AFCAT Salary 2024 | Job Details, Vacancies, & Allowances
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
You are in the right place if you are seeking details on AFCAT salary and various job roles offered after clearing the AFCAT exam 2024. AFCAT Training Period Salary begins with receiving a monthly stipend of INR 56,100/- during the final year of your training at any of the Air Force Training Institutions before you are commissioned as an Air Force Officer. The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT full form) to recruit candidates for flying duty and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-technical) department.
AFCAT job salary varies based on the job profile, posting, and designation. During the training, candidates receive a stipend based on starting pay for Level 10, i.e. INR 56,100/-. Besides that, the AFCAT post and salary varies based on the 7th pay Commission of different branches. So, the average AFCAT Flying branch salary is approximately INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA. In contrast, the AFCAT ground duty salary for technical and non-technical branches is INR 7 LPA to INR 9 LPA. Candidates also receive monthly allowances as well as various privileges along with salary.
AFCAT Training Period Salary 2024
Firstly, the candidates first need to clear the AFCAT written examination 2024. Next, they must go through the Officer Intelligence rating, picture perception, discussion, and CPSS testing and qualify for the medical examination. Then, the candidate has to go further for training. You can apply for Air Force training at any Air Force Training Institution.
The AFCAT per month salary offered to the cadets during the training session is INR 56,100/ in the pay matrix of the 7th CPC (Starting pay for Level 10). It will be paid after the successful completion of the training. Furthermore, accommodation is also provided by the training authorities to the candidates. Besides that, the training period duration differs based on the branch. The duration of a flying branch and the technical branch is 74 weeks, whereas the training duration of the non-technical branch is 52 weeks.
| AFCAT Training Period Salary | Stipend |
| Training at the Air Force Training Institute of both men and women for a fixed time. | INR 56,100/- (Starting pay in Level 10) |
https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/SelectionProcess.html
https://afcat.cdac.in/AFCAT/payAllowances.html
AFCAT Salary 2024: Structure & Components
The AFCAT salary depends on the post and branch. Mainly there are 3 branches, i.e. flying branch, ground duty (technical) branch, and ground duty (non-technical) branch. The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the AFCAT exam conducting body. Moreover, a candidate who successfully clears the AFCAT recruitment 2024 must undergo a physical and medical examination.
Then, you could start earning even before you get appointed as a Flying Officer during the training period. The AFCAT salary structure for Flying officers based on the 7th pay commission is between INR 56,100/- to INR 1,10,700/- per month.
All the candidates who have passed the recruitment procedure are placed in Level 10. Besides the pay scale, candidates also receive Military Service Pay of INR 15,500/- monthly. Flying allowances are provided to the flying branch, whereas technical allowance is given to technical branch candidates.
In brief, the annual AFCAT salary as per the 7th pay commission for different branches is:
| Indian Air Force Branch (AFCAT Post & Salary) | Annual Salary |
| Flying Branch | INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA |
| Ground Duty (Technical Branch) | INR 7 LPA to INR 9 LPA |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch) | INR 7 LPA to INR 9 LPA |
AFCAT Job 2024
The Indian Air Force conducts recruitment for variable posts such as flying officer, group captain, wing commander, and more. You could serve for the Indian Air Force after class 10+2 through either NDA or AFCAT exam 2024 after completing graduation or post-graduation.
Before applying for AFCAT, you must know the basic AFCAT eligibility & educational requirements. Moreover, one should have Mathematics and Physics as the core subjects in class 10+2. Besides, you must possess a valid 3 to 4-year bachelor’s degree in technology from a specified branch. The pay band is generally common for all the branches.
IAF pays you a decent amount; various perks and benefits are also offered to the flying and ground duty cadets. Recently, there have been slight changes in the Dearness Allowance, i.e. 28%. Thus, the AFA salaries are also increased. Besides that, the AFCAT salary will gradually increase based on promotion and job role.
Different AFCAT Posts & Job Details
In brief, the various posts available under AFCAT are as follows:
Junior Level
- Flying Officer
- Flying Lieutenant
Executive Level
- Squadron Leader
- Wing Commander
- Group Captain
Director Level
- Air Comrade
- The Air Vice-Marshal
- Air Marshal
Chief
- Air Chief Marshal
Flying Branch AFCAT In-Hand Salary
The Flying branch of IAF will allow you to fly high either as a Fighter, transport, or helicopter pilot. In any case, you could serve the nation in peace or war missions. The AFCAT flying branch salary 2024 is a bit higher than the AFCAT ground duty salary.
