AFCAT 02/2026 — IAF Officer Recruitment Notification
📋 379 Tentative Vacancies
🗓 Apply 20 May – 19 Jun 2026
📝 Exam 8 Aug 2026 (Sat)
👤 Age 20 – 24 / 20 – 26 yrs
🚀 Apply Online & Quick Links
Application opens 20 May 2026 (11:00 hrs) · Closes 19 Jun 2026 (23:30 hrs) · Online AFCAT exam on 8 August 2026 (Saturday) · Course commencement July 2027.
⬇ Official AFCAT 02/2026 Notification
🔔 What's Changed — AFCAT 02/2026 vs AFCAT 01/2026
Two big-impact changes for aspirants who appeared in or studied the previous AFCAT cycle. The exam pattern, syllabus, fee, AFSB centres and selection process are unchanged — only entry route and marks-based eligibility have moved.
| Aspect | AFCAT 01/2026 (previous) | AFCAT 02/2026 (this cycle) | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry routes available | AFCAT Entry + NCC Special Entry (Flying only) | AFCAT Entry + NCC Special Entry + GATE Score Entry NEW 26 vacancies for Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(L) 17 + AE(M) 9 across PC + SSC |
Major shortcut for engineering graduates. A valid GATE score (within 3 yrs of course commencement) lets you skip the AFCAT online exam and go directly to AFSB testing. No application fee for GATE candidates either (like NCC). |
| 10+2 Physics & Maths marks | Minimum 50% each in Maths and Physics (mandatory) | Just need to have passed — no minimum percentage RELAXED | Opens AFCAT to candidates who scored below 50% in PCM at 10+2 but cleared the subjects. Notable widening of the candidate pool. |
| Graduation / BE / B.Tech marks | Minimum 60% or equivalent (mandatory across Flying, AE(L), AE(M), WS, Admin/Lgs, Accounts, Met) | Just need to have passed the degree — no minimum percentage RELAXED | Biggest single eligibility change. Removes the 60% gate that historically excluded a large chunk of graduates. Significant expansion of who can apply across every branch. |
| Education branch PG marks | Min 50% in PG + min 60% in Graduation | Just need to have passed PG and Graduation — no minimum percentage RELAXED | Same theme as above — Education branch eligibility is now degree-pass-based, not percentage-gated. |
| Final-year applicants — prior-semester rule | Must have secured min 60% in prior semesters AND no current backlog | Only no current backlog required — no prior-semester percentage cutoff RELAXED | Final-year students with sub-60% prior-sem averages can now apply, provided they have no pending backlog at application time. Proof of completion still due by 30 May 2027. |
Unchanged from AFCAT 01/2026
- Exam pattern: 100 Qs · 2 hours · 300 marks · English only · +3 correct / −1 wrong / 0 unattempted
- Syllabus: Same 4 subjects (English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude)
- Fee: ₹550 + 18% GST (unchanged); GATE entry now also exempted alongside NCC Special Entry
- AFSB centres: Same 5 (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, Guwahati)
- Selection process: AFCAT → AFSB (Stage I & II, 5 days) → Medical · CPSS for Flying recommended candidates
- Age limits: Flying 20–24 / Ground Duty 20–26 (unchanged structure; only the reference date shifted to 01 Jul 2027)
- Engineering disciplines list: Same ~94 disciplines for AE(L) + ~39 for AE(M), only renumbered
- Tattoo policy, narcotics rule, CPSS once-in-lifetime, physical fitness baseline, marital restriction, citizenship requirement — all unchanged
On this page
🚀 Apply Online
📄 Download PDF
What's Changed vs 01/2026
Important Dates
Vacancies
Branches & Commission
Eligibility
Fee
Selection Process
AFCAT Exam Pattern
Syllabus
AFSB Centres
How to Apply
Important Reminders
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online application opens | 20 May 2026 — 11:00 hrs |
| Online application closes | 19 Jun 2026 — 23:30 hrs |
| Admit Card download available | 04 Aug 2026 onwards |
| Online AFCAT exam date | 08 Aug 2026 (Saturday) |
| Reporting / Verification at exam centre | 08:00 – 09:45 hrs |
| Gate closes at exam centre | 09:30 hrs (no entry after) |
| Exam window | 10:00 – 12:00 hrs (2 hours) |
| Objection Management (Question Paper + Answer Key + Response Sheet) | 09 Aug 2026 (17:00) – 11 Aug 2026 (17:00) |
| AFSB testing | Schedule announced post AFCAT result on afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Course commencement | July 2027 |
| Age reference date | 01 Jul 2027 |
Important: Details entered in the "Create an Account" form cannot be modified after submission. There is no separate modification window — re-apply with a different email if amendments are needed (fee will be charged again, non-refundable).
