AFCAT 02/2026 Indian Air Force Recruitment: Vacancies, Eligibility, Salary & Apply Online Guide
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the much-awaited AFCAT 02/2026 notification, opening doors for 379 tentative vacancies across Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical posts. This is one of the most prestigious recruitment drives in the country, offering a chance to join the Air Force as a commissioned officer with a starting Pay Level 10 (Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500) plus MSP and allowances. If you have ever dreamt of wearing the blue uniform, this is your golden window. Explore more such defence sector openings on GovtJobsAlert.in.
The online application window is open from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026, and the AFCAT online examination is scheduled for 08 August 2026. Whether you are a graduate, engineer, post-graduate, or 12th-pass student with NCC Air Wing ‘C’ certificate — there is a branch suited for you. Read this complete article carefully so you don’t miss a single eligibility detail, exam pattern note, or application step. Bookmark GovtJobsAlert.in so you get every update on AFCAT 02/2026 the moment it releases.
Key Highlights — Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment
The Indian Air Force is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces and one of the most respected uniformed services in the world. Through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), IAF recruits Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) officers for Flying and Ground Duty branches. AFCAT 02/2026 inducts officers for courses commencing in the first week of July 2027 at the Air Force Academy and other IAF training establishments. This is a fantastic opportunity for graduates and engineers who want a respected career with adventure, leadership and a stable pay structure.
- Post Names: Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical AE(L) & AE(M), Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, NCC Special Entry, GATE Score Entry
- Total Vacancies: 379 (tentative)
- Salary / Pay Level: Pay Level 10 (Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500) + MSP Rs 15,500 + branch allowances
- Stipend During Training: Rs 56,100/month
- Job Location: All India (transferable, anywhere in India)
- Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply: 19 June 2026
- Exam Date: 08 August 2026
If you are looking for more such graduate-level government jobs, keep an eye on the GovtJobsAlert.in dashboard.
Vacancy Breakdown — AFCAT 02/2026 Branch-wise Posts
The 379 vacancies are distributed across Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical) and the special GATE Score Entry route. The table below shows the branch-wise split. Both Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) options are available depending on the branch.
| Branch | Vacancies | Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 35 | SSC |
| Ground Duty Technical AE(L) | 136 | PC + SSC |
| Ground Duty Technical AE(M) | 75 | PC + SSC |
| Weapon Systems Branch | 26 | SSC |
| Administration | 62 | SSC |
| Logistics | 6 | SSC |
| Accounts | 7 | SSC |
| Education | 3 | SSC |
| Meteorology | 3 | SSC |
| GATE Score Entry AE(L) | 17 | PC + SSC |
| GATE Score Entry AE(M) | 9 | PC + SSC |
Please note that these numbers are tentative and may change at the discretion of the Indian Air Force. NCC Special Entry vacancies for Flying Branch are carved out of the 35 Flying Branch posts (up to 10 percent).
Eligibility Criteria — Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026
The eligibility for AFCAT 02/2026 differs by branch. Read the qualification details carefully because Flying, Technical and Non-Technical branches have completely different academic requirements.
Educational Qualification
- Flying Branch: Passed 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics AND any 3-year graduation with minimum 60% marks OR a 4-year BE/B.Tech with minimum 60% OR cleared AMIE Section A & B with 60%.
- Ground Duty Technical AE(L) — Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics): 10+2 with Physics & Maths AND a 4-year BE/B.Tech with 60% marks in any of the 94 listed Electronics / Electrical / Computer Science / Information Technology / Telecommunication disciplines.
- Ground Duty Technical AE(M) — Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical): 10+2 with Physics & Maths AND a 4-year BE/B.Tech with 60% in any of the 39 listed Mechanical / Aerospace / Automobile / Industrial disciplines.
- Weapon Systems / Administration / Logistics: 10+2 + any 3-year graduation with 60% marks (any discipline) OR a 4-year integrated PG/BE/B.Tech.
- Accounts: 10+2 + B.Com / BBA-Finance with 60% OR CA / CMA / CS / CFA qualification.
- Education: 10+2 + Post Graduation in any discipline with 50% marks at PG level and 60% at graduation.
- Meteorology: 10+2 + BSc with Physics & Maths (or 4-year engineering) with minimum 60% marks.
- GATE Score Entry: BE/B.Tech in listed disciplines + valid GATE score within the last 3 years.
If you are an engineering graduate, also check more engineering government jobs for parallel opportunities. Final-year and final-semester students may also apply provisionally, subject to producing certificates before the commencement of training.
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027)
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years (relaxable to 26 for CPL holders) |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20 to 26 years |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20 to 26 years |
| GATE Score Entry | 20 to 26 years |
Candidates must be unmarried at the start of training. Marriage during the training period is not permitted and leads to discharge.
What is the Salary for AFCAT 02/2026 Officers?
Officers selected through AFCAT 02/2026 are commissioned as Flying Officers and receive a competitive pay package backed by the 7th CPC structure. The starting basic pay is in Pay Level 10 (Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500) plus Military Service Pay and branch-specific allowances.
- Basic Pay (Starting): Rs 56,100
- Pay Matrix Level: Level 10 (Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500)
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs 15,500
- Stipend During Training: Rs 56,100 per month
- Branch Allowances: Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Field Area Allowance (as applicable)
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per current Central Govt rates
- HRA & Transport Allowance: City-classification based
With basic pay, MSP, DA and branch allowances combined, the approximate in-hand package for a newly commissioned Flying Officer ranges from Rs 85,000 to Rs 1,10,000 per month, going up significantly with promotions and flying pay.
Apart from pay, officers receive subsidised accommodation, free medical care for self and family, leave concessions (LTC), CSD canteen facilities, group insurance and a generous pension on retirement.
What is the Selection Process for AFCAT 02/2026?
The selection happens in clearly defined stages. Each stage is elimination-based, so you must clear one to appear in the next.
Stage 1: Online AFCAT Examination
A computer-based test of 100 questions / 300 marks in 2 hours, conducted in English only. Subjects covered: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test. Marking scheme: +3 for correct, -1 for wrong answer.
Stage 2: AFSB Testing (Air Force Selection Board)
Shortlisted candidates appear for a 5 to 6 day AFSB testing process at one of the AFSBs (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, Varanasi). It includes Stage-I (Officer Intelligence Rating + Picture Perception & Discussion Test), Stage-II (Psychological tests, Group Testing Officer tasks, Personal Interview) and Conference.
Stage 3: CPSS (Flying Branch Only)
Computerised Pilot Selection System — a once-in-a-lifetime test for Flying Branch aspirants. Candidates who fail CPSS are not eligible to re-appear for any Flying entry in the future.
Stage 4: Medical Examination
Detailed medical examination as per IAF standards at IAM Bengaluru or AFCME Delhi. Strict eye-sight, height, weight, dental and cardio standards apply.
Stage 5: Final Merit List
Final merit is prepared on the basis of marks scored in AFCAT and AFSB. Joining instructions are issued to selected candidates for training commencement in the first week of July 2027. You can also refer to the exam calendar for upcoming defence exam dates.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026?
Before you begin, keep the following ready: scanned photograph, signature, thumb impression, 10/12/Graduation/PG mark sheets and degree certificates, GATE scorecard (if applicable), NCC certificate (if applicable), and a working email + mobile.
- Visit the official AFCAT candidate portal (direct link in Essential Links below).
- Click on “Candidate Login” and complete the Sign Up / Registration. User-ID and password will be sent via Email and SMS.
- Sign in, fill in personal details, qualification details and course preference carefully.
- Upload photograph, signature and thumb impression as per portal specifications.
- Pay the application fee of Rs 550 + 18% GST via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card or UPI (free for NCC and GATE entries).
- Review the entire form, click Submit and take a printout for your records.
Once you click Submit / Make Payment, the application cannot be edited. Please double-check every detail before submission.
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates: Application Timeline
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 04 August 2026 |
| AFCAT Online Exam | 08 August 2026 |
| Training Commencement | First week of July 2027 |
AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fees: Category-wise Charges
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry (All categories) | Rs 550 + 18% GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
The fee is non-refundable. Payment can be made online via Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, or UPI through the official portal.
Essential Links — AFCAT 02/2026 Indian Air Force Recruitment
- Download AFCAT 02/2026 Official Notification PDF
- Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026
- Visit Indian Air Force Official Website
- Join WhatsApp Channel for Government Jobs
- Join Telegram Channel for Government Jobs
This is a rare and rewarding opportunity to wear the IAF uniform and lead a life of honour, adventure and stability. If you meet the eligibility, do not wait until the last day — apply before 19 June 2026. Use the time before the 08 August 2026 exam to prepare seriously for AFCAT and AFSB. For more such Indian Air Force recruitment notifications and exam updates, keep visiting GovtJobsAlert.in.