IAF Agniveervayu 2026: Indian Air Force Agniveervayu & Airmen Group Y Recruitment Notification Released
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released two distinct recruitment notifications for Intake 02/2027 under the Central Airmen Selection Board (CASB). These notifications invite online applications for Agniveervayu under the Agnipath Scheme and Airmen Group 'Y' (Non-Technical) Medical Assistant Trade. Both recruitment drives share the same application window, examination dates, and portal, but differ significantly in eligibility criteria, tenure, and remuneration structure. This article provides a comprehensive breakdown of eligibility, selection process, physical standards, pay scales, and application procedure for aspirants targeting defence careers in 2026.
Short Information
The Indian Air Force, through the Central Airmen Selection Board (CASB), has opened online registration for Agniveervayu Intake 02/2027 and Airmen Group Y Medical Assistant Intake 02/2027. The registration window opens on 06 July 2026 at 1100 Hrs and closes on 26 July 2026 at 2300 Hrs. The online examination is scheduled for 22-23 September 2026. While Agniveervayu offers a four-year engagement under the Agnipath Scheme open to unmarried male and female Indian citizens, the Medical Assistant trade offers a 20-year regular cadre tenure (extendable to age 57) open only to male Indian and Gorkha (Nepal) candidates. A common application fee of ₹550 + 18% GST applies to all candidates.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee | Payment Modes |
|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | ₹550 + 18% GST | Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI |
| SC / ST / PwBD / Women | ₹550 + 18% GST | Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI |
Note: The fee is non-refundable under any circumstances, including for duplicate or rejected applications. Payment must be made online after submitting the application form through the CASB portal.
Eligibility Criteria & Vacancies
The eligibility criteria differ substantially between the two posts. No state-wise or category-wise vacancy breakdown has been released in the notification; candidates are advised to check the official notification for vacancy details.
Agniveervayu Intake 02/2027 Eligibility
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Agniveervayu (Science & Non-Science Streams) |
| Vacancy Count | Check Official Notification |
| Age Limit | Born between 01 July 2005 and 01 January 2010 (both dates inclusive). Upper age at enrolment must not exceed 22 years. |
| Marital Status | Unmarried male and female candidates only. Undertaking not to marry during 4-year engagement required. Female candidates must also undertake not to become pregnant during engagement. |
| Educational Qualification (Science) | 10+2 with Maths, Physics & English (50% aggregate + 50% in English) OR 3-year Engineering Diploma (Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/Automobile/Computer Science/Instrumentation/IT) with 50% marks OR 2-year Vocational Course with Physics & Maths (50% marks). |
| Educational Qualification (Non-Science) | 10+2 in any stream (50% aggregate + 50% in English) OR 2-year Vocational Course (50% aggregate + 50% in English). |
| Domicile Category | Must select one at registration (Permanent Domicile, COAFP-I, COAFP-II). Cannot be changed later. |
Airmen Group Y Medical Assistant Intake 02/2027 Eligibility
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Post | Airmen Group Y Medical Assistant (Non-Technical) |
| Vacancy Count | Check Official Notification |
| Gender/Nationality | Male Indian citizens and Male Gorkha (Nepal) citizens only. |
| Age Limit (10+2 Route - Unmarried) | Born between 01 July 2006 and 01 July 2010. Upper age at enrolment: 21 years. |
| Age Limit (Diploma/Pharmacy Route - Unmarried) | Born between 01 July 2003 and 01 July 2008. Upper age at enrolment: 24 years. |
| Age Limit (Diploma/Pharmacy Route - Married) | Born between 01 July 2003 and 01 July 2006. Upper age at enrolment: 24 years. |
| Educational Qualification (10+2 Route) | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology & English (50% aggregate + 50% in English) or equivalent 2-year Vocational Course with same non-vocational subjects. |
| Educational Qualification (Diploma/Pharmacy Route) | 10+2 with PCB & English (50% aggregate, 50% English) PLUS Diploma/B.Pharma/B.Sc Pharmacy (50% marks) PLUS valid registration from State Pharmacy Council or PCI at time of enrolment. |
Selection Process & Exam Pattern
The selection process for both posts comprises three distinct phases. Candidates must qualify in each phase sequentially.
