The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the much-awaited AFCAT 02/2026 Notification on 12 May 2026 for recruitment of officers in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. The notification is published on the official portal afcat.cdac.in, and online registration will commence from 20 May 2026 at 11:00 hrs and close on 19 June 2026 at 23:30 hrs. A total of 142+ vacancies have been notified for the course commencing in July 2027, offering both men and women a prestigious opportunity to serve the nation as Commissioned Officers in one of the world's most respected air forces.
The AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is conducted twice a year (AFCAT 1 in January-February and AFCAT 2 in August-September) by the IAF for Short Service Commission (SSC) entries. Successful candidates are inducted as officers with the rank of Flying Officer and a starting salary in the range of ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month plus a host of allowances including Military Service Pay, Flying Allowance (for Flying Branch), HRA, transport allowance, free medical care, ration, and family accommodation. The AFCAT 02/2026 examination is tentatively scheduled for August/September 2026 across more than 100 cities in India.
This comprehensive guide covers every detail you need — important dates, branch-wise vacancies, age limits, educational qualifications, physical standards, complete exam pattern, detailed syllabus, selection process including AFSB interview, salary structure, application fee, step-by-step apply procedure, and answers to the most asked questions. Bookmark this page — Sarkari Nokrii updates it within minutes of every official update.
📋 AFCAT 02/2026 — Quick Overview
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/2026) |
| Course | Pre-Commissioning Training, July 2027 |
| Notification Released | 12 May 2026 |
| Online Registration | 20 May 2026 (11:00 hrs) – 19 June 2026 (23:30 hrs) |
| Total Vacancies | 142+ posts (tentative) |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) |
| Mode of Exam | Online (Computer Based Test) |
| Exam Date | August/September 2026 (tentative) |
| Application Fee | ₹550 + GST (NCC Special Entry: NIL) |
| Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (Level-10) + Allowances |
| Selection Process | Written → AFSB Interview → Medical → Merit |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
📅 AFCAT 02/2026 — Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | 12 May 2026 ✅ |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 (11:00 hrs) |
| Online Application Last Date | 19 June 2026 (23:30 hrs) |
| Application Correction Window | 3rd week of June 2026 (tentative) |
| Admit Card Release | August 2026 (10 days before exam) |
| AFCAT 2 Exam Date | August/September 2026 |
| Answer Key Release | September 2026 |
| Result Declaration | October 2026 (tentative) |
| AFSB Interview | November 2026 – March 2027 |
| Medical & Document Verification | After AFSB clearance |
| Final Merit List | May-June 2027 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
🎖️ AFCAT 02/2026 — Branch-wise Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has notified 142+ tentative vacancies across multiple branches for the AFCAT 02/2026 course. The actual number may vary depending on the IAF's requirements. Below is the indicative branch-wise distribution:
| Branch | Type of Commission | Vacancies (Male) | Vacancies (Female) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | SSC (M&W) | 22 | 07 |
| Ground Duty Technical (AE-L) | SSC (M&W) | 25 | 02 |
| Ground Duty Technical (AE-M) | SSC (M&W) | 19 | 03 |
| Weapon Systems Branch | SSC (M&W) | 10 | 04 |
| Administration | SSC (M&W) | 15 | 05 |
| Logistics | SSC (M&W) | 8 | 3 |
| Accounts | SSC (M&W) | 7 | 2 |
| Education | SSC (M&W) | 5 | 3 |
| Meteorology | SSC (M&W) | 2 | 1 |
| Total (Tentative) | 113 | 29 | |
Note: Vacancies are indicative and subject to revision based on IAF's actual requirement. NCC Special Entry candidates can apply for 10% of CDSE vacancies in Flying Branch.
