Introduction:
Agniveer Vayu Intake 02/2026 Indian Air Force Agniveer Vayu Intake 02/2026 Notification is out! Your complete guide to 2500+ vacancies. Check eligibility (Age 17.5-21 yrs), educational qualification (50% in 10+2), selection process, syllabus, and how to apply online at agnipathvayu.cdac.in before 31 July 2025.For many young Indians, the aspiration of donning a uniform and serving the country is a strong calling. It’s a calling that offers not merely a career, but a life of discipline, pride, and unmatched purpose. The Indian Air Force (IAF), being the air component of the Indian Armed Forces, stands for the ultimate of this dream—a force that brings together the latest technology with sheer grit.
The Agnipath Scheme reimagines this route, establishing a new entry framework for committed youth to be a part of the IAF as Agniveervayu. Agniveer Vayu Intake 02/2026 notification is your formal call to start this life-changing experience. It’s not merely a recruitment campaign; it’s an opportunity to be a part of a legendary organization, to push your boundaries, and to serve national security.
But with such opportunity comes a convoluted process and fierce competition. That is why this detailed guide is here to be your wingman. We will break down each of the clauses in the notification, interpret the jargon into actionable advice, and guide you through a strategic plan to help you sail through the selection process unscathed. Think of it as your mission briefing.
Part 1: The Agnipath Scheme and Agniveer Vayu Role
Before moving on to the eligibility, it is important to know what you are getting yourself into.
1.1. The Agnipath Scheme: A New Paradigm
The Agnipath Scheme is a revolutionary government program for inducting soldiers into the three forces.
It will generate a young, dynamic, and technologically capable army. New recruits under this scheme are referred to as Agniveers (“Agniveervayu” for the Air Force).
1.2. The Agniveervayu: A Tenure of Four Years You will be enrolled for four years. This is a contract of service, not permanent enrolment. This period will be a time of rigorous learning, skill acquisition, and contribution.
1.3. The Post-Tenure Future On completion of four years of service successfully:
· Best Will Be Retained: As per organizational needs and your performance, as many as 25% of the Agniveers from each batch will be retained to serve in the IAF as regulars in the traditional cadre.
· A Life Skill Certificate: Every exiting Agniveer will get an Agniveer Skill Certificate, a comprehensive document specifying the skills and strengths you developed in your service. This is an asset in the civilian employment market.
· Seva Nidhi Package: You will get a generous exit financial package, consisting of your own contribution and a similar matching contribution by the government (explained in detail later).
Part 2: Breaking Down the Eligibility Criteria – Are You Eligible?
This is the initial and most significant filter. Let’s deconstruct the non-negotiable criteria.
2.1. Nationality: You are required to be an unmarried Indian citizen.
2.2. Age Limit:
· You should have been born between 02 July 2005 and 02 January 2008 (both dates inclusive).
· This implies you should be between 17.5 and 21 years of age on the date of registration.
· Important Note: Even if you complete all the stages, you should not be more than 21 years of age at the time of admission.
2.3. Marital Status:
· Should remain unmarried on the day of admission.
· You should also promise not to get married for the whole period of your four-year service. If you do, you will be relieved from service.
Educational Qualifications:
There are Two Streams
Stream 1: Science Subjects You have to satisfyONE of the following:
· Have passed 10+2/Intermediate with Mathematics, Physics, and English with at least 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
· OR Have passed a three-year Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Automobile, Computer Science, Instrumentation Technology, IT) with at least 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English in the diploma course.
· OR Completed a two-year Vocational Course with non-vocational subjects of Physics and Mathematics, securing 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
Stream 2: Except for Science Subjects You need to satisfyONE of the following:
· Passed 10+2/Intermediate examination in any stream/arts/commerce with at least 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
· OR Completed a two-year Vocational Course with 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
Important Note: Your polytechnic or educational board should be affiliated with the Central/State Government or a UT Administration.
The Selection Process
– A Three-Tiered Crucible
The selection process is stern and aimed at selecting the best fit. It occurs in three phases.
Phase I: The Online Test
· The Admit Card: You will get it through an email 48-72 hours prior to the test. Download and take a print.
· What to Bring: Your printed admit card, blue/black pen, and original Aadhaar Card (or any other acceptable ID in exempted states).
· Exam Pattern:
· For Science Stream Candidates: 60-minute test on Physics, Mathematics, and English (on the basis of 10+2 CBSE syllabus).
· For Other-than-Science Stream Candidates: 45-minute test on English and Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA).
· Marking Scheme: +1 for a correct response, 0 for a question left unattempted, -0.25 for an incorrect answer.
