The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the detailed AFCAT 02/2026 Notification for the recruitment of Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. This presents an exceptional career opportunity for patriotic and eligible Indian male and female citizens to join the elite air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. The courses for this cycle are scheduled to commence in July 2027.
Aspiring candidates can submit their online applications through the official web portal starting from 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) to 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM). To qualify, candidates must clear the online common admission test, followed by the rigorous AFSB interview process and medical examinations.
Key Highlights: AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
| Recruitment Board | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT – 02/2026) |
| Branches Offered | Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Dates | 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 08 August 2026 (Saturday) |
| Official Website | https://afcat.edcil.co.in |
Vacancy Details under AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
The vacancies are categorized based on entry type, branch, and commission types.
| Entry Type | Branch | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | – | – | 30 | 5 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | AE(L): 2 / AE(M): 8 | AE(L): 2 / AE(M): 2 | AE(L): 107 / AE(M): 52 | AE(L): 25 / AE(M): 13 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | – | – | WS: 21, Adm: 50, Lgs: 4, Accts: 5, Edn: 1, Met: 1 | WS: 5, Adm: 12, Lgs: 2, Accts: 2, Edn: 2, Met: 2 | |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | – | – | 10% seats of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats of AFCAT vacancies for SSC | |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | AE(L): 1 / AE(M): 1 | AE(L): 1 / AE(M): 1 | AE(L): 12 / AE(M): 6 | AE(L): 3 / AE(M): 1 |
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
Candidates must satisfy all required conditions related to nationality, marital status, and physical fitness.
- Candidate must be a citizen of India.
- Only unmarried candidates are eligible.
- Marriage during training period is prohibited.
- Candidates should be physically fit and capable of running 1.6 km in 10 minutes along with push-ups and chin-ups.
Educational Qualification required for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
| Branch | Qualification |
| Flying Branch | 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics + Graduation with minimum 60% marks OR BE/B.Tech |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics + 4-year Engineering Degree in relevant streams |
| Weapon Systems (WS) | Graduation or BE/B.Tech with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level |
| Administration & Logistics | Graduation Degree in any discipline |
| Accounts | B.Com / Finance-related Degree / CA / CMA / CS / CFA |
| Education | Graduation + Post Graduation |
| Meteorology | B.Sc with Physics & Mathematics OR Engineering Degree |
Age Limit under AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
| Branch | Age Limit |
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years |
| Flying Branch (with CPL License) | Up to 26 Years |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 Years |
Date of Birth Criteria :
- Flying Branch: Born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007.
- Flying Branch with CPL: Born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007.
- Ground Duty Branches: Born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007.
Application Fees for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
| Category | Application Fee |
| AFCAT Entry Candidates | Rs. 550/- + 18% GST |
| NCC Special Entry / GATE Entry | NIL |
Payment Mode :
- Net Banking
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- UPI
Salary / Pay Scale
| Post | Salary |
| Flight Cadet Stipend | Rs. 56,100/- per month |
| Flying Officer Pay Scale | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 (Level 10) |
Additional military allowances and benefits are applicable.
Selection Process under AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
| Selection Stage | Details |
| Written Examination (AFCAT) | Online Objective Type Exam |
| AFSB Interview | Stage-I & Stage-II Testing |
| CPSS | Applicable for Flying Branch only |
| Medical Examination | Physical and Medical Fitness Test |
| Final Merit List | Based on AFCAT + AFSB Performance |
AFCAT Written Exam Pattern
| Subject | Details |
| General Awareness | Included |
| Verbal Ability in English | Included |
| Numerical Ability | Included |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | Included |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
Important Dates for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
| Notification Release Date | May 2026 |
| Start of Online Applications | 20 May 2026 (11:00 Hrs) |
| Last Date for Online Applications | 19 June 2026 (23:30 Hrs) |
| Release of Admit Card | Approx. Late July 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | First Week of July 2027 |
Important Links for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
| Official Notification PDF | Download Notification |
| Apply Online | Register Here |
| Official Website | Visit Portal |
How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
- Visit the official AFCAT portal at https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Register using valid Email ID and Mobile Number.
- Verify details through OTP received on Email and SMS.
- Log in and click on “Go To Application.”
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
- Select preferred exam city and branch choices.
- Upload scanned copies of Photograph, Signature, and Left Thumb Impression.
- Pay application fee online (if applicable).
- Submit the application form and save/print the PDF copy for future reference.
Key Takeaways
| Feature | Details |
| Flying Branch SSC Tenure | 14 Years |
| Ground Duty Initial Tenure | 10 Years (Extendable by 4 Years) |
| Training Stipend | Rs. 56,100/- |
| Pay Level | Level-10 |
| Tattoo Rules | Allowed only on inner forearm/reverse side of palm |
| CPSS Attempt | Once in Lifetime |
Final Thoughts on AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
The AFCAT 02/2026 Notification offers one of the finest opportunities for graduates who aspire to serve the nation with pride and honor in the Indian Air Force. With opportunities in Flying, Technical, and Non-Technical branches, AFCAT opens the gateway to a highly respected and adventurous defense career.
Candidates are advised to begin preparation early for both the AFCAT written exam and AFSB interview process. Ensure all eligibility conditions are met and complete the online application before 19 June 2026 to avoid last-minute issues.
FAQs :
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Which organization conducts AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment?
The recruitment is conducted by the Indian Air Force (IAF).
Q2. What is the full form of AFCAT?
AFCAT stands for Air Force Common Admission Test.
Q3. What branches are available under AFCAT 02/2026?
Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches are available.
Q4. What is the application mode for AFCAT 02/2026?
The application process is completely online.
Q5. What is the official website for AFCAT applications?
The official website is https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
Q6. What is the starting date for online applications?
The online application starts from 20 May 2026.
Q7. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date to apply online is 19 June 2026.
Q8. What is the AFCAT 02/2026 exam date?
The AFCAT written examination will be conducted on 08 August 2026.
Q9. What is the age limit for Flying Branch?
The age limit is 20 to 24 years.
Q10. What is the age limit for Ground Duty branches?
The age limit is 20 to 26 years.
Q11. What is the application fee for AFCAT Entry candidates?
The application fee is Rs. 550/- + 18% GST.
Q12. Are NCC Special Entry candidates exempted from fees?
Yes, NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from fee payment.
Q13. What is the selection process for AFCAT 02/2026?
The selection process includes AFCAT Written Exam, AFSB Interview, CPSS (Flying Branch), and Medical Examination.
Q14. What is the salary of a Flying Officer?
The pay scale is Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 under Level-10 pay matrix.
Q15. Is there any stipend during training?
Yes, Flight Cadets receive Rs. 56,100/- per month during training.
Q16. Can married candidates apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
No, only unmarried candidates are eligible.
Q17. How can candidates apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
Candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT portal.