Apply Before June 19, 2026
Published Date: May 20, 2026 Last Updated: June 1, 2026
The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 02/2026 notification for 379 vacancies in Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Entry. Both men and women meeting the eligibility criteria can apply online.
The application process is open from 20 May to 19 June 2026. Interested candidates should review the eligibility requirements and submit their applications before the deadline.
Quick Overview — AFCAT 02/2026
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
| Notification Number | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Total Vacancies | 379 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Start Date | May 20, 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | June 19, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Exam Date | August 8, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Admit Card Available | August 4, 2026 onwards |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | https://afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Gender | Men and Women Both |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) |
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About Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces and plays a vital role in protecting the nation’s airspace. Established on 8 October 1932, it has grown into one of the world’s leading air forces with advanced aircraft, modern technology, and highly trained personnel.
Joining the Indian Air Force as an officer offers an opportunity to serve the country with pride while building a rewarding career. Through AFCAT, eligible graduates can join various Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches of the IAF.
AFCAT 02/2026 — Total Vacancies Branch Wise
| Branch | Total Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 35 |
| Ground Duty Technical | 211 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 107 |
| NCC Special Entry and GATE Entry | 26 |
| Grand Total | 379 |
Detailed Vacancy Breakdown
| Entry Type | Branch | Men PC | Women PC | Men SSC | Women SSC |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | — | — | 30 | 5 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Tech AE(L) | 2 | 2 | 107 | 25 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Tech AE(M) | 8 | 2 | 52 | 13 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Non-Tech WS | — | — | 21 | 5 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Non-Tech Adm | — | — | 50 | 12 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Non-Tech Lgs | — | — | 4 | 2 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Non-Tech Accts | — | — | 5 | 2 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Non-Tech Edn | — | — | 1 | 2 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Non-Tech Met | — | — | 1 | 2 |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty Tech AE(L) | 1 | 1 | 12 | 3 |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty Tech AE(M) | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying Branch | — | — | 10% of AFCAT SSC vacancies | — |
Disclaimer: All vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on IAF organizational requirements.
Type of Commission
Permanent Commission (PC): Officers serve until the age of superannuation in their respective branches. Full pension benefits apply after completing the required years of service.
Short Service Commission (SSC):
- Flying Branch SSC officers serve for 14 years from commissioning date
- Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical SSC officers serve an initial 10-year tenure with a possible extension of 4 more years
- SSC officers are not entitled to pension
- SSC officers can be considered for Permanent Commission based on vacancies, merit, and service eligibility.
Eligibility Criteria — Step by Step
Nationality
You must be a citizen of India as defined under the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. No other nationality is eligible.
Age Limit
| Branch | Age Required | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry) | 20 to 24 years as on July 1, 2027 | July 2, 2003 to July 1, 2007 |
| Flying Branch (With valid DGCA CPL) | 20 to 26 years as on July 1, 2027 | July 2, 2001 to July 1, 2007 |
| NCC Special Entry Flying | 20 to 24 years as on July 1, 2027 | July 2, 2003 to July 1, 2007 |
| Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical | 20 to 26 years as on July 1, 2027 | July 2, 2001 to July 1, 2007 |
| GATE Score Entry Ground Duty Technical | 20 to 26 years as on July 1, 2027 | July 2, 2001 to July 1, 2007 |
Age proof will only be accepted from Matriculation or Class 10 Board Certificate. No other document like birth certificate, horoscope, or affidavit will be considered.
Marital Status
All candidates must be unmarried at the time the course commences. Candidates who get married during the training period will be terminated immediately and will be required to refund all government expenditure incurred on them.