Phase I: Online Written Test (Exam Pattern)
| Post / Stream | Duration | Subjects | Marking Scheme |
|---|---|---|---|
| Agniveervayu (Science) | 60 minutes | Physics, Mathematics, English | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for unattempted. Must qualify in each subject. Marks normalized across sessions. |
| Agniveervayu (Non-Science) | 45 minutes | English, Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA) | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for unattempted. Must qualify in each subject. Marks normalized across sessions. |
| Agniveervayu (Both Streams) | 85 minutes | Physics, Mathematics, English, RAGA | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for unattempted. Must qualify in each subject. Marks normalized across sessions. |
| Airmen Medical Assistant | 45 minutes | English, Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA) | +1 for correct, -0.25 for wrong, 0 for unattempted. Must qualify in each subject. Marks normalized across sessions. |
Note: Science-eligible candidates may opt to appear for both Science and Non-Science papers in a single sitting (85 minutes).
Phase II: Physical Fitness Test (PFT) & Adaptability Tests
Candidates shortlisted from Phase I must report to the Airmen Selection Centre (ASC) for the Physical Fitness Test followed by two Adaptability Tests.
Physical Fitness Test Standards
| Test | Agniveervayu Male | Agniveervayu Female | Medical Assistant |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1.6 Km Run | Within 7 minutes | Within 8 minutes | 7 min (up to 21 yrs) / 7 min 30 sec (Diploma/Pharmacy) |
| Push-ups | 10 in 1 minute | Not Required | 10 in 1 minute |
| Sit-ups | 10 in 1 minute | 10 in 1 min 30 sec | 10 in 1 minute |
| Squats | 20 in 1 minute | 15 in 1 minute | 20 in 1 minute |
Adaptability Tests
- Adaptability Test-I: Written test assessing suitability for military life and Air Force environment.
- Adaptability Test-II: Written test assessing ability to adjust to Air Force working conditions and environments.
Phase III: Medical Examination
Candidates clearing Adaptability Test-II undergo a comprehensive medical examination by the Air Force Medical Team. The examination includes:
- Blood Haemogram
- Urine Tests
- Biochemistry Profile (Blood Sugar, Cholesterol, Kidney & Liver Function)
- Chest X-Ray
- ECG
Candidates declared unfit may appeal via an Appeal Medical Board by depositing ₹40.
Physical & Medical Standards (Height, Vision, Chest, etc.)
| Criteria | Agniveervayu | Medical Assistant |
|---|---|---|
| Min Height (Male) | 152 cms | 152 cms |
| Min Height (Female) | 152 cms (147 cms NE/Hilly Uttarakhand; 150 cms Lakshadweep) | Not Applicable |
| Visual Acuity | 6/12 each eye, correctable to 6/6 | 6/36 each eye, correctable to 6/6 |
| Refractive Error Limit | Hypermetropia +2.0D, Myopia -1D (incl. ±0.50D Astigmatism) | Not exceeding +3.50D incl. Astigmatism |
| Colour Vision | CP-II | CP-II |
| Chest (Male) | Min 77 cms with 5 cms expansion | Min 77 cms with 5 cms expansion |
| Chest (Female) | Min 5 cms expansion | N/A |
| Hearing | Forced whisper at 6 metres, each ear | Forced whisper at 6 metres, each ear |
| Dental | Min 14 dental points, healthy gums; orthodontic appliances/implants disqualifying | Same as Agniveervayu |
| LASIK/PRK | Not Accepted | Not Accepted |
| Tattoos | Restricted to inner forearm & back of hand only; offensive tattoos disqualifying | Same as Agniveervayu |
How to Apply Online
Applications must be submitted entirely online in two steps through the official CASB portal. Do not use any third-party websites.
- Visit the Official Portal: Go to the CASB recruitment portal (Official Website link provided in the Important Links table at the end).
- Step I - Registration: Click on the relevant notification link (Agniveervayu or Medical Assistant). Enter personal and contact details. Click "Generate OTP". Verify mobile number and email ID using the OTPs received.
