Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Released for Flying Branch & Ground Duty Officer Posts – Check Eligibility, Exam Date, Salary, Selection Process & Apply Online Details
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially invited applications for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026. This recruitment is for Commissioned Officers in Flying and Ground Duty branches. Both male and female candidates can apply for the course commencing in July 2027.
| Notice Number | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Month | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Application Status | Link Active Soon |
# Detailed branch-wise vacancies, physical standards, and age limit criteria are provided in the sections below.
The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Notification for the recruitment of 379 Commissioned Officer vacancies in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. The recruitment will be conducted through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT-02/2026) for courses commencing in July 2027.
Eligible unmarried male and female candidates can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026 through the official AFCAT portal. The AFCAT examination is one of the most prestigious defence recruitment examinations in India and offers an excellent opportunity for candidates who wish to become Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the Indian Air Force.
The online AFCAT 02/2026 examination is scheduled to be held on 08 August 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully read the official notification and check all eligibility conditions before applying online.
This article provides complete details regarding Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026, including branch-wise vacancies, eligibility criteria, age limit, salary, exam pattern, syllabus, selection process, medical standards, and online application procedure.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT-02/2026) |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Branches | Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical & Non-Technical |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Apply Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
AFCAT 02/2026 Notification PDF Released
The Indian Air Force has released the detailed AFCAT 02/2026 notification containing complete information related to:
- Vacancies
- Eligibility criteria
- Age limit
- Educational qualification
- Medical standards
- Selection process
- Exam pattern
- Salary structure
- Training details
Candidates should thoroughly read the notification before submitting the online application form.
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Admit Card Release | 04 August 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Candidates are advised not to wait till the final date and complete registration early.
📊 AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment drive offers a significant number of vacancies across various branches of the Indian Air Force:
✈️ Flying Branch Vacancies
| Entry / Branch | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (Short Service Commission) | 30 | 5 |
🛠️ Ground Duty Technical Vacancies
| Discipline | Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer Electronics [AE(L)] | Men (Permanent Commission) | 2 |
| Women (Permanent Commission) | 2 | |
| Men (Short Service Commission) | 107 | |
| Women (Short Service Commission) | 25 | |
| Aeronautical Engineer Mechanical [AE(M)] | Men (Permanent Commission) | 8 |
| Women (Permanent Commission) | 2 | |
| Men (Short Service Commission) | 52 | |
| Women (Short Service Commission) | 13 |
📋 Ground Duty Non-Technical Vacancies
| Branch | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Weapon Systems | 21 | 5 |
| Administration | 50 | 12 |
| Logistics | 4 | 2 |
| Accounts | 5 | 2 |
| Education | 1 | 2 |
| Meteorology | 1 | 2 |
* Permanent Commission (PC) is for Men only in specific technical roles. Short Service Commission (SSC) is applicable for both Men and Women.
AFCAT 02/2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy all eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification before submitting the online application.
| Branch Name | Age Criteria | Born Between (Both dates inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years (As on 01 July 2027) | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech) | 20 to 26 Years (As on 01 July 2027) | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 |
Candidates must be Unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.
Widows/Widowers and divorcees (with or without encumbrances) below 25 years of age are also not eligible.
Educational Qualification for AFCAT 02/2026
Candidates must fulfill either of the following criteria:
- Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level AND Graduation in any discipline.
- BE/B.Tech Degree (Four-year course) from a recognized university.
Candidates must possess a 4-year Engineering Degree in relevant disciplines such as:
- Electronics
- Mechanical
- Computer Science
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
| Sub-Branch | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Administration & Logistics | Graduation in any discipline |
| Accounts | B.Com / Finance-related qualification |
| Education | Post Graduation Degree |
| Meteorology | B.Sc with Physics & Mathematics |
💰 AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fee
| Entry Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry (All Candidates) | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
Payment Mode: Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
🎯 AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process
📝 AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Gen. Awareness, English, Maths, Reasoning | 100 | 300 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
✅ Marking: +3 for Correct, -1 for Wrong answer.
📖 AFCAT 02/2026 Syllabus
💼 AFCAT Salary & Allowances
Selected candidates enjoy one of the most prestigious pay structures in India:
- Training Stipend: ₹56,100 per month
- Rank: Flying Officer (Level 10)
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
- Perks: MSP, Flying Allowance, Medical for family, Insurance & Canteen facilities.
⏳ Training Duration
| Branch | Duration |
|---|---|
| Flying & Technical Branch | 62 Weeks |
| Non-Technical Branch | 50 Weeks |
📅 Training Commences: July 2027
💪 Physical Fitness Tips
Candidates are advised to maintain physical standards before reporting for AFSB/Training:
📥 How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026
Eligible candidates can apply online through the official Indian Air Force recruitment portal. Follow the step-by-step process below:
🖥 Step-by-Step AFCAT Online Application Process
📂 Documents Required for AFCAT 02/2026
| During Online Application (Upload) | During AFSB Interview (Originals) |
|---|---|
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🌟 Why AFCAT is a Prestigious Career Opportunity?
Choosing a career through AFCAT is more than just a job; it is a way of life. It offers:
The Indian Air Force is globally recognized as one of the most respected and professional defence organizations.
- Incorrect Information: Entering wrong details in the application form can lead to immediate cancellation of candidature.
- Invalid Documents: Uploading blurry photos or documents not in the prescribed format.
- Poor Preparation: AFSB is not just a test of knowledge but of personality and leadership; don’t take it lightly.
- Ignoring Medical Standards: Not checking eyesight or physical fitness criteria before applying.