🎓 AFCAT 02/2026 — Eligibility Criteria
🔹 Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027)
| Branch | Age Range | Date of Birth |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry) | 20 – 24 years | 02 July 2003 – 01 July 2007 |
| Flying Branch (DGCA CPL holders) | 20 – 26 years | 02 July 2001 – 01 July 2007 |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20 – 26 years | 02 July 2001 – 01 July 2007 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20 – 26 years | 02 July 2001 – 01 July 2007 |
🔹 Educational Qualifications
| Branch | Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 10+2 with min 50% in Maths & Physics + Graduation (any) with min 60% OR BE/B.Tech with min 60% |
| Ground Duty Technical (AE-L) | 10+2 with 60% in Maths & Physics + 4-year BE/B.Tech in specified streams (Electronics, Comm., Computer Sci, etc.) with min 60% |
| Ground Duty Technical (AE-M) | 10+2 with 60% in Maths & Physics + 4-year BE/B.Tech in specified streams (Mechanical, Aeronautical, etc.) with min 60% |
| Weapon Systems Branch | 10+2 with min 50% in Maths & Physics + Graduation (any) with min 60% OR BE/B.Tech with min 60% |
| Administration / Logistics | Graduation (any discipline) with min 60% OR Post-Graduation with min 50% |
| Accounts | B.Com / CA / CMA / CFA with min 60% |
| Education | PG (any) with min 50% + Graduation with min 60% |
| Meteorology | PG with min 50% in Science stream including Maths & Physics at graduation |
🔹 Physical & Medical Standards
- Height (Male): Minimum 162.5 cm (157.5 cm for some specific branches)
- Height (Female): Minimum 152.5 cm
- Weight: Proportionate to age and height
- Chest: Minimum 5 cm expansion
- Vision (Flying): 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, hypermetropia (+) 1.5 D Sph max
- Vision (Ground Duty): 6/6 each eye corrected to 6/6, hypermetropia +2 D Sph max
- Marital Status: Unmarried for Flying Branch candidates (under 25 years)
- Nationality: Indian citizen only
📝 AFCAT 02/2026 — Exam Pattern
The AFCAT 02/2026 written examination will be conducted in online Computer Based Test (CBT) mode. Candidates applying for Ground Duty Technical branch must also appear for the EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) immediately after the AFCAT paper on the same day.
🔹 AFCAT Paper Pattern
| Subject | No. of Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 | 2 Hours |
| Verbal Ability (English) | 25 | 75 | |
| Numerical Ability | 18 | 54 | |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 32 | 96 | |
| Total | 100 | 300 | 120 min |
🔹 EKT (For Technical Branch Only)
| Subject | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical / Computer Sci / Electronics | 50 | 150 | 45 minutes |
Marking Scheme: +3 marks for each correct answer | –1 mark for each wrong answer | 0 marks for unattempted questions | Language: English only
📚 AFCAT 02/2026 Syllabus — Topic-wise Breakdown
| Section | Important Topics |
|---|---|
| General Awareness | History (Modern India, Freedom Struggle), Geography (Indian & World), Civics & Polity, Indian Constitution, Sports, Awards & Honours, Defence News, Current Affairs (last 12 months), Books & Authors, Important Days, Famous Personalities, Cultural Heritage, Indian Air Force trivia |
| Verbal Ability (English) | Reading Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, Sentence Completion, Error Spotting, Sentence Improvement, Idioms & Phrases, One-word Substitution, Cloze Test, Para Jumbles, Active/Passive Voice, Direct/Indirect Speech |
| Numerical Ability | Simplification, Percentage, Profit & Loss, Ratio & Proportion, Average, Time & Distance, Time & Work, Simple/Compound Interest, Number System, Decimal Fractions, Approximations (Class 10 level) |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | Verbal Reasoning (Analogy, Coding-Decoding, Series, Direction, Blood Relations), Non-Verbal Reasoning (Mirror Image, Embedded Figure, Pattern, Series, Rotation), Military Aptitude (Spatial reasoning, situational judgement) |
| EKT — Mechanical | Engineering Mathematics, Thermodynamics, Theory of Machines, Fluid Mechanics, Heat Transfer, Manufacturing Science, Materials Science |
| EKT — Computer Sci | Programming, OS, DBMS, Computer Networks, Data Structures, Software Engineering, Web Technologies |
| EKT — Electronics | Analog & Digital Electronics, Microprocessors, Antenna, Wave Propagation, Microwave Engineering, EMFT, Communication Engineering |
🛡️ AFCAT 02/2026 — Selection Process (4 Stages)
The Indian Air Force has one of the most rigorous officer selection processes in the world. Out of approximately 3-4 lakh applicants every cycle, only a few hundred make it to the final merit list. Here are the four critical stages:
- Stage 1 — Online Written Test (AFCAT + EKT if applicable): The first filter. Cutoff is approximately 150-170 marks out of 300. Candidates must qualify with the minimum cutoff (not just qualifying marks) — actual cutoff varies each cycle based on difficulty and vacancies.
