Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 : Apply Online for 379 Commissioned Officer PostsThe Indian Air Force has released the official notification for AFCAT 02/2026, inviting online applications for Commissioned Officer posts across the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. Both men and women candidates are eligible to apply. Online registration opens on 20 May 2026 and the last date to apply is 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM). Selected candidates will commence their course in July 2027.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 2026 Overview
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Organisation | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Total Posts | 379 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 20 May 2026 |
| Apply Online Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Course Start | July 2027 |
Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550/- |
| NCC Special Entry | ₹0/- |
| Meteorology Entry | ₹0/- |
Fee must be paid online during the application process. NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Entry candidates are fully exempted from the application fee.
Vacancy Details & Qualification
| Branch | Vacancies | Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch / Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 379 | Check Official Notification |
Total Posts: 379 across Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. Candidates must refer to the official AFCAT 02/2026 notification for branch-wise detailed qualification requirements.
Age Limit
Flying Branch:
- Age: 20 to 24 years
- Date of Birth: Between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007
- Upper age relaxation up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical):
- Age: 20 to 26 years
- Date of Birth: Between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007
Selection Process
- Written Examination (AFCAT) — Objective test covering Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and General Awareness
- AFSB Interview — Air Force Selection Board interview including psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview
- Document Verification — Verification of all original educational and eligibility certificates
- Medical Examination — Candidates must meet the prescribed IAF medical fitness standards
- Final Merit List — Prepared based on combined performance across all stages
How to Apply
- Visit the official AFCAT portal (linked below)
- Register using valid personal details to create your account
- Fill the application form carefully with educational and personal information
- Select your preferred branch and entry type (AFCAT / NCC Special / Meteorology)
- Upload scanned copies of required documents, photograph, and signature
- Pay the application fee online (₹550/- for AFCAT Entry; free for NCC Special and Meteorology Entry)
- Submit the form before 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) and take a printout for future reference
Important Links
- Official Notification — Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026
- Apply Online — AFCAT 02/2026 Application Portal
- Indian Air Force Official Website
AFCAT 02/2026 is a prestigious opportunity to join the Indian Air Force as a Commissioned Officer across flying and ground duty branches. With 379 posts and applications closing on 19 June 2026 at 11:30 PM, eligible candidates — both men and women — should read the official notification carefully for branch-wise qualification and medical standards, and apply well before the deadline.
Also Read : UPSC Exam Calendar 2027: Notification & Exam Dates for All Major Exams
FAQs
Q1. What is the age limit for the Flying Branch in AFCAT 02/2026?
For the Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age, born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007. An upper age relaxation up to 26 years is available for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL).
Q2. What is the last date to apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application for AFCAT 02/2026 is 19 June 2026 at 11:30 PM. Applications open on 20 May 2026 and must be submitted through the official AFCAT portal before the deadline.
Q3. Is there an application fee for NCC Special Entry candidates, and what is the selection process?
Candidates applying under NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Entry are fully exempted from the application fee (₹0/-). Only AFCAT Entry candidates pay ₹550/- online. The selection process consists of five stages: Written Examination, AFSB Interview, Document Verification, Medical Examination, and Final Merit List.
