Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for 379 Commissioned Officer Posts
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Notification for 379 Commissioned Officer vacancies in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. Eligible unmarried men and women candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT portal for courses commencing in July 2027. AFCAT is one of the most prestigious defence recruitment examinations in India for candidates aspiring to become Air Force officers.
AFCAT 02/2026 Overview
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Post Type | Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer |
| Branches | Flying & Ground Duty |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Portal |
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 04 August 2026 (Tentative) |
| AFCAT Online Exam | 08 August 2026 |
| Course Start | July 2027 |
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
Flying Branch
- SSC for Men & Women
- Total Vacancies: 35
Ground Duty (Technical)
Posts include:
- Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics)
- Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Posts include:
- Administration
- Logistics
- Accounts
- Education
- Weapon Systems
- Meteorology
Special Entries
- NCC Special Entry
- GATE Score Entry
Total Vacancies: 379 Posts.
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
Candidates must have:
- Graduation Degree with minimum required marks
AND - Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level
OR
- BE / B.Tech Degree
Ground Duty Technical Branch
- Engineering Degree in relevant discipline
Ground Duty Non-Technical
- Graduate / Postgraduate qualification according to branch requirement
Final-year students may also apply subject to eligibility conditions.
Age Limit
Flying Branch
- 20 to 24 Years
- Upper age relaxable to 26 years for CPL holders
Ground Duty Branches
- 20 to 26 Years
Age calculated as on 01 July 2027.
Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
Payment methods:
- UPI
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of multiple stages:
Stage 1 – AFCAT Online Examination
Subjects include:
- General Awareness
- English Verbal Ability
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning
- Military Aptitude
Stage 2 – AFSB Interview
Includes:
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Psychological Tests
- Group Discussion
- Personal Interview
Stage 3 – CPSS Test
Applicable only for Flying Branch candidates.
Stage 4 – Medical Examination
Stage 5 – Final Merit List
Final merit depends on:
- AFCAT Marks
- AFSB Performance
- Medical Fitness
AFCAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Included | |
| English | Included | |
| Numerical Ability | Included | |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | Included | |
| Total Questions | 100 | 300 |
Duration: 2 Hours
Negative Marking:
- +3 for correct answer
- -1 for wrong answer
Salary & Benefits
Selected candidates will receive:
| Pay Details | Amount |
|---|---|
| Training Stipend | ₹56,100 Per Month |
| Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Salary Range | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
Additional Benefits:
- Military Service Pay
- Flying Allowance
- HRA
- Medical Facilities
- Insurance Cover
- Pension Benefits
IAF officers also receive Air Force Group Insurance benefits up to ₹1.25 Crore.
Training Details
| Branch | Training Duration |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Approx 62 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Technical | Approx 62 Weeks |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Approx 50 Weeks |
Training will begin from July 2027 at Air Force training establishments.
New GATE Score Entry Scheme
The Indian Air Force has introduced a new GATE-based entry system for Technical Branch recruitment. Engineering graduates can now apply through valid GATE scores for certain technical entries instead of AFCAT examination only.
Medical Standards
Candidates must satisfy strict Air Force medical standards including:
- Good eyesight
- Physical fitness
- Height & weight standards
- No serious medical conditions
Flying Branch candidates must clear additional aviation medical standards.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep ready:
- Aadhaar Card
- Graduation Certificates
- 10th & 12th Mark Sheets
- Passport Size Photo
- Signature Scan
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- GATE Score Card (for GATE entry)
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026
- Visit the official AFCAT website
- Complete registration process
- Fill online application form
- Upload photograph & signature
- Pay application fee
- Submit final form
- Download application printout
Official Apply Link:
AFCAT Apply Online Portal
Why AFCAT is One of India’s Most Popular Defence Exams
AFCAT provides:
- Officer Rank in Indian Air Force
- High Salary Package
- Respect & Prestige
- Adventure Career
- Medical & Pension Benefits
- Career Growth Opportunities
- Opportunity to Serve Nation
Many defence aspirants on Reddit are actively discussing Flying Branch opportunities, GATE Entry options, cutoff predictions, and preparation strategies for AFCAT 02/2026.
Important Official Links
| Purpose | Official Link |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Official Website | AFCAT Official Website |
| Apply Online | AFCAT Apply Portal |
| Indian Air Force | Indian Air Force Official Website |
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