IAF Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released by the Indian Air Force (IAF) under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India . The IAF has issued Advertisement No. 01/2026 inviting applications for 47 Group ‘C’ Civilian posts including Lower Division Clerk (LDC), Hindi Typist, and Civilian Mechanical Transport Driver (CMTD) across various Air Force Stations and Commands .
The application process is offline and the window opened with the publication in Employment News (2–8 May 2026) . The last date to submit applications is 30 days from the publication date (approximately 01 June 2026) . Selected candidates will be placed under Level-2 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix with a salary scale of ₹19,900 to ₹63,200 plus allowances .
In this article, you will get complete details about the job profile, eligibility criteria, salary structure, selection process, step-by-step application guide, required documents, important dates, and frequently asked questions. Whether you are a 12th pass candidate or a skilled driver, this guide covers everything you need to know before applying for these IAF civilian posts.
An Overview Of The IAF Recruitment 2026
The IAF Recruitment 2026 is a direct recruitment drive for Group ‘C’ Civilian posts at various Air Force Stations/Units under multiple Commands including Maintenance Command, Training Command, Central Air Command, Western Air Command, Eastern Air Command, South Western Air Command, Southern Air Command, and Independent Units . These posts are essential for the smooth administrative and operational functioning of Air Force establishments across India .
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | IAF Group C Civilian Recruitment 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF), Ministry of Defence |
| Advertisement No. | 01/2026 |
| Posts | LDC, Hindi Typist, CMTD (Driver) |
| Total Vacancies | 47 |
| Application Mode | Offline (By Post) |
| Pay Scale | Level-2 as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix (₹19,900–₹63,200) |
| Job Type | Central Government Jobs |
| Service Liability | All India Service Liability |
| Official Website | indianairforce.nic.in |
Requirements and Eligibility Criteria Of The IAF Job
To apply for IAF Recruitment 2026, candidates must meet specific eligibility conditions related to nationality, age, education, and physical fitness. These criteria ensure that only suitable candidates are selected for these critical support roles.
Nationality
- Must be a citizen of India .
- Selected candidates will be subject to All India Service Liability .
Age Limit
- Minimum Age: 18 years
- Maximum Age: 25 years
- The crucial date for determining age is the last date of receipt of application .
Age Relaxation
- OBC: 3 years (up to 28 years)
- SC/ST: 5 years (up to 30 years)
- PwBD: 10 years with additional 5 years for SC/ST and 3 years for OBC
- Ex-Servicemen: Relaxation for full period of continuous service in Armed Forces (minimum 6 months)
- Departmental Employees: Up to 40 years (45 years for SC/ST)
Important Note on Relaxation
- SC/ST/OBC candidates applying against unreserved posts are not entitled to any relaxation in age limit or experience .
Educational Qualifications Of The IAF Job
Educational qualifications vary based on the post applied for. All qualifications must be from recognized boards or institutions.
For Lower Division Clerk (LDC)
- 12th Class pass from a recognized Board .
- Typing speed: 35 words per minute (wpm) in English or 30 wpm in Hindi on computer .
- 35 wpm and 30 wpm correspond to 10,500 KDPH/9,000 KDPH on an average of 5 key depressions for each word .
- Time allowed for typing test: 10 minutes .
For Hindi Typist
- 12th Class pass from a recognized Board .
- Typing speed: 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi on computer .
- Same KDPH standards as LDC apply .
For Civilian Mechanical Transport Driver – Ordinary Grade (CMTD)
- Matriculation pass or equivalent qualification from a recognized board or university .
- Must hold a valid Civil Driving Licence for light and heavy vehicles .
- Must possess professional skill in driving and knowledge of motor mechanism .
- Minimum two years’ experience in driving motor vehicles .
PwBD Typing Exemption
- As per DoPT OM No. 14020/1/2014-Estt. (D) dated 22 April 2015, PwBD candidates who are otherwise qualified to hold clerical posts and are certified as being unable to type may be exempted from the typing test subject to furnishing Medical Certificate in prescribed format as Annexure-II .
