AAI JE ATC 2026 –
Junior Executive Air Traffic Control Guide
Airports Authority of India recruits Junior Executives (Air Traffic Control) to manage India's airspace. The 2025 cycle saw 309 vacancies, CBT on 14 July 2025. The 2026 notification is awaited — start your preparation now.
1What is AAI JE ATC 2026?
The Airports Authority of India (AAI) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Civil Aviation, Government of India, responsible for creating, upgrading, maintaining, and managing civil aviation infrastructure across the country. As one of India's premier Miniratna Category-I Central PSUs, AAI recruits Junior Executives (Air Traffic Control) to manage safe and efficient aircraft movement in Indian airspace.
Air Traffic Controllers (ATCs) are the invisible heroes of aviation — they direct aircraft during takeoff, landing, and in-flight navigation, ensuring zero-collision operations across hundreds of Indian airports. This is a Group B, E-1 Grade post with exceptional pay, career growth, and job security.
2Current Status (May 2026)
2025 Cycle: Fully Closed
The 2025 recruitment cycle (Advt. 02/2025/CHQ) for 309 posts is fully complete. The CBT was held on 14 July 2025, CBT results released 1 September 2025, Voice Test and Medical Examination conducted September–November 2025, and the Final Result was declared on 6 April 2026. Selected candidates have received appointment offers via registered email.
2026 Cycle: Notification Awaited
The 2026 notification has not been released as of 24 May 2026. Keep checking aai.aero under the Recruitment section. Based on AAI's annual pattern, the notification is expected in the coming months. Aspirants should complete their Physics, Maths, and General Aptitude preparation in advance.
3Important Dates 2025–2026
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| AAI JE ATC 2025 – Notification Released (Advt. 02/2025/CHQ) | 📅 4 April 2025 | ✅ Confirmed |
| AAI JE ATC 2025 – Online Application Opens | 📅 25 April 2025 | ✅ Confirmed |
| AAI JE ATC 2025 – Application Last Date | 📅 24 May 2025 | ✅ Confirmed |
| AAI JE ATC 2025 – CBT Exam Date | 📅 14 July 2025 | ✅ Confirmed |
| AAI JE ATC 2025 – CBT Cut-off & Shortlist Result (536 candidates) | 📅 1 September 2025 | ✅ Confirmed |
| AAI JE ATC 2025 – Document Verification / Voice Test / Medical | 📅 September – November 2025 | ✅ Confirmed |
| AAI JE ATC 2025 – Final Result Declared (Advt. 02/2025/CHQ) | 📅 6 April 2026 | ✅ Confirmed |
| 🆕 AAI JE ATC 2026 – Notification Expected | 📅 2026 (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
| AAI JE ATC 2026 – Online Application | 📅 TBN | ⚠️ TBN |
| AAI JE ATC 2026 – CBT Exam (Tentative) | 📅 Mid-2026 (TBN) | ⚠️ TBN |
4Eligibility Criteria 2026
📋 Age Relaxation (as per Government norms)
| Category | Relaxation | Max Age (Effective) |
|---|---|---|
| General / EWS | None | 27 years |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | +3 years | 30 years |
| SC / ST | +5 years | 32 years |
| PwBD (General) | +10 years | 37 years |
| Regular AAI Employees (post-probation) | +10 years | 37 years |
⚠️ Final-year students can apply; degree certificate must be produced at Document Verification stage.
🏥 Medical Standards (ATC-Specific)
ATC is a safety-critical role — candidates must meet strict medical fitness standards before final appointment. Key requirements include:
Vision
Near and distant vision standards as per DGCA/AAI norms. Colour vision must be normal (no colour blindness).
Hearing
No significant hearing loss. Must be able to communicate clearly via radio/headset.
Mental Fitness
Psychological Assessment and Psychoactive Substances (drug) test are compulsory.
General Health
No chronic illness that could impair judgement or sustained attention during long shifts.
⚠️ Candidates who clear the CBT and Voice Test but fail the medical examination are disqualified. Start fitness preparation early.
5Vacancy Details
| Category | Vacancies (2025 Cycle) |
|---|---|
| Unreserved (UR) | 132 |
| EWS | 30 |
| OBC (Non-Creamy Layer) | 81 |
| SC | 45 |
| ST | 21 |
| PwBD (Horizontal – Cat C) | 7 |
| TOTAL | 309 |
💰 Application Fee (2025 Cycle)
6Exam Pattern (CBT)
The selection begins with a Computer Based Test (CBT) consisting of 120 objective-type questions to be solved in 120 minutes. There is no negative marking, so attempt all questions.
| Part | Subjects | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part A | English Language | 15 | 15 |
| General Intelligence & Reasoning | 15 | 15 | |
| General Aptitude / Numerical Aptitude | 15 | 15 | |
| General Knowledge / Awareness | 15 | 15 | |
| Part B | Physics | 30 | 30 |
| Mathematics | 30 | 30 | |
| TOTAL | 120 | 120 | |
🏁 Full Selection Process
Computer Based Test (CBT)
120 questions, 120 marks, 120 minutes. No negative marking.
Document Verification
Original certificates checked for eligibility compliance.
Voice Test
Candidates must have clear, intelligible English speech — critical for ATC duties.
Physical Medical Examination
Standard medical fitness including eyesight and hearing standards.
Psychological Assessment
Evaluates mental aptitude and situational awareness for air traffic roles.
Psychoactive Substances Test
Drug screening as per civil aviation regulatory requirements.
Background Verification
Police verification and document authenticity checks before final appointment.
7Detailed Syllabus
Part A — General Subjects (60 Marks)
English Language
General Intelligence & Reasoning
General Aptitude / Numerical Aptitude
General Knowledge / Awareness
Part B — Technical Subjects (60 Marks) — Graduation Level
Physics
Mathematics
8Salary & Career Growth
In addition to basic pay, AAI JE (ATC) employees receive Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Perquisites Allowance, Leave Travel Concession, Medical Benefits, and Contributory Provident Fund (CPF) as per AAI rules.
Career Progression
9How to Apply Online
When the 2026 notification is released, follow these steps to apply on aai.aero:
Visit the official AAI website: www.aai.aero → Recruitment section.
Click on the AAI JE ATC 2026 advertisement link and read the notification PDF carefully.
Register online: Enter your name, date of birth, email ID, and mobile number to generate login credentials.
Fill in the application form: Educational details, category, and exam centre preference.
Upload documents: Scanned photograph (passport size) and signature in the prescribed format.
Pay the application fee: ₹1,000 (General/OBC/EWS) via Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, or UPI. SC/ST/PwBD/Female candidates are exempt.
Submit the form and download the confirmation page for your records.
1012-Week Study Plan
Week 1–4
Build Technical Foundation
Cover Class 11 & 12 Physics (Mechanics, Electrostatics, Optics) and Mathematics (Calculus, Matrices, Vectors). Use H.C. Verma and R.D. Sharma as primary references.
Week 5–8
Aptitude & Reasoning Mastery
Solve 50+ Reasoning questions daily (Series, Coding, Analogy) and practice Numerical Aptitude (Time & Work, DI, Percentages). Timed drills of 30 mins/day.
Week 9–10
English & General Knowledge
Read one English newspaper daily. Build vocabulary via word lists. Start monthly Current Affairs capsule. Cover static GK (Capitals, Awards, Science).
Week 11–12
Mock Tests & Revision
Attempt 2 full-length mock tests per week. Analyse errors topic-wise. Revise Physics/Maths formulas daily. Final revision of all static GK notes.
11Best Books for AAI JE ATC
| Book | Author | Subject | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concepts of Physics (Vol. 1 & 2) | H.C. Verma | Physics | — |
| Mathematics for Class XI & XII | R.D. Sharma | Mathematics | — |
| A Modern Approach to Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning | R.S. Aggarwal | Reasoning | Buy |
| Objective General English | S.P. Bakshi | English | Buy |
| Lucent's General Knowledge | Lucent Publications | General Knowledge | Buy |
| AAI JE (ATC) 10 Practice Sets | Various / Arihant | Practice Sets | — |
12Free Online Resources
Physics Lectures – HC Verma Style (YouTube)
Class 11 & 12 Physics full playlist for AAI ATC preparation
Maths for AAI JE ATC (YouTube)
Calculus, Matrices, Vectors — graduate level preparation
Official AAI Recruitment Page
Check latest notifications, admit cards, and results on aai.aero
AAI JE ATC 2025 Notification PDF
Official Advt. No. 02/2025/CHQ with full details (via aai.aero)
13Expert Preparation Tips
Master Part B First — It's the Game Changer
Physics and Mathematics together carry 50% of total marks. Most shortlisted candidates score 55+ in Part B. Revise Class 11–12 NCERT Physics thoroughly, then move to HC Verma for problem-solving depth.
No Negative Marking = Attempt All 120
Unlike many competitive exams, AAI CBT carries zero penalty for wrong answers. Do not leave any question blank. Intelligent guessing on tough Physics questions alone can add 3–5 marks.
English Communication is a Separate Filter
Even if you clear the CBT, a poor Voice Test can end your candidacy. Start speaking English daily — discuss aviation news, practice pronunciation with news anchors, and record yourself.
Current Affairs: Last 6 Months is Enough
GK in Part A asks current events from the last 6 months. Prepare a monthly capsule from reliable sources. Focus on civil aviation news (new airports, UDAN scheme, aircraft accidents/policy).
Solve 2021–2023 Previous Year Papers
AAI ATC papers are publicly available. The question pattern is highly predictable. You will notice recurring Physics topics (Optics, Current Electricity) and Maths topics (Matrices, Integration). Prioritise high-frequency topics.