Moreover, you could join the flying branch after graduation through CDSE, NCC special entry or AFCAT entry for the Short Service Commission. An individual aspiring to enter the Flying Branch of IAF must not be more than 24 years of age. Besides that, the AFCAT officer salary for flying branch is 85372 per month.
AFCAT Officer Salary: Flying duty In-hand salary details
| Basic Pay | INR 56,100/- |
| Military Service Pay | INR 15,500/- |
| Flying Pay | INR 25,000/- |
| DA (28%) | INR 15,708/- |
| TA | INR 7,200/- |
| DA on TA (28%) | INR 2,016/- |
| Kit Maintenance | INR 600/- |
| Gross Salary | INR 1,22,024/- |
| Insurance | INR 6,500/- |
| Provident Fund (12%) | INR 6,732/- |
| NET SALARY | INR 1,08,792/- |
Ground Duty (AFCAT Technical Salary) In-Hand Salary
The Ground duty technical branch is for both men and women for Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission. Therefore, the candidate must manage the team in the technical branch and ensure the IAF remains airworthy. Also, candidates must maintain the aircraft’s tools, technicians, and special equipment. Furthermore, you must possess a 4-year bachelor’s degree in aeronautical, electronics, or mechanical engineering. Besides that, candidates seeking entry into the ground duty branch must not be more than 26 years of age. In brief, the AFCAT technical salary for the ground duty branch is around INR 74,872/- per month as per Level 10 pay. Besides the salary, you may also receive MSP and technical
AFCAT Ground duty Technical salary details:
| Basic Pay | INR 56,100/- |
| Military Service Pay | INR 15,500/- |
| Technical Pay | INR 10,000/- |
| DA (28%) | INR 15,708/- |
| TA | INR 7,200/- |
| DA on TA (28%) | INR 2,016/- |
| Gross salary | INR 1,06,524/- |
| Insurance | INR 4,530/- |
| PF (12%) | INR 6,732/- |
| Net Salary | INR 95,262/- |
Ground Duty (AFCAT Non-Technical Salary) In-Hand Salary
The ground duty non-technical branch generally manages human and material resources. In short, you must manage the administrative, logistics, accounts, education, and meteorology branches. Both men and women are recruited for the non-technical branch. In brief, the AFACT ground duty non-technical salary is approximately INR 71,872/- per month.
AFCAT Ground duty (non-technical) branch salary details:
| Basic pay | INR 56,100/- |
| MSP | INR 15,500/- |
| TA | INR 7,200/- |
| DA (28%) | INR 15,708/- |
| Dearness Allowance on TA (28%) | INR 2,016/- |
| Gross Salary | INR 96,524/- |
| Insurance | INR 4,530/- |
| PF (12%) | INR 6,732/- |
| NET Salary | INR 85,262/- |
AFCAT Perks and Additional Benefits
Despite the AFCAT salary, Air Force Officers also receive various perks and benefits. However, the additional benefits are based on the job post and type of duty. Once you join the Indian Air Force, the IAF will take care of your family’s needs, providing you with housing facilities, loans, children’s education, Medical facilities, etc.
- Insurance – Surprisingly, IAF will provide insurance of rupees 75 Lakhs for Air Force Officers and additional insurance of 10 Lakhs for Pilot.
- Loans – Moreover, the Air Force cadets could avail of loans under the Air Force Group Insurance Scheme. Additionally, cadets can avail of house building, computer, and conveyance loans.
- Medical facilities – IAF provides medical facilities to officers, families, as well as their dependents. In fact, they could get treatment from Armed Forces Hospitals and Civil hospitals. Some other benefits are also offered, such as accommodation, CSD facility, school facility, travel concession, rail concessions, and 60 days of annual leave along with 20 days of casual leave, recreational and sports facilities, etc.
- Educational support – In addition, the Indian Air Force sponsors the MTech course for technical branch officers at top universities like IIT and BHU-IT. It also has tie-ups with IGNOU for distance learning courses. Besides that, IAF grants 24 months of study leave that could be extended up to 28 months.
- Post-retirement perks and benefits – Moreover, after retiring from the IAF, you will receive a lifetime pension, insurance, medical facility, and medical insurance and placements in civil departments.
AFCAT Job Profile 2024
The IAF conducts the AFCAT exam twice, i.e. AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2. It is generally conducted to recruit deserving and capable candidates to the Air Forces. In short, there are 3 branches in AFCAT: the flying branch, the Ground duty technical branch, and the Ground duty non-technical branch. Thus, the job profile varies in every branch. Therefore, if you are planning to enter the Air Force, you must know a particular post’s basic job profile, responsibilities, and AFCAT salary.
Flying Branch Job Profile
- Firstly, the flying officer has to operate the fighter plane in combat.
- You should be in charge of the transportation of materials as well as ammunition tasks.
- You may also have to fly a helicopter in a flying branch during casual or emergencies.
- And finally, air support and supplies.
Ground Duty Technical Branch Job Profile
- Firstly, manage and propel the team.
- Look after the maintenance of equipment as well as aircraft tools.
- Ground duty technical staff is also responsible for managing the qualified technician.
- Must be involved in handling technical processes as well as aircraft service at the site.
- Also, the technical branch must ensure that technicians possess all the necessary tools and equipment for Aircraft, RADAR, etc.
- Lastly, based on the engineering stream, you can join aeronautical, mechanical, or electronics engineering and perform avionics, weapons, communication system, or aeronautical engineering.
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch Job profile
- Manage the material as well as human resources.
- Also, look after accounts and logistics.
- Administration of flight controller as well as an air traffic controller.
AFCAT Career Growth and Ranks
Promotion in the Indian Air Force is granted based on years of service and performance. In fact, after completing the training session, the cadets are commissioned as Flying officers. Besides, promotion to other ranks depends on the job and vacancy.
- Promotions are generally applicable for the first three ranks only.
- If a flying officer has served for almost three years, one will eventually be promoted to the post of Flying Lieutenant.
- Besides that, if any cadet has served for 6 years, one will be promoted to the post of Squadron Leader.
- Technical officers, i.e., engineers in the ground duty technical branch, are given the seniority of 2 years for pay and promotion, which IAF officers further analyze.
- However, all the officers must attend the ‘C’ examination consisting of General Knowledge and topics related to post and departmental promotion to attain a higher rank.
- In conclusion, the AFCAT salary depends on the level of ranking or post an individual holds.
Rankings of AFCAT promotion according to level:
| Ranking | Level |
| Flying OfficerFlying Lieutenant | Junior Level |
| Squadron LeaderWing CommanderGroup Captain | Executive Level |
| Air ComradeThe Air Vice-MarshalAir Marshal | Director Level |
| Air Chief Marshal | Chief |
In navigating the path of a career with the Indian Air Force through the AFCAT, candidates are not only stepping into roles of significant responsibility and honor but are also embarking on a journey that promises substantial financial rewards and a host of benefits.
The detailed breakdown of AFCAT salaries, allowances, and additional perks provided for various branches and ranks underlines the IAF’s commitment to valuing and supporting its officers. As such, the AFCAT emerges not just as a gateway to service and patriotism but also as a promising career choice that balances professional fulfillment with financial stability and growth.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)
The salary of the AFCAT pilot, according to the 7th CPC pay matrix, generally ranges between INR 56,100/- to INR 1,10,700/- per month. Besides that, the candidate also receives Military Service Pay of INR 15,500/- per month. The AFCAT salary in the flying branch is INR 85,372/- per month.
Candidates selected through the AFCAT selection process are offered Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC). Only males are recruited for Permanent Commission and can work up to 60 years of age, whereas both males and females can apply for SSC. Short Service Commission is for 14 years, and no further extension exists.
No, Air Force does not pay more than the Army. Both pay almost equal salaries according to their rank and experience in the field. Besides that, the Army and Air Force officials also receive military services and other allowances. To summarize, the AFCAT salary per month is approximately around INR 56100 as per the Level 10 pay matrix.
Indian Air Force Officers get a decent pension to care for their families after retirement. Besides that, the candidates who apply for Short Service Commission through AFCAT have to serve for only 19 years, and they will receive a pension for life. Air Force Officers generally get a monthly pension of INR 9,000/-.