Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Apply Online
Latest Jobs๐ ๐ Detailed Recruitment Information
Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official AFCAT 02/2026 notification, inviting eligible Indian candidates to apply online for 379 vacancies for Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. This is a Central Government permanent job with a monthly salary of โน56,100 - โน1,77,500. The last date to submit the online application is 19 June 2026.
The AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment is a golden opportunity for aspiring candidates to join the prestigious Indian Air Force. With a competitive selection process, this recruitment offers a challenging yet rewarding career path with excellent growth prospects and job satisfaction. Last year, lakhs of candidates applied for AFCAT, highlighting its popularity and the high level of competition. Securing a position in the Indian Air Force is a dream for many, offering a life of discipline, honor, and service to the nation.
The selection process for AFCAT 02/2026 involves multiple stages, including a written examination (AFCAT), followed by a Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. Candidates who successfully clear these stages will undergo a medical examination. The entire process is designed to identify candidates with the right aptitude, physical fitness, and mental resilience required for an air warrior.
AFCAT 02/2026 โ Important Highlights
- Recruiting Organization: Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Post Name(s): Commissioned Officer (Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical)
- Total Vacancies: 379 Posts
- Job Category: Central Government โ Permanent
- Pay Level / Grade Pay: Pay Level 10 as per 7th CPC
- Gross Salary: โน56,100โโน1,77,500 per month (approx.)
- Job Location: All India
- Mode of Application: Online
- Official Website: https://afcat.cdac.in/
- Application Start Date: 20 May 2026
- Last Date to Apply Online: 19 June 2026
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 19 June 2026
AFCAT 02/2026 โ Important Dates
| Event | Important Date |
|---|---|
| Official Notification Released | 17 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Last Date for Application Fee Payment | 19 June 2026 |
| Application Correction Window | Not Applicable |
| Admit Card Release Date | To Be Announced (usually 2-3 weeks before exam) |
| Exam Date | August 2026 (Tentative) |
| Result Declaration | To Be Announced |
AFCAT 02/2026 โ Vacancy Details (Post-Wise & Category-Wise)
The total number of vacancies for AFCAT 02/2026 is 379 posts, distributed as follows:
| Post Name | UR | OBC | SC | ST | EWS | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | 75 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | 138 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | As per notification | 166 |
Note: The exact category-wise distribution for each branch will be released in the detailed notification.
AFCAT 02/2026 โ Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (As on 01 July 2026)
- Minimum Age: 20 years
- Maximum Age: 24 years for Flying Branch, 26 years for Ground Duty branches.
- Age Relaxation as per Government Rules:
- SC / ST candidates: 5 years additional
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch: Candidates should have passed the Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level or equivalent. Candidates who are in the final year of their degree course are also eligible to apply, provided they produce their degree certificate by the stipulated date.
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: Candidates should have completed a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate in each of the four year degree courses or basic B.Sc./B.Tech. from a recognized University.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch: Candidates should have passed the Bachelor's Degree with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in all subjects.
Other Eligibility Requirements
Nationality: Indian Citizen.
Physical Standards: Candidates must meet the physical fitness standards prescribed for Air Force officers. Height, vision, and other medical parameters must be met as per the official notification.
AFCAT 02/2026 โ Salary, Pay Scale & Allowances
Candidates selected for AFCAT 02/2026 will be appointed as Commissioned Officers and placed at Pay Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) pay matrix.
- Basic Pay: โน56,100 per month
- Pay Scale: โน56,100 โ โน1,77,500 per month
- Grade Pay: Not Applicable (as per 7th CPC)
- Dearness Allowance (DA): Applicable as per government rules.
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Applicable based on posting location.
- Transport Allowance (TA): Applicable as per government rules.
- Medical Benefits: Comprehensive medical facilities for self and dependents.