· Normalization: Your scores will be “normalized” to take into consideration difficulty differences between different exam sessions. Shortlisting for Phase II will be done on these normalized marks.
Phase II: The AFSB Testing (The Stern Test)
If you pass Phase I, you will be invited to an Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) centre, depending on your selected domicile.
· What to Take with You (The Kit List is of the UTmost Importance):
· Colour copies of your Phase II Admit Card and your final application form.
· Original and 4 self-certified photocopies of ALL documents:
· 10th Class Certificate and Mark Sheet (for proof of DOB).
· Final Certificates of 10+2/Diploma/Vocational Course and ALL mark sheets.
· Domicile Certificate OR COAFP Certificate (This is compulsory. We’ll discuss this below).
· NCC Certificate (if applicable).
· 8 passport-size identical colour photographs.
· Stationery: HB pencil, eraser, sharpener, glue stick, stapler, pens.
· Your Phase I Admit Card (signed and sealed by the invigilator).
· The Tests at AFSB:
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT):
· 1.6 Km Run: To be done in 7 minutes (Men) / 8 minutes (Women).
· PFT-II (After a break of 10 minutes):
· For Men: 10 Push-ups, 10 Sit-ups, and 20 Squats, each within a 1-minute time frame.
· For Women: 10 Sit-ups (1.5 mins) and 15 Squats (1 min). - Adaptability Test-I: An objective written test to assess your suitability for IAF life.
- Adaptability Test-II: A broader test to assess your capacity to adapt to the military lifestyle.
Phase III: Medical Examination
Shortlisted candidates will face a comprehensive medical examination from an IAF medical team. The criteria are stringent and involve:
· Physical measurements (Height, Weight, Chest, etc.)
· Eye and ear exams in detail.
· Blood Tests, Urine Tests, ECG, Chest X-Ray.
· Ultrasound for lady candidates.
· Appeal Process: In case you are declared unfit, you can appeal for ₹40 by submitting an Application Medical Board (AMB) within three days.
Part 4: The Domicile Puzzle – Knowing Your Category
This is an unusual and important part of this recruitment. Your merit is connected with your domicile.
4.1. What is Domicile? It is your permanent residency in a particular State or Union Territory(UT).
4.2. The Three Categories (You have to select ONE):
- Permanent Domicile: You are a resident of a specific State/UT. You require a Domicile Certificate from a Gazetted Officer in the Revenue Department.
- Children of Serving Air Force Personnel (COAFP): If your father or mother is serving in the IAF in that State/UT currently. You require a COAFP Certificate.
- Children of Ex Air Force Personnel: If your parent was a one-year serving Air Force personnel in that State/UT.
You require corresponding service documents.
Why it Matters: Vacancies are distributed state-wise. Your merit list will be drawn against the vacancies in your selected domicile category. You can’t change it later.
Part 5: Life as an Agniveervayu – Terms, Pay, and Benefits
5.1. Engagement Term: Four years. 5.2. Pay & Allowances (Yearly Package): ₹6.06 Lakhs in the first year to ₹6.92 Lakhs in the fourth year. This is distributed as:
· Customised Package (Monthly): ₹30,000 (1st Year) to ₹40,500 (4th Year).
· In-Hand (Monthly): ₹21,000 (1st Year) to ₹28,000 (4th Year).
· Contribution to Seva Nidhi Corpus: The remaining amount is equally contributed by you and the government to an investment fund.
5.3. Seva Nidhi Package on Exit: After 4 years,you will get the total corpus amount (your contribution + government’s contribution + interest). This will be around ₹11.71 Lakhs, which is tax-free.
5.4. Other Benefits:
· Life Insurance Cover: A non-contributory insurance cover of ₹48 Lakhs.
· Leave: 30 days annual leave per year.
· Medical Facilities: Free medical attention for you during service.
· Canteen (CSD) Facilities: Eligibility to purchase items from Canteen shops.
5.5. What is NOT Offered:
· No Pension: Agniveers are not entitled to pensionary benefits.
· No Ex-Servicemen Status: Those who leave after 4 years will not be regarded as ex-servicemen.
Part 6: The Application Process – A Step-by-Step Guide
- Portal: Apply ONLY at https://agnipathvayu.cdac.in
- Dates: 11 July 2025 through 31 July 2025. Do not wait till the last day.
- Scanned Documents Ready: Keep these ready in the given size (usually 10-100 KB):
· Passport Photo (recent, with a slate displaying your name and date).
· Left Thumb Impression.
· Signature.
· Parent’s/Guardian’s Signature (in case you are below 18 years).
· Class 10 Certificate.
· Domicile/COAFP Certificate.
· Educational Mark Sheets. - Payment of Fee: Pay ₹550 + GST through online payment using debit/credit card or net banking.
