Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Out for Flying and Ground Duty Branches

About Indian Air Force

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is one of the three defence services of India and is responsible for securing the nation’s airspace and conducting aerial warfare operations. AFCAT recruitment offers graduates and engineering candidates an opportunity to join the Air Force as Commissioned Officers in Flying and Ground Duty branches with leadership responsibilities, defence benefits, and long-term career growth.

AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Overview

The AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment has been announced for Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches under AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry schemes. Candidates selected through this recruitment will undergo training for courses commencing in July 2027.

AFCAT continues to remain one of the most competitive defence examinations for graduates because it combines officer-level responsibilities, military training, technical opportunities, and attractive salary benefits under the Indian Air Force.

AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Highlights

AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates

AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details

The Indian Air Force has announced vacancies for Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry. The number of vacancies is tentative and subject to change according to organisational requirements.

According to the released recruitment information, the expected vacancy count is more than 300 posts across Flying and Ground Duty branches.

AFCAT 02/2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must satisfy nationality, educational qualification, age limit, and marital status conditions prescribed in the notification.

AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch Eligibility

• Candidates must have secured minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
• Graduation with minimum three-year degree in any discipline with at least 60% marks or equivalent OR
• B.E. / B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks OR
• Cleared Section A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers or Aeronautical Society of India with minimum 60% marks

AFCAT 02/2026 Ground Duty Technical Eligibility

• Minimum 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
• Degree or Post-Graduation in Engineering and Technology in relevant disciplines
• GATE Score Entry candidates must possess valid GATE score in specified disciplines

AFCAT 02/2026 Ground Duty Non-Technical Eligibility

Candidates must possess graduation or post-graduation qualifications according to the respective branch such as Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, or Meteorology.

AFCAT 02/2026 Marital Status Conditions

• Candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement
• Marriage during training is not permitted
• Candidates marrying during training may be discharged and required to refund training expenditure

AFCAT 02/2026 Age Eligibility Checker

The age limit for AFCAT 02/2026 will be calculated as on 01 July 2027. Candidates should carefully verify their date of birth eligibility according to their branch.

• Candidates born on or after this date satisfy the upper age limit for their respective category.

For Flying Branch, candidates must be born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007. Candidates holding valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA receive age relaxation up to 26 years.

AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fee

The AFCAT examination fee is non-refundable.

AFCAT 02/2026 Salary and Pay Scale

Additional Military Service Pay of ₹15,500 is also applicable.

AFCAT 02/2026 Additional Benefits

• Flying Allowance
• Technical Allowance
• Risk and Hardship Allowance
• Furnished Accommodation
• Medical Facilities
• Leave Travel Concession
• Insurance Cover through Air Force Group Insurance Society
• Canteen and Mess Facilities

Flight Cadets during training will receive a stipend of ₹56,100 per month.

AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process

The AFCAT 02/2026 selection process consists of multiple stages.

AFCAT 02/2026 AFSB Testing Stages

AFSB Stage 1

• Officer Intelligence Rating Test
• Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT)

AFSB Stage 2

• Psychological Tests
• Group Tests
• Personal Interview
• Computerised Pilot Selection System Test for Flying Branch candidates

AFCAT 02/2026 Exam Pattern

Important AFCAT Exam Details

• Mode of Exam: Online CBT
• Duration: 2 Hours
• Question Type: Multiple Choice Questions
• Marking Scheme: 3 marks for every correct answer
• Negative Marking: 1 mark deduction for every incorrect answer
• Exam Language: English

How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment

Candidates must apply online through the official AFCAT portal only.

1. Visit the AFCAT recruitment portal.
2. Register using valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Complete OTP verification.
4. Login using generated credentials.
5. Select the desired entry and branch.
6. Fill educational and personal details carefully.
7. Upload scanned photograph and signature.
8. Pay the application fee if applicable.
9. Submit the online application form.
10. Download and print the application slip for future reference.

Important Instructions Before Applying

• Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration
• Candidates must maintain active mobile number and email ID
• PAN Card and bank account details will be required during joining formalities
• Candidates eligible for multiple entries must register separately for each entry

Subject-Wise Preparation Focus for AFCAT 02/2026

AFCAT preparation requires balanced performance across reasoning, English, general awareness, and military aptitude sections. Since the examination includes negative marking, accuracy becomes equally important alongside speed.

Candidates often underestimate the English section, but vocabulary, comprehension, error spotting, and idioms frequently influence overall scores. Candidates can strengthen grammar and comprehension preparation through structured English practice available here: https://jobsme.in/posts/english.

The General Awareness section generally focuses on defence updates, current affairs, history, polity, science, and military developments. Regular revision of current events and static awareness is important for scoring consistently. Candidates can strengthen current affairs preparation here: https://jobsme.in/posts/daily-current-affairs and static awareness preparation here: https://jobsme.in/posts/static-gk.

Reasoning and military aptitude sections require regular practice of spatial reasoning, series, analogy, coding-decoding, and analytical problem-solving. Time management becomes critical because AFCAT questions are generally attempted at a fast pace.

AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch Preparation Strategy

Flying Branch aspirants should focus strongly on officer-like qualities, communication skills, situational awareness, and psychological testing preparation. Since CPSS testing is mandatory for Flying Branch candidates, mental alertness and coordination-based tasks become important.

Physical fitness preparation also plays a major role during AFSB stages. Candidates are advised to maintain running, push-up, swimming, and endurance routines before reporting for testing.

AFCAT 02/2026 Ground Duty Technical Preparation Strategy

Technical branch candidates should revise core engineering subjects from their graduation syllabus thoroughly. Questions in the technical evaluation process often focus on conceptual understanding and practical engineering applications.

Candidates entering through GATE Score Entry should additionally revise technical fundamentals, communication skills, and defence-oriented technical awareness.

AFCAT 02/2026 Important Links