The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). The recruitment drive is being conducted for courses commencing in July 2027. Both male and female candidates can apply for various branches, including the Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches.
The AFCAT 02/2026 online application process will begin from 20 May 2026, and interested candidates can submit their applications until 19 June 2026 through the official AFCAT portal.
This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for graduates and engineering candidates who dream of joining the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. Candidates can apply through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry depending on their eligibility.
AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Entry Type | AFCAT Entry / NCC Special Entry / GATE Entry |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Salary | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Website |
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates
Candidates should carefully note the important dates related to AFCAT Recruitment 2026.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 12 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Candidates are advised to apply well before the last date to avoid server issues during the final days.
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force is expected to fill more than 300 vacancies through AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment.
| Exam Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| AFCAT 02/2026 | 300+ |
The detailed branch-wise vacancy distribution will be available in the detailed notification PDF.
AFCAT 02/2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must ensure that they satisfy all eligibility conditions prescribed in the notification.
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
Candidates should possess:
- Graduation with minimum 60% marks in any discipline along with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
OR - BE/B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks
Ground Duty Technical Branch
Candidates must have:
- B.Tech / BE degree in the relevant engineering discipline with minimum required marks
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch
Candidates should hold:
- Graduate degree in relevant discipline with minimum prescribed marks
The complete stream-wise educational qualifications will be available in the detailed notification.
AFCAT 02/2026 Age Limit
The age limit varies depending on the branch selected by the candidate.
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years |
| Ground Duty Branches | 20 to 26 Years |
Age Calculation Date
The age will be calculated as on 01 July 2027.
Age relaxation will be applicable as per Indian Air Force recruitment rules.
AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Application Fee
Candidates applying under AFCAT Entry need to pay the examination fee online.
| Entry Type | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
The fee can be paid through debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI.
AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT Recruitment 2026 consists of multiple stages designed to evaluate candidates physically, mentally, and academically.
1. Written Examination
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must appear for the online written examination.
The exam generally includes:
- General Awareness
- English Verbal Ability
- Numerical Ability
- Military Aptitude Test
- Reasoning
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB)
Candidates shortlisted in the written exam will be called for the AFSB interview process.
The AFSB process includes:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Officer Intelligence Rating Tests
3. Document Verification
All educational certificates and required documents will be verified during the selection process.
4. Medical Examination
Candidates must meet the medical fitness standards prescribed by the Indian Air Force.
Final merit lists will be prepared based on performance in all stages.
AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates in the Indian Air Force receive attractive salary packages along with several allowances and benefits.
Pay Scale
- ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 (Level-10)
Additional Benefits
- Military Service Pay
- Flying Allowance
- Dearness Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Facilities
- Insurance Cover
- Canteen Facilities
- Accommodation Benefits
- Leave Travel Concession
Apart from financial benefits, AFCAT officers enjoy prestigious career growth opportunities and job security.
AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Exam Pattern
The AFCAT written examination is conducted online.
| Subject | Marks |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | Included |
| Verbal Ability in English | Included |
| Numerical Ability | Included |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | Included |
Exam Details
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: Yes
Candidates applying for the Technical Branch may also need to appear for the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT).
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
Candidates can follow these steps to apply online:
Step 1
Visit the official AFCAT portal:
AFCAT Official Portal
Step 2
Click on “Candidate Login” and complete registration.
Step 3
Fill in personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
Step 4
Upload:
- Passport size photograph
- Signature
- Required documents
Step 5
Pay the application fee online.
Step 6
Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future use.
Documents Required for AFCAT Application
Candidates should keep the following documents ready before applying:
- 10th Certificate
- 12th Marksheet
- Graduation Certificates
- Aadhaar Card
- Passport Size Photo
- Signature Scan
- Valid Email ID
- Mobile Number
Why Choose a Career in the Indian Air Force?
Joining the Indian Air Force is considered one of the most prestigious career opportunities in India. Officers in the Air Force receive:
- Respect in society
- High salary packages
- Adventure-filled career
- Leadership opportunities
- International exposure
- Excellent retirement benefits
Candidates passionate about serving the nation and building a disciplined career should not miss this opportunity.
AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Important Links
| Description | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Website |
| AFCAT 02/2026 Notification PDF | Soon |
| AFCAT 02/2026 Short Notice | Download |
| AFCAT 02/2026 Apply Online | AFCAT Online Application Portal |
AFCAT 02/2026 Notification FAQs
1. What is the starting date to apply for the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification?
The online application process starts from 20 May 2026.
2. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification?
Candidates can apply till 19 June 2026.
3. What is the salary in the AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
Selected candidates will receive a salary between ₹56,100 and ₹1,77,500.
4. Who can apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
Graduates and engineering candidates meeting the eligibility criteria can apply.
5. What is the official website for AFCAT applications?
The official website is the AFCAT Portal.
6. Is there negative marking in AFCAT exam?
Yes, negative marking is applicable in the AFCAT written examination.
7. How many vacancies are available in AFCAT 02/2026?
More than 300 vacancies are expected through this recruitment.
8. What is the age limit for the Flying Branch?
Candidates applying for the Flying Branch should be between 20 to 24 years.
