The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment to fill 379 vacancies for Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Both male and female candidates can apply online through the AFCAT portal. Selected candidates will join as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the Indian Air Force.
Advertisement Number: AFCAT 02/2026
Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 |
| Advertisement Number | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online AFCAT Examination | August 08, 2026 (Saturday) |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Admit Card Release | August 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Vacancy Details
A total of 379 vacancies have been announced under AFCAT 02/2026 for:
Flying Branch
- Short Service Commission (SSC)
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
- Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics)
- Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
- Administration
- Logistics
- Accounts
- Education
- Weapon Systems
- Meteorology
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
- Bachelor’s Degree with minimum 60% marks and Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR
- BE/B.Tech Degree with minimum 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Technical)
- Four-year Engineering Degree with minimum 60% marks in relevant disciplines.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Graduate/Postgraduate Degree with minimum 60% marks as prescribed for the respective branch.
Candidates should refer to the official notification for detailed branch-wise eligibility.
Age Limit
Flying Branch
- 20 to 24 Years
- Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License may get age relaxation up to 26 years.
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
- 20 to 26 Years
Age will be calculated as per the official notification.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | Nil |
| Meteorology Entry | Nil |
Selection Process
The selection process consists of:
- AFCAT Written Examination
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates applying through certain Technical Entry schemes with valid GATE scores may be directly called for AFSB as per notification provisions.
Salary
Selected candidates will receive:
| Particulars | Amount |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer Pay Level | Level 10 |
| Basic Pay | ₹56,100 per month |
Additional benefits include:
- Military Service Pay (MSP)
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Flying Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Medical Facilities
- Canteen Facilities
- Pension and Other Service Benefits
How to Apply
- Visit the AFCAT official portal.
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Complete the online application form.
- Upload photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Frequently Asked Questions
| Q1. What is the advertisement number of AFCAT Recruitment 2026? |
|---|
| The advertisement number for this recruitment is AFCAT 02/2026. |
| Q2. How many vacancies are available under AFCAT 02/2026? |
| A total of 379 vacancies has been announced for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. |
| Q3. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment? |
| The last date to submit the online application form is 19 June 2026. |
| Q4. What is the educational qualification required for AFCAT 02/2026? |
| Candidates must possess a bachelor’s degree or Engineering Degree with at least 60% marks from a recognized university. Additional branch-specific qualifications may apply. |
| Q5. What is the age limit for AFCAT 02/2026? |
| For Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age. For Ground Duty branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years. |
| Q6. What is the application fee for AFCAT 02/2026? |
| Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry are required to pay ₹550 plus GST. NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from paying the fee. |
| Q7. What is the selection process for AFCAT 02/2026? |
| The selection process includes the AFCAT written examination, AFSB interview, medical examination, and final merit list. |
| Q8. What is the salary of an AFCAT Officer? |
| Selected candidates will receive a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 per month under Pay Level 10, along with various allowances and benefits. |
| Q9. Can final-year students apply for AFCAT 02/2026? |
| Final-year students may apply if they meet the eligibility conditions specified in the official notification and produce proof of qualification before the prescribed date. |
| Q10. Is AFCAT conducted online or offline? |
| AFCAT is conducted as a computer-based online examination across various exam centers in India. |
| Q11. What is the exam date for AFCAT 02/2026? |
| The AFCAT 02/2026 examination is scheduled to be held on 08 August 2026. |
| Q12. Where can I apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment? |
| Candidates can apply online through the official AFCAT portal at afcat.cdac.in. |
Some Important Useful Links
| Apply Online | Click Here |
|---|---|
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |