AFCAT Salary 2026: Salary structure, Allowances & More

AFCAT Salary 2026: The Air Force Common Admission Test is held twice a year to recruit officers for both Ground Staff (Technical & Non-Technical) and Flying Staff positions, whether for permanent or short-service commissions. The appeal of AFCAT 2026 lies in its salary and job profile, which encourage many graduates to participate and aim to qualify for the exam.

AFCAT salary structure is determined by the role and responsibilities of each commissioned officer. This includes base salary along with various allowances and benefits. Officers may also receive additional perks for leading operational tasks or working in remote locations. Performance-based increments are available for officers in the Indian Air Force. However, according to Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission, a new commissioned officer's beginning salary is normally approximately Rs 56,100 per month, with other benefits like transport allowance, housing rent allowance (HRA), and flying pay.
Also, apart from medical facilities, if you look at the pay scale, you're only seeing only one side of the story. Medical cover (ECHS) granted to Air Force Officer’s are not just as a perk, but as a premium private insurance policy which would otherwise cost you ₹50,000 or more every year from pocket in the corporate world. In addition to this, CSD canteens facilities with significant subsidies and living in government accommodations in prime areas like New Delhi or Bangalore, where rents are skyrocketing. If you consider these ‘invisible’ savings, then you will find that 'Real Income' is 30-40% higher than what the base figure is presented in any table. AFCAT jobs are not just about getting a paycheck; but also the standard of living that only few civilian roles can match.

To understand the AFCAT salary distribution for different posts, it is helpful to review the job profiles and pay scales for AFCAT 2026. This information gives you a clear idea of the financial benefits associated with each position.

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AFCAT Salary 2026: Highlights

The IAF offers competitive salaries for both Ground Staff (Technical and Non-Technical) and Flying Officers. Following selection through the AFCAT exam 2026, Flying Officers start with a stipend ranging from Rs 56,100 to Rs 69,400 during their training. Once they complete their training and join the service, their monthly salary is Rs 85,372. The IAF also conducts departmental exams to support the career progression and promotions of Flying Officers and Ground Staff.

For a detailed overview of the AFCAT salary 2026, please refer to the table below.

AFCAT Training Period Salary 2026

During AFCAT training, you receive a stipend instead of a salary to cover their expenses. The stipend varies based on training stage and rank:

• Flying Officer (Phase-I Training): Approx. Rs 56,100 per month.
• Flight Lieutenant (Phase-II Training): Around Rs 61,300 per month.
• Squadron Leader (Phase-III Training): Approx. Rs 69,400 per month.

Note: Stipend amounts are subject to revision by the Indian Air Force. Post-training, officers receive a regular salary based on the designated pay scale and grade pay for their rank.

AFCAT Salary 2026: In-Hand Salary

IAF Commissioned Officers enjoy competitive salary packages along with various perks and benefits, which vary based on rank and tenure. For instance, a Flying Branch Officer earns a monthly salary of Rs 85,372. Ground Staff in the Technical branch receive Rs 74,872, while their Non-Technical counterparts get Rs 71,872. During training, Flying Officers are given stipends: Rs 56,100 in Phase I, Rs 61,300 in Phase II, and Rs 69,400 in Phase III.

The IAF is committed to enhancing the quality of life for its officers and their families, offering a range of additional benefits including:

• Educational Benefits
• Scholarships and Welfare Programs
• Insurance Coverage
• Loan Facilities
• Medical Allowances
• Placement Support
• Accommodation
• Rail Concessions
• Institutional and Mess Memberships
• Leave Entitlements
• CSD Facility

AFCAT Salary 2026: Salary Structure

The table below outlines the pay band, military service pay, and CPC details provided to employees:

Promotions and Career Growth

Students aiming for the AFCAT 2026 exam must also know that the promotions to higher ranks are performance-linked and time-bound.

• Flying Officer to Flight Lieutenant: 2 years (Level 10 to 10B).
• Flight Lieutenant to Squadron Leader: 6 years.
• Higher Ranks: Based on vacancies and the ‘C’ examination results.

Promotions also ensure significant increase in the salary structure The Indian Air Force remains the 4th largest functional air force in the world and offers a lifestyle which is beyond jobs and ensures financial security for you and your family.

AFCAT Flying Branch Salary 2026

AFCAT salary for the Flying Branch depends on the rank and years of service. Below are the approximate annual salary ranges for different ranks in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force. The table provides details of salary components such as basic pay, DA, and Flying pay, along with allowances and deductions for the Flying Branch in AFCAT.

