The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification for the recruitment of Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Besides the regular AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment, applications have also been invited through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry for courses starting in July 2027.
Candidates who want to make their career in Indian Air Force can fill AFCAT Apply Online form from 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) to 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM). The AFCAT Exam Date 2026 is scheduled for 08 August 2026 (Saturday).
AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Overview
AFCAT Recruitment 2026 is a golden chance for graduates & engineers looking for prestigious Indian Air Force Officer Job. Recruitment is going on for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non Technical branches under both Permanent Commission(PC) and Short Service Commission(SSC).
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates
Event | Date |
|---|---|
AFCAT Notification Release | Released |
AFCAT Online Registration Starts | 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) |
AFCAT Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
AFCAT Written Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
Course Commencement | July 2027 |
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released a total number of 379 vacancies for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non Technical) Branches under AFCAT 02/2026. Recruitment is done under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) for courses commencing in July 2027.
Entry | Branch | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch | – | – | 30 | 5 | 35 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE (Electronics) | 2 | 2 | 107 | 25 | 136 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) – AE (Mechanical) | 8 | 2 | 52 | 13 | 75 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Weapon Systems | – | – | 21 | 5 | 26 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Administration | – | – | 50 | 12 | 62 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Logistics | – | – | 4 | 2 | 6 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Accounts | – | – | 5 | 2 | 7 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Education | – | – | 1 | 2 | 3 |
AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – Meteorology | – | – | 1 | 2 | 3 |
Grand Total | 379 |
Flying Branch Recruitment
Men (SSC): 30
Women (SSC): 5
Ground Duty Technical
Includes Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission for aeronautical engineer (electronics) and aeronautical engineer (mechanical).
Ground Duty Non Technical
The Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch of the Indian Air Force offers a wide range of career opportunities for graduates from diverse academic backgrounds. .Officers selected through this branch are in the wings to ensure the smooth functioning, operational support and management of the Air Force. These roles are different from the Technical Branch as they involve leadership, planning, logistics, finance, education and specialized support services. The vacancies under this branch are available in Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, and Meteorology branches under AFCAT 02/2026. Each branch offers distinct responsibilities and fantastic career growth while playing a vital role in the operational readiness of the Indian Air Force.
Additionally:
• NCC Special Entry has 10% seats reserved for eligible candidates in Flying Branch.
• GATE Score Entry facilitates direct entry to eligible Ground Duty Technical candidates without having to take the AFCAT written test.
AFCAT 02/2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates need to meet the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria prior to applying for AFCAT.
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of India.
Age limit for AFCAT 02/2026 is calculated as on 01 July 2027. The Indian Air Force has set different age criteria for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches.
Flying Branch
Candidates applying for Flying Branch through AFCAT Entry or NCC Special Entry should be aged between 20 to 24 years. Applicants must be born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive). Candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) are entitled for an upper age relaxation of up to 26 years i.e. candidates should be born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive).
Download AFCAT 02/2026 Official Notification PDF
Ground Duty Branches (Technical and Non-Technical)
Candidates should be between the ages of 20 and 26 years for Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. (i) Applicants must be born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007 (inclusive). The age eligibility is applicable for both the Permanent Commission (PC) and Short ServiceCommission (SSC) entries.
Ground Duty Non Technical
Graduation or Post Graduation depending on the branch.
Accounts Branch
B.Com or equivalent qualification.
Education Branch
Post Graduation with required percentage.
Meteorology Branch
Post Graduate degree in relevant science subjects.
AFCAT Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates should fulfil the prescribed AFCAT Physical Standards and medical fitness standards. The candidates undergo a medical examination after the AFSB Interview to check whether they are physically and mentally fit to undergo Air Force training and service.
AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fee
Candidates who are applying through AFCAT entry have to pay the prescribed examination fee in online mode. But, as per the official notification, NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt from paying examination fee.
AFCAT Selection Process
The AFCAT Selection Process comprises of:
AFCAT Written Examination
AFSB Interview
Medical Examination
Final Merit List
Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are exempted from the written exam and directly shortlisted for AFSB Interview on the basis of eligibility.
AFCAT Exam Pattern
The AFCAT Exam Pattern is as follows:
Mode: Online
Duration: 2 Hours
Questions: 100
Maximum Marks: 300
Language: English only
Sections include:
English
General Awareness
Numerical Ability
Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test
AFCAT Syllabus
AFCAT Syllabus Covers:
• English: Vocabulary, Grammar, Reading Comprehension
• General Awareness: Science, Defence, Geography, History, Current Affairs.
• Numerical Ability: Mathematics of class 10 level.
• Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test Verbal reasoning, spatial ability, analytical reasoning and military.
AFCAT Admit Card
The AFCAT Admit Card shall be released online before the exam. Candidates need to download their hall ticket using the registration credentials and carry the same along with a valid photo ID to the examination centre.
AFCAT Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates are offered attractive AFCAT Salary along with Military Service Pay, Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, medical facilities, insurance cover, leave benefits and opportunities for professional growth. Permanent Commission officers continue to serve till retirement age, whereas SSC officers serve for the prescribed tenure as per branch policy.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026
The following steps can be used by candidates to complete the AFCAT 2026 Apply Online process:
1. Visit the official AFCAT Website.
2. Register with valid email id and mobile no.
3. Fill the AFCAT Registration Form with proper care.
4. Choose the branch that you like.
5. Upload Photograph, Signature & Thumb Impression in the prescribed format.
6. Submit the application fee (if applicable).
7. Download and apply the confirmation page
Documents Required:
Candidates applying for AFCAT 02/2026 should keep all the necessary documents ready before filling out the online application form. Having the required documents in the prescribed format helps ensure a smooth and error-free registration process. Applicants must upload a recent passport-size photograph, scanned signature, and thumb impression as per the specifications mentioned in the official notification. They should also keep their graduation or qualifying degree certificates, a valid photo identity proof such as an Aadhaar Card, PAN Card, Passport, or Driving Licence, and category certificate (if applicable) ready for verification. Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry must possess a valid NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate, while those applying under the GATE Score Entry should have a valid GATE Score Card. All documents must be accurate and legible, as they may be verified during the selection process and at the time of joining.
AFCAT Result and Merit List
The AFCAT Merit List will be prepared on the basis of the performance of the candidates in the written examination (if applicable), AFSB Interview, medical fitness and vacancies available. Selection will be merit based, subject to fulfilment of all the eligibility conditions.
Interested Candidates for Defence Jobs 2026, Government Jobs 2026 and Indian Air Force Officer Entry should apply well before the AFCAT Last Date to avoid any last minute issues