Indian Airforce AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026: Apply Online for 142+ Vacancies
Indian Airforce AFCAT 02/2026 Batch
- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially announced the AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment for the July 2027 batch.
- This recruitment drive includes entries for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical).
- Candidates can also apply through the NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Entry schemes.
- The online application process is scheduled to commence on May 20, 2026, and conclude on June 19, 2026.
- A total of 142+ vacancies have been initially notified, with some branch-specific vacancies to be updated soon.
- For the Flying Branch, candidates must be aged between 20 to 24 years as of July 1, 2027.
- Ground Duty branches (Technical/Non-Technical) have an age limit of 20 to 26 years.
- Educational eligibility ranges from a Bachelor’s degree in any stream to specialized Engineering degrees (B.E/B.Tech).
- The application fee for AFCAT entry is ₹550 for all categories, while NCC Special entry is free.
- Selection involves a Computer Based Test (CBT) followed by AFSB testing and medical examinations.
- Successful candidates will be commissioned as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Air Force.
- Interested applicants are advised to read the full notification on the official portal before applying.
Important Dates
Salary & Pay Scale
Documents Required for Application
- Scanned Passport size Photograph
- Scanned Signature
- Left Thumb Impression
- Class 10th & 12th Marksheets
- Graduation/Post Graduation Degree/Provisional Certificate
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate (if applicable)
- Aadhar Card/ID Proof
Educational Qualification
- Flying Branch: Bachelor Degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR B.E/B.Tech degree.
- Ground Duty Technical: Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics/Mechanical) with minimum 60% marks in Physics and Math at 10+2 level and 4-year Engineering degree.
- Administration & Logistics: Bachelor Degree in any stream with at least 60% marks.
- Accounts: Bachelor Degree in Commerce (B.Com) with minimum 60% marks.
- NCC Special Entry: NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate and eligibility as per Flying Branch.
Vacancy Details – Post Wise
| Entry Type | Branch/Post | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 30 | 05 | 35 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | Administration | 50 | 12 | 62 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | Logistics (LGS) | 04 | 02 | 06 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | Accounts | 05 | 02 | 07 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | Education | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | Weapon Systems | 21 | 05 | 26 |
| Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% Seats | 10% Seats | Various |
Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS | 550 |
| SC / ST | 550 |
| PH / PWD | 0 |
| Female | 550 |
| Ex-Servicemen | 550 |
| Payment Mode | Online (Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, E-Challan) |
Age Limit
Selection & Exam Process
Phase I: Online Written Examination (AFCAT)
- A common computer-based test for all candidates covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning.
Phase II: AFSB Interview
- Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and Discussion Test.
- Stage 2: Psychological test, Group Tests, and Interview.
Phase III: Medical Examination
- Physical fitness and medical standards check by Air Force Medical Boards.
AFCAT Written Exam Structure
| Subject | No. of Questions | Max Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
- Marking Scheme: 3 marks for every correct answer.
- Negative Marking: 1 mark deducted for every incorrect answer.
- Language: The question paper will be in English only.
How to Apply – Step by Step
- Visit the official IAF AFCAT portal at afcat.edcil.co.in.
- Click on ‘Candidate Login’ and select ‘AFCAT 02/2026 Cycle’.
- Register yourself by providing basic details like name, email, and mobile number.
- Login with the credentials sent to your email and fill out the detailed application form.
- Select your preferred branch (Flying, Technical, or Non-Technical) based on eligibility.
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression in the prescribed format.
- Pay the application fee of ₹550 online (not applicable for NCC entry).
- Review all details carefully and submit the form.
- Download and print the final application form for future reference.
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding the AFCAT 02/2026 Syllabus
To crack the Indian Air Force AFCAT exam, candidates must have a comprehensive understanding of the four primary sections. The General Awareness section covers History, Geography, Civics, Politics, Current Affairs, Environment, Basic Science, Defence, Art, Culture, and Sports. Candidates should focus on the last 6-12 months of current events, especially those related to the Indian Defence forces.
Verbal Ability and Reasoning
The Verbal Ability in English section tests comprehension, error detection, sentence completion, synonyms, antonyms, and vocabulary. Regular reading of editorials and practicing grammar exercises is essential. The Reasoning and Military Aptitude section is crucial and includes verbal skills and spatial ability. Practicing Venn diagrams, pattern completion, and dot situations will help score high in this section.
Numerical Ability Preparation
The Numerical Ability section involves basic mathematics like Decimal Fraction, Time and Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, and Simple Interest. The level of questions is generally up to Class 10, but speed and accuracy are key. Candidates should practice mental math and shortcut techniques to solve problems within the stipulated time.
Exam Pattern and Strategy
- Time Management: With 100 questions to be solved in 120 minutes, you have just over a minute per question. Prioritize sections you are strong in.
- Negative Marking: Since there is a 1-mark penalty for wrong answers, avoid guesswork. Only attempt questions you are confident about.
- Mock Tests: Solving previous year question papers and taking online mock tests is the best way to get accustomed to the CBT format.
- Physical Fitness: Don’t ignore physical health. Start a basic regime of running, push-ups, and chin-ups to prepare for the AFSB testing phase.
Consistency is the most important factor in AFCAT preparation. Dedicate at least 4-5 hours daily to cover the syllabus systematically and keep revising the core concepts of mathematics and reasoning.
All information is compiled from official notifications for informational purposes only. Applicants must verify all details from the official notification PDF and official website before applying. We are not responsible for any error or inconvenience caused.