Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026: Indian Air Force has released AFCAT 02/2026 notification for Commissioned Officer posts in Flying Branch Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non Technical branches. Both men and women can apply. Online registration starts from 20 May 2026 and ends on 19 June 2026. Selection is through AFCAT written exam followed by AFSB interview and medical test. Course commencement is July 2027.
- AFCAT 2026 exam date and syllabus
- Indian Air Force officer salary 2026
- Flying Branch eligibility for AFCAT
- AFSB interview preparation tips
- Ground Duty Technical posts qualification
- Apply online Indian Air Force commission
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026: Quick Overview
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Total Posts | 300 plus expected |
| Branches | Flying Ground Duty Technical Ground Duty Non Technical |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 2026 |
| Apply Online Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | To be announced |
| AFSB Interview Dates | To be announced |
| Course Start | July 2027 |
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Application Fee Details
| Entry Type | Fee Amount | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 | Online Debit Card Credit Card Net Banking |
| NCC Special Entry | No fee | Exempted |
| Meteorology Entry | No fee | Exempted |
Note: Application fee is non refundable. Fee once paid will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Vacancy Details and Qualification
| Branch | Expected Vacancies | Qualification Required |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Included in 300 plus | Graduation with 60 percent marks plus Mathematics and Physics at 10 plus 2 level OR BE B Tech with 60 percent |
| Ground Duty Technical | Included in 300 plus | BE B Tech in relevant engineering discipline with 60 percent marks |
| Ground Duty Non Technical | Included in 300 plus | Graduation with 60 percent marks in any discipline |
| Meteorology Entry | Few posts | Post graduation in Science with Physics and Mathematics or BE B Tech |
Age Limit Details Flying Branch: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age. Date of birth should fall between 2 July 2003 and 1 July 2007. Candidates with valid Commercial Pilot License get age relaxation up to 26 years.
Ground Duty Technical and Non Technical: Candidates must be between 20 to 26 years of age. Date of birth should fall between 2 July 2001 and 1 July 2007.
Selection Process The selection for Indian Air Force Commissioned Officer posts has five stages:
Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination
- Objective type multiple choice questions
- Sections include General Awareness Verbal Ability Numerical Ability and Military Aptitude
- Total 100 questions for 300 marks
- Duration 2 hours
- Negative marking of 1 mark for each wrong answer
Stage 2: AFSB Interview
- Five day selection process at Air Force Selection Boards
- Includes psychological tests group tasks personal interview and conference
- Assesses officer like qualities leadership potential and communication skills
Stage 3: Document Verification
- Shortlisted candidates must produce original certificates
- Educational certificates age proof nationality proof and other documents verified
Stage 4: Medical Examination
- Detailed medical check up at Air Force hospitals
- Candidates must meet strict medical and physical fitness standards
Stage 5: Final Merit List
- Prepared based on combined performance in AFCAT and AFSB
- Medical fitness is mandatory for final selection and joining
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Salary and Benefits for Commissioned Officers
| Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Starting Basic Pay | ₹56,100 per month at Flying Officer level |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500 per month |
| Flying Allowance | Additional for Flying Branch officers |
| Dearness Allowance | As per government rates revised quarterly |
| HRA | 8 to 24 percent based on city of posting |
| Approximate In Hand Salary | ₹75,000 to ₹90,000 per month |
Additional Benefits: Free accommodation or HRA subsidized food comprehensive medical coverage for self and family leave travel concession canteen facilities pension after qualifying service and insurance cover under group insurance scheme.
How to Apply Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Step by Step Guide
- Visit official AFCAT portal afcat.cdac.in
- Click on New Registration and create account with valid email and mobile number
- Login with credentials and select AFCAT 02/2026 application
- Fill personal details educational qualifications and branch preference
- Upload scanned photograph and signature in specified format and size
- Review all entered details carefully before final submission
- Pay application fee if applicable through online mode
- Submit application and download confirmation page
- Take printout of submitted application for future reference
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Documents Required for Application
- Recent passport-size photograph in JPG format
- Scanned signature in JPG format
- 10th and 12th class mark sheets
- Graduation or engineering degree certificate and mark sheets
- Date of birth proof
- Category certificate if applicable
- NCC certificate for NCC Special Entry
- Valid Commercial Pilot License if claiming age relaxation
- Valid photo ID proof Aadhaar Card PAN Card or Passport
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Important Link
| Details | Link |
|---|---|
| Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Notification | Notification |
| Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Apply Online | Apply Online |
| Indian Air Force Official Website | Indian Air Force |