AFCAT 02/2026
INDIAN AIR FORCE RECRUITMENT
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Batch Recruitment notification has been officially released by the Indian Air Force (Bhartiya Vayu Sena) on its official website for a total of 142 Vacancies across Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical, NCC Special Entry, Meteorology and GATE Score Entry. Eligible unmarried male and female candidates can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026. The written examination is scheduled for 08 August 2026. Check complete eligibility, age limit, vacancy breakdown, selection process, application fee, salary, training details and direct apply online link below.
VACANCY OVERVIEW
| Recruitment Name | AFCAT 02/2026 Batch Recruitment |
|---|---|
| Conducted By | Indian Air Force (Bhartiya Vayu Sena) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
| Batch / Cycle | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 142 Posts (Male & Female) |
| Course Commencing | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | All India |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
IMPORTANT DATES
| Online Apply Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
|---|---|
| Online Apply Last Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Last Date To Pay Exam Fee | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam Date |
| Result Declaration | Will Be Updated Soon |
APPLICATION FEE
| All Category Candidates | ₹ 550/- |
|---|---|
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee (As per official rules) |
| Payment Mode | Online — Debit Card / Credit Card / Internet Banking / IMPS / Cash Card / Mobile Wallet |
AGE LIMIT (AS ON 01 JULY 2027)
| Flying Branch — Age Criteria | 20 to 24 Years (Born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive) |
|---|---|
| Ground Duty (Tech / Non-Tech) | 20 to 26 Years (Born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive) |
| NCC Special Entry | Age relaxation as per official AFCAT regulations |
| Marital Status | Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried |
POST-WISE VACANCY BREAKDOWN
✈️ AFCAT — Flying Branch
🛠️ Ground Duty Technical — AE(L) & AE(M)
📋 Ground Duty Non-Tech — Admin
📦 Ground Duty Non-Tech — LGS (Logistics)
💰 Ground Duty Non-Tech — Accounts
📚 Ground Duty Non-Tech — Education
⚔️ Ground Duty Non-Tech — WS Branch
🌦️ Meteorology Entry
🎖️ NCC Special Entry — Flying
🎓 GATE Score Entry — GD Technical
🎯 GRAND TOTAL — 142 OFFICER VACANCIES
BRANCH-WISE ELIGIBILITY
| AFCAT Entry — Flying Branch | Must have mandatorily passed with Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level. Along with this, any of the following parameters are required: • Graduation with minimum 3 years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University. • OR BE/B Tech degree (4 years course) from a recognized University. |
|---|---|
| Ground Duty Technical — AE (Electronics) | Must have passed with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. Along with this, must possess any of the following: • A minimum of 4 years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology in Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Electrical, Telecommunication, Instrumentation, Robotics, or related 94 specified disciplines. • OR MSc Electronics with BSc in Physics. |
| Ground Duty Technical — AE (Mechanical) | Must have passed with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. Along with this, must possess: • A minimum of 4 years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognized University in Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Automobile, Industrial, Mechatronics, Production, Manufacturing, Materials, or related 39 specified disciplines. |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Weapon Systems (WS) Branch | Must have mandatorily passed with Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level. Along with this, must possess: • Graduation with minimum 3 years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University. • OR BE/B Tech degree (4 years course) from a recognized University. |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Administration & Logistics | • Passed 10+2 and Graduate Degree (Minimum 3 years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university. |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Accounts | Passed 10+2 and done graduation from a recognized university in any of the following streams: • B.Com Degree (Minimum 3 years course). • BBA / BMS / BBS (with specialization in Finance). • BSc with specialization in Finance. • OR Qualified CA / CMA / CS / CFA. |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Education | • Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation in any discipline (including integrated courses offering PG) along with Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university. |
| Meteorology Entry | Passed 10+2 and must possess any of the following parameters: • BSc with Physics and Mathematics. • OR 4 year Graduation in Engineering/Technology discipline in Electrical & Electronics, Electronics, Mechanical, IT, Computer Science, Communication, or related specified streams. |
| GATE Score Entry — GD Technical | • Must have completed BE/B Tech degree from the specified 133 engineering disciplines (listed under AE(L)/AE(M) branches) and qualified in any of the 10 valid disciplines of the GATE exam (Aerospace, Mechanical, CS, IT, Data Science & AI, Electronics, Electrical, etc.). GATE score must be obtained within 3 years preceding the course commencement date. |
| Nationality & Special Criteria | • Candidate must be an Indian Citizen. • Two seats are reserved for Law qualified candidates (LLB) in Ground Duty (Non-Tech) branches for Legal Duties. • Final year/semester students can also apply provided they have no present backlogs at the time of application submission and submit proof of completion by 30 May 2027. |
SELECTION PROCESS
Stage 1 — Online Application
Eligible candidates must register and complete the online application form on the official AFCAT portal between 20 May 2026 and 19 June 2026.
