AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Out from 20 May 2026
Organisation: Indian Air Force (IAF) | Exam: Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) Notification Released: 12 May 2026 | Application Opens: 20 May 2026 | Last Date: 19 June 2026 Course Commencement: July 2027 | Apply Mode: Online Only
About Indian Air Force and AFCAT
The Indian Air Force is one of the most respected and prestigious defence organisations in the world. It is the air wing of the Indian Armed Forces and operates under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The Indian Air Force was officially established on 8 October 1932 and has since grown into one of the largest air forces globally.
AFCAT, which stands for Air Force Common Admission Test, is the gateway for young graduates to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. Every year the Indian Air Force conducts AFCAT twice — once in the beginning of the year and once in the middle. AFCAT 02/2026 is the second cycle of 2026 and is for the course commencing in July 2027.
This is a golden opportunity for both men and women graduates across India to serve the nation as officers in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch, and Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch. Apart from the regular AFCAT entry, there are also special entries available through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry for eligible candidates.
AFCAT 02/2026 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test — AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Notification Date | 12 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Total Vacancies | 300+ (approx.) |
| Gender | Male and Female both eligible |
| Entry Types | AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, GATE Score Entry |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission |
| Apply Mode | Online Only |
| Official Apply Portal | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Official IAF Website | indianairforce.nic.in |
Important Dates — AFCAT 02/2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 12 May 2026 |
| Online Application Opens | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | To be announced separately |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Candidates are strongly advised to apply well before the closing date of 19 June 2026. The Indian Air Force does not entertain late or offline applications under any circumstances. Keep checking the official portal regularly for exam date announcements.
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has announced over 300 vacancies under AFCAT 02/2026 across multiple branches. The branch-wise breakdown is as follows:
Flying Branch
| Category | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Male Candidates | 30 |
| Female Candidates | 5 |
| Total Flying Branch | 35 |
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch
Vacancies are available across the following specialisations:
| Specialisation | Details |
|---|---|
| Administration | Available |
| Logistics | Available |
| Accounts | Available |
| Education | Available |
| Meteorology | Available |
| Weapon Systems | Available |
Ground Duty Technical Branch
Ground Duty Technical recruitment this year also includes GATE Score based entry for Aeronautical Engineering streams. Detailed branch-wise vacancy numbers will be mentioned in the official notification available on the IAF website.
Overall approximately 140 or more vacancies are expected across Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches combined.
Eligibility Conditions
Nationality
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for AFCAT 02/2026.
Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit | Calculated As On |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years | 1 July 2027 |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20 to 26 years | 1 July 2027 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20 to 26 years | 1 July 2027 |
Age will be calculated as on 1 July 2027. Candidates must check the exact date of birth criteria in the official notification carefully before applying.
Educational Qualification
| Branch | Required Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level or BTech/BE degree |
| Ground Duty Technical — Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) | BTech or BE in Electronics, Telecommunication, Electrical, or related branches |
| Ground Duty Technical — Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) | BTech or BE in Mechanical, Aeronautical, Industrial, or related branches |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Graduation in any discipline from a recognised university |
| GATE Score Entry | Valid GATE score in relevant engineering discipline |
| NCC Special Entry | NCC Air Wing Senior Division C Certificate with minimum B grade |
Candidates must have completed the qualifying degree at the time of application. Those in the final year of their degree are not eligible.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry Candidates | Rs. 550 plus applicable GST charges |
| NCC Special Entry Candidates | Nil — No fee applicable |
| GATE Score Entry Candidates | Nil — No fee applicable |
The application fee is non-refundable. Payment must be made through online mode only during the application process.
Pay Scale and Benefits
Selected candidates will join the Indian Air Force as Flying Officers. During the training period, candidates will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100. After successful commissioning as officers, the pay and benefits are as follows:
| Pay Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Pay Level | Level-10 as per 7th Central Pay Commission |
| Basic Pay | Rs. 56,100 per month (starting) |
| Flying Allowance | Applicable for Flying Branch officers |
| Technical Allowance | Applicable for Technical Branch officers |
| Transport Allowance | As per government rules |
| Accommodation | Free government accommodation provided |
| Medical Facilities | Free medical care for self and family |
| Insurance Coverage | Group insurance scheme |
| Leave Benefits | Annual leave, casual leave, and other entitled leaves |
| Sports and Adventure | Access to IAF sports facilities and adventure activities |
A career in the Indian Air Force as an officer is not just a job — it is a lifestyle filled with respect, adventure, and lifelong security for you and your family.