- Stage 2 — AFSB Interview (5 days): Conducted at one of the four AFSBs (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, Varanasi). Includes Stage 1 (Officer Intelligence Rating Test + Picture Perception & Discussion Test), Stage 2 (Psychological tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview), and for Flying Branch Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
- Stage 3 — Medical Examination: Held at AFCME New Delhi or IAM Bengaluru. Comprehensive medical including eyes, ears, heart, lungs, dental, blood tests, X-ray, ECG, treadmill test. Very strict standards especially for Flying Branch.
- Stage 4 — Final Merit List: Prepared based on AFCAT + AFSB performance (medical is qualifying). Joining letters are issued for July 2027 course at IAF training establishments (Air Force Academy, Dundigal for Flying; AFTC Bangalore for Tech; AFAC Coimbatore for Admin).
🏆 Verified by Sarkari Nokrii Team
All information on this page is sourced from the official Indian Air Force notification dated 12 May 2026 available on afcat.cdac.in. Cross-verified with 5+ trusted defence portals and last updated on 18 May 2026. Trusted by 50,000+ defence aspirants. We update this page within 30 minutes of every IAF announcement. For final verification, always refer to afcat.cdac.in.
💰 AFCAT Officer Salary & Allowances 2026
Indian Air Force officers receive one of the most attractive compensation packages among Indian government jobs. Beyond the basic pay, officers enjoy a host of allowances, perks, free medical care, accommodation, and life-long pension benefits.
| Rank | Pay Level | Basic Pay (₹/month) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer (Stipend during training) | — | ₹56,100 |
| Flying Officer (After commissioning) | Level 10 | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
| Flight Lieutenant | Level 10B | ₹61,300 – ₹1,93,900 |
| Squadron Leader | Level 11 | ₹69,400 – ₹2,07,200 |
| Wing Commander | Level 12A | ₹1,21,200 – ₹2,12,400 |
Additional Allowances: Military Service Pay ₹15,500/month, Flying Allowance ₹25,000/month (Flying Branch), Tech Allowance ₹2,500-5,000 (Tech Branch), Dearness Allowance, House Rent Allowance, Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, Free Ration, Free Medical Treatment for self & family, Concessional Defence Canteen, Group Insurance ₹75 lakh, Life-long pension after retirement.
🖊️ How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 — Step by Step
Online registration for AFCAT 02/2026 begins on 20 May 2026 at 11:00 hrs. Follow these 10 steps carefully to complete your application without errors:
- Visit the official portal: Go to afcat.cdac.in on or after 20 May 2026. Click on the "AFCAT 02/2026 Online Application" link on the homepage.
- New Candidate Registration: Click "New User Registration". Fill basic details — name, father's name, DOB, email, mobile number, and create a password. Note down your Registration Number safely.
- Verify email and mobile: Enter the OTP sent to your email and mobile. Verification is mandatory before proceeding.
- Login and fill application form: Login with your Registration Number and Password. Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, branch preferences, and AFSB centre choice.
- Upload documents: Upload scanned copies of: (a) recent passport photograph (3.5×4.5 cm, 10-50 KB JPG), (b) signature (10-40 KB JPG), (c) left thumb impression (10-40 KB JPG), (d) Class 10 marksheet, (e) Class 12 marksheet, (f) Graduation/Engineering degree certificate.
- Select branch preferences: Choose your branch order carefully — Flying, GD(T), GD(NT), etc. Select preferred AFSB centre (Dehradun / Mysuru / Gandhinagar / Varanasi).
- Choose exam city: Select up to 5 preferred exam cities from the list of 100+ AFCAT centres across India.
- Pay application fee: Pay ₹550 + GST (approximately ₹650 total) through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt from fee.
- Final submission and review: Carefully review all entered details. Once submitted, no changes can be made until the correction window opens.
- Download confirmation: Take a printout of the application form and fee receipt. Save the PDF on your device for future reference. Keep your Registration Number safe — it's needed for admit card download.
