Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026: The wait is finally over for defence aspirants! The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the detailed notification for the recruitment of Agniveer Vayu (Intake 01/2027). This is a golden opportunity for unmarried male and female candidates to serve the nation under the Agnipath Scheme.
If you have passed your 12th standard (Science or Arts/Commerce) or hold a Diploma degree, you are eligible to apply. The online application process starts on 12th January 2026.
In this comprehensive guide, Axom Xarothi brings you every single detail you need to know—from the application process and eligibility criteria to the detailed syllabus, exam pattern, and physical test tips to help you crack the selection process in the first attempt.
Table of Contents
- Recruitment Overview
- Important Dates
- Detailed Eligibility Criteria
- Educational Qualification (Science vs Other)
- Medical & Physical Standards
- Selection Process Explained
- Detailed Syllabus & Exam Pattern
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Guide
- Salary, Perks & Seva Nidhi
- How to Apply Online (Step-by-Step)
- Important Web-Links
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026: Overview
The Agnipath Scheme allows youth to serve in the Armed Forces for a period of four years. The selected candidates will be known as Agniveers. Upon completion of 4 years, 25% of the Agniveers will be enrolled in the regular cadre of the Indian Air Force based on merit and performance.
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Recruitment Name | Agniveer Vayu Intake 01/2027 |
| Scheme Name | Agnipath Scheme |
| Job Location | All India (Any Air Force Station) |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Total Vacancy | To be announced (Approx 2500+) |
| Official Website | agnipathvayu.cdac.in |
Important Dates for Agniveer Vayu 2026
Mark these dates in your calendar so you don’t miss any deadline:
- Official Notification Released: January 2026
- Start Date of Online Application: 12th January 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 01st February 2026 (Till 11:00 PM)
- Exam City Intimation: 2nd Week of March 2026
- Admit Card Release Date: 48-72 Hours before the exam
- Phase-I Online Exam Dates: 30th March 2026 onwards
- Result Announcement: April/May 2026
Detailed Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure they fulfill the following strict eligibility conditions.
1. Age Limit (Crucial)
- Candidates must be born between 01 January 2006 and 01 July 2009 (both dates inclusive).
- This means your age should be roughly between 17.5 years to 21 years regarding the enrolment date.
2. Marital Status
- Only Unmarried Male and Female candidates can apply.
- Candidates must undertake not to marry during the defined 4-year tenure.
Educational Qualification
The IAF divides candidates into two categories: Science Subjects and Other Than Science Subjects.
(A) For Science Subjects
Candidates must fulfill ANY ONE of the following:
- Passed 10+2 (Intermediate) with Mathematics, Physics, and English from a recognized board with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
- Passed 3-years Diploma Course in Engineering (Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile / Computer Science / IT / Instrumentation) with 50% marks in aggregate and 50% in English.
- Passed 2-years Vocational Course with non-vocational subjects (Physics & Maths) with 50% aggregate and 50% in English.
(B) For Other Than Science Subjects
Candidates must fulfill ANY ONE of the following:
- Passed 10+2 / Intermediate in any stream (Arts, Commerce, Science) approved by Education Boards with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
- Passed 2-years Vocational Course with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
Note: If English was not a subject in your Diploma/Vocational course, marks in English in Intermediate/10th will be considered.
Mandatory Medical & Physical Standards
Joining the Air Force requires top-notch physical fitness. Here are the standards you must meet:
1. Height Requirements
- Male Candidates: Minimum 152 cms.
- Female Candidates: Minimum 152 cms.
- Relaxation: Candidates from North East India (Assam, Meghalaya, etc.) get relaxation. Minimum height accepted is 147 cms.
- Lakshadweep Candidates: Minimum 150 cms.
2. Visual Standards (Eyesight)
- Visual Acuity: 6/12 each eye, correctable to 6/6.
- Color Vision: CP-II.
- Lasik Surgery: Not permitted for candidates.
3. Other Body Standards
- Chest: For males, the minimum chest circumference is 77 cm with a minimum expansion of 5 cm. Females must also demonstrate a chest expansion of 5 cm.
- Weight: Proportionate to height and age.
- Hearing: Able to hear a forced whisper from 6 meters distance.
- Dental: Minimum 14 dental points with healthy gums.
- Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are strictly prohibited (except on the inner forearm for specific tribes).
Selection Process Explained
The selection process for Indian Air Force Agniveer Vayu is divided into three phases:
- Phase-I: Online Computer Based Test (CBT).
- Phase-II: Physical Fitness Test (PFT) & Adaptability Test-II.
- Phase-III: Medical Examination.
Detailed Syllabus & Exam Pattern (Phase-I)
The online test will be objective type. For every correct answer, you get 1 mark, and for every wrong answer, 0.25 marks will be deducted.