- Gross Monthly Salary (Approx.): โน90,000+ per month (including allowances)
AFCAT 02/2026 โ Application Fee
| Candidate Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates (including SC/ST/OBC/EWS) | โน550 |
| NCC Special Entry Scheme | Free |
| Accepted Payment Modes | Online: Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, UPI |
AFCAT 02/2026 โ Selection Process
The selection of candidates for AFCAT 02/2026 will be done through a multi-stage process:
- Stage 1 โ AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test): This is a written examination consisting of objective-type questions. It covers General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude.
- Stage 2 โ Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview: Candidates who clear the AFCAT exam will be called for a 5-day SSB interview, which includes psychological tests, group tests, and interview.
- Stage 3 โ Medical Examination: Candidates who clear the SSB interview will undergo a thorough medical examination to assess their physical and mental fitness for Air Force service.
A final merit list will be prepared based on the performance in the AFCAT exam and the SSB interview.
AFCAT 02/2026 โ Exam Pattern
| Section / Subject | No. of Questions | Maximum Marks | Duration | Negative Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 20 | 20 | 2 Hours | 1/3rd mark deducted for each incorrect answer |
| Verbal Ability in English | 20 | 20 | ||
| Numerical Ability | 20 | 20 | ||
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test | 25 | 25 | ||
| Total | 85 | 85 |
Note: For Flying Branch, EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) will be conducted for technical posts after AFCAT.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026
Follow these steps to fill the AFCAT 02/2026 online application form before the last date:
- Visit the official website of Indian Air Force: https://afcat.cdac.in/
- Find and click the link "AFCAT 02/2026 โ Apply Online / Online Application Form" on the homepage or the recruitment section.
- Click "Candidate Login" and then "New Registration" if you are a first-time applicant. Use your mobile number and email ID to create login credentials.
- Log in with your credentials and fill in Part 1 of the application โ personal details, educational qualification, category, and other general information.
- Fill in Part 2 โ upload a recent passport-size photograph (Specs: 150x200 pixels, 10-50 KB, JPEG format) and your signature on white paper (Specs: 100x150 pixels, 10-50 KB, JPEG format).
- Pay the application fee of โน550 using your preferred mode: UPI, Net Banking, Debit Card, or Credit Card.
- Review all entered information carefully. Click Final Submit after confirming accuracy.
- Download the confirmation page / e-Acknowledgement and save it. You will need it for document verification.
โ ๏ธ Pro Tip from our experts: Apply at least 5โ7 days before the deadline. Government portals frequently experience heavy traffic and technical issues in the final 24โ48 hours before the last date, which can lead to failed submissions.
Documents Required for AFCAT 02/2026
Keep the following documents ready (scanned copies in JPEG/PDF format) before you start the application:
- 10th Certificate (for Date of Birth proof)
- 10th Mark Sheet
- 12th Certificate and Mark Sheet (if required)
- Degree Certificate and all year mark sheets (as per required qualification)
- Caste Certificate (OBC-NCL / SC / ST) โ must be in Central Government format
- EWS Income and Asset Certificate (if applicable)
- NCC Certificate (A, B, or C) for special entry
- Aadhaar Card / Voter ID / Passport (photo identity proof)
- Recent passport-size photograph (white background, taken within last 3 months)
- Scanned signature on plain white paper (black ink)
Important Tips for AFCAT 02/2026 Applicants
- ๐ Set deadline reminders: Add the last date to your phone calendar with a 3-day and 1-day reminder. Last-minute server crashes are common on government portals.
- โ Verify eligibility before paying the fee: Application fees are non-refundable in almost all government recruitments, including this one.
- ๐ธ Match document specifications exactly: Photograph and signature files must adhere to the size and dimension specs in the notification โ even a minor deviation can cause form rejection.
- ๐จ๏ธ Print and preserve your form: Take a printout of the submitted application immediately. It will be required during the Document Verification stage.
- ๐ง Keep your email and mobile number active: All communication โ admit card, result, DV call letter โ will be sent to the email and mobile number provided in the form.
- ๐ Thoroughly prepare for AFCAT and SSB: The written exam tests your knowledge and aptitude, while the SSB interview assesses your personality and leadership qualities. Practice mock tests and understand the SSB process.