✈️ Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Notification Released
Interested and eligible candidates can submit their online applications from 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) to 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) through the official AFCAT portal at afcat.cdac.in.
This recruitment offers an excellent opportunity for graduates and engineering aspirants who dream of serving the nation as officers in the Indian Air Force. Both men and women candidates can apply for several branches under Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC).
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026
📌 Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Recruitment Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying Branch & Ground Duty |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission & Short Service Commission |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Registration Starts | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Apply Online | Link |
| Salary | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
| Exam Fee | Rs. 550 + GST |
🛩️ AFCAT 02/2026 Notification PDF Details
The Indian Air Force has released the detailed notification for AFCAT – 02/2026 / NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Entry inviting applications for Commissioned Officer vacancies. Candidates must carefully read the official notification before filling out the application form.
The recruitment includes entries for:
- AFCAT Entry
- NCC Special Entry
- GATE Score Entry
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty Technical
- Ground Duty Non-Technical
The detailed advertisement contains eligibility conditions, physical standards, selection process, educational qualifications, examination details, and training information.
📅 Important Dates for AFCAT 02/2026
Candidates must keep track of all important dates related to the recruitment process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 2026 |
| Online Registration Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
✈️ AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The vacancies announced under AFCAT 02/2026 are tentative and may change depending on organizational requirements.
Branch-wise Entry Details
AFCAT Entry
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
NCC Special Entry
- Flying Branch
GATE Score Entry
- Ground Duty Technical Branches
The expected number of vacancies is likely to cross 300+ posts, although the exact branch-wise distribution will be updated later by the Indian Air Force. Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026
🧑✈️ Type of Commission in AFCAT 02/2026
The Indian Air Force offers two types of commissions through AFCAT recruitment:
Permanent Commission (PC)
Candidates selected under Permanent Commission will serve in the Air Force until retirement age according to their rank and branch.
Short Service Commission (SSC)
Flying Branch SSC
- Service tenure: 14 years from commissioning.
Ground Duty SSC
- Initial service period: 10 years.
- Extension possible up to 4 additional years based on performance and service requirements.
SSC officers are not eligible for pension benefits.
🎯 AFCAT 02/2026 Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions as on 01 July 2027.
Age Limit
Flying Branch
- Age: 20 to 24 years
- Born between: 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007
Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA can get relaxation up to 26 years.
Ground Duty Branches
- Age: 20 to 26 years
- Born between: 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007
🎓 Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
Candidates must have:
- Graduation degree with minimum required marks
- Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
- OR BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized university
Ground Duty (Technical)
Applicants should possess:
- BE/B.Tech degree in relevant engineering disciplines
- Valid GATE score for GATE Score Entry candidates
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Graduation in relevant disciplines is required for branches like:
- Administration
- Logistics
- Accounts
- Education
- Meteorology
Candidates are advised to check the detailed notification for branch-specific qualification requirements.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026
💰 AFCAT 02/2026 Salary and Benefits
Candidates selected as Flying Officers will receive an attractive salary package along with various allowances and facilities.
Pay Scale
| Rank | Salary |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
Additionally, officers receive:
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500/-
- Flying Allowance
- Technical Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Risk & Hardship Allowance
Training Stipend
Flight Cadets will receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100/- during the one-year training period.
🏠 Facilities and Privileges for IAF Officers
Indian Air Force officers enjoy several benefits and privileges including:
- Furnished accommodation
- Medical facilities for self and family
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Subsidized loans
- Officers’ Mess facilities
- Canteen benefits
- Annual leave and casual leave
The Air Force also provides extensive insurance coverage through AFGIS.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026
💳 AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
The examination fee is non-refundable.
📝 AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process
The selection process includes multiple stages designed to evaluate candidates physically, mentally, and academically.
Stage 1 – Online Examination
Candidates applying through AFCAT entry must appear for the online written exam.
Stage 2 – AFSB Interview
Shortlisted candidates will attend the Air Force Selection Board interview which includes:
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Medical tests are conducted at:
- AFCME
- IAM
Stage 4 – Final Merit List
Final selection depends on:
- AFCAT score
- AFSB performance
- Medical fitness
- Availability of vacancies
🏃 Physical Fitness Requirements
Candidates are advised to maintain good physical fitness before reporting for selection or training.
Recommended fitness benchmarks include:
- 1.6 km run in 10 minutes
- 10 push-ups
- 3 chin-ups
Regular physical conditioning such as swimming, rope climbing, and endurance exercises is highly recommended.
🌐 How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment
Candidates must apply online only through the official AFCAT portal.
Steps to Apply
- Visit the official website: afcat.cdac.in
- Register using valid email ID and mobile number
- Fill personal and educational details carefully
- Upload required documents
- Pay the application fee (if applicable)
- Submit the application form
- Download and print the application slip
No offline applications will be accepted.
⚠️ Important Instructions for Candidates
Before applying, candidates should carefully note the following instructions:
- Only Indian citizens are eligible
- Candidates must remain unmarried during training
- Aadhaar card is mandatory
- PAN card and SBI/Nationalised Bank account are required at joining
- Permanent tattoos are restricted
- Use of narcotics is strictly prohibited
- Incorrect information may lead to cancellation of candidature
Candidates should regularly visit the official website for updates regarding admit card, exam dates, and results.
📞 AFCAT Helpdesk Details
For queries related to online registration, exam, and admit card:
- Phone: +91 9513252077
- Email: afcathelpdesk@cdac.in
For AFSB interview and merit list related queries:
- Phone: 011-23010231 Ext. 7610
- Toll-Free Number: 1800-11-2448
❓ AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 FAQs
Q1. What is AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment?
AFCAT 02/2026 is an Indian Air Force recruitment drive for Commissioned Officer posts in Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Q2. What are the AFCAT 02/2026 application dates?
Online applications begin on 20 May 2026 and close on 19 June 2026.
Q3. What is the AFCAT 02/2026 application fee?
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must pay Rs. 550 + GST.
Q4. Who can apply for Flying Branch?
Graduates with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or BE/B.Tech holders can apply.
Q5. Is AFCAT open for women candidates?
Yes, both men and women candidates can apply for eligible branches.
Q6. What is the salary of a Flying Officer?
The salary ranges from Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 along with allowances.
Q7. Is there any fee for NCC Special Entry?
No, NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from paying the examination fee.
Q8. What is the selection process for AFCAT?
The process includes AFCAT written exam, AFSB interview, medical examination, and final merit list.
Q9. What is the age limit for Ground Duty Branches?
Candidates must be between 20 and 26 years as on 01 July 2027.
Q10. Where can candidates apply online?
Applications can be submitted online through the official AFCAT website: afcat.cdac.in.
🔚 Conclusion
The Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 offers a prestigious opportunity for young aspirants to join the Indian Air Force as Commissioned Officers. With attractive salary packages, exciting career growth, and the honor of serving the nation, AFCAT remains one of the most sought-after defence recruitment exams in India.
Eligible candidates should carefully review the notification, verify eligibility conditions, and complete the online application process before the last date. Aspirants are advised to begin their preparation early for the AFCAT examination and AFSB interview to improve their chances of final selection.
🔗 Related JobsWallah Updates
Looking for more updates? Check these important links:
