AFCAT Salary 2026: Check Salary Structure, Allowances & Job Profile

AFCAT 2026 salary depends upon the various branches of the Indian Air Force (IAF). AFCAT salary structure revised in 2016 as of the 7th Central Pay Commission. For those in the Flying Branch, the initial pay scale for a Flying Officer ranges from INR 56,100 to INR 1,10,700 per month. Also, you will be provided with some allowances such as Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, House Rent Allowance (if not provided with accommodation), and other benefits like medical facilities, subsidized rations, and insurance coverage.

AFCAT Salary Structure 2026

AFCAT Salary Structure 2026 of the officers in the Indian Air Force is based on their rank, experience, and branch. The following is a general overview of the monthly salary scale for AFCAT Officers:

AFCAT Salary After 7th Pay Commission: Branch-Wise Payscale 2026

After the implementation of the 7th Central Pay Commission, the salary structure for AFCAT Officers in the Indian Air Force is as follows:

AFCAT Flying Branch In-Hand Salary:

AFCAT Ground Duty (Technical) In-Hand Salary:

AFCAT Ground Duty (Non-Technical) In-Hand Salary:

AFCAT Annual Salary Package

Every branch of the Indian Air Force will receive a different salary. Below is a list of the Annual Packages for each department according to the 7th Pay Commission.

AFCAT Salary 2026 During Training Period

Here's a breakdown of the stipend for AFCAT Officers during the training period based on their post:

AFCAT Salary 2026: Perks and Allowances

As AFCAT Officers commissioned into the Indian Air Force, they are entitled to various AFCAT Salary Allowances in addition to their salary. These perks and allowances may vary based on factors such as rank, branch, location, and service conditions. Here are some common perks and allowances provided to AFCAT Officers:

• Dearness Allowance (DA): DA is provided to offset the impact of inflation and is calculated as a percentage of the officer's basic pay.

• House Rent Allowance (HRA): If an officer is not provided with government accommodation, they are eligible for HRA. The HRA amount depends on the rank and location of the officer's posting.

• Transport Allowance (TA): TA is provided to cover commuting expenses and varies based on the rank and location of the officer.

• Field Area Allowance: Officers serving in field areas or locations with challenging living conditions are eligible for field area allowance, which is a compensatory allowance.

• Flying Allowance: Officers serving in flying branches may receive a flying allowance to compensate for the additional responsibilities and risks associated with flying duties.

• Technical Allowance: Officers in technical branches may receive a technical allowance to compensate for their specialized technical skills and knowledge.

• Medical Allowance: Officers are eligible for medical facilities and allowances to cover medical expenses for themselves and their dependents.

• Leave Travel Concession (LTC): Officers are provided with LTC to avail of travel concessions for themselves and their family members

• Education Allowance: Officers may receive education allowances to cover the educational expenses of their children.

• Kit Maintenance Allowance: Officers are provided with an allowance to maintain their uniforms and equipment.

AFCAT House Rent Allowance:

House Rent Allowance (HRA) is an integral part of the salary structure for AFCAT. HRA is provided to officers who do not have government accommodation available to them at their place of posting. Here are some key aspects of House Rent Allowance:

• Eligibility: AFCAT Officers who are not provided with government accommodation are eligible to receive HRA as a component of their salary.

• Calculation: The amount of HRA is calculated based on a percentage of the officer's basic pay. The percentage varies depending on the city category where the officer is posted.

• Tax Benefits: HRA received by officers is eligible for tax benefits under certain conditions. The actual tax benefits depend on factors like the officer's salary, the HRA amount, and the rent paid.

• Documentation: To claim HRA, officers need to submit rent receipts or other relevant documents as proof of the rent paid for accommodation.

AFCAT Transport Allowance:

Transport Allowance (TA) is an important component of the salary package provided to AFCAT Officers TA is meant to compensate officers for their commuting expenses and to facilitate their travel to and from their place of work. Here are some key points about Transport Allowance:

• Eligibility: AFCAT Officers are eligible to receive Transport Allowance as part of their salary.

• Calculation: The amount of Transport Allowance is determined based on the rank and posting location of the officer.

• Multiple Places of Duty: If an officer has multiple places of duty during a month, additional TA is provided to cover the expenses of commuting between these places.

• Tax Treatment: Transport Allowance is partially exempt from income tax as per the applicable rules and regulations. The exemption amount varies based on the city category.

AFCAT Dearness Allowance:

Dearness Allowance (DA) is an important component of the salary structure for AFCAT Officers in the Indian Air Force. DA is provided to officers to offset the impact of inflation and to maintain their real income levels. Here are some key points about Dearness Allowance:

• Purpose: Dearness Allowance is provided to compensate for the increase in the cost of living due to inflation. It aims to ensure that officers can maintain their purchasing power.

• Calculation: The amount of Dearness Allowance is calculated as a percentage of the officer's basic pay. The percentage is revised periodically based on the prevailing economic conditions and government policies.