Selection Process Of The IAF Job
The selection process for IAF Recruitment 2026 is multi-staged and designed to assess both theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for the respective posts .
Stage 1: Written Examination
- A written examination carrying full weightage will be conducted .
- The exam assesses:
- General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Numerical Aptitude
- General English
- General Awareness
- Subject-specific knowledge
Exam Pattern (Expected)
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 25 | 25 |
| Numerical Aptitude | 25 | 25 |
| General English | 25 | 25 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 25 |
| Total | 100 | 100 |
- Duration: 2 hours
- Negative Marking: As per standard government exam norms
Stage 2: Skill/Practical/Physical Test (Qualifying Nature)
- Candidates who qualify the written exam will undergo post-specific tests :
- LDC and Hindi Typist: Typing test on computer (35 wpm English or 30 wpm Hindi)
- CMTD (Driver): Driving assessment to test practical driving skills, knowledge of motor mechanism, and vehicle handling
Stage 3: Document Verification
- Shortlisted candidates must produce all original documents for verification :
- Educational qualification certificates
- Date of Birth proof
- Caste/category certificate (if applicable)
- Driving licence and experience certificate (for CMTD)
- PwBD certificate (if applicable)
- Self-attested copies of all annexures attached with application
Stage 4: Medical Examination
- Final appointment is subject to successful completion of medical fitness test as per IAF standards .
Important Selection Notes
- The Air Officer Commanding/Station Commander has the right to change the number of vacancies/reservation status at any time before selection .
- There will be simultaneous conduct of test for all categories .
- No TA/DA will be paid to attend the written test/skill/practical/physical test .
- The responsibility of deciding the category for which the candidate would like to appear will be the choice of the applicant .
Step By Step Process How To Apply The IAF Job
The application process for IAF Recruitment 2026 is completely offline. No online applications are accepted.
Offline Mode of Applying
Step-by-Step Offline Application Process:
- Download the Application Form: Download the prescribed Application Proforma (Annexure-I) from the Employment News issue dated 2–8 May 2026 or from the official IAF website .
- Fill the Application Form: Fill the form in English or Hindi using block letters .
- Affix Photograph: Affix a recent passport-size photograph (self-attested) on the application form .
- Attach Documents: Enclose self-attested copies of all required documents:
- Educational qualification certificates
- Date of Birth / Birth Certificate
- Caste certificate (SC/ST/OBC) issued by competent civil authority
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate valid for FY 2026-27 (based on FY 2025-26 income)
- PwBD Disability Certificate (if applicable), including Medical Certificate (Annexure-II) for typing test exemption
- Ex-serviceman discharge book photocopy (if applicable)
- Experience certificate (for CMTD post)
- Technical qualification certificates (if applicable)
- Domicile certificate
- Self-Addressed Envelope: Enclose a self-addressed envelope with ₹10 stamps pasted .
- Separate Applications: Submit separate applications for each post if applying for more than one role .
- Envelope Labeling: Clearly mention on the envelope: “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF ______ AND CATEGORY ______” .
- Send by Post: Send the completed application by post to the respective Air Force Station/Unit as mentioned in the official notification .
- Ensure Before Deadline: The application must reach within 30 days from the date of publication in Employment News (approximately by 01 June 2026) .
Important Instructions:
- Applications received prior to the publication date or after the closing date will be rejected .
- IAF will not be held responsible for any postal delay .
- The centre for examination/skill test may be different from the place to which the application was sent .
- Candidates must bring original certificates and copies of annexure at the time of skill/practical test .
- The crucial date for determining validity of documents is on or before the last date of receipt of application .
Online Process
There is no online application process for IAF Group C Civilian Recruitment 2026. All applications must be submitted offline by post only .
