Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 379 Commissioned Officer Posts
The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Notification for unmarried Indian men and women candidates who wish to join the prestigious Flying Branch and Ground Duty Branches as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers. This recruitment drive is one of the most awaited defence recruitment opportunities in India and offers an excellent career path with high salary packages, training, allowances, adventure, and national service.
Under the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification, a total of 379 vacancies have been announced for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch, and Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch. Candidates can apply through the official AFCAT portal from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Admit Card Release | 04 August 2026 (Tentative) |
| AFCAT Online Examination | 08 August 2026 |
| Training Commencement | July 2027 |
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has released branch-wise vacancies for both men and women candidates.
AFCAT Entry Vacancy Details
| Branch | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (SSC) | 30 | 5 |
| AE(L) Technical | 134 | 27 |
| AE(M) Technical | 60 | 15 |
| Weapon Systems | 21 | 5 |
| Administration | 50 | 12 |
| Logistics | 4 | 2 |
| Accounts | 5 | 2 |
| Education | 1 | 2 |
| Meteorology | 1 | 2 |
AFCAT 02/2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates applying for AFCAT 02/2026 must satisfy nationality, age limit, educational qualification, and medical standards.
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of India according to the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
AFCAT 02/2026 Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years |
| Ground Duty Branches | 20 to 26 Years |
Flying Branch Age Relaxation
Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA are eligible for upper age relaxation up to 26 years.
AFCAT 02/2026 Educational Qualification
Flying Branch Qualification
Candidates must have:
- Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
- Graduation in any discipline with minimum qualifying marks OR
- BE/B.Tech Degree from a recognized university
Ground Duty Technical Qualification
Candidates must possess:
- Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
- 4-year Engineering Degree in relevant disciplines
AE(L) Disciplines
- Electronics
- Computer Science
- IT
- Electrical
- Electronics & Communication
AE(M) Disciplines
- Mechanical
- Aeronautical
- Industrial Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
- Mechatronics
Ground Duty Non-Technical Qualification
| Branch | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Administration | Graduation in any discipline |
| Logistics | Graduation Degree |
| Accounts | B.Com / Finance Related Degree |
| Education | Post Graduation |
| Meteorology | B.Sc with Physics & Mathematics / Engineering Degree |
AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Entry | No Fee |
The fee can be paid through:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes multiple stages.
Stage 1 – AFCAT Online Examination
| Exam | Subject | Duration | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test. | 2 Hours (120 Minutes) | 100 | 300 |
Exam Duration
- 2 Hours
Marking Scheme
- +3 Marks for Correct Answer
- -1 Mark for Wrong Answer
Stage 2 – AFSB Interview
Candidates qualifying in the written exam will be called for the Air Force Selection Board Interview.
The AFSB process includes:
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Psychological Tests
- Group Discussion
- Personal Interview
- Group Tasks
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by AFSB must undergo detailed medical examination.
AFCAT 02/2026 Salary Details
Candidates selected as Flying Officers will receive attractive salary packages and allowances.
| Particulars | Salary |
|---|---|
| Pay Scale | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 |
| MSP | Rs. 15,500 |
| Training Stipend | Rs. 56,100 per month |
Additional benefits include:
- Flying Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Facilities
- Insurance Coverage
- Accommodation
- Leave Travel Concession
AFCAT 02/2026 Training Details
Selected candidates will undergo professional military training.
| Branch | Training Duration |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 62 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Technical | 62 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 50 Weeks |
Training will begin in July 2027.
AFCAT 02/2026 Exam Pattern
| Section | Topics |
|---|---|
| English | Grammar, Vocabulary, Comprehension |
| General Awareness | Current Affairs, History, Geography |
| Numerical Ability | Maths & Arithmetic |
| Reasoning | Verbal & Non-Verbal Reasoning |
The AFCAT paper is conducted in English only.
How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment
Candidates can follow the below steps to submit the application form.
Step-by-Step Process
- Visit the official AFCAT website
- Complete registration using mobile number and email ID
- Verify OTP
- Login using generated credentials
- Fill personal and educational details
- Upload photograph, signature, and thumb impression
- Pay application fee online
- Submit the application form
- Download and print final application copy
Documents Required for AFCAT 02/2026
Candidates should keep the following documents ready.
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Thumb Impression
- Aadhaar Card
- 10th Marksheet
- 12th Marksheet
- Graduation Certificate
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- GATE Scorecard (if applicable)
AFCAT 02/2026 Physical Fitness Requirements
Candidates are advised to maintain good physical fitness before reporting for training.
Recommended fitness activities include:
- Running
- Push-ups
- Sit-ups
- Rope Climbing
- Swimming
Training at Air Force Academy is physically demanding.
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Instructions
- Applications must be submitted online only
- Multiple applications may lead to cancellation
- Mobile phones are prohibited in examination hall
- Candidates must ensure eligibility before applying
- Incorrect information can lead to rejection
- Marriage is not permitted during training period
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Admit Card | Available from August 2026 |
AFCAT 02/2026 Preparation Tips
Candidates preparing for AFCAT should focus on:
- Daily Current Affairs
- English Vocabulary
- Quantitative Aptitude
- Reasoning Practice
- Mock Tests
- Previous Year Papers
Time management and regular practice are essential for success in AFCAT.
The Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment offers an outstanding opportunity for young Indian men and women to become commissioned officers in one of the world’s most respected air forces. With 379 vacancies available across multiple branches, candidates from engineering, graduation, commerce, science, and other educational backgrounds can apply.
A career in the Indian Air Force provides not only financial stability and government benefits but also pride, discipline, adventure, and the honour of serving the nation. Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should not miss this golden opportunity and are advised to complete the online application process before 19 June 2026.
Interested applicants should carefully read the official notification, prepare all required documents, and begin their AFCAT exam preparation immediately to maximize their chances of selection.
You can visit our website for a complete collection of competitive exams PDFs, NCERT notes, exam preparation materials, latest job notifications, and State Government job updates. Stay ahead in your preparation with all the study resources you need in one place.
Check out:
Keep preparing smart and stay updated with all the latest exams and recruitment news!
Leave a Comment