• Revision Frequency: Dearness Allowance is usually revised twice a year, in the months of January and July. The revision is based on the changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) and other relevant factors

• Applicability: Dearness Allowance applies to all AFCAT Officers, irrespective of their rank and branch.

• Tax Treatment: Dearness Allowance is fully taxable as per the income tax regulations in force. It is added to the officer's taxable income and is subject to the applicable income tax rates.

• Impact on Other Allowances: Dearness Allowance can also have an impact on other allowances such as House Rent Allowance (HRA) and certain reimbursements, as they may be calculated as a percentage of the officer's basic pay.

AFCAT Leave Travel Concession (LTC):

Leave Travel Concession (LTC) is a significant benefit provided to AFCAT OfficeINR It allows officers to travel with their family members and avail of travel concessions during their leave periods. Here are some key points about Leave Travel Concession:

• Eligibility: AFCAT Officers are eligible to avail of Leave Travel Concession during their leave periods.

• Purpose: The objective of LTC is to enable officers to spend quality time with their families and explore different parts of the country by providing travel concessions.

• Travel Entitlement: Officers are entitled to travel to their home town or any selected destination in India during their leave period. The exact travel entitlements may vary based on factors such as rank, length of service, and applicable rules.

• Concession Modes: LTC can be availed through various modes of transportation, including air travel, train travel, or a combination of both, depending on the officer's entitlement and preferences.

• Reimbursement: Officers are eligible for reimbursement of their travel expenses based on the LTC rules and guidelines. The reimbursement amount is limited to the prescribed entitlement and is subject to certain conditions.

• Block Years: LTC is provided in the form of block years, which are fixed periods during which officers can utilize their LTC benefits. The block years are specified by the government and may vary.

• Family Members: AFCAT Officers can include their eligible family members, such as spouses, dependent children, and dependent parents, in their LTC travel.

• Tax Benefits: The expenses incurred for LTC travel are eligible for tax benefits under certain conditions, subject to the income tax regulations in force.

AFCAT Salary 2026: Perks and Benefits

Air Force Officers are entitled to several allowances in addition to their pay.

AFCAT Salary 2026: Deductions

In addition to the various allowances and benefits, AFCAT Officers may have certain deductions from their salary. These deductions are made to cover various contributions and obligations. Here are some common deductions that may apply to an AFCAT officer's salary:

AFCAT Flying Branch Salary Deductions:

The salary of the Flying Branch also includes some deductions in addition to the allowances.

AFCAT Ground Duty Technical Salary Deductions:

AFCAT Ground Duty Non-technical Salary Deductions:

The deductions made from the salary of an AFCAT ground duty non-technical are listed below.

AFCAT Job Profile 2026

Here is a list of posts and a brief description of AFCAT Job Profiles:

AFCAT Flying Branch Job Profile:

• Operate and look after fighter planes in combat.
• Transportation of material and ammunition tasks
• Air support and supplies.
• Helicopters are in service for casual and emergencies.

AFCAT Ground Duty Technical Job Profile:

• Maintenance of all the aircraft's technical tools and equipment.
• Responsibility for supervising the experienced technicians.
• Checking technicians are given the necessary tools and equipment for the job, including RADAR, aircraft, etc.
• Must work on avionics, weapons, communication systems, aeronautical engineering, etc.
• Managing the maintenance of the aircraft, technical procedures, and management

AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical Job Profile:

• Air traffic controller and fighter controller management.
• Taking care of the department's accounts and logistics.
• In charge of education.

AFCAT Salary 2026: Career Growth and Promotion

Promotion and career growth in the IAF are based on various factors, including performance, experience, and qualifications. Here are some key points to consider regarding promotion and career growth in the IAF:

• To advance to the rank of Flight Lieutenant, an officer must complete three years of service as the Flying Officer and pass a departmental test.
• The officer needs to serve for a total of six years to attain the rank of squadron leader.
• The seniority for promotion and pay for technical officers who are engineers is 2 years, which will be compared to the officers in the Indian Air Force.
• All officers are required to take the exam, which includes general knowledge questions and posts on topics related to departmental promotion and rank advancement.

The following table explains the rank of each post.

Along with the basic pay, AFCAT Officers are entitled to various allowances and benefits such as Dearness Allowance, Transport Allowance, House Rent Allowance, medical facilities, subsidized rations, and insurance coverage. The Indian Air Force periodically revises its pay scales and allowances to ensure that officers are fairly compensated.

AFCAT Salary 2026 FAQs

Ques: What is the salary range for AFCAT Officers in 2026?

Ques: Can the salary of AFCAT Officers vary based on their branch?

Ques: What allowances and benefits are AFCAT Officers eligible for?

Ques: Is the salary structure subject to change?

Ques: Are there any additional perks and benefits for AFCAT Officers?

Ques: How is the salary structure for AFCAT Officers determined?

Ques: How often do AFCAT Officers receive promotions?

Ques: Are there opportunities for salary growth and promotions in the Indian Air Force?

Ques: Can AFCAT Officers avail of loan facilities or housing benefits?

Ques: Are there any opportunities for career growth and specialization within the Indian Air Force for AFCAT Officers?