INDIAN AIR FORCE RECRUITMENT 2026

AFCAT 02/2026 | Indian Air Force Bharti | Complete Details
✈️ INDIAN AIR FORCE RECRUITMENT 2026

AFCAT 02/2026 — Complete Notification
Flying + Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech) | Courses July 2027

Indian Air Force invites Indian Men & Women to join as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers

⚠ Last Date to Apply: 19 June 2026 (23:30 Hrs)
Exam Date
08 Aug 2026
Apply From
20 May 2026
Apply Till
19 Jun 2026
App Fee
Rs. 649/-
Course Starts
July 2027
📋 Job Overview
Post / DesignationGroup ‘A’ Gazetted Officer — Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
OrganizationIndian Air Force (IAF), Ministry of Defence
Notification No.AFCAT 02/2026
Commission TypesPermanent Commission (PC) Short Service Commission (SSC)
GenderBoth Men and Women eligible
👥 Vacancy Details
Entry TypeBranch / PostMen (PC)Women (PC)Men (SSC)Women (SSC)
AFCATFlying305
AFCATGD Technical AE(L) — Electronics2210725
AFCATGD Technical AE(M) — Mechanical825213
AFCATGD Non-Tech — WS / Adm / Lgs / Accts / Edn / Met82 (combined)25 (combined)
NCC SpecialFlying10% of CDSE vacancies (PC) + 10% of AFCAT vacancies (SSC)
GATE ScoreGD Technical AE(L)11123
GATE ScoreGD Technical AE(M)1161

* Vacancies are tentative and subject to change. 2 seats reserved for Law-qualified candidates in GD Non-Tech. 10% seats reserved for NCC Air Wing ‘C’ certificate holders.

🎓 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality: Indian citizen as per Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. Must be unmarried at course commencement.

Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027)

BranchAge LimitDate of Birth Range
Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special)20 to 24 years02 Jul 2003 to 01 Jul 2007
Flying (CPL holders — DGCA)20 to 26 years02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007
All Ground Duty Branches + GATE Score Entry20 to 26 years02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007

Educational Qualification

BranchRequired Qualification
Flying Branch10+2 with Physics & Maths + 3-year Graduation (any discipline) OR BE/B.Tech OR AMIE/ASI
GD Technical — AE(L)10+2 with Physics & Maths + 4-year BE/B.Tech in Electronics / Electrical / CS / IT and 94 listed disciplines OR MSc Electronics with BSc Physics
GD Technical — AE(M)10+2 with Physics & Maths + 4-year BE/B.Tech in Mechanical / Aerospace / Manufacturing and 39 listed disciplines
GATE Score EntryB.E./B.Tech from listed disciplines + valid GATE score within last 3 years
GD Non-Tech — WS10+2 with Physics & Maths + any 3-year Graduation or BE/B.Tech
Administration & Logistics10+2 + any 3-year Graduation
Accounts10+2 + B.Com / BBA Finance / CA / CMA / CS / CFA
Education10+2 + Post-Graduation (any discipline)
Meteorology10+2 + BSc with Physics & Maths OR 4-year Engineering in listed streams
Final Year Students: Can apply if no current backlog. Must submit proof of degree completion by 30 May 2027.
💰 Pay & Benefits
ItemDetails
Rank on JoiningFlying Officer
Pay LevelLevel 10 — Defence Pay Matrix (7th CPC)
Basic PayRs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 per month
Military Service Pay (MSP)Rs. 15,500 per month
Flight Cadet Stipend (Training)Rs. 56,100 per month (fixed, during 1-year training)
Insurance CoverRs. 1.25 Crore (death while in service — AFGIS)
AllowancesFlying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Risk & Hardship Allowance (as applicable)
SSC PensionSSC officers are NOT entitled to pension
SSC Flying Duration14 years from commissioning
SSC Ground Duty Duration10 years (initial) + 4 years extension (on merit)
📅 Important Dates
Application Opens
20 May 2026
from 11:00 hrs
Last Date to Apply
19 Jun 2026
by 23:30 hrs
Admit Card Download
04 Aug 2026
from 11:00 hrs
AFCAT Exam Date
08 Aug 2026
Saturday, 10:00–12:00 hrs
Objection Window
09–11 Aug 2026
17:00 hrs each day
Training Starts
July 2027
First week (all courses)
💳 Application Fee
CategoryFee
AFCAT Entry — All Categories (General / OBC / SC / ST / EWS)Rs. 550 + 18% GST = Rs. 649/-
NCC Special EntryNo Fee
GATE Score EntryNo Fee
Note: Fee is non-refundable under any circumstance. Payment only through Online mode — Net Banking, Debit Card, Credit Card, UPI. Cash / DD not accepted.
📝 Selection Process
1
AFCAT Written Exam (Online)
Date: 08 Aug 2026 | Duration: 2 Hours | 100 Questions | 300 Marks
+3 for correct answer | −1 for wrong answer | 0 for unattempted
Exempted for: NCC Special Entry & GATE Score Entry candidates
2
AFSB Testing (Air Force Selection Board)
5 Centres: Dehradun | Mysuru | Gandhinagar | Varanasi | Guwahati
Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test + PPDT (Screening — Day 1)
Stage II: Psychological Test, Group Tests, Interview (5 days)
Flying Branch only: CPSS — Computerised Pilot Selection System (Once in a lifetime test)
3
Medical Examination (Special Medical Board)
Full physical, lab tests, radiology, vision, dental, ENT, orthopaedic assessment
4
Final Merit List
Combined marks of Written Exam + AFSB. Branch allotment based on vacancies, merit, medical fitness & candidate preference.

AFCAT Exam Syllabus

SubjectTopics
EnglishComprehension, Error Detection, Fill in the Blanks, Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitution, Sentence Rearrangement
General AwarenessHistory, Geography, Sports, Indian Polity, Economy, Science & Technology, Current Affairs (National & International), Defence
Numerical AbilityPercentage, Profit & Loss, Time & Distance, Ratio, Simple & Compound Interest, Probability, HCF & LCM, Statistics (Matriculation level)
Reasoning & MATVerbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Military Aptitude Test
🔗 How to Apply
Apply Online Only: https://afcat.edcil.co.in

Step-by-Step Process

1
Sign Up / Register — Enter Name, Mobile, Email. Verify via OTP. Aadhaar number (last 4 digits) mandatory.
2
Fill Application Form — Personal details, Communication details, Educational qualifications, Course preference.
3
Upload Documents — Passport photo (100–200 KB), Signature (80–150 KB), Thumb impression (50–100 KB), Live image capture.
4
Pay Fee & Submit — Pay Rs. 649/- online. Take printout of submitted application form. Fee once paid is non-refundable.

Documents Required at Exam Centre

  • Printed e-Admit Card
  • Original Aadhaar Card
  • 2nd valid Photo ID in original (PAN / Passport / Driving Licence / Voter ID)
  • 2 recent passport size photographs (same as uploaded)
  • Blue or Black ballpoint pen

Helpdesk

Phone+91-9513252077 (Mon–Sat, 09:00–18:00 hrs)
Eligibility queries011-23010231 Extn 7245 | Toll Free: 1800-11-2448
⚠️ Important Notes
Flying Branch: Candidates who failed CPSS/PABT earlier OR were suspended from flying training at AFA are NOT eligible.
Tattoo Policy: Permanent tattoos allowed only on inner forearm to wrist. Lewd, sexist, extremist or racist tattoos — strictly prohibited.
Narcotics / Alcohol: Strictly banned. Drug test during medicals and throughout service. Violation leads to termination.
Government Employees: NOC from employer is mandatory. Must produce NOC at AFSB — failing which candidate will be routed back.
Application: Once submitted, cannot be withdrawn. Fee is non-refundable in all circumstances.
Physical Fitness Target for AFSB: Run 1 mile (1.6 km) in 10 minutes | 10 Push-ups | 3 Chin-ups minimum.
After Joining AFA: PAN Card, Aadhaar and SBI / Nationalized Bank account mandatory. No further exams/interviews permitted after selection.

Minimum Height Requirements

BranchMaleFemale
Ground Duty Branches157 cm152 cm
Flying (Pilot / FTE / WSO Su-30 MKI)162 cm162 cm
Flying (other aircrew duties)157 cm157 cm
NE / Hilly states / Gorkha candidates5 cm relaxation applicable

💡 3-Line Summary

Indian Men and Women aged 20–26 years (20–24 for Flying branch) who have completed or are in the final year of Graduation should apply — Engineering graduates for Technical branches, any graduate for Non-Technical branches, and Post-Graduates for the Education branch.

Application window: 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026 (23:30 hrs) on afcat.edcil.co.in — Written Exam will be held on 08 August 2026.

Selection involves 3 stages: AFCAT Written Test → AFSB Interview (Intelligence + Psychological + Group Tests + Interview) → Special Medical Board — followed by final merit-based branch allotment.

🔗 Apply Now — Official Website: afcat.edcil.co.in

Disclaimer: All information is sourced from the official AFCAT 02/2026 notification issued by Indian Air Force. Candidates must verify all details from the official website before applying. Vacancies are tentative and subject to change.

Air Force Common Admission Test

Indian Air Force – AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Notification

भारतीय वायु सेना / INDIAN AIR FORCE

Air Force Common Admission Test

AFCAT-02/2026 FOR COURSES COMMENCING IN JULY 2027

Advertisement No: AFCAT-02/2026

1. General Information

Advertisement No. AFCAT-02/2026
Total Posts Tentative / Subject to Change (As per organizational requirements)
Name of the Post & Details Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches / NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Entry
Job Location Across India (As per Service Requirements)
Application Mode Online
Fee
  • AFCAT Entry: Rs. 550/- + 18% GST (Non-refundable)
  • NCC Special Entry & GATE Score Entry: Nil (Exempted)

2. Important Dates

Commencement of Online Application 20 MAY 2026 (1100 Hr)
Last Date of Online Application 19 JUN 2026 (2330 Hr)
Date of the Examination 08 AUG 2026 (Saturday)
Admit Card Download Date 04 AUG 2026 (1100 Hr) onwards

3. Educational Qualification

  • Flying Branch: Mandatorily passed with Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level AND Graduation with minimum 3 years degree course in any discipline with minimum 60% marks OR B.E./B.Tech degree (4 years course) OR cleared Sections A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks.
  • Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:
    • Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)}: Passed 10+2 level with Physics and Mathematics. Minimum 4 years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/Technology disciplines specified by IAF.
    • Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}: Passed 10+2 level with Physics and Mathematics. Minimum 4 years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation in Mechanical, Aerospace, Industrial Production, or relevant engineering streams.
  • Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches:
    • Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 10+2 with Maths & Physics, and 3 years Graduation or 4 years BE/B.Tech degree.
    • Administration & Logistics: Graduate Degree (Minimum 3 years) in any discipline from a recognized university.
    • Accounts Branch: B.Com Degree (Min 3 years) / BBA, BMS, BBS (with specialization in Finance) / Qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA / B.Sc. with Finance specialization.
    • Education: Post-Graduation in any discipline along with Graduation.
    • Meteorology: B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics OR 4-year Graduation in Engineering/Technology disciplines.

4. Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027)

  • Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry): 20 to 24 Years (Born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive). Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India).
  • Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) / GATE Entry: 20 to 26 Years (Born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive).
  • Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.
Important Instructions: Applicants must exercise utmost care while filling out the online form. Data once submitted and paid for cannot be changed. Aadhaar Card (last 4 digits) is mandatory for registration.

5. Official Site & Links

6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can final year students apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
A: Yes, final year/semester students can apply provided they do not have any current backlog at the time of application submission and can provide proof of completion by 30 May 2027.
Q: Is the application fee refundable under any circumstances?
A: No, the application fee of Rs. 550/- + GST is completely non-refundable.
Q: What is the marking scheme for the online AFCAT examination?
A: Three (3) marks are awarded for every correct answer, and one (1) mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. No marks are given for un-attempted questions.
Q: Are NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates required to take the written exam?
A: No, the written exam is exempted for both NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates. Shortlisted applicants will be called directly for AFSB testing.

INDIAN AIR FORCE

This is a professional and systematic summary of the Indian Air Force recruitment notification for AFCAT-02/2026.

Recruitment Notification: Indian Air Force (AFCAT-02/2026)

1. General Information

DetailDescription
Advertisement No.AFCAT-02/2026
Total PostsTentative (Subject to change)
Job LocationAcross India (as per service requirements)
Application ModeOnline

2. Post Details & Eligibility

  • Name of the Post(s): Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
  • Educational Qualification:
    • Flying Branch: 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics; Graduation (3 years) in any discipline OR BE/B.Tech (4 years) OR cleared Sections A & B of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India.
    • Ground Duty (Technical): Specialized engineering degrees in various disciplines (e.g., Aeronautical Engineering, Electronics, Mechanical, etc.).
    • Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Varies by sub-branch; includes Graduates in any discipline (for Administration & Logistics/WS), B.Com/BBA/BMS/BBS/CA/CMA/CS/CFA (for Accounts), Post-Graduation (for Education), and B.Sc/Engineering degree (for Meteorology).
  • Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027):
    • Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007).
    • Ground Duty Branches: 20 to 26 years (born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007).
    • Note: Upper age limit for valid/current Commercial Pilot License holders is 26 years.

3. Fees & Important Dates

  • Application Fee: Rs. 550/- + 18% GST (Non-refundable). (Not applicable for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry).
  • Important Dates:
    • Start Date for Online Applications: 20 May 2026 (11:00 Hr).
    • Last Date of Online Application: 19 June 2026 (23:30 Hr).
    • Date of the Examination: 08 August 2026 (Saturday).

4. Official Links & Resources

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Is Aadhaar Card mandatory for application?

  • A: Yes, an Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.

Q: Can final-year students apply?

  • A: Yes, candidates in the final year/semester of their degree can apply provided they have no backlogs and can submit proof of passing by 30 May 2027.

Q: Is there negative marking in the exam?

  • A: Yes, one mark is deducted for every incorrect answer, while three marks are awarded for every correct answer.

Do you need further details regarding the specific educational disciplines or medical standards mentioned in the notification?