The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification for the recruitment of Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Eligible unmarried men and women candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT portal.
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 is one of the most prestigious defence examinations in India, offering candidates an opportunity to serve the nation as officers in the Indian Air Force. Selected candidates will undergo training at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad) and join courses commencing in July 2027.
AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026: Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Examination Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 |
| Course Commencing | July 2027 |
| Branches | Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Entry Type | Short Service Commission (SSC) / Permanent Commission (PC) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | https://afcat.cdac.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 June 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 02 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 01 July 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 01 July 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | August 2026 |
| AFCAT 02/2026 Exam Date | 29 & 30 August 2026 |
| Result Declaration | September 2026 |
| AFSB Interview | October–December 2026 |
| Training Commencement | July 2027 |
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
Entry-wise Vacancies
| Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 03 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 156 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 125 |
| NCC Special Entry (Flying) | 10% Seats |
| Total Vacancies | 284 Posts |
Note: The number of vacancies may change as per the requirements of the Indian Air Force.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | Nil |
Payment Mode
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
- Candidate must be an Indian citizen.
Age Limit (As on 01 July 2027)
Flying Branch
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
- Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA: Up to 26 Years.
Ground Duty Branches
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 26 Years.
Age relaxation is applicable as per official rules.
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
Candidates must have:
- Graduation in any discipline with at least 60% marks, and
- Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level with minimum 50% marks each.
OR
- BE/B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Technical)
Candidates should possess:
- BE/B.Tech degree with at least 60% marks in relevant disciplines.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Candidates must hold:
- Graduation/Post Graduation with minimum 60% marks in the relevant stream.
Selection Process
The AFCAT 02/2026 selection process consists of:
1. AFCAT Written Examination
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must qualify the online examination.
2. AFSB Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for the Air Force Selection Board Interview.
3. Document Verification
Original documents will be verified.
4. Medical Examination
Candidates must satisfy medical fitness standards prescribed by the IAF.
5. Final Merit List
The final selection is based on combined performance in AFCAT and AFSB.
AFCAT 02/2026 Exam Pattern
AFCAT Examination
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 27 | 81 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Exam Duration
- 2 Hours
Negative Marking
- +3 Marks for Correct Answer
- -1 Mark for Incorrect Answer
Salary and Benefits
During training, candidates will receive a Fixed Stipend of ₹56,100 per month.
After commissioning, officers receive salary under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix Level-10:
Pay Scale
₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month
Additional benefits include:
- Military Service Pay (MSP)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Flying Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Facilities
- Canteen Benefits
- Pensionary Benefits (as applicable)
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
Documents Required
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Class 10 Certificate
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Graduation Certificate
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhaar Card
- Valid Mobile Number
- Email ID
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment?
Step 1:
Visit the official AFCAT website:
https://afcat.cdac.in
Step 2:
Click on “AFCAT 02/2026 Registration”.
Step 3:
Complete the registration process.
Step 4:
Fill in personal, educational, and communication details.
Step 5:
Upload photograph and signature.
Step 6:
Pay the application fee.
Step 7:
Preview the application form carefully.
Step 8:
Submit the form.
Step 9:
Download and print the confirmation page.
Why Choose AFCAT?
Joining the Indian Air Force as an officer provides:
- Prestigious Defence Career
- Attractive Salary Package
- Leadership Opportunities
- Adventure and Professional Growth
- Job Security
- Nation-Building Responsibilities
- World-Class Training Facilities
Important Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Download Official Notification | Click Here |
| AFCAT Official Website | Click Here |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
Answer: The last date to submit the online application form is 01 July 2026 (11:30 PM).
Q2. How many vacancies are available under AFCAT 02/2026?
Answer: A total of 284 vacancies have been announced for various branches.
Q3. What is the AFCAT 02/2026 exam date?
Answer: The AFCAT examination is scheduled to be held on 29 and 30 August 2026.
Q4. What is the application fee for AFCAT?
Answer: Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry need to pay ₹550 + GST, while NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted.
Q5. What is the salary after selection?
Answer: Officers receive salary in the pay scale of ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month, along with allowances.
Q6. When will the training commence?
Answer: The training course will commence in July 2027 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal.