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Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online For 379 Posts
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
|---|---|
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Location | Pan India |
| Last Updated | 20 May 2026 |
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Vacancies
19 June 2026 (2330 hrs)
Last Date
Online
Apply Mode
Pan India
Location
Indian Air Force has released the latest AFCAT 02/2026 notification for recruitment of Men and Women as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non‑Technical) branches for courses commencing in July 2027. Online applications will be accepted from 20 May 2026 (1100 hrs) to 19 June 2026 (2330 hrs) through the official AFCAT website https://afcat.edcil.co.in, and the online AFCAT exam will be conducted on 08 August 2026 (Saturday). Interested and eligible candidates must ensure that they fulfill all eligibility conditions before applying.
Important Dates
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 (1100 hrs) |
|---|---|
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (2330 hrs) |
| Admit Card Date | From 04 August 2026 (1100 hrs) onwards (tentative) |
| Event | Date |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 (1100 hrs) |
| Last Date To Apply | 19 June 2026 (2330 hrs) |
| Afcat Online Examination Date | 08 August 2026 (Saturday) |
Application Fee
SC
No AFCAT examination fee.
A non‑refundable examination fee is applicable for AFCAT entry; there is no fee for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry.
Qualification / Eligibility
| Education Qualification | Must have passed with Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level and one of the following: - Graduation (minimum 3‑year degree) in any discipline from a recognised University; or - BE/B.Tech (4‑year degree) from a recognised University; or - Section A & B examination of AMIE (India) or Aeronautical Society of India. |
|---|---|
| Details | Candidates must ensure that they satisfy all eligibility conditions of nationality, age, marital status, educational qualification and medical standards as on the prescribed dates. Their admission at all stages is purely provisional and will be cancelled if any ineligibility is detected at any stage. |
Selection Process
1Exam Subject Duration No. of Questions Maximum Marks
2AFCAT General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning
3The selection process comprises an online AFCAT exam
4followed by Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing
5medical examination and final merit list.
6Stage 1 - AFCAT Online Examination
7Each correct answer carries 3 marks
8each wrong answer attracts a penalty of 1 mark
9and no marks are awarded for unattempted questions. The paper is in English only
10and normalisation of marks is applied when multiple shifts are conducted.
11Stage 2 - Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing
12Stage‑I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Te
13Group Tests and Personal Interview over the next days for Stage‑I qualified cand
14Stage 3 - Medical Examination & Final Merit
15Candidates recommended by AFSB and found medically fit by the appropriate medica
Exam Pattern
| Details | The AFCAT paper is of graduation‑level standard (except Numerical Ability, which is matriculation level) and tests a mix of aptitude and knowledge. | English: Comprehension, error detection, sentence completion, synonyms/antonyms, cloze test, idioms & phrases, analogy, sentence rearrangement, one‑word substitution, homonyms. General Awareness: History, Geography, Sports, National & International Organisations, Art & Culture, Personalities, Environment & Ecology, Polity, Economy, Basic Science, Science & Technology, Current Affairs, Defence. Numerical Ability: Fractions, Time & Work, Average, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Interest, Time & Distance, Area & Perimeter, Probability, Number System, Mixture & Allegation, Squares/Cubes, HCF & LCM, Mensuration, Heights & Distances, Statistics. Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Verbal and Non‑Verbal Reasoning. | An online practice test is available on the IAF AFCAT website. |
|---|
How to Apply
- 1Applications must be submitted online only through the AFCAT website; no other mode is accepted. Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration, and candidates should use valid email ID and mobile number, which must remain active throughout the selection process.
- 2Step‑by‑Step Process (AFCAT Entry):
- 3Visit the official AFCAT website https://afcat.edcil.co.in and read the advertisement and instructions carefully.
- 4Click on the sign‑up/registration link and enter full name, mobile number and email ID, then verify via OTP on email and mobile.
- 5Agree to the declaration, submit the registration form and obtain the system‑generated User ID and Password sent to registered email and mobile.
- 6Login with User ID and Password, click on “Go to Application”, and fill personal details, communication details, qualification details, course preferences and other required fields.
- 7Upload scanned images of recent passport size colour photograph (100-200 KB), signature (80-150 KB), thumb impression (50-100 KB) and live image capture as per specified formats.
- 8Carefully verify all details using “Preview” and then proceed to pay the examination fee of Rs. 550/- + GST (for AFCAT entry only) through online payment gateway (Net Banking, Debit/Credit Card, UPI etc.).
- 9After successful payment and submission, download and print the final submitted application form for future reference.
- 10Applicants should apply well before the last date to avoid last‑minute issues; once submitted, the application cannot be edited, and additional applications against the same Aadhaar will result in only the latest being considered.
Important Instructions
- Candidates must ensure eligibility for the branch(es) they apply for; incorrect information at any stage leads to cancellation of candidature. Use of unfair means or possession of prohibited items (mobile phones, smart watches, electronic devices, study material etc.) inside the exam hall will result in cancellation and debarment from future AFCATs. No request for change of exam centre/date/slot will be entertained; centres may be changed by IAF based on administrative reasons. Serving airmen must apply online like other candidates and also follow service procedures as per AFO 11/2015. Use/possession of narcotics is strictly banned; candidates may be tested for drugs during medicals and training, and those found positive are liable for termination. Permanent tattoos are permitted only on the inner forearms and back of hands (with conditions); non‑permissible tattoos or those with offensive/extremist content lead to rejection. Training is rigorous; candidates should maintain good physical fitness (running, push‑ups, rope climbing, swimming etc.) before reporting to Air Force Academy.
Important Links
FAQs
Q1. What is AFCAT 02/2026 and which posts are notified?
AFCAT 02/2026 is the Indian Air Force Common Admission Test for recruitment of Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non‑Technical) branches, including NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry for courses commencing in July 2027.
Q2. What are the AFCAT 02/2026 application dates?
For AFCAT 02/2026, online registration opens on 20 May 2026 (11:00 hrs) and closes on 19 June 2026 (23:30 hrs), and applications must be submitted only through the official AFCAT website.
Q3. What is the age limit for AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch?
For the Flying Branch, the age limit is 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027, with a relaxable upper age of 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India).
Q4. What is the age limit for Ground Duty (Technical and Non‑Technical) in AFCAT 02/2026?
For Ground Duty (Technical and Non‑Technical) branches (including GATE Score Entry), the age limit is 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027 for both men and women candidates.
Q5. What is the educational qualification required for AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch?
For the Flying Branch, candidates must be graduates with minimum prescribed marks and must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or possess a BE/B.Tech degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
Q6. What is the AFCAT 02/2026 exam fee?
For AFCAT entry, candidates must pay a non‑refundable exam fee of Rs. 550/- plus GST, while NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempt from paying any examination fee.
Q7. What is the pay scale of an AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Officer after commissioning?
On successful completion of training, an IAF Flying Officer receives a pay scale of Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10 as per 7th CPC) plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500 per month, along with applicable allowances.
Q8. Is AFCAT 02/2026 open for both men and women candidates?
Yes, unmarried male and female Indian citizens can apply for Short Service Commission in Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches, and for Permanent Commission wherever notified, subject to eligibility conditions.
Q9. What is the selection process for AFCAT 02/2026?
The AFCAT 02/2026 selection process includes an online AFCAT written exam (for AFCAT entry), followed by AFSB interview (Psychological tests, Group Tests and Personal Interview), and a medical examination, after which a final merit list is prepared.
Q10. How can I apply online for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026?
Eligible candidates must apply online only through the official AFCAT portal afcat.cdac.in , using a valid email ID and mobile number, and carefully filling personal, educational and branch preference details before the last date
What is AFCAT 02/2026 and which posts are notified?
AFCAT 02/2026 is the Indian Air Force Common Admission Test for recruitment of Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non‑Technical) branches, including NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry for courses commencing in July 2027.
What are the AFCAT 02/2026 application dates?
For AFCAT 02/2026, online registration opens on 20 May 2026 (11:00 hrs) and closes on 19 June 2026 (23:30 hrs), and applications must be submitted only through the official AFCAT website.
What is the age limit for AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch?
For the Flying Branch, the age limit is 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027, with a relaxable upper age of 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India).
What is the age limit for Ground Duty (Technical and Non‑Technical) in AFCAT 02/2026?
For Ground Duty (Technical and Non‑Technical) branches (including GATE Score Entry), the age limit is 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027 for both men and women candidates.
What is the educational qualification required for AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch?
For the Flying Branch, candidates must be graduates with minimum prescribed marks and must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or possess a BE/B.Tech degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
What is the AFCAT 02/2026 exam fee?
For AFCAT entry, candidates must pay a non‑refundable exam fee of Rs. 550/- plus GST, while NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempt from paying any examination fee.
What is the pay scale of an AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Officer after commissioning?
On successful completion of training, an IAF Flying Officer receives a pay scale of Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10 as per 7th CPC) plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500 per month, along with applicable allowances.
Is AFCAT 02/2026 open for both men and women candidates?
Yes, unmarried male and female Indian citizens can apply for Short Service Commission in Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches, and for Permanent Commission wherever notified, subject to eligibility conditions.
What is the selection process for AFCAT 02/2026?
The AFCAT 02/2026 selection process includes an online AFCAT written exam (for AFCAT entry), followed by AFSB interview (Psychological tests, Group Tests and Personal Interview), and a medical examination, after which a final merit list is prepared.
How can I apply online for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026?
Eligible candidates must apply online only through the official AFCAT portal afcat.cdac.in , using a valid email ID and mobile number, and carefully filling personal, educational and branch preference details before the last date