Educational Qualification — Branch Wise Detail
| Branch | Minimum Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics (minimum 50% in both) + 3-year graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks OR 4-year B.E./B.Tech with minimum 60% marks |
| Ground Duty Technical AE(L) | Passed Class 12 with Physics and Maths + 4-year B.E./B.Tech in Electronics, Electrical, Computer Science, IT, Instrumentation, or related disciplines with minimum 60% marks |
| Ground Duty Technical AE(M) | Passed Class 12 with Physics and Maths + 4-year B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical, Aerospace, Automobile, Manufacturing, Metallurgy, Mechatronics, or related disciplines with minimum 60% marks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical — WS | Passed Class 12 with Physics and Maths + 3-year graduation in any discipline OR B.E./B.Tech with minimum 60% marks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical — Administration and Logistics | Passed Class 12 + any graduation degree minimum 3 years with minimum 60% marks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical — Accounts | Passed Class 12 + B.Com / BBA Finance / BMS Finance / qualified CA / CMA / CS / CFA with minimum 60% marks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical — Education | Passed Class 12 + Post Graduation in any discipline with minimum 50% marks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical — Meteorology | Passed Class 12 + B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics OR 4-year Engineering in Electronics, Computer Science, or related streams with minimum 60% marks |
| GATE Score Entry | Completed B.E./B.Tech in relevant discipline + valid GATE score obtained within the last 3 years from course commencement date |
| NCC Special Entry | Passed Class 12 + Graduation + valid NCC Air Wing Senior Division C Certificate obtained within the last 2 years |
Final year students with no current backlogs can also apply. They must complete their degree and submit proof by May 30, 2027.
Physical and Medical Standards
The IAF has very clear and strict medical standards. Every candidate must be medically fit to join. Here are the most important physical requirements:
Height Requirements
| Branch | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Duty Branches | Minimum 157 cm | Minimum 152 cm |
| Flying Branch Pilots, FTE, WSO of Su-30 MKI | Minimum 162 cm | Minimum 162 cm |
| Other Flying Duties | Minimum 157 cm | Minimum 157 cm |
Special height relaxation of 5 cm applies for candidates from Northeast India including Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Sikkim, and hilly areas of Uttarakhand. For these candidates, minimum height is 152 cm for males and 147 cm for females.
Other Physical Requirements
| Parameter | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Chest Circumference (Male) | Minimum 77 cm with at least 5 cm expansion |
| Blood Pressure | Systolic below 140 mmHg and Diastolic below 90 mmHg |
| Vision — Flying Branch | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other (correctable to 6/6 for hypermetropia only) |
| Vision — Ground Duty Branches | Correctable to 6/6 in each eye with glasses permitted |
| Colour Vision | CP-I for Flying Branch, CP-II for Ground Duty Branches |
Tattoo Policy
Permanent tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearm from elbow to wrist and on the back of both hands. Tattoos on any other part of the body — whether visible or hidden — are strictly not permitted. Candidates with non-permissible tattoos will be disqualified.
AFCAT Exam Pattern
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Marks per Correct Answer | +3 Marks |
| Negative Marking | -1 Mark per Wrong Answer |
| Unattempted Questions | 0 Marks |
| Exam Mode | Online Computer Based Test |
| Language | English Only |
Subjects Covered
| Subject | Standard |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Graduation Level |
| Verbal Ability in English | Graduation Level |
| Numerical Ability | Matriculation Level |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | Graduation Level |
AFCAT Syllabus — Subject Wise
English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms and Antonyms, Idioms and Phrases, Analogy, Sentence Rearranging, One Word Substitution, Cloze Test, Transformation of Sentences
General Awareness: History, Geography, Sports, National and International Organisations, Art and Culture, Environment and Ecology, Indian Polity, Economy, Basic Science, Science and Technology, Current Affairs, Defence
Numerical Ability: Decimal Fractions, Time and Work, Average and Percentage, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Simple and Compound Interest, Time and Distance, Area and Perimeter, Probability, Number Series, HCF and LCM, Elementary Mensuration, Statistics
Reasoning and Military Aptitude: Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, Military Aptitude
Exam Schedule on August 8, 2026
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Candidate Reporting Time | 8:00 AM |
| Gate Closing Time | 9:30 AM |
| Verification and Seating | 8:00 AM to 9:45 AM |
| Reading of Instructions | 9:45 AM to 10:00 AM |
| Exam Begins | 10:00 AM |
| Exam Ends | 12:00 PM (Noon) |
Candidates who arrive after 9:30 AM will NOT be allowed to enter the examination hall under any circumstances.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + 18% GST (Non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee — Completely Free |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee — Completely Free |
Payment accepted through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, and UPI. No cash, cheque, or demand draft will be accepted.
Selection Process — Complete Step by Step
AFCAT Written Examination
All eligible candidates who apply before June 19, 2026 will be called for the AFCAT online exam on August 8, 2026. The exam tests General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. Candidates who score above the IAF-fixed cutoff will qualify for the next stage. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from this written exam and are directly called for AFSB.
Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing
AFSB centres are located at:
- Dehradun (1 AFSB)
- Mysuru (2 AFSB)
- Gandhinagar (3 AFSB)
- Varanasi (4 AFSB)
- Guwahati (5 AFSB)
AFSB testing has three stages:
Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test on Day 1. This is a screening round. Only those who pass continue. Candidates who fail Stage I are sent back on Day 1 itself.
Stage II: Psychological Tests on Day 1 evening, followed by Group Tests and Personal Interview over the next five days.
Stage III (Flying Branch Only): Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) — a once-in-a-lifetime test administered only to recommended candidates. Candidates who have failed CPSS in a previous attempt are permanently ineligible for the Flying Branch.
Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by AFSB go through a detailed medical examination conducted by IAF medical boards. All branches have medical standards as per IAF regulations. Flying Branch candidates have more stringent vision and physical requirements.
Final Merit List
A final merit list is prepared combining the written exam score and AFSB test performance. Branch allotment depends on the number of vacancies, order of merit, medical fitness, and the candidate’s own branch preference.
Training Details
| Branch | Duration | Start Date |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Approximately 62 weeks | First week of July 2027 |
| Ground Duty Technical | Approximately 62 weeks | First week of July 2027 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Approximately 50 weeks | First week of July 2027 |
Training takes place at the Air Force Academy (AFA) and other Air Force Training Establishments. Physical conditioning during training includes running up to 4 km in 15 minutes, skipping, minimum 20 push-ups and sit-ups, 8 chin-ups, rope climbing 3 to 4 metres, and swimming 25 metres.
Pay and Allowances After Commissioning
| Rank | Pay Scale as per 7th CPC | Military Service Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 (Level 10) | ₹15,500 per month |
Flight Cadets during training receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month.
In addition to basic pay, commissioned officers receive:
- Flying Allowance (for Flying Branch)
- Technical Allowance (for Technical Branch)
- Transport Allowance
- Risk and Hardship Allowance
- Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer Allowance (where applicable)
- House Rent Allowance based on posting
Insurance Coverage: IAF officers are covered under Air Force Group Insurance Society with a life cover of ₹1.25 Crore while in service. PC officers retiring after 20 or more years and SSC officers completing 14 years of service also get post-retirement insurance coverage.
Documents Required at Exam Centre on Exam Day
- Printed copy of e-Admit Card for AFCAT 02/2026
- Original Aadhaar Card (photocopy not accepted)
- One more original photo ID — PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, or Voter ID
- Two passport-size colour photographs — same as the one uploaded during application
- Blue or Black ballpoint pen for signing attendance sheet
Documents Required at AFSB
- AFCAT Admit Card
- Original Class 10 Board Certificate and Marksheet
- Original Class 12 Board Certificate and Marksheet
- Original Graduation Degree Certificate and all semester or year-wise Marksheets
- Final year students: Certificate from College Principal with name of college, university, discipline, aggregate percentage, and expected result date
- Two attested photocopies of all certificates mentioned above
- Original NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- NOC from employer for government employees
- GATE Score documents (for GATE Score Entry candidates)
- Original valid DGCA Commercial Pilot License (if applicable)
- 20 passport-size colour photographs in light coloured clothes with white background
- Inbound railway or bus ticket for travel allowance reimbursement
- Cancelled cheque for online TA payment
- Domicile Certificate for Northeast and hilly state candidates seeking height relaxation
How to Apply — Step by Step Process
Step 1: Open the official AFCAT website — https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Step 2: Click on Sign Up or Register. Enter your full name as per Class 10 Certificate, mobile number, and email address. Click Generate OTP.
Step 3: Enter the OTP received on your mobile and email separately. Submit the CAPTCHA and click Submit to complete registration.
Step 4: Log in using the User ID and password sent to your registered email. Click on Go to Application.
Step 5: Fill in all personal details carefully — name, date of birth, gender, marital status, father’s name, mother’s name, Aadhaar number (last 4 digits), identification marks, and NCC details if applicable.
Step 6: Fill in your communication details — permanent address, correspondence address, nearest railway station, and pin code.
Step 7: Fill in qualification details — Class 10, Class 12, and graduation information with percentage, university name, and degree name.
Step 8: Select your course preferences from Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical. You must select all applicable courses before proceeding.
Step 9: Upload your scanned passport-size photograph (100 to 200 KB), signature (80 to 150 KB), and thumb impression (50 to 100 KB) in JPG or JPEG format only.
Step 10: Click Preview and review every detail carefully. Once you are satisfied, click Submit.
Step 11: Pay the application fee of ₹550 plus GST through Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI. NCC and GATE entry candidates skip this step.