📊 Vacancies — Total 379 (Tentative)
Total
379
Flying SSC
35
Ground Duty Tech
211
Ground Duty Non-Tech
107
GATE Score Entry
26
Branch & Commission-wise Breakdown
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 222/27F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 30 | 5 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(L) | 221/27T/PC + SSC | 2 | 2 | 107 | 25 | |
| Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(M) | 221/27T/PC + SSC | 8 | 2 | 52 | 13 | |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 221/27G/SSC/M&W | — | — | 81 | 26 | |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 222/27F/PC + SSC | 10% of CDSE PC vacancies + 10% of AFCAT SSC vacancies | |||
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(L) | 221/27T/PC + SSC | 1 | 1 | 12 | 3 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(M) | 221/27T/PC + SSC | 1 | 1 | 6 | 1 | |
Ground Duty (Non-Tech) Sub-Branch Breakdown
| Sub-Branch | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weapon Systems (WS) | 21 | 5 | 26 |
| Administration (Adm) | 50 | 12 | 62 |
| Logistics (Lgs) | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Accounts (Accts) | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| Education (Edn) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Meteorology (Met) | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Total | 82 | 25 | 107 |
Note: 2 seats in Ground Duty (Non-Tech) are reserved for Law-qualified candidates (LLB graduates). Vacancies are tentative and subject to change without notice based on IAF organisational requirements.
🛩️ Branches & Type of Commission
| Branch | Commission | Engagement |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (Men & Women) | SSC only via AFCAT (PC via NCC Special Entry) | 14 years from date of commissioning |
| Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(L) & AE(M) | PC + SSC | PC: until superannuation · SSC: 10 yrs (extendable +4 yrs) |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) — WS, Adm, Lgs, Accts, Edn, Met | SSC only | 10 yrs (extendable +4 yrs) |
- SSC → PC conversion is possible at a later date subject to service requirements, vacancies, willingness, suitability, merit and prevailing policies.
- SSC officers are not entitled to pension.
- Initial pay band for officers commissioned via AFCAT: Pay Level 10 (₹56,100/-) in the 7th CPC. Additional Military Service Pay (MSP), allowances and perks as applicable to commissioned officers of the Indian Armed Forces.
✅ Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
Candidate must be a citizen of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
Age Limit (as on 01-07-2027)
| Branch | Age Range | DOB Range (inclusive) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying (AFCAT + NCC Special Entry) | 20 – 24 years | 02 Jul 2003 to 01 Jul 2007 |
| Flying — CPL holders (DGCA India) | 20 – 26 years | 02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) — AFCAT & GATE Score Entry | 20 – 26 years | 02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 20 – 26 years | 02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007 |
Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of training. Marriage during training period leads to termination and refund of all expenditure incurred by the Government on the candidate.
Educational Qualifications
Flying Branch (AFCAT + NCC Special Entry):
- Passed Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level (mandatory), AND
- Graduation (minimum 3-year degree) in any discipline from a recognised University, OR BE/B.Tech (4 years), OR cleared Section A & B of AMIE / Aeronautical Society of India.
Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(L) Electronics:
- Passed Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level, AND
- MSc Electronics with BSc in Physics, OR 4-year degree/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/Technology from recognised University, OR Section A & B of AMIE / Aeronautical Society of India / Graduate membership exam of IETE — by actual studies in any of ~94 prescribed disciplines covering Computer Science, IT, Electronics, Communication, Electrical, Instrumentation streams (full list in Para 5.3.2.1 of the notification).
Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(M) Mechanical:
- Passed Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level, AND
- 4-year degree/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/Technology from recognised University, OR Section A & B of AMIE / Aero Soc India — by actual studies in any of ~39 prescribed mechanical disciplines including Aerospace, Mechanical, Mechatronics, Automobile, Production, Material Science, Metallurgy etc. (full list in Para 5.3.2.2).
GATE Score Entry (AE(L) & AE(M)):
- BE/B.Tech from one of the 133 disciplines under AE(L)/AE(M) above, AND
- Qualified GATE score (obtained within 3 years preceding course commencement date) in any one of:
For AE(M): Aerospace Engineering / Mechanical Engineering / Production & Industrial Engineering / Engineering Sciences / Metallurgical Engineering.
For AE(L): Computer Science & IT / Data Science & AI / Electronics & Communication / Electrical / Instrumentation.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
- Weapon Systems (WS): Maths + Physics at 10+2, plus 3-year graduate degree OR BE/B.Tech.
- Administration & Logistics: 10+2 + graduate degree in any discipline (or AMIE Sec A&B).
- Accounts: 10+2 + B.Com, OR BBA/BMS/BBS with Finance specialisation, OR qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA, OR B.Sc. with Finance specialisation.
- Education: 10+2 + Post-Graduation in any discipline (including integrated PG) AND Graduation in any discipline.