Syllabus Required to Write The IAF Job Exam
The IAF Recruitment 2026 written examination covers multiple subjects to assess the candidate’s general aptitude and awareness. The expected syllabus includes:
General Intelligence and Reasoning
- Analogies
- Similarities and Differences
- Spatial Visualization
- Spatial Orientation
- Problem Solving
- Analysis
- Judgment
- Decision Making
- Visual Memory
- Discrimination
- Observation
- Relationship Concepts
- Arithmetical Reasoning
- Figural Classification
- Arithmetic Number Series
- Non-Verbal Series
- Coding and Decoding
- Statement Conclusion
- Syllogistic Reasoning
Numerical Aptitude
- Number Systems
- Computation of Whole Numbers
- Decimals and Fractions
- Relationship between Numbers
- Fundamental Arithmetical Operations
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Average
- Interest
- Profit and Loss
- Discount
- Use of Tables and Graphs
- Mensuration
- Time and Distance
- Ratio and Time
- Time and Work
General English
- Spot the Error
- Fill in the Blanks
- Synonyms/Homonyms
- Antonyms
- Spellings/Detecting Mis-spelt words
- Idioms & Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Improvement of Sentences
- Active/Passive Voice of Verbs
- Conversion into Direct/Indirect Narration
- Shuffling of Sentence Parts
- Shuffling of Sentences in a Passage
- Cloze Passage
- Comprehension Passage
General Awareness
- Current Events (National and International)
- History
- Culture
- Geography
- Economic Scene
- General Polity
- Indian Constitution
- Scientific Research
- Sports
- Defence and Military Affairs
Application Fee And Total Vacancies
The IAFRecruitment 2026 offers a limited but valuable number of vacancies across multiple Commands. The best part is that no application fee is required, making it accessible to all eligible candidates.
Command-Wise Vacancy Breakdown
| Command / Unit | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| HQ Maintenance Command, IAF | 14 |
| HQ Training Command, IAF | 05 |
| HQ Central Air Command, IAF | 03 |
| HQ Western Air Command, IAF | 06 |
| HQ Eastern Air Command, IAF | 06 |
| HQ South Western Air Command, IAF | 05 |
| HQ Southern Air Command, IAF | 01 |
| Independent Units, IAF | 07 |
| Grand Total | 47 |
Post-Wise Vacancy Distribution
| Post Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Lower Division Clerk (LDC) | 37 |
| Hindi Typist | 10 |
| Civilian Mechanical Transport Driver (CMTD) | 03 |
Application Fee Structure
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | Nil |
| SC / ST / PwBD | Nil |
| All Candidates | No Fee |
Note: While there is no application fee, candidates must attach a self-addressed envelope with ₹10 stamps pasted along with the application .
Required Documents To Apply For This Job
Candidates must keep the following documents ready before filling the offline application form. All documents should be self-attested (signed by the candidate) unless specified otherwise.
- Aadhaar Card
- 10th Class (Matriculation) Certificate and Marksheet
- 12th Class Certificate and Marksheet (for LDC and Hindi Typist posts)
- Typing Speed Certificate (if available)
- Driving Licence (for CMTD post — light and heavy vehicles)
- Driving Experience Certificate (minimum 2 years for CMTD)
- Date of Birth Proof (10th/12th Certificate)
- Caste Certificate (SC/ST/OBC — from competent civil authority)
- EWS Income & Asset Certificate (valid for FY 2026-27)
- PwBD Disability Certificate (if applicable)
- Medical Certificate in Annexure-II (for PwBD typing exemption)
- Ex-Serviceman Discharge Book (if applicable)
- Domicile Certificate
- Recent Passport-size Photographs (2 copies — one affixed on form, one enclosed)
- Self-Addressed Envelope with ₹10 stamps pasted
- Identity Proof (Voter ID, PAN Card, etc.)
Tip: Use only clear and legible photocopies. Blurred or unclear documents may lead to rejection of the application.
Important Dates
Candidates should strictly adhere to the following dates. Late applications will not be accepted under any circumstances.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Publication (Employment News) | 02 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 02 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Submit Application | 01 June 2026 (approximately — 30 days from publication) |
| Written Examination Date | To be announced |
| Skill/Practical Test Date | To be announced |
| Document Verification Date | To be announced |
| Final Result | To be announced |
Important: The exact last date is 30 days from the publication date in Employment News. Candidates should verify the exact date from the official notification .
