The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification for candidates who dream of serving the nation as Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty Branches. This is one of the biggest defense recruitment opportunities for graduates and engineers looking to build a prestigious career in the Indian Air Force.
The online application process for AFCAT 02/2026 has started from 20 May 2026 and eligible candidates can submit their forms through the official AFCAT portal before the last date. The recruitment includes vacancies for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch, Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Entry.
Candidates preparing for Defence Jobs 2026, Indian Air Force Jobs, AFCAT Exam 2026, or Government Officer Recruitment should not miss this opportunity.
AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty Technical & Non-Technical |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Official Website | careerairforce.gov.in / afcat.cdac.in |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Category | Defense Jobs |
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates
Candidates should keep track of all important dates related to the AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam |
| AFCAT 02/2026 Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Course Starting Date | July 2027 |
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has announced more than 300 vacancies for various branches under AFCAT 02/2026.
Branch-Wise Vacancies
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- NCC Special Entry
- Meteorology Branch
- GATE Entry for Technical Branches
The exact branch-wise vacancy distribution is available in the official notification PDF.
AFCAT 02/2026 Eligibility Criteria
Before applying, candidates must carefully check the eligibility conditions.
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
- Candidates must have a graduation degree with minimum 60% marks.
- Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level are mandatory.
Ground Duty Technical Branch
- Candidates should possess a B.E./B.Tech degree in the relevant engineering stream.
- Minimum 60% marks are generally required.
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch
- Graduation or post-graduation in the relevant discipline from a recognized university.
Age Limit
Flying Branch
- 20 to 24 years
- Age relaxation for CPL holders as per rules.
Ground Duty Branches
- 20 to 26 years
Candidates are advised to verify exact date-of-birth eligibility from the official notification.
AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
The fee can be paid online using Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI, or Net Banking.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026
Candidates can follow the step-by-step process below to complete the online application form.
Step 1: Visit Official Website
Go to the official AFCAT portal.
Step 2: Register Online
Click on the AFCAT 02/2026 Registration link and complete the registration process.
Step 3: Fill Application Form
Enter personal details, educational qualification, communication details, and branch preferences carefully.
Step 4: Upload Documents
Upload:
- Passport-size photograph
- Signature
- Required certificates
Step 5: Pay Application Fee
Complete the online payment process.
Step 6: Submit Final Form
Verify all entered details and submit the form.
Step 7: Print Application Form
Download and print the final application form for future reference.
AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 02/2026 consists of multiple stages.
Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination
Candidates will appear for the online AFCAT examination.
Stage 2: AFSB Interview
Shortlisted candidates will be called for Air Force Selection Board testing.
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates qualifying the AFSB process will undergo medical fitness tests.
Stage 4: Final Merit List
The final merit list will be prepared based on written exam marks, AFSB performance, medical fitness, and vacancies.
AFCAT 02/2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 27 | 81 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Exam Duration
- 2 Hours
Negative Marking
- 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer.
AFCAT 02/2026 Salary Structure
Selected candidates in the Indian Air Force receive an excellent salary package along with multiple benefits.
Salary Highlights
- Starting Pay: ₹56,100 per month
- Military Service Pay
- Flying Allowance
- Medical Facilities
- Accommodation Benefits
- Travel Benefits
- Pension and Insurance Benefits
A career in the Indian Air Force also provides social prestige, adventure, leadership opportunities, and long-term career growth.
Documents Required for AFCAT 02/2026 Application
Candidates should keep the following documents ready while filling out the form.
- Aadhaar Card
- Graduation Marksheet
- 10th & 12th Certificates
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Valid Email ID & Mobile Number
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Why AFCAT is a Dream Career Opportunity
Every year, thousands of candidates prepare for AFCAT because joining the Indian Air Force is not just a job — it is a matter of pride and honor.
Major Benefits of Joining Indian Air Force
- Officer Rank Career
- Attractive Salary Package
- High Social Respect
- Adventure and Leadership
- Opportunity to Serve the Nation
- Excellent Work Environment
- Career Stability
- Training with Advanced Technology
For defence aspirants, AFCAT remains one of the most prestigious officer-level examinations in India.
AFCAT 02/2026 Preparation Tips
Candidates preparing for AFCAT 02/2026 should focus on smart preparation strategies.
Best Preparation Tips
- Understand the latest syllabus and exam pattern.
- Practice previous year question papers.
- Improve English vocabulary and comprehension.
- Strengthen reasoning and mathematics basics.
- Stay updated with current affairs and defence news.
- Attempt mock tests regularly.
- Focus on time management.
Consistency and regular revision are the keys to success in AFCAT.
Direct Official Links
Apply Online Link
Official Indian Air Force Website
Final Words
The Airforce AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment is an outstanding opportunity for graduates and engineers who wish to become officers in the Indian Air Force. With more than 300 vacancies, attractive salary packages, officer-level prestige, and the chance to serve the nation, AFCAT remains one of the top defence examinations in India.
Interested candidates should complete their online application before the last date and start their preparation seriously to secure selection in the Indian Air Force.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official AFCAT website for updates related to exam date, admit card, syllabus, and result announcements.