- Meteorology: 10+2 + B.Sc. with Physics & Mathematics, OR 4-year Engineering degree in one of 22 specified streams (Electrical/Electronics/Computer/IT/Mechanical/Communication etc.).
- Two seats are reserved for Law-qualified candidates (LLB) in Ground Duty (Non-Tech) for Legal Duties of IAF.
Final-year/semester candidates: can apply provided no current backlog at the time of application. Proof of completion of final exams must be submitted by 30 May 2027.
Physical & Medical Standards
Refer to Appendix A of the official notification for the full medical & physical standards (height, weight, vision, hearing, X-ray, dental, BMI, etc.). The Habitual Wearer of Glasses (HWG) criteria for Flying Branch is in Para 147 of Appendix A.
- Recommended pre-AFSB physical baseline: run 1 mile (1.6 km) in 10 minutes, do 10 push-ups and 3 chin-ups.
- Tattoos: Permanent tattoos permitted only on the inner face of forearms (elbow-inside to wrist) and back of palm/hands. Tattoos elsewhere disqualify candidate (case-by-case exception for tribal traditions with proper documentation).
- Narcotics / Alcohol Dependence Syndrome: automatic disqualification at any stage of training/service.
- CPSS/PABT failure history: candidates who previously failed Computerised Pilot Selection System cannot reapply for Flying Branch.
💳 Examination Fee
| Entry | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry (Flying, GD Tech AFCAT, GD Non-Tech) | ₹550 + 18% GST (non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | NIL (no fee) |
| GATE Score Entry | NIL (no fee) |
- Payment is online only — Credit/Debit Card / Net Banking / UPI through the AFCAT payment gateway.
- Fee is non-refundable under any circumstance including duplicate applications, withdrawal, ineligibility, or cancellation of the exam.
- Multiple applications under the same Aadhaar Number — only the latest submitted application is considered. Fees for older applications are NOT refunded.
🎯 Selection Process
1AFCAT Online Exam
2 hr · 100 Qs · 300 marks · English only · +3/−1 marking · IAF sets minimum qualifying marks at its discretion
2AFSB Testing (5 days)
Stage I (OIR + PP&DT) → Stage II (Psych + GTO + Interview)
3CPSS (Flying only)
Computerised Pilot Selection System — once-in-a-lifetime test for recommended Flying candidates
4Medical Examination
As per IAF Medical Standards in Appendix A of notification
5All-India Merit + Allotment
Branch & course allotted per merit, vacancies and preferences
NCC Special Entry candidates: AFCAT exam is exempted — directly called for AFSB testing. GATE Score Entry candidates: AFCAT exam exempted — shortlisting based on GATE score, then directly called for AFSB.
📝 AFCAT Exam Pattern
| Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) — English only |
|---|---|
| Duration | 2 hours (10:00 – 12:00 hrs on 8 Aug 2026) |
| Total Questions | 100 (objective type, multiple choice) |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Marking Scheme | +3 for each correct answer · −1 for each wrong answer · 0 for unattempted |
| Subjects (4) | General Awareness · Verbal Ability in English · Numerical Ability · Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test |
| Normalisation | Applied across multiple shifts using IAF's published statistical formula |
| Qualifying Marks | Fixed by IAF at its discretion (varies cycle to cycle) |
| Scribe | Not permitted under any circumstance |
Reporting: 08:00 hrs · Gate close: 09:30 hrs · Verification (admit card, biometric, ID, photo): 08:00 – 09:45 hrs · Instructions reading: 09:45 – 10:00 hrs · Exam: 10:00 – 12:00 hrs. No entry after 09:30 hrs under any circumstance.
📚 AFCAT Syllabus
Standard: Numerical Ability — Matriculation level · Other three subjects — Graduation level (Indian University).
English (Verbal Ability)
Comprehension · Detect Error in Sentence · Sentence Completion / Fill correct word · Synonym & Antonym · Cloze Test / Fill in the Gaps in a paragraph · Idioms and Phrases · Analogy · Sentence Rearranging · Substitution in a Sentence / One Word Substitution · Transformation of Sentence (Complex to Simple) · Homonyms
General Awareness
History · Geography · Sports · National & International Organisations · Art & Culture · Personalities · Environment & Ecology · Indian Polity · Economy · Basic Science Based Knowledge · Science & Technology · Current Affairs (National & International) · Defence
Numerical Ability
Decimal Fraction · Time and Work · Average / Percentage · Profit & Loss · Ratio & Proportion · Simple & Compound Interest · Time & Distance (Trains / Boats & Streams) · Area and Perimeter · Probability · Number System & Number Series · Mixture & Allegation · Square & Square Root / Cube & Cube Root · HCF & LCM · Elementary Mensuration · Heights & Distance · Statistics (Mean, Median, Mode) · Exponents and Powers
Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test
Verbal Reasoning · Non-Verbal Reasoning · Spatial reasoning · Visual pattern recognition · Series · Coding-decoding · Direction sense · Blood relations · Analogies · Classification
An online practice test is available on the official IAF AFCAT portal: afcat.edcil.co.in.
🏛️ Air Force Selection Boards (AFSB)
Candidates qualifying AFCAT (or shortlisted for NCC Special / GATE Score entries) self-select date & venue on the AFCAT portal to generate their AFSB call-up letter. The 5 AFSB centres are:
1 AFSBDehradun, Uttarakhand
2 AFSBMysuru, Karnataka
3 AFSBGandhinagar, Gujarat
4 AFSBVaranasi, Uttar Pradesh
5 AFSBGuwahati, Assam
AFSB Testing Schedule (5 days)
| Day | Tests |
|---|---|
| Day 1 (morning) | Stage I — Screening: Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR) + Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PP&DT). Stage I qualified candidates undergo document check; others go home same day. |
| Day 1 (evening) | Psychological Tests |
| Day 2 – Day 5 | Group Testing Officer (GTO) tasks + Interview with Interviewing Officer |
| Conference | Final board recommendation |
| Recommended Flying candidates | Additional CPSS test — once-in-a-lifetime; previous PABT/CPSS failures cannot reapply |
📝 How to Apply
- Visit afcat.edcil.co.in between 20 May 2026 (11:00 hrs) and 19 Jun 2026 (23:30 hrs).
- Sign Up / Register: Enter Full Name (as per 10th Matriculation cert), 10-digit Mobile, Email ID. Generate OTP on both, verify, submit CAPTCHA, accept terms.
- User ID + password sent to your registered Email and Mobile.
- Login → Go to Application: Fill Personal Details, Communication, Qualification & Experience, Course Preferences, Additional Details.
- Aadhaar: Last 4 digits of Aadhaar are mandatory for registration. Aadhaar Card in original is required on exam day (photocopy not accepted).
- Upload scanned colour passport photo (100–200 KB JPG), signature on white paper in black ink (80–150 KB JPG), thumb impression (50–100 KB JPG — left for men, right for women), and Live Image Capture via webcam.
- Pay fee ₹550 + GST via Net Banking / Debit / Credit / UPI through the AFCAT payment gateway (skip for NCC / GATE entries).
- On successful payment, application is auto-submitted. Print and retain the application form for future reference.
- Download Admit Card from 04 Aug 2026 onwards on the same portal.
Cannot edit after submission. Verify all fields carefully before clicking Submit / Make Payment. If amendment is needed, re-register with a different Email ID and pay fee again (no refund of previous fee).
AFCAT Help Desk: +91 9513252077 (0900–1800 hrs Mon–Sat, except holidays) · Email [email protected]
⚠️ Critical Reminders
- One latest application per Aadhaar number is final. Older or duplicate applications are auto-rejected, fee non-refundable.
- "Create an Account" details + Chosen RRB… sorry, for AFCAT it's Mobile + Email + Course Preference that cannot be changed once submitted. Choose carefully.
- Marriage during training = termination + refund of all government expenditure on the candidate.
- LASIK / refractive surgery may disqualify for Flying Branch — see Para 147 (HWG criteria) of Appendix A.
- Tattoos are restricted (only inner forearm + back of palm permitted, with case-by-case exception for tribal traditions).
- Items not allowed at AFCAT centre: Bluetooth/electronic devices, calculators, smartwatches, mobile phones, books, log tables, geometry box, wristwatch / wristband / bracelets / handbags / ornaments / wallet / purse / head gear / scarf / goggles / jackets, eatables. Only blue/black ballpoint pen + e-Admit Card + Aadhaar + 2nd photo ID + 2 passport photos allowed.
- Gate closes at 09:30 hrs sharp on exam day. No entry after.
- Carry original Aadhaar + a 2nd government-issued photo ID (PAN / Driving Licence / Voter / Passport — photocopies NOT accepted).
- Negative marking: 1 mark deducted for every wrong answer.
- Normalisation applied across multiple shifts.
- Government employees: NOC mandatory at AFSB stage, irrespective of permanent/temporary/contractual status. Apply only after departmental permission.
- For dispute resolution and authentic updates, always refer to the official AFCAT portal and the official notification PDF.
🔗 Useful Links
Page last updated: . We will revise this page promptly on any corrigendum issued by IAF.
Disclaimer: This page is compiled by QMaths from the official "Notification for AFCAT Cycle 02-2026" issued by the Indian Air Force (Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India). It is not an official IAF document. Always verify dates, eligibility, fees and any corrigendum directly on afcat.edcil.co.in and indianairforce.nic.in before applying. In case of any discrepancy, the official IAF notification PDF prevails.