The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification for 379 vacancies in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Through this recruitment drive, the Indian Air Force aims to select eligible male and female candidates for courses commencing in July 2027. Moreover, candidates will go through multiple selection stages, including a written examination, AFSB interview, and medical examination. Therefore, aspirants who want to build a career in the defence sector can take advantage of this opportunity and apply online through the official AFCAT portal.
In this article, candidates can check complete details of Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 such as eligibility criteria, age limit, application dates, vacancy details, selection process, salary, and how to apply.
Eligibility Details
1. Flying Branch
Candidates who have completed a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream from a recognized university can apply for this branch. Additionally, applicants must have studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Candidates holding B.E. or B.Tech degrees are also eligible to apply.
2. Ground Duty Technical – Aeronautical Engineering Electronics [AE(L)]
Applicants must have secured at least 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. Moreover, candidates should possess a four-year Engineering or Integrated Postgraduate degree in relevant Engineering or Technology disciplines.
3. Ground Duty Technical – Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical [AE(M)]
Candidates who have passed 10+2 with a minimum of 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics can apply. Along with this, applicants must hold a four-year Engineering or Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent fields.
4. Administration and Logistics Branch
Applicants having a Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with at least 60% marks from a recognized university are eligible to apply for these posts.
5. Accounts Branch
Candidates must possess a Bachelor of Commerce (B.Com) degree with a minimum of 60% marks from a recognized university.
6. NCC Special Entry – Flying Branch
Applicants holding an NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate can apply for this entry. However, candidates must also fulfill the eligibility conditions prescribed for the Flying Branch.
7. Meteorology Entry
Candidates having the required qualification related to Meteorology from a recognized university can apply as per the official notification guidelines.
8. GATE Score Entry – Ground Duty Technical
Applicants must possess a degree in the relevant Engineering field. In addition, candidates should have qualified the GATE examination to become eligible for this entry.
Salary Details
- Basic Pay: All selected candidates (Flying, Technical, Non-Technical) receive a common starting basic pay of ₹56,100 per month under Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix after commissioning as Flying Officers.
- Training Stipend: During the training period, cadets are provided a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month.
- Military Service Pay (MSP): In addition to basic pay, officers receive ₹15,500 per month as MSP.
- Flying Branch Allowance: Officers in the Flying Branch get an additional ₹11,250 per month as Flying Allowance.
- Technical Branch Allowance: Technical branch officers receive around ₹2,500 per month as technical allowance.
- Other Allowances: Officers are also entitled to benefits like Dearness Allowance (DA), House Rent Allowance (HRA), Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, and Ration Money Allowance, depending on posting and rules.
- Total Salary Variation: Although the basic pay remains the same, the total in-hand salary varies depending on branch, posting location, and applicable allowances.
Age limit
- Flying Branch: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027. The candidate should be born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive). However, candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA can apply up to the age of 26 years.
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches: Candidates must be between 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027. The acceptable date of birth range is 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive).
- Additional Condition: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of training, and marriage is not permitted during the training period.
Age Relaxation
- NCC Special Entry: Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry get relaxation as per Indian Air Force rules, and the upper age limit is generally extended up to 26 years for Flying Branch eligibility (as applicable under the scheme).
- Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Holders: Candidates holding a valid and current DGCA-issued Commercial Pilot License are eligible for relaxation in the Flying Branch upper age limit up to 26 years.
- Note: Apart from these specific relaxations, the Indian Air Force does not provide any category-wise age relaxation (such as SC/ST/OBC) in AFCAT recruitment. All candidates must strictly follow the age criteria mentioned in the official notification.
Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry (All Categories) | Rs. 550 + 18% GST |
| NCC Special Entry | Nil |
| Gate Score Entry | Nil |
Selection Process
- Written Examination (AFCAT Online Test):
The selection process begins with a computer-based written exam conducted online. This test includes questions from General Awareness, English Language, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Military Aptitude. Candidates must secure the required cut-off marks to qualify for the next stage. - AFSB Testing (Air Force Selection Board):
Shortlisted candidates from the written exam are called for AFSB testing. This stage is conducted in two parts—Stage I includes Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test, while Stage II consists of Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, and Personal Interview. - Medical Examination:
Candidates who clear the AFSB stage undergo a detailed medical examination conducted by the Indian Air Force medical board to ensure fitness standards are met. - Final Merit List:
The final selection is based on combined performance in the written exam and AFSB interview, subject to medical fitness and vacancy availability.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 |
| English Language | 30 | 90 |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 35 | 105 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
- Marking Scheme: +3 marks for correct answer
- Negative Marking: -1 mark for wrong answer
- Duration: 120 minutes
- Mode of Exam: Online (CBT)
- Language: English only
Important Dates
| Application Starts | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Total Post | 379 Vacancies |
| Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Job Type | Short Service Commission |
How to Apply
- Visit the official AFCAT website.
- Click on the “New User Registration” link to create your account.
- Complete the registration by entering your basic details such as name, mobile number, and email ID.
- Verify your details through the OTP sent to your registered mobile number and email ID.
- Log in using your generated registration ID and password.
- Fill out the online application form carefully with personal, educational, and communication details.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and required documents in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee (if applicable) through online mode using Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or Wallets.
- Review all the details carefully before final submission.
- Submit the form and take a printout of the application form for future reference.
Important links
| AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 (All Details) | Watch Video |
| Apply Online | Click Here to Apply |
| Official Notification | View Notification |
| Official Website | Check Official Website |
| Homepage | Click Here |
| Subscribe Youtube Channel | Click Here |
| Join our Telegram Channel (Free) | Click Here |
| Join our WhatsApp Channel (Free) | Click Here |
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