The Indian Air Force has invited online applications for AFCAT 02/2026, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry for commissioning into Flying and Ground Duty branches. The courses will begin in July 2027, offering an excellent opportunity for graduates and engineers to join one of India’s most respected defence forces. Interested candidates can check eligibility, branch-wise vacancies, age limit, selection process and apply online before the last date.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officers in Flying & Ground Duty Branches |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission (PC) & Short Service Commission (SSC) Opportunities Available for Eligible Men & Women Candidates |
| Education | B.Sc, B.Tech/B.E |
| Total Vacancies | 300+ Posts |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Last Date To Apply | 19 June 2026 |
Who Can Apply ?
- Male & Female Candidates from all over India
- Graduates and Engineering Degree Holders
- Candidates seeking Officer-Level Defence Jobs
- Applicants meeting branch-wise educational and age eligibility criteria
- NCC Certificate Holders (for NCC Special Entry)
- Candidates with valid GATE Scores (for Technical Entry)
➡ Indian Air Force provides opportunities for both fresh graduates and engineering aspirants to join as Commissioned Officers.
Why This Recruitment is Important ?
- Opportunity to join the prestigious Indian Air Force as a Commissioned Officer
- Attractive salary package with government allowances and benefits
- Open for both Men and Women candidates across India
- Career opportunities in Flying, Technical and Non-Technical branches
- Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) options available
- Excellent career growth, training and national service opportunity
- One of the top Defence Recruitment opportunities for graduates and engineers in 2026
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Start Date to Apply Online | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Eligibility Criteria
Educational Qualification
- Flying Branch: Graduation with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level or BE/B.Tech degree.
- Ground Duty (Technical): BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline. Valid GATE score required for GATE Entry.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation/Post Graduation in relevant discipline as per the branch requirement.
➡ Candidates are advised to check the official notification for detailed branch-wise eligibility, physical standards, medical requirements and selection process.
Age Limit (as on 01-07-2027)
- Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry): 20 to 24 years.
- Candidates with valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence: Up to 26 years.
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) / GATE Entry: 20 to 26 years.
➡ Refer to the official notification for complete date-wise age eligibility details.
IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹ 550/- + GST (for All Candidates) |
| NCC Special Entry & GATE Score Entry | NIL |
Salary & Benefits
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500/- (Level 10) + ₹15,500 MSP
- Training Stipend: ₹56,100/- per month during training period
- Allowances: Flying, Technical, Transport, Risk & Hardship Allowances
- Facilities: Free medical cover, furnished accommodation, canteen, LTC, subsidized loans and paid leaves
- Insurance Cover: Up to ₹1.25 Crore through AFGIS for serving officers
➡ Indian Air Force officers also receive excellent career growth, prestige and pension-related benefits as per service rules.
Why Join the Indian Air Force?
- Prestigious Officer-Level Career
- High Salary with Government Benefits
- Free Medical & Accommodation Facilities
- Adventure, Flying & Technical Career Opportunities
- Pension & Insurance Benefits
- Opportunity to Serve the Nation
➡ Indian Air Force offers one of the most respected career opportunities for young graduates and engineers in India.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 27 | 81 |
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Exam Duration: 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: Yes (-1 Mark)
Selection Process
- Stage 1: AFCAT Online Exam / NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Screening
- Stage 2: AFSB Interview including Psychological Tests, Group Tasks & Personal Interview
- Stage 3: Medical Examination at designated Air Force medical centres
- Stage 4: Final Merit List & Joining Letter
Physical Fitness
Candidates should maintain good physical fitness before reporting for AFSB/Training.
- Run 1.6 km in 10 minutes
- Complete 10 Push-ups & 3 Chin-ups
- Practice swimming, rope climbing, and endurance training regularly
➡ Indian Air Force conducts mandatory physical and medical tests during the selection and training process.
How to Apply
- Apply online only through the official AFCAT portal: afcat.cdac.in
- Online Application Dates:
- Start Date: 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM)
- Last Date: 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM)
Important Instructions
- Valid Email ID & mobile number are mandatory throughout the recruitment process
- Aadhaar Card is compulsory for registration
- PAN Card & SBI/Nationalised Bank Account required at the time of joining
- Separate registration is required for multiple entries
- Candidates must be unmarried at the commencement of training
Helpdesk
- Exam & Registration Queries: +91 9513252077
- Eligibility & AFSB Queries: 011-23010231 (Ext. 7610) / 1800-11-2448
➡ Indian Air Force advises candidates to carefully verify all details before final submission of the application form.
(FAQ) – Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
👉 The last date to submit the online application form for AFCAT 02/2026 is 19 June 2026.
Q2. What is the salary of an AFCAT Flying Officer?
👉 Selected candidates will receive salary in Level-10 Pay Matrix with pay scale of ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 plus MSP and allowances.
Q3. Can final year students apply for AFCAT 2026?
👉 Yes, eligible final year students can apply subject to fulfillment of eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification.
Q4. Is AFCAT conducted online or offline?
👉 AFCAT examination is conducted in online CBT (Computer Based Test) mode.
Q5. What is the age limit for AFCAT Flying Branch?
👉 Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027. CPL holders can get age relaxation up to 26 years.
Q6. Is there negative marking in AFCAT Exam?
👉 Yes, AFCAT has negative marking of 1 mark for every incorrect answer.
Q7. What is the selection process for AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
👉 The selection process includes AFCAT Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List.
Important Links
👉 Important: Apply before last date to avoid server issues.
| Link | Action |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Apply Now |
| Download Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | Visit Official Website |
Disclaimer: This website provides job information based on official sources. Candidates must verify details before applying. 👉 Read Full Disclaimer