Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026,Apply Online for 379 Group A Officer Posts
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 379 Vacancies
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 has officially released the AFCAT (02/2026) Recruitment Notification for the selection of Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch, Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Entry. Candidates who dream of serving the nation and building a prestigious career in the Indian Air Force can take advantage of this excellent opportunity.
Under this recruitment drive, a total of 379 vacancies will be filled for courses commencing in July 2027. Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications through the online mode before the last date.
This recruitment offers opportunities for graduates, engineers, postgraduates, and eligible NCC candidates to join one of India’s most respected defence organizations.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Recruitment Name | AFCAT 02/2026 Entry |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Job Type | Central Government Defence Job |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Starting Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 21 June 2026 |
| Application Fee | ₹550 + GST |
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 Years |
| Selection Process | AFCAT Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Test |
| Official Department | Indian Air Force |
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The recruitment has been announced for multiple branches of the Indian Air Force.
1. AFCAT Entry
| Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 35 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 211 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 107 |
Total AFCAT Entry Vacancies
353 Posts
2. NCC Special Entry
Flying Branch seats are available under NCC Special Entry Scheme:
- 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for Permanent Commission (PC)
- 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for Short Service Commission (SSC)
3. GATE Score Entry
| Branch | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 26 |
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Total Number of Posts
The Indian Air Force will recruit:
379 Group A Gazetted Officers
through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Entry.
Important Dates
Candidates should remember the following dates:
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Examination |
| AFCAT Exam Date | To Be Announced |
| Course Start | July 2027 |
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT Recruitment 2026
Before applying, candidates must carefully check the eligibility conditions.
Age Limit
Flying Branch
Candidates should be between:
20 to 24 years
as on 01 July 2027.
Candidates must be born between:
02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007
Both dates inclusive.
Commercial Pilot Licence Holders
Candidates possessing a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) can avail age relaxation up to:
26 years
Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical Branches
Candidates must be:
20 to 26 years
as on 01 July 2027.
Date of birth should be between:
02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007
Marital Status
Applicants must remain unmarried during the training period.
Important points:
- Marriage is not permitted during training.
- Candidates marrying during training may be discharged.
- Training expenses may be recovered by the Government.
Educational Qualification
Educational qualifications differ according to branch.
Flying Branch Qualification
Candidates must have:
- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
AND
One of the following:
Option 1
Graduate Degree (Minimum 3 Years)
with at least 60% marks.
Option 2
BE/B.Tech Degree
with minimum 60% marks.
Option 3
Qualified Sections A & B of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with minimum 60% marks.
Ground Duty Technical Branch Qualification
Candidates must have:
- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12.
AND
- Four-year Engineering Degree or Integrated Post-Graduation in relevant engineering disciplines with minimum 60% marks.
Eligible engineering streams include:
- Computer Science Engineering
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Cyber Security
- Electronics Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Communication Engineering
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Robotics Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
- Metallurgical Engineering
- Manufacturing Engineering
and other approved disciplines mentioned in the official notification.
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch Qualification
Weapon Systems Branch
Candidates must possess:
- 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
AND
- Graduation Degree with minimum 60% marks
OR
- BE/B.Tech Degree with minimum 60% marks.
Administration and Logistics Branch
Candidates should have:
- Graduation Degree in any discipline with 60% marks.
Accounts Branch
Candidates must possess:
- B.Com
- BBA (Finance)
- BMS (Finance)
- BBS (Finance)
- CA
- CMA
- CS
- CFA
- B.Sc Finance
with minimum 60% marks.
Education Branch
Candidates must have:
- Post Graduation with 50% marks
- Graduation with 60% marks
Meteorology Branch
Candidates should possess:
- B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics
OR
- Engineering Degree in approved streams such as Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, Information Technology, Mechanical Engineering, etc.
with minimum 60% marks.
GATE Score Entry Qualification
Candidates applying through GATE Entry must:
- Hold BE/B.Tech degree in approved disciplines.
- Possess a valid GATE score.
- GATE score should be obtained within three years preceding the course commencement date.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry Candidates | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Entry | As per notification |
Payment can be made through online methods such as:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Selection Process
The Indian Air Force follows a multi-stage selection process.
Stage 1: AFCAT Written Examination
Subjects include:
- General Awareness
- English
- Numerical Ability
- Military Aptitude Test
- Reasoning
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB)
Shortlisted candidates will appear for:
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Psychological Test
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
Stage 3: Medical Examination
Candidates must meet the prescribed medical standards.
Stage 4: Final Merit List
Final selection depends on:
- AFCAT Performance
- AFSB Interview Performance
- Medical Fitness
- Vacancy Availability
Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates receive attractive pay and allowances.
