AFCAT Salary: 5 Powerful Insights on Pay and Benefits

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 salary varies depending on the job profile, posting, and designation. During training, candidates receive a stipend based on the starting pay for Level 10, which is INR 56,100/-. The AFCAT salary structure is further determined by the 7th Pay Commission across different branches. On average, the AFCAT Flying branch salary ranges from INR 8 LPA to INR 10 LPA, while the AFCAT Ground Duty salary for technical and non-technical branches falls between INR 7 LPA and INR 9 LPA. In addition to the salary, candidates also enjoy monthly allowances and various other privileges.

AFCAT Salary in Training Period 2024

To join the Indian Air Force through AFCAT 2024, candidates must clear several stages of evaluation before proceeding to training. Here’s a breakdown:

Selection Process

1. Written Examination: Candidates must first qualify for the AFCAT written exam.
2. Subsequent Tests: Includes the Officer Intelligence Rating, Picture Perception, Discussion, and CPSS tests.
3. Medical Examination: Candidates undergo a comprehensive medical check-up to ensure eligibility.

Training Details

• After clearing all stages, candidates begin training at an Air Force Training Institution.
• During the training period, cadets receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month, based on the Level 10 pay matrix of the 7th CPC.
• Accommodation is provided by the training authorities.

Training Duration

• Flying and Technical Branches: 74 weeks.
• Non-Technical Branch: 52 weeks.

AFCAT Salary in Training Period	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 varies based on the branch and post within the Indian Air Force (IAF). Below are the key details regarding salary and allowances:

Branches in IAF

1. Flying Branch
2. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch

AFCAT Salary Structure

• Pay Scale: ₹56,100 to ₹1,10,700 per month for Flying Officers, as per the 7th Pay Commission.
• Training Period Earnings: Candidates start earning a stipend during training before being commissioned as Flying Officers.
• Level 10 Placement: All candidates are placed in Level 10 after completing the recruitment process.

Additional Allowances

• Military Service Pay: ₹15,500 per month for all branches.
• Flying Allowance: Exclusive to Flying Branch officers.
• Technical Allowance: Granted to Ground Duty (Technical) Branch officers.

In brief, the annual AFCAT salary as per the 7th pay commission for different branches is:

Indian Air Force Branch (AFCAT Salary & Post)	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 Salary Job 2024

The Indian Air Force (IAF) recruits for various prestigious roles such as Flying Officer, Group Captain, Wing Commander, and more. Candidates can join the IAF through the NDA exam after 10+2 or the AFCAT 2024 exam after completing graduation or post-graduation.

Key Eligibility Requirements

• Education:
  • Mathematics and Physics as core subjects in 10+2.
  • A 3–4-year Bachelor’s degree in technology from a recognized branch is required.
• Pay Band:
  • Uniform pay structure across branches with incremental increases based on promotions and roles.

Perks and Allowances

• Competitive salary with a recent Dearness Allowance (DA) revision to 28%, leading to higher AFA salaries.
• Additional benefits and perks for both flying and ground duty cadets.

Career Growth

• Salaries and benefits increase progressively with promotions and responsibilities.

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 In-Hand AFCAT Salary

The Flying Branch of the IAF offers the exciting opportunity to soar high, whether as a fighter, transport, or helicopter pilot, serving the nation in both peace and wartime missions. The AFCAT salary for the Flying Branch in 2024 is higher than that of the AFCAT ground duty salary.

You can join the Flying Branch after graduation through CDSE, NCC Special Entry, or AFCAT entry for the Short Service Commission. To be eligible, candidates must not exceed 24 years of age. The AFCAT salary for officers in the Flying Branch is INR 85,372 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 Salary for Technical Post) 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 salary for the technical 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 Salary for Non-Technical) 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 salary for ground duty non-technical 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 Salary Branch Wise

Candidates taking the exam will wish to know the AFCAT salary for various positions within the Indian Air Force. This will assist them in understanding their monthly/annual pay as they advance through the ranks of the IAF. Refer to the table below for more information about AFCAT salary branchwise.

