Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment: Apply Online for 379 Gazetted Officer Posts

Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Notification

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the detailed notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/2026). This recruitment drive aims to select prospective male and female candidates as Group 'A' Gazetted Officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches for courses commencing in July 2027 at the Air Force Academy.

Interested and eligible aspirants can apply online starting from May 20, 2026, until the application window closes on June 19, 2026. The online computer-based exam is scheduled to be held on August 8, 2026.

AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment: Overview

Below is a quick summary of the key features of the AFCAT 02/2026 exam:

Important Dates

Make sure you do not miss any of the crucial timelines for the examination process:

• Online Application Start Date: May 20, 2026 (11:00 AM)
• Online Application Closing Date: June 19, 2026 (11:30 PM)
• Admit Card Download Date: August 4, 2026 (Tentative)
• AFCAT Online Written Exam: August 8, 2026
• Course Commencement Date: July 2027

Vacancy Distribution (AFCAT 02/2026)

A total of 379 vacancies are offered across various entry routes and branches. Here is the detailed post matrix:

Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must fulfill the designated nationality, age limit, and education qualification parameters to apply.

1. Age Limit (As on July 1, 2027)

• Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Entry): 20 to 24 years (born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2007, both dates inclusive). Upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA.
• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years (born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007, both dates inclusive).

2. Educational Qualifications

• Flying Branch: Minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level AND either a 3-year Graduation degree with at least 60% marks OR a 4-year B.E./B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks.
• Ground Duty (Technical): Aeronautical Engineers (Electronics/Mechanical) must have passed 10+2 with 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics, coupled with a minimum 4-year professional Engineering/Technology degree with at least 60% marks in relevant disciplines.
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
  • Weapon Systems (WS), Administration & Logistics: Minimum Graduation (3 years) in any stream with at least 60% marks.
  • Accounts: B.Com / BBA (Finance) / BMS (Finance) with a minimum of 60% marks.
  • Education: Post Graduation with at least 50% marks coupled with a Graduation degree with 60% marks.

Application Fee

• AFCAT Entry (All candidates): Rs. 550/- + 18% GST (Non-refundable).
• NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Entry: Exempted from paying any examination fee.

Selection Process

The Indian Air Force implements a systematic assessment system comprising three main stages:

1. Online Computer-Based Test (AFCAT): Candidates undergo an objective-type written test testing General Awareness, English proficiency, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning.
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing: Shortlisted candidates undergo Phase I (Officer Intelligence Rating & PP&DT screening) and Phase II (Psychological, Group Task, and Interview evaluations). Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must additionally clear the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test.
3. Medical Examination & Merit List: Those declared medically fit are drafted into final order of merit based on cumulative exam and interview marks.

AFCAT Written Exam Pattern

The written examination structure is defined as follows:

• Total Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes)
• Number of Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions
• Maximum Marks: 300 Marks
• Marking Scheme: +3 marks for every correct response; -1 mark for every incorrect response; 0 marks for unattempted questions.

How to Apply for IAF AFCAT 02/2026?

Follow these step-by-step instructions to register and apply online:

1. Go to the official registration portal at https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
2. Locate and click the "Sign Up" option to initiate your registration. Enter your active email ID, mobile number, and personal details.
3. Verify your credentials using the OTP sent to your email and phone, and note the generated User ID and password.
4. Log in to your account, fill in all qualification credentials, specify your branch preferences, and upload your scanned passport-size photograph, signature, and thumb impression in the prescribed format.
5. Pay the requisite fee of Rs. 550/- + GST using the integrated online payment portal (not applicable to NCC Special / GATE Entry).
6. Double-check all entered fields during the final preview stage, submit your application, and print the confirmation page for physical reference.