AFCAT Technical Salary 2026 for Ground Duty

The AFCAT Technical Salary for Ground Duty posts varies based on rank and years of service. The following are approximate annual salary ranges for different ranks in the Ground Duty Technical branch of the Indian Air Force:

• Flight Lieutenant: Approximately Rs 10 to Rs 12 lakhs per year.
• Flying Officer: Approximately Rs 8 to Rs 10 lakhs per year.

If you are aspiring to join the Ground Duty (Technical) post in AFCAT can find details about in-hand salary, including basic pay, MSP, deductions, and AFCAT Technical pay below:

AFCAT Non-Technical Salary 2026 for Ground Duty

AFCAT Non-Technical Salary for Ground Duty posts varies based on rank and years of service. The following are approximate annual salary ranges for different ranks in the Ground Duty Non-Technical branch of the Indian Air Force. Upon selection for the AFCAT Ground Duty (Non-Technical) post, you receive a sum of Rs 96,524. Details of the in-hand salary and deductions are provided below:

AFCAT Salary 2026: Tax and Deductions

It is to be noted that a significant portion of an IAF officer's income comes from non-taxable allowances such as field area allowances, Island Special Duty, Area, and Remote Locality Allowance, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance, etc, the effective tax bracket is often lower than a civilian with the same gross salary. One can maximize take-home pay by following the given steps:

• Non-Taxable Allowances: Allowances like Outfit Allowance or specific Field Area benefits do not add to your taxable income.
• Section 80C Deductions: Claim up to ₹1,50,000 by investing in PPF, NPS, or your mandatory insurance contributions.
• Standard Deduction: A flat ₹50,000 deduction is available to all salaried officers.
• HRA & LTA: Proper utilization of housing and travel exemptions further reduces the tax burden.

AFCAT Salary 2026: Perks and Additional Benefits

In addition to their rank, AFCAT officers enjoy attractive salary packages and benefits. Depending on their rank and service duration, AFCAT officers receive allowances for housing, transportation, and daily meals, contributing to an improved quality of life. The government ensures comprehensive medical benefits for these officers, promoting their health and fitness.

AFCAT officers have opportunities for career growth within the Indian Air Force. To further motivate them, the IAF conducts various training programs to enhance their knowledge and skills. Upon retirement, officers are entitled to a pension plan, ensuring a comfortable life post their service in the Air Force.

Explore the perks and benefits provided to officers in the Indian Air Force below:

AFCAT Salary 2026: Allowances

In addition to AFCAT salary, officers are entitled to various allowances, including Field Area Allowance, Island Special Duty, Area, and Remote Locality Allowance, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance, Special Compensatory (Hill area) Allowance, Siachen Allowance, and Special Force Allowance. These allowances recognize the unique challenges officers may face in different postings. AFCAT officers bear significant responsibility as frontline defenders and are rewarded with privileges, competitive salary packages, bonuses, and growth opportunities in the force. The Indian Air Force ensures a fulfilling work experience and lifelong security for AFCAT officers.

AFCAT Salary 2026: Promotions and Career Growth

You are given promotions based on their performance and years of service. You are promoted to Flight Lieutenant after three years as Flying Officers. Promotional requirements include passing departmental exams. After completing six years of service, an employee is given the rank of squadron leader. Engineer Technical Officers are given a seniority of two years. All officers are required to take the C examination, which covers general knowledge and topics related to departmental promotion and rank advancement.
Below is a list of the officers' levels and ranks:

Important Note:

• According to the timeline, promotions for AFCAT apply to the top three ranks
• After completing flight cadet training, you are appointed as flying officers
• The promotion to Flying Lieutenant for Flying Officers after three years of service is contingent upon passing a departmental test
• You are promoted to the rank of Squadron Leader after six years of service
• Promotions to other positions are made based on job requirements and openings
• For departmental promotion and ranks, all Officers must take the "C" examination, which covers General Knowledge and post-related topics

Lastly, the Indian Air Force is a significant organ and plays an important role in the protection of our country. It is also the 4th.+-largest functional air force in the world. We hope this article provides crucial information on the salary structure for aspiring AFCAT students.

If you have any other doubts or queries, write to us in the QnA Zone . You can fill out the Common Application Form (CAF) or call the toll-free number 1800-572-9877 for any admission-related queries. For more AFCAT 2026-related exciting information, stay tuned to CollegeDekho !