Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026: Notification Out for Flying Officer Posts
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026: The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification for recruitment to Commissioned Officer posts in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and Meteorology Entry.
The online application process will begin from 20 May 2026 and continue till 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) through the official AFCAT portal. Candidates who dream of joining the Indian Air Force as officers should carefully review the eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications, and selection process before applying.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Total Vacancies | 300+ (Expected) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Registration Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
| Notification Release | May 2026 |
| Apply Online Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | Notify Later |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550/- |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| Meteorology Entry | No Fee |
The application fee can be paid through online mode only.
AFCAT 2026 Vacancy & Qualification
| Branch | Vacancies | Qualification |
| Flying Branch | 300+ (Expected) | Check Official Notification |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Update Soon | Engineering Degree in relevant field |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Update Soon | Graduate / Post Graduate |
Educational Qualification (General Eligibility)
Flying Branch
- Graduation with minimum 60% marks
OR - BE/B.Tech Degree with 60% marks
Candidates must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
Ground Duty Technical
- Engineering Degree in relevant discipline with minimum required marks.
Ground Duty Non-Technical
- Graduate/Post Graduate Degree depending on the branch.
Age Limit
Flying Branch
- Age: 20 to 24 Years
- Born Between: 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007
Upper age relaxation up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License.
Ground Duty (Technical / Non-Technical)
- Age: 20 to 26 Years
- Born Between: 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007
Selection Process for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026
The selection process for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 includes:
- AFCAT Written Examination
- AFSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Subject | Questions |
| General Awareness | 25 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 |
| Numerical Ability | 18 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 27 |
| Total | 100 Questions |
Key Highlights
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: 1 Mark Deduction for Wrong Answer
Salary & Benefits
Selected candidates will receive attractive salary packages along with military benefits.
Expected Benefits Include:
- Flying Allowance
- Military Service Pay
- Dearness Allowance
- Free Medical Facilities
- Accommodation Facility
- Leave Travel Concession
- Insurance Coverage
- Pension & Retirement Benefits
Required Documents
Candidates should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Aadhaar Card / Valid ID Proof
- 10th & 12th Marksheet
- Graduation / Engineering Degree Certificates
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- Commercial Pilot License (if applicable)
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Also Read – NHIDCL Deputy Manager Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 85 Posts
How to Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026
Follow these steps to apply online:
Step 1:
Visit the official AFCAT website.
Step 2:
Click on AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment link.
Step 3:
Complete registration using email ID and mobile number.
Step 4:
Fill out the online application form carefully.
Step 5:
Upload required documents, photograph, and signature.
Step 6:
Pay the application fee online.
Step 7:
Submit the form and take a printout for future use.
Important Links
| Description | Status |
| AFCAT 02/2026 Notification | Soon |
| AFCAT 02/2026 Apply Online | Active from 20 May 2026 |
| Official Website | Indian Air Force |
Final Words
The Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 offers an excellent opportunity for candidates who wish to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Air Force. With opportunities in Flying and Ground Duty branches, attractive salary packages, and prestigious career growth, AFCAT remains one of the most sought-after defence examinations in India.
Interested candidates should start preparation early and complete the application process before the last date.