Exam Pattern
| Group | Subjects | Duration | Total Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Science Subjects | English (20), Physics (25), Math (25) | 60 Minutes | 70 Marks |
| Other Than Science | English (20), RAGA (30) | 45 Minutes | 50 Marks |
| Both (Science & Other) | English, Physics, Math, RAGA | 85 Minutes | 100 Marks |
Topic-Wise Syllabus Breakdown
1. English (Common for All)
Based on 10+2 CBSE Syllabus. Important topics include:
- Comprehension
- Grammar (Verb, Tense, Preposition, Determiners)
- Vocabulary (Synonyms, Antonyms, Spellings)
- Active & Passive Voice
- Direct & Indirect Speech
- Jumbled Sentences
2. Physics (For Science Candidates)
- Kinematics, Laws of Motion, Work, Energy & Power
- Gravitation, Properties of Bulk Matter
- Thermodynamics, Oscillations & Waves
- Electrostatics, Current Electricity
- Magnetic Effects of Current, Electromagnetic Induction
- Optics, Dual Nature of Matter
3. Mathematics (For Science Candidates)
- Sets, Relations & Functions
- Trigonometric Functions
- Complex Numbers, Quadratic Equations
- Permutation & Combination
- Binomial Theorem, Sequence & Series
- Calculus (Limits, Derivatives, Integrals)
- Vectors & 3D Geometry
- Probability
4. Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA)
- Reasoning: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Number Series, Coding-Decoding, Distance & Direction, Blood Relations, Analogy.
- Maths (General): Ratio & Proportion, Average, LCM/HCF, Profit & Loss, Time & Distance, Simplification, Fractions, Surface Area.
- GK: Current Affairs, History, Geography, Civics, Basic Computer Science.
Phase-II: Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Guide
Candidates who clear the online exam will be called for the PFT. This is a qualifying nature test, but you must pass it strictly.
(A) Running (Endurance)
- Male: 1.6 Km run within 07 Minutes.
- Female: 1.6 Km run within 08 Minutes.
(B) Exercises
After a 10-minute break post-run, candidates must perform:
For Male Candidates:
- 10 Push-ups: Within 1 minute.
- 10 Sit-ups: Within 1 minute.
- 20 Squats: Within 1 minute.
For Female Candidates:
- 10 Sit-ups: Within 1 minute 30 seconds.
- 15 Squats: Within 1 minute.
Tip: Start practicing running and push-ups at least 2 months before the results are out. Consistency is key.
Salary Structure, Perks & Seva Nidhi
Agniveers receive an attractive customized monthly package. No Dearness Allowance (DA) or Military Service Pay (MSP) is applicable.
| Year | Total Package (Monthly) | In-Hand Salary (70%) | Contribution to Corpus (30%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Year | ₹ 30,000 | ₹ 21,000 | ₹ 9,000 |
| 2nd Year | ₹ 33,000 | ₹ 23,100 | ₹ 9,900 |
| 3rd Year | ₹ 36,500 | ₹ 25,550 | ₹ 10,950 |
| 4th Year | ₹ 40,000 | ₹ 28,000 | ₹ 12,000 |
Benefits:
- Seva Nidhi Package: Approx ₹ 10.04 Lakhs (plus interest) will be given after 4 years. This amount is completely Income Tax Free.
- Life Insurance: Non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹ 48 Lakhs.
- Leave: Annual Leave of 30 days per year + Sick leave as per medical advice.
- CSD Facility: Canteen facilities are available.
How to Apply Online for Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026
Follow these simple steps to submit your application without errors:
- Visit the Official Website: Go to agnipathvayu.cdac.in.
- Registration: Click on “Candidate Login” and register as a “New User” using your Email ID and Mobile Number.
- Login: Use the credentials sent to your email to log in.
- Fill Details: Enter your personal details, educational qualifications, and address.
- Upload Photos:
- Passport Photo: Recent color photo (taken not before Dec 2025). The candidate must hold a black slate in front of their chest with their Name and Date of Photograph written on it in white chalk. (Size: 10KB to 50KB).
- Signature & Thumb Impression: Upload clear scans.
- Pay Fee: Pay the examination fee of ₹ 550/- + GST via Debit/Credit Card or Net Banking.
- Print: Save the final application form PDF for future reference.
Important Web-Links
| Apply Online (Login/Register) | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the age limit for Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026?
A: Candidates must be born between 01 January 2006 and 01 July 2009.
Q2. Can Arts or Commerce students apply for the Air Force?
A: Yes! Arts and Commerce students can apply for “Other Than Science Subjects” category if they have 50% marks in 12th and 50% in English.
Q3. Is there any height relaxation for Assam candidates?
A: Yes, candidates from North East India (including Assam) have a relaxed minimum height requirement of 147 cms (for females) and usually 152 cms (for males).
Q4. What is the salary of Agniveer Vayu?
A: The starting salary is ₹ 30,000 per month. By the 4th year, it increases to ₹ 40,000 per month.
Q5. How to prepare for the English section?
A: Focus on basic grammar (Prepositions, Tenses) and vocabulary. Reading an English newspaper daily helps significantly.