The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Notification for candidates who want to join the Air Force as Commissioned Officers. Both male and female candidates can apply for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry.
Candidates interested in defense jobs, Air Force officer vacancies, and government jobs in India can submit the online application form through the official AFCAT portal. The training course is expected to commence in July 2027.
AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying & Ground Duty |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Official Website | AFCAT Portal |
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The recruitment includes vacancies in multiple branches:
Flying Branch
- AFCAT Entry
- NCC Special Entry
Ground Duty (Technical)
- Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
- Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Administration
- Logistics
- Accounts
- Education
- Weapon Systems
- Meteorology
The notification mentions more than 300 expected vacancies across various branches.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Form Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Training Start | July 2027 |
Educational Qualification
Candidates must have completed Graduation or Engineering depending on the branch applied for.
Flying Branch
- Graduation with minimum 60% marks
- Mathematics & Physics at 10+2 level
Ground Duty Technical
- B.E / B.Tech degree in relevant discipline
Ground Duty Non-Technical
- Graduation in relevant stream with required marks
Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying online.
Age Limit
Flying Branch
- 20 to 24 Years
Ground Duty Branches
- 20 to 26 Years
Age relaxation rules are applicable as per Indian Air Force guidelines.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Entry | No Fee |
Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 02/2026 includes:
- Written Examination
- AFSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates selected through AFCAT will become Group A Gazetted Officers in the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT 02/2026 Exam Pattern
The AFCAT written exam generally includes questions from:
- General Awareness
- English Verbal Ability
- Numerical Ability
- Military Aptitude Test
- Reasoning
The exam is conducted in online CBT mode.
Salary Details
Selected candidates will receive salary under Level-10 pay scale.
| Post | Salary |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
Apart from salary, candidates also get Military Service Pay, allowances, medical benefits, accommodation, and other Air Force facilities.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026
Candidates can follow these steps:
- Visit the official AFCAT website
- Complete registration using email ID and mobile number
- Fill the online application form carefully
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee
- Submit the form and take printout
Why AFCAT is a Great Career Option
Joining the Indian Air Force through AFCAT gives candidates an opportunity to serve the nation while building a prestigious career. The job offers:
- High Salary Package
- Government Job Security
- Officer Rank Position
- Free Medical Facilities
- Travel & Housing Benefits
- Career Growth Opportunities
Many aspirants across India prepare every year for AFCAT due to its excellent career benefits and officer-level status.
Documents Required
Applicants should keep these documents ready:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Educational Certificates
- Aadhaar Card
- Graduation Marksheet
- Valid Email ID & Mobile Number
| Notification | click here |
| Apply Online | click here |
Final Words
The Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment is an excellent opportunity for graduates and engineering candidates who dream of joining the defense sector. Interested applicants should complete their online registration before the last date and start preparation early for the AFCAT examination.
Candidates should regularly check the official AFCAT portal for admit card, exam date, syllabus, and latest updates related to AFCAT 2026 recruitment.