Level	Rank	AFCAT Salary (in Indian Rupees)
Level 10	Flying Officer	56,100 – 1,77,500
Level 10B	Flight Lieutenant	6,13,00 – 1,93,900
Level 11	Squadron Leader	6,94,00 – 2,07,200
Level 12A	Wing Commander	1,21,200 – 2,12400
Level 13	Group Captain	1,30,600 – 2,15,900
Level 13A	Air Commodore	1,39,600 – 2,17,600
Level 14	Air Vice Marshal	1,44,200 – 2,18,200
Level 15	Air Marshal HAG Scale	1,82, 200 – 2,24,100
Level 16	HAG + Scale	2,05,400 – 2,24,400
Level 17	VACS/Airforce Cdr / Air Marshal (NFSG)	2,25,000/- (fixed)
Level 18	CAS	2,50,000/- (fixed)

AFCAT Perks and Additional Benefits

AFCAT officers in the Indian Air Force enjoy attractive salary packages and numerous facilities that ensure a high quality of life. Along with their designation, officers receive allowances for housing, transportation, and daily meals. The government also provides comprehensive medical benefits to ensure their health and well-being. Upon retirement, officers benefit from a pension plan and other post-retirement perks for a comfortable life.

AFCAT Perks

Additionally, the Indian Air Force fosters career growth through skill-enhancement training programs. Officers can take advantage of numerous educational and financial benefits, as detailed below:

Category	Details
Educational Benefits	– Study leave up to 24 months- M.Tech from IIT or BHU-IT (for Technical Branch officers)- Tie-ups with IGNOU
Scholarships & Welfare	Grants from Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA)
Insurance	– ₹75 lakh insurance coverage (₹85 lakh for pilots)- Minimal monthly contribution- Covers all contingencies
Loan Facility	– House Building Loan- Conveyance Loan- Computer Loan
Placement Cell	Assistance in securing civil jobs for retired officers
Medical Allowances	Comprehensive medical coverage for officers and their families
Post-Retirement Benefits	– Pension- Lifetime medical access- Continued insurance coverage
Other Benefits	– Recreational and sports facilities- Secured camp life- Accommodation- Rail and leave travel concessions- School facilities- Institute and Mess memberships- Leave: 60 days annual leave, 20 days casual leave- CSD (Canteen Stores Department) facilities

AFCAT Allowances

AFCAT officers receive a variety of allowances that enhance their financial benefits, ensuring a comfortable and rewarding career. These allowances are designed to compensate for the challenges faced in their roles and include the following:

Allowance Type	Details
Field Area Allowance	For officers serving in field areas
Island Special Duty Allowance	For postings in island locations
Remote Locality Allowance	For assignments in remote areas
Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer	Special allowance for test pilots and engineers
Special Compensatory (Hill Area)	For service in hilly regions
Siachen Allowance	For officers stationed at Siachen Glacier
Special Force Allowance	For officers in special force roles

AFCAT officers not only serve as the nation’s defenders but are also honored with competitive salary packages, bonuses, and numerous opportunities for personal and professional growth. The Indian Air Force ensures a fulfilling career and lifetime security for its officers.

These benefits highlight the excellent lifestyle, financial security, and career growth opportunities available to AFCAT officers.

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 systems, 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:

AFCAT offers a clear and structured promotion path, providing officers with opportunities for career growth at various levels. Promotions are based on merit, experience, and performance, allowing officers to take on greater responsibilities as they advance.

Promotion Level	Post
Junior Level	Flying Officer, Flying Lieutenant
Executive Level	Squadron Leader, Wing Commander, Group Captain
Director Level	Air Commodore, Air Vice-Marshal, Air Marshal
Chief	Air Chief Marshal

This hierarchical structure ensures a rewarding career trajectory, motivating officers to excel in their service to the nation.

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 honour 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 fulfilment with financial stability and growth.

Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs)