The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the short notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026. Online applications are invited from eligible Indian citizens (men and women) to join the elite force as Class-I Gazetted Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
The courses are scheduled to commence in July 2027 at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Important Dates
- Notification Released: May 12, 2026
- Commencement of Online Applications: May 20, 2026 (11:00 AM)
- Last Date to Apply Online: June 19, 2026
- Course Commences: First week of July 2027
Vacancy Details (Tentative)
A total of 142+ vacancies have been announced for this batch. The branch-wise distribution includes:
| Entry Type | Branch Name | Total Vacancies |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch | 35 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(L) & AE(M) | To be updated soon | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) — Administration | 62 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) — Logistics (LGS) | 06 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) — Accounts | 07 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) — Education | 03 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) — Weapon Systems (WS) | 26 | |
| Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | 03 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying Branch | 10% seats out of CDSE & AFCAT vacancies |
Eligibility Criteria
1. Nationality
- The candidate must be a citizen of India.
2. Age Limit (As on January 01, 2027)
- Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry): 20 to 24 years. (Born between January 02, 2003, and January 01, 2007, both dates inclusive).
- Relaxation: Upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA (India).
- Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branches: 20 to 26 years. (Born between January 02, 2001, and January 01, 2007, both dates inclusive).
3. Marital Status
- Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. Marriage is strictly prohibited during the training period.
4. Educational Qualifications
- Flying Branch: Minimum 60% marks each in Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level PLUS a 3-year Graduation Degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks OR a 4-year B.E./B.Tech degree with a minimum of 60% marks.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics/Mechanical) requires a minimum of 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level PLUS a 4-year graduation/integrated PG degree in Engineering/Technology with at least 60% marks. (GATE score entry is also applicable for eligible engineering graduates).
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): * Administration & Logistics: Graduate Degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.
- Accounts: B.Com Degree from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.
- Education: Post-Graduation in specified disciplines.
Selection & Exam Pattern
The recruitment process consists of the following consecutive stages:
- Online Written Examination (AFCAT): A computer-based test comprising 100 multiple-choice questions (Total 300 marks) testing Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Military Aptitude.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview: A multi-day psychological, group task, and personal interview assessment.
- CPSS Test: Mandatory only for the Flying Branch flyers.
- Medical Examination: Comprehensive physical and aero-medical evaluation.
Marking Scheme: $+3$ marks for every correct answer; a negative marking of $-1$ mark applies for every wrong answer.
Salary & Allowances
Selected cadets undergo one year of training with a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month. Upon successful commissioning as a Flying Officer, the pay structure transitions to:
- Pay Scale: Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- per month (Level 10 of 7th CPC)
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500/- per month
- Additional Benefits: Subsidized canteen, medical cover for self and dependents, 60 days annual leave, and Rs. 1.25 Crore life insurance cover.
Application Fee
- AFCAT Entry (All Categories): Rs. 550/- + GST (Non-refundable).
- NCC Special Entry & GATE Score Entry: Exempted (No fee required).
How to Apply
- Visit the official Indian Air Force application portal at afcat.cdac.co.in or afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Complete the initial registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Log in with your new credentials and fill in your personal, academic, and branch choices carefully.
- Upload clear scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression as per the specified grid limits.
- Complete the online application fee payment of Rs. 550/- via net banking, credit/debit card, or UPI.
- Submit your application form online before June 19, 2026, and print a copy of the acknowledgment page for future reference.
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