Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment notification has been officially released by the Indian Air Force (IAF) for recruitment of 379 Commissioned Officer vacancies in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry. Both unmarried male and female candidates can apply online for courses commencing in July 2027. The online application process started on 20 May 2026 and has been extended up to 21 June 2026. Candidates interested in a prestigious career as a Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer in the Indian Air Force should carefully check eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualification, selection process, salary, exam pattern and vacancy details before applying online.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment
Table of Contents
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Type | Commissioned Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based Test (CBT) |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission & Short Service Commission |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | https://afcat.cdac.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Original Last Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Extended Last Date | 21 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 04 August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Course Start | July 2027 |
Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + 18% GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
Age Limit (As on 01 July 2027)
Flying Branch
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 Years |
| Maximum Age | 24 Years |
| CPL Holders | Up to 26 Years |
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
| Criteria | Age |
|---|---|
| Minimum Age | 20 Years |
| Maximum Age | 26 Years |
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Details
| Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 35 |
| Ground Duty Technical | 212 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 100 |
| GATE Entry Technical | 26 |
| Other Entries & Reserved Seats | Remaining Posts |
| Total | 379 Posts |
Branch Wise Vacancy Details
Flying Branch
| Entry | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| SSC Flying | 30 | 5 |
Ground Duty Technical
| Branch | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| AE(L) Electronics | 109 | 27 |
| AE(M) Mechanical | 60 | 15 |
Ground Duty Non-Technical
| Branch | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon Systems | 21 | 5 |
| Administration | 50 | 12 |
| Logistics | 4 | 2 |
| Accounts | 5 | 2 |
| Education | 1 | 2 |
| Meteorology | 1 | 2 |
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
- 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Graduation Degree in any discipline OR BE/B.Tech Degree.
- Minimum prescribed marks as per notification.
Ground Duty Technical
- Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- 4-Year Engineering Degree in relevant discipline.
Ground Duty Non-Technical
- Graduation / Post Graduation in relevant discipline.
- Branch-specific qualifications as per official notification.
Selection Process
- AFCAT Online Examination
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tests
- Personal Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Included |
| English Verbal Ability | Included |
| Numerical Ability | Included |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | Included |
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Wrong Answer | -1 Mark |
Salary & Benefits
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 Per Month |
| Pay Level | Level-10 |
| Salary Range | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| MSP | ₹15,500 Per Month |
| Other Benefits | DA, HRA, Flying Allowance, Medical Benefits |
Training Details
| Branch | Duration |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 62 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Technical | 62 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 50 Weeks |
Training will commence in July 2027 at various Air Force Training Establishments.
Required Documents
- Aadhaar Card
- Graduation Marksheet
- 10th & 12th Certificates
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Thumb Impression
- NCC Certificate (If Applicable)
- GATE Score Card (If Applicable)
How to Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment
- Visit the official AFCAT portal.
- Complete online registration.
- Verify email and mobile through OTP.
- Fill personal and educational details.
- Select branch preferences.
- Upload photograph, signature and thumb impression.
- Pay the application fee online.
- Verify all details carefully.
- Submit the application form.
- Download the confirmation page for future reference.
Why Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment?
- 379 Officer Vacancies
- Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer Post
- Attractive Salary Package
- Permanent & Short Service Commission
- Opportunity for Men & Women
- Prestigious Defence Career
- Excellent Promotion Opportunities
- Training at Air Force Establishments
Important Links
FAQs
Q1. How many vacancies are available under AFCAT 02/2026?
Ans: A total of 379 vacancies have been announced.
Q2. What is the last date to apply online?
Ans: 21 June 2026.
Q3. When will the AFCAT 02/2026 exam be conducted?
Ans: 08 August 2026.
Q4. What is the application fee?
Ans: ₹550 + GST for AFCAT Entry and no fee for NCC/GATE Entry.
Q5. What is the salary after selection?
Ans: ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 plus allowances.
Q6. Can female candidates apply?
Ans: Yes, eligible female candidates can apply.
Q7. What is the selection process?
Ans: AFCAT Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Test and Final Merit.