- Final Check: Before submission, CHECK EVERY detail. Data entered is irreversible and cannot be modified.
Part 7: A Strategic Roadmap for Preparation
7.1. For the Online Test (Phase I):
· Science Stream: Study NCERT 10+2 syllabus for Physics and Math. For English, practice English grammar, comprehension, and vocabulary.
· Other-than-Science Stream: Practice Reasoning puzzles (syllogism, coding-decoding, series) and General Awareness (current affairs, particularly defense, sports, awards, and basic science).
· Practice Mock Tests: This is non-negotiable. Get used to the computer-based test pattern, learn time management, and master the art of intelligent guessing to minimize negative marking.
7.2. For the PFT (Phase II):
· Begin training immediately. Don’t wait for the admit card.
· Run at a regular pace to develop endurance for the 1.6 km run.
· Perform the same exercises (push-ups, sit-ups, squats) every day, adhering to the technique videos provided on the official website.
7.3. For the Adaptability Test:
· Keep yourself updated with current affairs, primarily national and international news.
· Improve your communication skills and logic reasoning.
· Attain a positive, confident, and calm attitude.
Part 8: Beyond the Brochure – The Realities of Agniveer Life
The notification provides the facts, but understanding the day-to-day reality is crucial for making an informed decision.
8.1. The Training Crucible: It’s All About More Than Push-Ups After selection, you will spend your initial months undergoing a tough training schedule. It is not physical training; it is a complete overhaul.
· Military Training: You are taught drill, weapon handling, field craft, and the fundamental values of the Indian Air Force—discipline, integrity, and service before self.
· Technical Training: Based on your stream and prospective trade, you get specially trained on IAF systems, technologies, and techniques. This is where the “Skill Certificate” starts to get molded.
· Mental Fortitude: Training is intended to challenge you beyond your self-imposed limits. It instills teamwork, grit, and the skill to deliver under tremendous pressure—a trait worth having in any profession.
8.2. Deployment and Posting: Life of an Agniveer After training, you will be deployed to a working IAF base.
· Diverse Jobs: You may be on the technical staff maintaining fighter jets, handling ground support equipment, in air defense jobs, or in critical administrative tasks. The IAF will allot tasks depending upon organizational requirements.
· Deployment: Expect postings in diverse terrains and weather, ranging from high-altitude air bases in the Himalayas to coastal stations. This exposure is a distinguishing feature of the job that toughens you and makes you adaptable.
· Work Culture: You will be part of a hierarchical organization where discipline comes first. Yet it is also a culture that encourages camaraderie, mentorship, and a sense of belonging to an elite group.
8.3. The 25% Question: Navigating the Path to Permanence The mere idea of just 25% being retained is a foremost fear for most. Here’s how to negotiate it:
· Performance is Everything: Your entire four-year stint is a test. Magnificence in the duties assigned to you, a clean bill of health in terms of discipline, and a can-do mindset when it comes to learning and responsibility are unassailable.
· Above and Beyond the Job: Join sports, extracurricular activities, and any other courses in addition to the ones mentioned. Demonstrate leadership potential and dedication to the IAF philosophy. The selectors want balanced individuals who have the Air Force spirit.
· Have a Contingency Plan: Accept the Agnipath model for what it is—a four-year career opportunity to serve and develop skills. Think ahead. Utilize your leisure time productively. The IAF has stated that Agniveers will be permitted to appear for exams like NDA/AFCAT (up to 3 attempts) during their service. This is a golden opportunity to try for a commission as an officer. Simultaneously, research other career options where your IAF experience and skill certificate will be an advantage.
Part 9: The Document Checklist – Your Ticket to Phase II
A lost or misplaced document can cut short your journey. Take this list seriously.
9.1. The Non-Negotiable Originals (With 4 Self-Attested Copies):
· Matriculation/Class 10 Certificate: The foundation document for establishing your name, your parent’s name, and your date of birth.
· Matriculation/Class 10 Mark Sheet: If you are a Diploma/Vocational course holder and English was not a subject in your course.
· Intermediate/10+2 OR Diploma OR Vocational Course:
· Final Passing Certificate
· All Semester/Year Mark Sheets: Don’t take just the final year marksheet. You require the entire set.
· Domicile Certificate OR COAFP Certificate: This is your Most Important category document. Make sure it is on the right government format, dated, and signed by the proper authorized signatory with a seal.
· NCC Certificate (If issued): Should bear a serial number, round seal, and the photo should be signed by the issuing authority.
· Aadhaar Card: Your main photo ID throughout the process.
9.2. Special Scenarios:
· In case You Are Serving in another Government Job: You MUST produce a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your employer during Phase II.
