Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released by the Indian Air Force (IAF) under the Ministry of Defence for recruitment of Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. The AFCAT 02/2026 course will commence from July 2027. Eligible unmarried Indian men and women candidates can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026 through the official AFCAT portal. The recruitment includes AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry for various branches of the Indian Air Force. Candidates looking for Defence Jobs 2026, Flying Officer Jobs, and Central Government Recruitment opportunities must not miss this prestigious career opportunity in the Indian Armed Forces.
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Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Overview – Apply Online for Flying Officer Posts
| Particular | Details |
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF), Ministry of Defence |
| Notification Name | AFCAT 02/2026 / NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Entry |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying Branch & Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Commission Type | Permanent Commission (PC) & Short Service Commission (SSC) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Registration Start Date | 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Category | Defence Jobs / Sarkari Naukri 2026 |
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 is one of the most awaited Defence Recruitment notifications for graduates and engineering candidates across India. Through AFCAT Entry, candidates get an opportunity to serve the nation as commissioned officers in one of the most respected defence forces in the world.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details – Flying Branch and Ground Duty Recruitment 2026
The Indian Air Force has announced vacancies for Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry. The total expected intake for AFCAT 02/2026 is more than 300 vacancies across multiple branches.
| Entry Type | Branch | Course Number |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch | 222/27F/SSC/M&W |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | 221/27T/PC & SSC |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 221/27G/SSC/M&W |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying Branch | 222/27F/PC & SSC |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | 221/27T/PC & SSC |
The number of vacancies mentioned in the notification is tentative and may change depending upon organizational requirements, training capacity, and operational needs of the Indian Air Force.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Eligibility Criteria – Age Limit and Qualification Details
Candidates applying for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment must satisfy all eligibility conditions regarding age, educational qualification, nationality, and marital status. Eligibility will be calculated as on 01 July 2027.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Age Limit
| Branch / Entry | Age Limit |
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027 |
| Flying Branch (with valid Commercial Pilot Licence) | Upper age relaxation up to 26 years |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027 |
Candidates applying for Flying Branch should be born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007. Candidates with valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA are eligible for age relaxation up to 26 years.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Educational Qualification
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
| Flying Branch | Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or B.E./B.Tech degree from recognized university |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | B.E./B.Tech degree in relevant engineering disciplines |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Graduation/Post Graduation in relevant disciplines |
| GATE Score Entry | Valid GATE Score in specified engineering disciplines |
Candidates are advised to carefully read the detailed branch-wise qualification requirements before applying online. Incorrect or incomplete information in the application form may lead to rejection of candidature at any stage.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Salary – Flying Officer Salary and Benefits
Candidates selected through AFCAT Recruitment 2026 will be appointed as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force. The pay scale and allowances are provided as per the 7th Central Pay Commission.
| Rank | Pay Scale | Level | MSP |
| Flying Officer | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | Level 10 | ₹15,500 |
During training, Flight Cadets will receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month. Apart from salary, officers are entitled to several allowances including Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, and many additional benefits.
Indian Air Force officers also receive furnished accommodation, medical facilities for self and dependents, canteen facilities, leave travel concession, subsidized loans, insurance cover, and retirement benefits according to service rules.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fee – AFCAT Online Form Fee Details
| Entry Type | Application Fee |
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
The AFCAT examination fee is non-refundable and must be paid online through the available payment gateway during application submission.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process – Defence Jobs 2026 Selection Stages
The selection process for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 consists of multiple stages designed to assess the candidate’s intelligence, personality, leadership skills, medical fitness, and suitability for defence services.
| Stage | Selection Process |
| Stage 1 | AFCAT Online Examination / NCC Entry / GATE Score Screening |
| Stage 2 | AFSB Interview including Psychological Tests and Group Tasks |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination |
| Stage 4 | Final Merit List and Joining |
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must appear for the AFCAT Online Examination conducted at designated centres across India. Shortlisted candidates will then attend the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview process.
Medical fitness is extremely important for Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. Candidates should maintain proper physical fitness standards before reporting for AFSB testing and training.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates – Apply Online Defence Jobs 2026
| Event | Date |
| Starting Date of Online Registration | 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
How to Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment – Step by Step Online Form Process
- Visit the official AFCAT website.
- Click on AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Online Application link.
- Complete registration using valid mobile number and email ID.
- Fill the online application form carefully with personal, academic, and communication details.
- Select the preferred branch and entry type carefully.
- Upload required documents including photograph and signature.
- Pay the online examination fee if applicable.
- Submit the application form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Candidates should ensure that all information entered during registration is correct because no modification facility may be provided later. Applicants must keep their registered email ID and mobile number active throughout the recruitment process.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Physical Fitness Requirements
Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force should maintain good physical and mental fitness standards. Physical training and endurance play an important role during Air Force training and selection stages.
- Run 1.6 KM within 10 minutes
- Perform at least 10 push-ups
- Perform minimum 3 chin-ups
- Maintain healthy body weight and medical standards
- Practice running, swimming, rope climbing, and stamina exercises regularly
Candidates with better physical fitness generally perform more confidently during training and selection activities conducted by the Air Force Selection Board.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Important Instructions for Candidates
- Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for AFCAT Recruitment 2026.
- Candidates must remain unmarried during training period.
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
- PAN Card and active bank account are required at the time of joining.
- Use of unfair means or false information may lead to cancellation of candidature.
- Permanent tattoos are not allowed except in permitted areas.
- No amendments will be allowed after submission of online application form.
- Candidates should regularly check the official AFCAT website for updates.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Important Links – Official Notification and Apply Online
| Action | Link |
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
FAQs – Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026
The last date to apply online for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment is 19 June 2026 up to 11:30 PM. Candidates interested in Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches must complete the online application process before the deadline through the official AFCAT website. Applications submitted after the closing date will not be accepted under any circumstances.
Candidates selected as Flying Officers through AFCAT 02/2026 will receive salary under Level 10 of the Defence Pay Matrix. The salary ranges from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 along with Military Service Pay of ₹15,500 per month. Officers are also entitled to several allowances including Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Medical Facilities, Accommodation, Insurance, and Leave Travel benefits.
Both unmarried men and women candidates who fulfill the required educational qualification and age criteria can apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment. Graduates, engineering degree holders, NCC candidates, and applicants with valid GATE scores may apply depending upon the branch and entry type mentioned in the official notification.
The selection process for AFCAT 02/2026 consists of AFCAT Online Examination, Air Force Selection Board Interview, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List preparation. Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry may be shortlisted directly for AFSB depending on eligibility conditions mentioned in the notification.
Yes, candidates applying through AFCAT Entry are required to pay an examination fee of ₹550 plus GST. However, candidates applying through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are exempted from payment of examination fee.
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