be 52 weeks.
- The training authorities will provide accommodation during the entire training period.
AFCAT In-Hand Salary
Check the AFCAT In-hand Per month Salary with the help of the table provided below -| Branch | Salary (per month) |
| Flying Branch | ₹85,372 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | ₹74,872 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | ₹71,872 |
AFCAT Annual Package
Check the AFCAT Annual In-hand Package with the help of the table provided below -| Branch | Salary (per month) |
| Flying Branch | ₹8-10 lakhs |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch | ₹7-9 lakhs |
| Ground Duty Technical Branch | ₹7-9 lakhs |
AFCAT Salary Structure
The AFCAT Salary Structure is designed to offer competitive pay and numerous benefits to officers of the Indian Air Force. With the implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), officers receive a handsome salary package that includes basic pay, allowances, and additional perks. Below, we provide a detailed breakdown of the salary structure, highlighting the pay scale for Flying Officers along with the Military Service Pay (MSP) they are entitled to| Branch | Salary (per month) |
| Rank | Flying Officer |
| Level | 10th |
| Pay as per the 7th CPC pay matrix | ₹56,100-1,77,500 |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 (monthly) |
AFCAT Perks and Additional Benefits
Other than their designation, AFCAT officers also receive good salary packages and facilities. Depending on their rank and tenure, AFCAT officers get allowances for housing, transportation and daily meals, which provide them with a better quality of life. The government provides comprehensive medical benefits to these officers, ensuring that they remain healthy and fit to serve the cause. AFCAT officers have an opportunity to grow in the Indian Air Force. To motivate the officers, the IAF also conducts several training programs that enhance their knowledge and skills. These officers are also entitled to a pension plan on retirement, allowing them to maintain a comfortable life after their tenure in the Air Force. Check the Perks and Benefits provided to officers in the Indian Air Force below -| Particulars | Details |
| Educational Benefits |
Study leave (up to 24 months) M.Tech from IIT & BHU-IT (Technical Branches’ officers) Tie-ups with IGNOU |
| Scholarships and Welfare |
Grants from the Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) |
| Insurance |
An Indian Air Force officer is insured for an amount of ₹75 lakhs with an additional ₹10 lakhs for pilots. There is a minimal monthly contribution rate, and the insurance policy covers all contingencies. |
| Loan facility |
House Building Loan Conveyance Loan Computer Loan |
| Placement cell |
To provide a civil job to retired officers |
| Medical Allowances |
To all Air Force Officers and their families |
| Post-retirement Benefits |
Pension Insurance Medical (Lifetime access) |
| Other benefits |
Recreational and sports facilities Secured camp life Accommodation Rail concessions Leave travel concessions School facilities Institute and Messes membership Leave- Annual leave for 60 days and casual leave of 20 days per year CSD facilities |
AFCAT Allowances
Officers are also entitled to allowances such as- Field Area Allowance
- Island Special Duty, Area, and Remote Locality Allowance.
- Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer
- Special Compensatory (Hill area)
- Siachen
- Special Force
AFCAT Privileges
The Indian Air Force offers its officers a wide range of benefits and privileges. These include furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents, access to a canteen and an Officers’ Mess, and access to loans at subsidised rates. Those accepted into the AFCAT are also able to receive Leave Travel Concession (LTC) of up to 60 days annual and 20 days casual, subject to service exigencies. This allows them free travel for short domestic trips for recreation or education in India. In addition, officers in the Indian Air Force are entitled to income tax benefits, both in terms of their salary as well as other reimbursements such as traveling expenses and mess bills. Insurance benefits are also given in the form of life and disability coverage. Finally, promotional courses are provided regularly to ensure career development and professional growth. These privileges provided by the Indian Air Force make it an attractive career choice for those successful in being accepted into the AFCAT. The provision of these special benefits ensures that officers’ lives and dependents’ lives are taken care of in the event of any emergency or medical condition. The various tax and insurance benefits also provide an additional level of financial security. In short, IAF officers are entitled to the following privileges:- Furnished accommodation
- Canteen, Officers’ Mess
- Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC). Indian Air Force officers are entitled to leave of 60 days annually and 20 days casual, subject to service exigencies.
- Loans at subsidised rates
AFCAT Job Profile
Candidates joining the Indian Air Force in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). A particular job description is provided to the officials, depending on the department to work in the IAF. Therefore, A table is prepared with the details of AFCAT Job Profile.| Branch | Job Description |
| Flying Branch |
|
| Ground Duty (Technical) |
|
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
|
AFCAT Promotion and Career Growth
Indian Air Force evaluates the performance and abilities of candidates in handling the particular job role. Then, the authorities provide AFCAT Promotion and Career Growth. The top positioned officials work on to appreciate the performance of team working in Flying and Growth Staff and give in promotions with time.|
Promotion Level |
Post |
| Junior Level |
Flying Officer Flying Lieutenant |
| Executive Level |
Squadron Leader Wing Commander Group Captain |
| Director Level |
Air Comrade Air Vice-Marshal Air Marshal |
| Chief |
Air Chief Marshal |
- According to the timetable, promotions for the AFCAT apply to the top three positions.
- Candidates are commissioned as flying officers after completing their training as flight cadets.
- After three years of service and passing a departmental exam, Flying Officers are promoted to Flying Lieutenant.
- Candidates are promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader after six years of service.
- Promotions for other positions are made by the work and openings.
- For departmental promotion and ranks, all officers must take the ‘C’ test, which covers general knowledge and post-related issues.
AFCAT Salary 2026 FAQs
Q1. What is the salary of an AFCAT officer?
Ans. An AFCAT officer’s salary ranges from ₹56,100- ₹1,77,500 per month.
Q2. What is the highest salary in IAF?
Ans. The highest salary at Indian Air Force is of a Chief Engineer with a salary of ₹33.2 Lakhs annually.
Q3. What is the stipend for the AFCAT training period?
Ans. The AFCAT training stipend given to men and women is ₹56,100 per month (Starting pay in Level 10).
Q4. What is the salary of an IAF flying officer?
Ans. Indian Air Force Flying Officer’s salary ranges between ₹ 6.0 Lakhs to ₹ 13.0 Lakhs with an average of ₹ 10.8 Lakhs annually.
Q5. What kind of perks and allowances are available for IAF officers?
Ans. Perks such as educational, loan and medical benefits, insurance, etc and allowances such as Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer, Field Area Allowance, Special Force, Siachen, etc., are available for the IAF officers.
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