· If You Are a Former Employee: You have to disclose it and bring your original discharge certificate. Concealing it will result in disqualification immediately, even if selected.
· If Your Originals Are With Your College/School: You might be permitted to appear with photocopies only if you also produce a certificate from the Principal that the originals are lodged with them. You would, however, be issued “CSV” (Certificate Subject to Verification) status and need to produce the originals to the AFSB within a month.
9.3. The Photograph: More Than Just a Picture The requirement to hold a slate is specific and for a reason—it prevents fraud and ensures the photo is recent.
· Follow the Instructions Precisely: Light background, no face masks, no headgear (except for Sikhs). The name and date must be clearly visible.
· Don’t Change Your Looks: If you arrive with a beard or new hairstyle and appear very different from your picture, your application can be withdrawn. Have your haircut prior to the photo shoot.
Part 10: The Medical Test – Preparing for the Rigorous Screening
The IAF medical is notoriously thorough. Being healthy is not sufficient; you need to be medically perfect in their opinion.
10.1. Normal Reasons for Rejection (What to Be Aware Of):
· Vision: Uncorrected vision requirements are severe. Poor color vision, squint, or some eye diseases can be disqualifying.
· Dental Health: Unsound dental health with cavities, tartar, or gum disease can be a temporary disqualification. Have a dental check-up and cleaning done prior to reporting for the medical.
· Ears: Ear wax impaction is avoidable and a prevalent problem. Have your ears cleaned by a doctor prior to the exam.
· Physique: Being seriously underweight or overweight for your height and age can be an issue. Begin working now towards attaining a balanced BMI.
· Surgical History: Previous surgeries, particularly for hernias, piles, or any major joint procedure, will be examined closely. Carry all relating medical records.
· Skin Conditions: Severe psoriasis, large tattoos (over the limits allowed), or vitiligo to a certain degree can be grounds for disqualification.
10.2. The Appeal Process (AMB): If found unfit,don’t panic straight away. The Appeal Medical Board (AMB) is your entitlement.
· Be Quick: You only have three working days to apply.
· Adhere to Procedure: Pay the ₹40 fee properly (through e-MRO/MRO in a government treasury) and present the application along with the necessary copies to the AFSB representative.
· Control Expectations: The AMB’s ruling is final. No second review or representation can be done after this.
Part 11: The Final Obstacles – Provisional Select List and Enrollment
11.1. The Waiting Game Jitters: The Provisional Select List (PSL)
· The PSL will be posted on 15 May 2026 on the website and in AFSB centres.
· Inclusion is Not Guarantee: Being on the PSL puts you in the zone of consideration, but admission is subject to your rank in the state-wise merit list, medical fitness, and vacancies available in your domicile category.
· The Waitlist: The PSL is six months valid. Candidates can be called from the list if the candidate who are higher up on the list fail the medical or turn down the offer.
11.2. The Call-Up: Enrollment
· The final list of enrolment will be brought out on 01 June 2026.
· You will be sent an e-Call Letter. This is it.
· You will have to report for registration, where you will sign your contract in writing and embark on your career as an Agniveervayu.
Conclusion:
A Transformative Opportunity Awaits
The journey to becoming an Agniveer Vayu is challenging by nature. It is intended to sort the serious from the unserious. This notice is not an advertisement for applications; it is an advertisement for individuals who possess physical endurance to pass the PFT, mental acuity to pass the examinations, organizational aptitude to keep their papers in order, and toughness to withstand the stresses of army life.
The four-year stint is a dense, concentrated package of service, skill, and savings. It provides an opportunity to service national security, gain the best technical and soft skills, and create a financial base for your future, while donning the elitist uniform of the Indian Air Force.
Your preparations have to begin today. It begins with a strict study routine, a committed fitness program, and a meticulous process of compiling your documents. This is your mission. strategize it, plan for it, and deliver it perfectly. The sky is not the limit; it’s your territory.
Your Journey to the Skies Begins on the Ground
The notification for Agniveer Vayu Intake 02/2026 is your call to action. It outlines a path that demands physical vigor, mental sharpness, and unwavering determination. The process is long and challenging, but the reward—the chance to serve in the Indian Air Force—is immeasurable.
Start your engines today. Carefully check your eligibility, collect your documents, and start a rigorous preparation routine. This is not merely about passing an exam; it’s about preparing yourself for a life of excellence.
Disclaimer:
This blog is a guide drawn up from the official advertisement. It is intended for information only. Candidates should definitely consult the official website https://agnipathvayu.cdac.in for the best, complete, and latest information. The Indian Air Force’s decision on all issues will be final.