Stage 2 — AFCAT Written Examination
Computer-Based Online Test scheduled for 08 August 2026. The test consists of 100 questions worth a total of 300 marks. Marking parameters: +3 marks for correct answers, and a negative marking of -1 mark for incorrect answers. The exam covers General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability and Reasoning & Military Aptitude.
Stage 3 — AFSB Interview
Qualified candidates are called to one of the Air Force Selection Boards (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar or Varanasi) for a 5-6 day intensive interview covering Stage-I screening, Psychological tests, Group Testing & Personal Interview.
Stage 4 — Document Verification
Candidates recommended by AFSB undergo strict document verification of educational qualifications, age proof and identity proof.
Stage 5 — Medical Examination
Recommended candidates undergo detailed medical examination as per IAF standards at AFCME New Delhi or IAM Bengaluru (for Flying Branch aspirants).
Stage 6 — Final Merit & Joining
All India Merit list is prepared based on AFSB performance and medical fitness. Selected candidates join training at AFA Dundigal (Hyderabad) for the July 2027 course commencement.
AFCAT SELECTION TRACKER
ABOUT AFCAT 02/2026
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is one of India’s most prestigious officer-entry examinations, conducted twice every year by the Indian Air Force to recruit Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) officers across Flying, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches. The AFCAT 02/2026 Batch notification offers an exceptional opportunity for young, ambitious Indian citizens to don the IAF blue uniform and serve the nation from skies as well as critical ground operations.
Selected candidates undergo rigorous officer training at the prestigious Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad. Flying Branch officers receive flying training on Pilatus PC-7 Mk-II and Kiran trainers before being streamed into Fighter, Transport or Helicopter streams. Ground Duty officers undergo intensive academic and military training covering air operations, logistics, administration, weapon systems and engineering principles.
The Indian Air Force offers an unmatched career profile — commissioned officers enjoy attractive Pay Level-10 salary structure (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500), Military Service Pay, Flying Allowance (for pilots), free medical care for self & family, subsidized accommodation, free CSD canteen facilities, generous annual leave, foreign assignment opportunities, adventure sports exposure and the unmatched honor of wearing the IAF wings.
Beyond financial benefits, an AFCAT officer career stands for leadership, technological excellence and unwavering service to the nation. Officers operate state-of-the-art platforms — Rafale, Sukhoi Su-30 MKI, Mirage 2000, Tejas LCA, Apache attack helicopters, Chinook heavy-lifters, C-17 Globemaster, C-130J Super Hercules and the Netra AEW&C — establishing India’s air supremacy across the region. Aspirants must approach the AFCAT 02/2026 application with the seriousness it deserves and prepare strategically for the August 2026 written exam.
TEST YOUR AFCAT KNOWLEDGE
For the AFCAT Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027. For Ground Duty Technical & Non-Technical branches, the maximum age is 26 Years. NCC Special Entry candidates receive additional relaxation as per official rules.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
IMPORTANT LINKS
| Apply Online | 🚀 Click Here To Apply |
|---|---|
| Download Official Notification PDF | 📄 Download PDF |
| AFCAT Official Website | 🌐 Visit afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Indian Air Force Careers | 🌐 afcat.cdac.in |
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