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Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Batch Recruitment Notification for courses commencing from July 2027. Online applications are invited from eligible unmarried men and women candidates for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Entry.
Registration for online applications will start from 20 May 2026 and continue till 19 June 2026.
AFCAT is one of the most prestigious defence examinations conducted by the Indian Air Force for recruitment of Commissioned Officers. Selected candidates will undergo training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
📋 AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Total Posts | 142 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
📌 AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
| Entry | Branch | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch | 30 | 05 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Technical | 59 | 16 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education | Various | Various |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% seats | 10% seats |
✔ Complete Vacancy details available in official advertisement.
🎓 Educational Qualification
✈️ Flying Branch
- Minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level.
- Graduation with minimum 60% marks OR BE/B.Tech degree with 60% marks.
- NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate holders eligible for NCC Special Entry.
🛠️ Ground Duty (Technical)
- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Four-year Engineering degree with minimum 60% marks.
📚 Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Graduation/Post Graduation with minimum 60% marks in relevant disciplines.
🎯 Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years as on 01 July 2027 |
| Ground Duty Branches | 20 to 26 Years as on 01 July 2027 |
Candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA get relaxation up to 26 years in Flying Branch.
💰 Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| Meteorology Entry | No Fee |
🧪 Selection Process
- Online AFCAT Written Examination
- AFSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry are exempted from AFCAT written exam.
📝 AFCAT 2026 Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 27 | 81 |
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Duration: 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: 1 mark deduction for wrong answer
💵 Salary & Benefits
| Rank | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
- ✈️ Flying Allowance
- 🏠 Furnished Accommodation
- 🏥 Medical Facilities
- 🛒 Canteen Facilities
- 📚 Leave & Travel Benefits
- 🛡️ Insurance Cover up to ₹1.25 Crore
✔ Salary and allowances as per 7th CPC.
🏋️ Physical Standards
- Candidates must be physically fit according to IAF standards.
- Running, push-ups, swimming and physical endurance training mandatory.
- Narcotics and drugs strictly prohibited.
📥 How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026
- Visit official website https://afcat.cdac.in
- Complete registration process
- Fill AFCAT online application form carefully
- Upload photograph and signature
- Pay examination fee
- Submit application form
- Download final application copy
Candidates applying for AFCAT and NCC Special Entry must register separately.
📄 Documents Required
- 10th & 12th Marksheet
- Graduation Certificate
- Photo & Signature
- Valid ID Proof
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- GATE Scorecard (if applicable)
⚠️ Important Instructions
- Marriage is not permitted during training.
- Tattoos allowed only as per official policy.
- Multiple entries require separate registration.
- Admit card will be released online only.
✔ Candidates must read complete notification before applying.
🔗 Important Links
| Particular | Status |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | From 20 May 2026 |
| Official Notification | Download PDF |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
❓ AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment – Frequently Asked Questions
✈️ When will the AFCAT 02/2026 online application process start?
👉 The AFCAT 02/2026 online application process will start from 20 May 2026 at 11:00 AM.
📅 What is the last date to apply online for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment?
👉 Candidates can apply online till 19 June 2026 up to 11:30 PM.
🎓 What qualification is required for AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch?
👉 Candidates must have Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level along with Graduation or BE/B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks.
💰 What is the application fee for AFCAT 02/2026?
👉 The AFCAT application fee is ₹550 + GST for AFCAT Entry candidates, while NCC Special Entry candidates do not need to pay any fee.
🏆 What is the salary of a Flying Officer through AFCAT 02/2026?
👉 Selected candidates will receive salary in the pay scale of ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 along with MSP, flying allowance and other benefits.
