The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for the Agniveer Vayu recruitment under the Agnipath scheme for the intake 02/2026. This recruitment initiative invites applications from unmarried male and female Indian citizens who meet specific eligibility criteria and are seeking a career in the Indian Air Force under a four-year short-service engagement. The notification was published on June 25, 2025, and marks another opportunity for eligible youth to join the armed forces.
Overview of the Agniveer Vayu Scheme
The Agnipath scheme was introduced in 2022 as a major transformation in the recruitment process of the Indian armed forces. Under this initiative, candidates are enrolled as Agniveers for a period of four years. The program aims to enhance the youthful profile of the armed forces while allowing candidates to serve and gain skills that benefit both national security and their post-service careers. The current notification is for the 02/2026 batch of Agniveer Vayu in the Indian Air Force.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Notification Release | June 25, 2025 |
| Application Start Date | July 11, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | July 31, 2025 |
| Phase 1 Exam Date | From September 25, 2025 |
| Admit Card Release (tentative) | Around September 23, 2025 |
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit:
- Born between July 2, 2005, and January 2, 2009 (inclusive)
- Age: 17.5 to 21 years
Educational Qualification:
| Stream | Qualification |
|---|
| Science Subjects | 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics, and English with 50% aggregate and 50% in English |
| (OR) 3-year Engineering Diploma in relevant fields with 50% aggregate and 50% in English |
| Non-Science Subjects | 10+2 in any stream with 50% aggregate and 50% in English |
Marital Status:
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible
- Must remain unmarried during the four-year tenure
Physical and Medical Standards
Height Requirements:
- General: Minimum 152 cm
- Hill Areas: Minimum 147 cm
- Lakshadweep: Minimum 150 cm
Chest and Weight:
- Chest: Minimum expansion of 5 cm
- Weight: Proportionate to height and age
Other Medical Standards:
- Hearing: Normal (able to hear forced whisper from 6 meters)
- Dental: Healthy gums and minimum 14 dental points
- Vision: 6/12 each eye, correctable to 6/6
Selection Process
| Phase | Details |
|---|
| Phase I | Online Test based on stream (Science/Non-Science), 45-85 minutes duration |
| Phase II | Physical Fitness Test: 1.6 km run (6:30 min), 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, 20 squats |
| Adaptability I | Psychological test assessing adaptability to military environment |
| Adaptability II | Situational judgment test |
| Phase III | Medical Examination at designated IAF medical centers |
Salary and Benefits
| Year | Monthly Salary | In-hand Salary | Corpus Fund Contribution |
|---|
| 1st Year | ₹30,000 | ₹21,000 | ₹9,000 |
| 2nd Year | ₹33,000 | – | – |
| 3rd Year | ₹36,500 | – | – |
| 4th Year | ₹40,000 | – | – |
- Seva Nidhi: ₹11.71 lakh (tax-free)
- Insurance: ₹48 lakh life insurance (non-contributory)
- Other Benefits: Travel, ration, uniforms, skill certifications
Post-Service Opportunities
- Up to 25% may be retained in the regular Air Force based on performance and requirement
- Remaining Agniveers will receive skill certificate and Seva Nidhi
- Support for higher education, government jobs, and corporate hiring
Application Process
- Visit agnipathvayu.cdac.in
- Register with a valid email ID and mobile number
- Complete the application form with accurate details
- Upload scanned documents: photo, signature, thumb impression, mark sheets
- Pay exam fee of ₹550 + GST online
- Submit and download application for reference
Required Documents
- Recent passport-size photo and signature
- Left-hand thumb impression (scanned)
- Class 10 and 12/Diploma certificates
- Domicile certificate (if applicable)
- Category certificate (if applicable)
Conclusion
The Indian Air Force Agniveer Vayu Intake 02/2026 offers a well-defined path for young aspirants seeking to serve the nation while gaining valuable skills and experience. With a four-year tenure, competitive stipend, professional training, and future career support, this scheme opens numerous doors for candidates who meet the eligibility requirements and are committed to the discipline and values of the Indian armed forces. Applicants are advised to apply well before the deadline and prepare thoroughly for each phase of the selection process to maximize their chances of selection.