💳 AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee | Mode |
|---|---|---|
| All Candidates (AFCAT Entry) | ₹550 + GST | Online (Net Banking, Card, UPI) |
| NCC Special Entry | NIL (Exempt) | — |
| Met Branch (PG entry) | ₹550 + GST | Online |
🔗 Important Links
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| ✈️ Apply Online (from 20 May 2026) | Apply Now |
| Official Notification PDF | Download PDF |
| AFCAT Official Portal | afcat.cdac.in |
| Career Air Force Site | careerairforce.gov.in |
| Indian Navy SSC IT (Officer) | View Post |
| Indian Army Agniveer CEE Admit Card | View Post |
| Sarkari Nokrii Homepage | Visit |
| WhatsApp Channel | Join WhatsApp |
| Telegram Channel | Join Telegram |
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. When does AFCAT 02/2026 application start and end?
The online registration for AFCAT 02/2026 begins on 20 May 2026 at 11:00 hrs and closes on 19 June 2026 at 23:30 hrs. Applications submitted after this deadline will not be accepted under any circumstances. Apply early to avoid last-day server load.
Q2. What is the AFCAT 02/2026 exam date?
The AFCAT 02/2026 written examination is tentatively scheduled for August or September 2026. The exact date will be announced on the official portal afcat.cdac.in approximately 30 days before the exam. Admit cards will be released 10 days before the exam.
Q3. How many vacancies are there in AFCAT 02/2026?
The Indian Air Force has notified 142+ tentative vacancies across Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches for the July 2027 course. The exact branch-wise allocation is subject to IAF's actual requirement and may be revised.
Q4. What is the age limit for AFCAT 02/2026?
For Flying Branch (AFCAT entry): 20-24 years; for Flying Branch (DGCA CPL holders): 20-26 years; for Ground Duty Technical & Non-Technical: 20-26 years. Age is calculated as on 01 July 2027. No upper age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC.
Q5. What is the application fee for AFCAT 02/2026?
The application fee is ₹550 + GST (approximately ₹650 total) payable online through Net Banking, Credit/Debit Card, or UPI. NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt from the fee. No fee for women candidates in some categories — check the official notification.
Q6. Can women apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch?
Yes, women candidates are eligible for all branches including Flying Branch under Short Service Commission (SSC). The Indian Air Force was the first armed force in India to induct women as fighter pilots. Both Permanent Commission (after SSC) and direct PC options are available.
Q7. What is the AFCAT exam pattern and marking scheme?
AFCAT has 100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours duration in online CBT mode covering General Awareness (25Q), English (25Q), Numerical Ability (18Q), and Reasoning/Military Aptitude (32Q). +3 for correct, –1 for wrong, 0 for unattempted. EKT for Technical branch is an additional 45-minute paper of 50 Qs/150 marks.
Q8. What is the starting salary of an AFCAT officer?
A Flying Officer's starting basic pay is ₹56,100 per month (Pay Level 10) plus Military Service Pay ₹15,500, Dearness Allowance, HRA, Transport Allowance, Flying Allowance ₹25,000 (Flying Branch), and other perks. Gross monthly salary including allowances ranges from ₹85,000 to ₹1,30,000 depending on branch and posting location.
Q9. Where can I download the official AFCAT 02/2026 notification PDF?
The complete AFCAT 02/2026 notification PDF is available on the official IAF careers portal careerairforce.gov.in and the registration portal afcat.cdac.in. Always download from these official sites only — avoid third-party copies that may be outdated.
Q10. What happens after I clear the AFCAT written exam?
After clearing AFCAT, you'll receive a call letter for the AFSB Interview (5 days) at one of the four AFSBs (Dehradun/Mysuru/Gandhinagar/Varanasi). This includes Stage 1 (screening), Stage 2 (psychology tests, GTO tasks, personal interview), and CPSS for Flying Branch. After clearing AFSB, you undergo a comprehensive medical, followed by document verification and final merit list. Joining is at IAF training establishments for the July 2027 course.
✈️ Never Miss a Defence Officer Job Update!
Join 50,000+ aspirants getting instant alerts for AFCAT, NDA, CDS, Navy & Army
💬 WhatsApp 📱 Telegram 📸 Instagram 🐦 Twitter