The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification, inviting applications from eligible men and women candidates for commission as officers in various branches of the Air Force. Through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), aspirants can join the prestigious Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch, and Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch.
This recruitment drive offers a golden opportunity for graduates, engineers, and postgraduates who dream of serving the nation as commissioned officers in one of the world’s most respected air forces. The notification announces 379 tentative vacancies across different branches, with online applications open from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026. The AFCAT examination is scheduled for 08 August 2026.
AFCAT 2 2026: Key Highlights
The AFCAT examination is conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC). Selected candidates will undergo training at the Air Force Academy and other training establishments before being commissioned as officers.
The recruitment is for courses commencing in July 2027. Candidates selected through this entry will become part of the elite officer cadre of the Indian Air Force and enjoy excellent pay, career growth, and numerous service benefits.
AFCAT 2 2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has notified 379 tentative vacancies distributed among various branches.
The Flying Branch has 35 vacancies. Ground Duty Technical Branch offers the largest share with vacancies in Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) and Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical). Opportunities are also available in Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, and Meteorology branches. In addition, GATE Score Entry vacancies have been earmarked for eligible engineering graduates. NCC Special Entry vacancies for the Flying Branch are also available within the notified vacancies.
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and possess a graduation degree of at least three years with a minimum of 60 percent marks. Alternatively, candidates holding a four-year BE/B.Tech degree with at least 60 percent marks are eligible.
Ground Duty Technical Branch
Applicants must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and possess a four-year engineering degree in relevant disciplines with at least 60 percent marks. Separate eligibility criteria apply for Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) and Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical) streams.
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch
Graduates with a minimum of 60 percent marks are eligible for Administration, Logistics, and Weapon Systems branches. Special qualifications are prescribed for Accounts, Education, and Meteorology branches.
Final-year students who can produce proof of passing before commencement of training may also apply provisionally.
AFCAT 2 2026 Age Limit
For the Flying Branch, candidates should be between 20 and 24 years of age as on 01 July 2027. Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) may receive age relaxation up to 26 years.
For Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches, candidates must be between 20 and 26 years of age.
Candidates must remain unmarried at the commencement of training, as marriage during training is not permitted under Air Force regulations.
AFCAT 2 2026 Salary and Benefits
One of the biggest attractions of an Air Force officer’s career is the excellent pay package and lifestyle.
Selected candidates will receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month during training. After commissioning, officers are placed in Pay Level-10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission pay matrix, with basic pay ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500.
In addition, officers receive Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month along with Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, and various field area allowances as applicable.
The approximate monthly earnings of a newly commissioned officer can range from ₹85,000 to over ₹1 lakh depending on branch and place of posting. Officers also enjoy medical facilities, CSD canteen benefits, accommodation, leave travel concessions, insurance cover, and pensionary benefits as per applicable rules.
AFCAT 2 2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of multiple stages designed to assess academic ability, officer-like qualities, leadership skills, and medical fitness.
Stage 1: AFCAT Online Examination
Candidates must first clear the computer-based AFCAT examination consisting of 100 questions carrying 300 marks. The paper includes questions from:
General Awareness
English Verbal Ability
Numerical Ability
Reasoning
Military Aptitude
The examination follows a negative marking system with three marks awarded for every correct answer and one mark deducted for every incorrect response.
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB)
Candidates shortlisted in the written examination are called for the AFSB interview process. The selection board assesses personality, leadership potential, communication skills, psychological suitability, and group performance through various tests.
Stage 3: CPSS for Flying Branch
Candidates opting for the Flying Branch must qualify the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS), a crucial pilot aptitude assessment conducted by the Indian Air Force.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the AFSB undergo detailed medical examinations at designated Air Force medical centres. Strict standards regarding eyesight, hearing, physical fitness, and overall health are applicable.
Stage 5: Final Merit List
The final merit list is prepared based on AFCAT performance, AFSB assessment, medical fitness, and availability of vacancies. Selected candidates are issued joining instructions for training beginning in July 2027.
How to Apply for AFCAT 2 2026
Candidates must submit applications online through the AFCAT portal.
Before applying, candidates should keep scanned copies of photographs, signatures, educational certificates, identity proof, and other required documents ready.
After registration, candidates must fill in personal and educational details, upload documents, pay the application fee, and submit the application form before the closing date.
The AFCAT application fee is ₹550 plus GST. However, candidates applying through NCC Special Entry or GATE Entry routes are exempted from paying the fee.
Important Dates
The online application process commenced on 20 May 2026 and will remain open until 19 June 2026.
The AFCAT 02/2026 online examination is scheduled for 08 August 2026.
Training for selected candidates is expected to commence in the first week of July 2027.
Why AFCAT is One of the Best Defence Career Opportunities
Joining the Indian Air Force as an officer offers much more than a government job. It provides leadership opportunities, adventure, professional growth, international exposure, and the honour of serving the nation.
With attractive pay, social status, modern working conditions, and a clear promotion structure, AFCAT remains one of the most sought-after defence examinations among graduates and engineers across India.
Candidates who meet the eligibility criteria should not miss this opportunity and must complete their application process before the deadline. With proper preparation and determination, AFCAT 2 2026 can be the gateway to a prestigious career in the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT 2/2026: Key Information at a Glance
Recruiting Organization : Indian Air Force (IAF)
Entry Scheme : Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026
Course Commencement : July 2027
Total Vacancies : 379 Tentative Vacancies
Branches Covered
Flying Branch
Ground Duty (Technical)
Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Weapon Systems
Administration
Logistics
Accounts
Education
Meteorology
NCC Special Entry
GATE Entry (Technical Branches)
Application Dates : Start Date: 20 May 2026 – Last Date: 19 June 2026
AFCAT Exam Date : 08 August 2026
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027) – Flying Branch : 20 to 24 years & Up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL)
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) : 20 to 26 years
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch : 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
Graduation (Minimum 3 years) with 60% marks OR , BE/B.Tech with 60% marks
Ground Duty Technical : 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics, Four-year Engineering Degree in relevant discipline with 60% marks
Ground Duty Non-Technical : Graduation/Post-Graduation in relevant disciplines with minimum 60% marks
Marital Status : Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of training.
Training Stipend : ₹56,100 per month
Pay After Commissioning : Pay Level-10 of 7th CPC
Basic Pay: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500 per month extra
Other Benefits
Dearness Allowance (DA)
House Rent Allowance (HRA)
Transport Allowance
Flying Allowance
Technical Allowance
Medical Facilities
CSD Canteen Benefits
Leave Travel Concession
Insurance Cover
Pensionary Benefits as applicable
Selection Process
- AFCAT Online Examination
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) – Flying Branch only
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
AFCAT Exam Pattern
100 Questions
300 Marks
Duration: 2 Hours
Subjects:General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, Military Aptitude
Marking Scheme
+3 Marks for Correct Answer
-1 Mark for Wrong Answer
Application Fee
₹550 + GST for AFCAT Entry
No Fee for NCC Special Entry and GATE Entry candidates
Why Join Through AFCAT?
Prestigious Officer Rank in the Indian Air Force
Attractive Salary Package
Leadership and Adventure-Oriented Career
Fast Career Growth
Modern Working Environment
Opportunity to Serve the Nation