Selection Process — Step by Step
The selection for AFCAT 02/2026 happens in multiple stages. Each stage must be cleared to move to the next. Here is the complete selection process:
Stage 1 — AFCAT Written Examination The AFCAT written exam is conducted in online mode at designated examination centres across India. The exam tests candidates on General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude. Candidates must clear the cut-off marks announced by the Indian Air Force to qualify for the next stage.
Stage 2 — Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Candidates who qualify the written exam are called for the AFSB process at one of the designated Air Force Selection Boards. The AFSB process typically runs for 5 days and includes psychological tests, group tests, and a personal interview. Candidates who appear before the AFSB for the first time are eligible for travel allowance as per the conditions in the official notification.
Stage 3 — Medical Examination Candidates recommended by the AFSB are sent for a detailed medical examination at designated Air Force medical centres. Medical fitness standards for the Flying Branch are stricter than for Ground Duty branches.
Stage 4 — Document Verification All original documents including educational certificates, identity proof, and other relevant documents are verified at this stage.
Stage 5 — Final Merit List The final merit list is prepared strictly based on performance across all stages. Selection is completely merit-based and transparent.
How to Apply — Step by Step Guide
Step 1 — Visit the Official AFCAT Portal Open your browser and go to the official portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in — This is the only authorised website for AFCAT 02/2026 applications. Do not use any other website.
Step 2 — Register as a New User Click on the New User Registration option. Enter your basic details including name, email ID, and mobile number to create your login credentials. You will receive a one-time password on your registered email. Check your spam or junk folder if you do not receive it in your inbox.
Step 3 — Log In and Fill the Application Form Log in using your registered credentials. Fill in all required details carefully — personal information, educational qualifications, branch preference, date of birth, and contact details. All information should exactly match your official documents.
Step 4 — Upload Your Photograph and Signature Upload a recent passport-size photograph with a white background. Upload your signature in the prescribed format. Ensure both files meet the size and resolution requirements mentioned on the portal.
Step 5 — Select Entry Type and Branch Preference Choose your entry type — AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, or GATE Score Entry. Select your preferred branch — Flying, Ground Duty Technical, or Ground Duty Non-Technical. Choose your preferred exam city from the available options.
Step 6 — Pay the Application Fee AFCAT Entry candidates pay Rs. 550 plus GST through online payment. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates do not need to pay any fee. Keep your payment receipt or transaction ID safely.
Step 7 — Submit and Download Confirmation After successful payment, submit your application form. Download and print the confirmation page. Keep this confirmation for future reference. Your application number will be sent to your registered email and mobile number.
Documents Required
| S.No. | Document | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Class 10th Certificate | Date of birth proof |
| 2 | Class 12th Certificate with marks | Physics and Mathematics eligibility |
| 3 | Graduation Degree or Final Year Marksheet | Educational qualification proof |
| 4 | GATE Scorecard (if applying under GATE entry) | GATE Score Entry eligibility |
| 5 | NCC C Certificate with grade (if applying under NCC entry) | NCC Special Entry eligibility |
| 6 | Valid Photo Identity Proof — Aadhaar, PAN, Passport, or Voter ID | Identity verification |
| 7 | Recent Passport-size Photographs | For application and AFSB process |
| 8 | Domicile or Nativity Certificate if required | As per notification guidelines |
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the AFCAT 02/2026 application open? Online applications open on 20 May 2026 through the official portal afcat.edcil.co.in.
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026? The last date to submit the online application is 19 June 2026. Candidates should not wait till the last day.
Can women apply for the Flying Branch? Yes. Five vacancies are specifically allocated for female candidates in the Flying Branch under AFCAT 02/2026.
Is there any fee for NCC Special Entry candidates? No. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are fully exempted from the application fee.
What is the age limit for Ground Duty branches? Candidates must be between 20 and 26 years of age as on 1 July 2027 for Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches.
When will the AFCAT exam be conducted? The exam date has not been announced yet. It will be published on the official portal. Candidates should check afcat.edcil.co.in regularly.
What is the salary during training? During the training period, candidates receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100.
Is the selection process only based on written exam marks? No. The selection involves multiple stages — written exam, AFSB process, medical examination, and document verification. Final selection is based on overall merit across all stages.
Official Links
| Purpose | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online — Official AFCAT Portal | https://afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Indian Air Force Official Website | https://indianairforce.nic.in |
| IAF Applicant Login Portal | https://cdn.digialm.com/EForms/configuredHtml/1258/96171/login.html |
Disclaimer: This article is written purely for informational and guidance purposes based on the AFCAT 02/2026 official notification released by the Indian Air Force on 12 May 2026. In case of any discrepancy between this article and the official notification, the official Indian Air Force notification shall be treated as final and binding. Candidates are strongly advised to read the complete official notification available at indianairforce.nic.in before applying.
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