Salary Structure
IAF offers a structured pay scale for Group C Civilian posts with regular increments and allowances as per Central Government norms.
- Pay Scale: Level-2 as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix (₹19,900 – ₹63,200)
- Starting Basic Pay: ₹19,900 per month
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per current Central Government rates
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on posting location (X, Y, or Z city category)
- Transport Allowance (TPTA): As per 7th CPC norms
- Other Allowances: As admissible under Central Government rules
- Annual Increment: 3% of basic pay
- Medical Benefits: CGHS coverage for self and dependents
- Pension: Under NPS (National Pension System)
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC): As per Central Government rules
- Children Education Allowance: As per government norms
What Are The Benefits Of The Job
Working with the Indian Air Force as a Group C Civilian employee offers numerous benefits beyond the monthly salary.
- Central Government Job Security: Permanent positions with full job protection under government rules.
- Prestigious Organization: Association with the Indian Air Force, one of the most respected defence forces in the world.
- All India Service Exposure: Opportunity to serve at various Air Force Stations across India.
- Structured Career Growth: Promotion opportunities to higher levels as per MACP (Modified Assured Career Progression) scheme.
- Medical Facilities: Comprehensive health coverage under CGHS for self and family.
- Pension and Retirement Benefits: NPS contribution ensuring financial security after retirement.
- Fixed Working Hours: Typically 9 AM to 5:30 PM with weekends off.
- Public Holidays: All Central Government-declared holidays.
- Leave Benefits:
- Casual Leave (CL): 8 days per year
- Earned Leave (EL): 30 days per year
- Half Pay Leave (HPL): 20 days per year
- Commuted Leave: As per rules
- Maternity Leave: 180 days for women employees
- Paternity Leave: 15 days for men employees
- Medical Leave: As per medical advice
- Special Casual Leave for sports, cultural, and NCC activities
- Training Opportunities: Regular government-sponsored training programs for skill enhancement.
- Housing Facility: Government quarters or HRA at all posting locations.
- Uniform Allowance: For eligible categories.
Important Links & Notification Pdfs
All candidates are strongly advised to use only official government websites for downloading notifications and application forms.
| Resource | Official Link |
|---|---|
| Indian Air Force Official Website | indianairforce.nic.in |
| Ministry of Defence Portal | mod.gov.in |
| Employment News Official Website | employmentnews.gov.in |
| Official Notification PDF (Advt No. 01/2026) | Available on indianairforce.nic.in |
Note: Only trust links ending with .gov.in or .nic.in. Do not pay any fee or share personal information on unofficial websites.
Frequently Asked Questions About The IAF Job
What is the official website for IAF Recruitment 2026?
The official website is indianairforce.nic.in .
How many vacancies are available in IAF Recruitment 2026?
A total of 47 vacancies have been announced for LDC, Hindi Typist, and CMTD posts across various Commands .
What is the salary for IAF Group C Civilian posts?
The pay scale is Level-2 as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix (₹19,900–₹63,200) plus allowances .
What is the last date to apply for IAF Recruitment 2026?
The last date is approximately 01 June 2026 (30 days from the publication date in Employment News) .
Is there any application fee for IAF Group C Recruitment?
No, there is no application fee. However, candidates must attach a self-addressed envelope with ₹10 stamps .
What is the age limit for IAF Group C posts?
The age limit is 18 to 25 years, with relaxations for OBC (3 years), SC/ST (5 years), and PwBD (10 years) .
What is the educational qualification for LDC and Hindi Typist posts?
Candidates must have passed 12th Class with typing speed of 35 wpm in English or 30 wpm in Hindi on computer .
What is the selection process for IAF Group C Recruitment?
The selection involves a written examination followed by qualifying skill/practical tests (typing for LDC/Typist, driving test for CMTD) .
Can I apply online for IAF Group C Recruitment 2026?
No, the application process is offline only. You must send the application by post to the concerned Air Force Station .
What is the qualification for CMTD (Driver) posts?
Candidates must have passed Matriculation, hold a valid driving licence for light and heavy vehicles, and have minimum 2 years of driving experience .
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