- Agree & Submit: Agree to terms & conditions, re-verify details, and click "Submit". Your User ID and Password will be sent via email/SMS.
- Step II - Application Form: Log in using credentials. Click "Go To Application". Fill in personal, communication, and qualification details accurately.
- Upload Documents: Upload scanned copies of:
- Photograph (as per specs)
- Signature
- Parent's Signature (if candidate is under 18 years)
- Left Thumb Impression
- Live Photo Capture: Capture a live photo via webcam for face-match verification.
- Preview & Submit: Preview the entire form. Correct any errors. Click "Submit".
- Fee Payment: Pay the examination fee of ₹550 + 18% GST via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI.
- Print Confirmation: Print and retain a copy of the final submitted application form and fee receipt for future reference.
- Exam City Preference: Select five preferred examination cities during form filling.
Critical Notes:
- Once submitted, the application cannot be withdrawn.
- Fee is non-refundable.
- Mobile phones, smartwatches, and electronic devices are strictly prohibited in testing areas; violators face permanent debarment.
- No TA/DA is admissible for any stage.
- Requests for change of exam centre/date/medical centre will not be entertained.
Required Documents for Phase II Verification (Checklist)
Shortlisted candidates must carry original documents + self-attested photocopies to the ASC:
- Colour printout of Phase-II Admit Card and filled Application Form
- Eight passport-size colour photographs (same as registration)
- Matriculation (Class 10) Passing Certificate & Marksheet
- 10+2/Intermediate/Diploma/Vocational Passing Certificate & Marksheets
- Diploma/B.Pharma/B.Sc Pharmacy Certificate (Medical Assistant Diploma route only)
- Domicile/COAFP Certificate (Agniveervayu) or SOAFP Certificate (Medical Assistant), if applicable
- Original Phase-I Admit Card bearing Air Force seal and invigilator's signature
- NCC 'A'/'B'/'C' Certificate (if applicable)
- HB pencil, eraser, sharpener, glue stick, stapler, black/blue ball pen
- Note: DigiLocker-verified certificates are accepted if printout and accessible mobile device are carried for verification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. When will the IAF Agniveervayu 2026 online examination be conducted? A: The Indian Air Force will conduct the online examination on 22 and 23 September 2026 for both Agniveervayu Intake 02/2027 and Airmen Group Y Medical Assistant Intake 02/2027.
Q2. What is the application fee for IAF Recruitment 2026? A: Candidates must pay a non-refundable application fee of ₹550 plus 18% GST through online payment modes such as UPI, Debit Card, Credit Card, or Net Banking. The fee is the same for all categories (General, OBC, EWS, SC, ST, PwBD, Women).
Q3. Who can apply for IAF Agniveervayu Intake 02/2027? A: Unmarried male and female Indian citizens born between 01 July 2005 and 01 January 2010 (both dates inclusive) who meet the educational eligibility criteria (Science or Non-Science stream) can apply. Candidates must not exceed 22 years of age on the date of enrolment.
Q4. Who is eligible for Airmen Group Y Medical Assistant Recruitment 2026? A: Only male Indian citizens and male Gorkha candidates from Nepal are eligible. There are two routes: (1) 10+2 with PCB & English (50% aggregate & English) for unmarried candidates born 01 July 2006 – 01 July 2010 (max age 21 at enrolment); (2) Diploma/B.Pharma/B.Sc Pharmacy with PCI registration for unmarried (born 01 July 2003 – 01 July 2008) or married (born 01 July 2003 – 01 July 2006) candidates (max age 24 at enrolment).
Q5. What is the selection process for IAF Agniveervayu and Medical Assistant Recruitment 2026? A: The selection process consists of three phases: Phase-I Online Written Test (subject-wise qualifying with negative marking), Phase-II Physical Fitness Test (1.6 km run, push-ups, sit-ups, squats) followed by Adaptability Test-I and Adaptability Test-II, and Phase-III Detailed Medical Examination (blood, urine, biochemistry, X-ray, ECG). An Appeal Medical Board option exists for unfit candidates (₹40 deposit).
Important Links
| Link Name | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | [Click Here](https://iafrecruitment.edcil.co.in |