Step 12: After successful payment, download and print your application form. Keep it safely for future reference.
Step 13: Admit Card will be available for download from August 4, 2026 from the same website using your login credentials.
Important Dates — Complete Calendar
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Window Opens | May 20, 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | June 19, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Admit Card Download Starts | August 4, 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| AFCAT Exam Date | August 8, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Answer Key and Response Sheet | August 9, 2026 (5:00 PM onwards) |
| Objection Window Closes | August 11, 2026 (5:00 PM) |
| Course Commencement | First Week of July 2027 |
Examination Cities for AFCAT 02/2026
The AFCAT exam will be conducted in over 100 cities across India including Guwahati, Dibrugarh, Jorhat, Dimapur, Shillong, Imphal, Aizawl, Agartala, Gangtok, Naharalagun, Delhi NCR, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Chennai, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Pune, Jaipur, Lucknow, Chandigarh, Bhopal, Patna, Ranchi, Bhubaneswar, Srinagar, Jammu, Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Nagpur, and many more.
Candidates can choose their preferred exam city during the application process. No request for city change will be entertained after submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Can women apply for AFCAT 02/2026? Yes. Women can apply for Flying Branch (SSC) and all Ground Duty branches — both Technical and Non-Technical.
Q2. Is there any application fee for NCC or GATE entry? No. Both NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are fully exempted from the application fee.
Q3. Can final year students apply? Yes. Students in the final year of their degree can apply provided they have no current backlogs. Their degree must be completed and proof submitted by May 30, 2027.
Q4. What is CPSS and can I attempt it again if I fail? CPSS — Computerised Pilot Selection System — is a flying aptitude test. It is a once-in-a-lifetime test. If you fail CPSS in any previous attempt, you are permanently ineligible for the Flying Branch.
Q5. Can I apply for multiple branches in one application? Yes. You can and must select all courses and branches you are eligible for during the application process. IAF will allot the branch based on your preference, merit, and vacancies.
Q6. What happens if I submit multiple applications? Only the latest application submitted against your Aadhaar number will be considered valid. Fee paid for earlier applications will not be refunded.
Q7. Will I get travel allowance for AFSB? Yes. To and fro travel fare by AC-III Tier or AC Chair Car by the shortest route will be reimbursed for candidates appearing at AFSB for the first time. You must carry original railway or bus tickets. No TA for subsequent attempts.
Q8. Are candidates from Assam and Northeast eligible for height relaxation? Yes. Candidates from Assam, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Meghalaya, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Sikkim, and hilly areas of Uttarakhand get a 5 cm height relaxation. Minimum height becomes 152 cm for males and 147 cm for females.
Q9. Is a practice test available? Yes. An online practice test is available on the official website https://afcat.edcil.co.in to help candidates get familiar with the exam format.
Q10. What is the difference between PC and SSC? Permanent Commission officers serve until retirement age with full pension benefits. Short Service Commission officers serve for a fixed tenure of 10 to 14 years without pension, though they may be considered for PC later based on merit and vacancies.
Official Contact Details
| Purpose | Contact |
|---|---|
| Apply Online and Download Admit Card | https://afcat.edcil.co.in |
| IAF Career Portal | https://careerairforce.gov.in |
| AFCAT Helpdesk Phone | +91-9513252077 |
| AFCAT Helpdesk Email | afcathelpdesk@edcil.co.in |
| Eligibility Related Queries | 011-23010231 Extension 7245 |
| AFSB and Selection Process Queries | 011-23010231 Extension 7610 |
| Toll Free Number | 1800-11-2448 |
| Query Hours | Monday to Saturday 9:30 AM to 1:00 PM and 2:00 PM to 5:00 PM |
Important Note
AFCAT 02/2026 offers recruitment opportunities in Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches of the Indian Air Force. A total of 379 vacancies have been announced for eligible candidates from various educational backgrounds. Selection will be based on the prescribed examination, AFSB testing, medical standards, and merit. Candidates are advised to review the official notification carefully and complete the application process before the closing date.
Interested candidates are advised to submit their applications before June 19, 2026, and prepare for the examination as per the official schedule.
Disclaimer: All information in this article is sourced directly from the official AFCAT 02/2026 notification released by the Indian Air Force. Candidates are advised to always verify the latest details on the official website https://afcat.edcil.co.in before applying. This website is not affiliated with the Indian Air Force or any government recruitment body.
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