AFCAT 02/2026 Notification: Indian Air Force Recruitment for Flying & Ground Duty Branches
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the detailed AFCAT 02/2026 Notification for the recruitment of Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. This presents an exceptional career opportunity for patriotic and eligible Indian male and female citizens to join the elite air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. The courses for this cycle are scheduled to commence in July 2027.
Aspiring candidates can submit their online applications through the official web portal starting from 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) to 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM). To qualify, candidates must clear the online common admission test, followed by the rigorous AFSB interview process and medical examinations.
Specification | Details
Recruitment Board | Indian Air Force (IAF)
Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT – 02/2026)
Branches Offered | Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
Course Commencement | July 2027
Application Dates | 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026
Exam Date | 08 August 2026 (Saturday)
Official Website | https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Vacancy Details under AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
The total number of vacancies has been categorized based on entry type, branch, and commission types (Permanent Commission – PC and Short Service Commission – SSC) as follows:
Entry Type | Branch | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC)
AFCAT Entry | Flying | — | — | 30 | 5
Ground Duty (Technical) | AE(L): 2 AE(M): 8 | AE(L): 2 AE(M): 2 | AE(L): 107 AE(M): 52 | AE(L): 25 AE(M): 13
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | — | — | WS: 21 Adm: 50 Lgs: 4 Accts: 5 Edn: 1 Met: 1 | WS: 5 Adm: 12 Lgs: 2 Accts: 2 Edn: 2 Met: 2
NCC Special Entry | Flying | — | — | 10% seats of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats of AFCAT vacancies for SSC.
GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | AE(L): 1 AE(M): 1 | AE(L): 1 AE(M): 1 | AE(L): 12 AE(M): 6 | AE(L): 3 AE(M): 1
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
Candidates must ensure that they satisfy all the mandated parameters, including nationality, age, marital status, and physical fitness guidelines as mentioned in the notification.
• Nationality: The candidate must be a citizen of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
• Marital Status: Only unmarried candidates are eligible to apply. Marriage is strictly prohibited during the training tenure.
• Physical Fitness: Candidates must be in excellent physical condition. They should be capable of running 1.6 km (1 mile) in 10 minutes and performing 10 push-ups and 3 chin-ups easily.
Educational Qualification required for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
Educational requirements vary significantly based on the chosen branch:
• Flying Branch: Mandatorily passed with Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level, along with Graduation with minimum 60% marks (3-year degree in any discipline OR 4-year BE/B.Tech degree).
• Ground Duty (Technical): Passed with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, and completed a 4-year degree graduation/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/Technology in related disciplines like Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, Aerospace, etc.
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Weapon Systems (WS): 10+2 with Physics and Math along with a minimum 3-year Graduation degree or BE/B.Tech. Administration & Logistics: Passed 10+2 and a minimum 3-year Graduation Degree in any discipline from a recognized university. Accounts: Passed 10+2 and Graduation in B.Com (minimum 3 years) OR BBA/BMS/BBS with specialization in Finance OR qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA. Education: Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation in any discipline with Graduation. Meteorology: Passed 10+2 and B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics OR 4-year Graduation in Engineering/Technology in specified streams.
• Weapon Systems (WS): 10+2 with Physics and Math along with a minimum 3-year Graduation degree or BE/B.Tech.
• Administration & Logistics: Passed 10+2 and a minimum 3-year Graduation Degree in any discipline from a recognized university.
• Accounts: Passed 10+2 and Graduation in B.Com (minimum 3 years) OR BBA/BMS/BBS with specialization in Finance OR qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA.
• Education: Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation in any discipline with Graduation.
• Meteorology: Passed 10+2 and B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics OR 4-year Graduation in Engineering/Technology in specified streams.
Age Limit under AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
The age criteria calculated as of 01 July 2027 is as follows:
• Flying Branch (through AFCAT & NCC Entry): 20 to 24 years (i.e., born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive). For candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India), the upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years (i.e., born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007).
• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches: 20 to 26 years (i.e., born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive).
Application Fees for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
The exam application fee details are summarized below:
• AFCAT Entry Candidates: Rs. 550/- + 18% GST (Non-refundable).
• NCC Special Entry & GATE Score Entry Candidates: Exempted (No fee required).
• Payment Mode: Payment must be made online through Net Banking, Debit Cards, Credit Cards, or UPI via the integrated payment gateway.
Selection Process under AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
The standard selection methodology follows these sequential stages:
• Written Examination (AFCAT): A 2-hour online exam consisting of 100 objective-type questions carrying 300 marks. Topics include General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude.
• AFSB Testing: Qualified candidates must choose their interview slot. Testing consists of: Stage-I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test, Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT) on Day 1. Stage-II: Psychological test, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and Personal Interview over the next five days.
• Stage-I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test, Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT) on Day 1.
• Stage-II: Psychological test, Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks, and Personal Interview over the next five days.
• CPSS (For Flying Branch only): Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) is conducted for recommended candidates. This is a once-in-a-lifetime test.
• Medical Examinations: Comprehensive physical evaluation at Special Medical Board (SMB).
• Final Merit List: Prepared based on marks secured in the written test and the AFSB interview.
How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
Eligible and interested candidates must apply online by following these steps:
• Visit the official application portal at https://afcat.edcil.co.in .
• Go to the registration link and sign up with a valid email ID and 10-digit mobile number. Verify the details using separate OTPs sent via email and SMS.
• Log in with your registered credentials and click on “Go To Application.”
• Fill in all the personal, educational, qualification, and communication details.
• Select your preferred exam city and service choices.
• Upload clear scanned copies of your passport-size photograph (100KB-200KB), signature (80KB-150KB), and left-thumb impression (50KB-100KB) in JPG/JPEG formats.
• Verify all entered details, pay the non-refundable application fee of Rs. 550/- + 18% GST (where applicable), and submit the form.
• Print and save the submitted PDF application form for future reference.
Important Links for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
Link Description | Link
Official Notification PDF | Download Notification
Apply Online | Register Here
Official Website | Visit Portal
Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here
Join Telegram Channel | Click Here
Important Dates for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
Event | Date
Notification Release Date | May 2026
Start of Online Application Submission | 20 May 2026 (11:00 Hrs)
Last Date of Online Application Submission | 19 June 2026 (23:30 Hrs)
Release of e-Admit Card | 9 Days prior to the exam (Approx. late July 2026)
AFCAT Written Exam Date | 08 August 2026 (Saturday)
Commencement of Courses at AFA | First week of July 2027
Key Takeaways
• The engagement period for Flying Branch Short Service Commission (SSC) Officers is 14 years. For Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech) branches, the initial tenure is 10 years, extendable by 4 years.
• Flight Cadets will receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month during their training period. Upon commissioning as Flying Officers, the pay matrix is Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10) plus additional allowances.
• Permanent body tattoos are permitted only on the inner face of the forearms and the reverse side of the palm. Tribal community candidates can claim relaxation with proper certificates.
Final Thoughts on AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
In conclusion, the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification serves as a premier gateway for adventurous graduates seeking an honorable career in the defense sector. Aspirants should start preparing for the written examination early to secure top-tier ranks, ensuring their preferred choice of branch. Make sure to double-check and register your application before the closing date on 19 June 2026 to avoid last-minute portal rush and technical glitches.
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Official Source: View original listing
Note: Candidates should verify all details from the official notification/source before applying.