Starting Salary
Approximately:
₹56,100 per month and above
along with various benefits.
Additional Benefits
- Military Service Pay
- Flying Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Housing Facilities
- Medical Benefits
- Canteen Facilities
- Insurance Coverage
- Leave Travel Concession
- Pension Benefits (as applicable)
Why Join the Indian Air Force?
Joining the Indian Air Force offers:
Respect and Prestige
Serve the nation as a commissioned officer.
Excellent Career Growth
Promotion opportunities throughout service.
Adventure and Leadership
Develop leadership qualities and professional skills.
Financial Security
Competitive salary and allowances.
World-Class Training
Advanced technical and military training.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
Follow these simple steps:
Step 1
Visit the official AFCAT application portal.
Step 2
Complete registration using email and mobile number.
Step 3
Fill in personal and educational details.
Step 4
Upload:
- Photograph
- Signature
- Required documents
Step 5
Pay application fee online.
Step 6
Review all details carefully.
Step 7
Submit the application form.
Step 8
Take a printout for future reference.
Important Links of Indian Air Force AFCAT Vacancy 2026
| Online Application Form | Click Here |
| Advertisement Details | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Documents Required
Keep the following documents ready:
- Class 10 Certificate
- Class 12 Marksheet
- Graduation Marksheet
- Engineering Degree Certificate (if applicable)
- Identity Proof
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature Scan
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- GATE Score Card (if applicable)
Preparation Tips for AFCAT Exam
Candidates should follow these tips:
- Read newspapers daily.
- Improve English vocabulary.
- Practice reasoning questions regularly.
- Study current affairs.
- Solve previous year papers.
- Attempt mock tests.
- Focus on time management.
- Maintain physical fitness.
Key Learning Points
✔ Indian Air Force has announced 379 vacancies.
✔ Recruitment is for Flying, Technical and Non-Technical Branches.
✔ Online applications started on 20 May 2026.
✔ Last date to apply is 21 June 2026.
✔ Graduates, Engineers and Postgraduates are eligible.
✔ Selection includes AFCAT Exam, AFSB Interview and Medical Test.
✔ Attractive salary, allowances and career growth opportunities available.
✔ Course will commence in July 2027.
AFCAT 2026 Application Fee
Candidates applying through the AFCAT Entry route are required to pay an online examination fee of ₹550 plus applicable GST charges. The fee must be paid through the online payment gateway available during the application process. Once the payment is successfully made, it will not be refunded under any circumstances.
Applicants applying under the NCC Special Entry Scheme are exempted from paying the examination fee and can complete their application without any payment.
Application Fee Details
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry Candidates | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry Candidates | No Fee |
| Payment Mode | Online |
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 How to Apply Online
Eligible candidates can submit their applications through the official Indian Air Force recruitment portal by following the steps given below:
Step-by-Step Application Process
- Visit the official AFCAT online application portal.
- Complete the registration process using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Create your login credentials and verify your account.
- Log in using the registered details.
- Fill in personal information, educational qualifications, and communication details carefully.
- Upload scanned copies of the required documents, photograph, and signature in the prescribed format.
- Review all information before final submission.
- Pay the application fee through the available online payment methods.
- Submit the application form successfully.
- Download and save a copy of the submitted application form for future reference.
Documents Required During Application
- Passport-size photograph
- Scanned signature
- Class 10 certificate
- Class 12 mark sheet
- Graduation or Engineering certificates
- Valid ID proof
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- GATE Score Card (if applicable)
Important Dates for AFCAT Entry 2026
Candidates should keep track of all important events related to the recruitment process.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date for Online Application | 21 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Written Examination | 08 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | 04 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Applicants are advised not to wait until the final date and should complete the application process well in advance to avoid technical issues.
AFCAT 2026 Selection Process
The Indian Air Force follows a comprehensive selection procedure to recruit capable and dedicated officers. The selection process consists of multiple stages designed to evaluate academic ability, leadership skills, personality traits, and medical fitness.
Stage 1: AFCAT Online Examination
All eligible applicants must appear for the AFCAT written examination.
| Examination | Subjects Covered | Duration | Questions | Maximum Marks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude | 2 Hours | 100 | 300 |
AFCAT Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +3 Marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark
- Unattempted Question: No Marks
The examination is conducted in online mode at designated centres across India.
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Assessment
Candidates shortlisted from the AFCAT examination will be invited for AFSB testing.
Stage I Screening
The first phase includes:
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)
Only candidates qualifying in Stage I move to the next phase.
Stage II Assessment
Candidates who clear the screening process undergo:
- Psychological Assessment Tests
- Group Discussion Activities
- Group Planning Exercises
- Outdoor Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Leadership Evaluation
Flying Branch Special Test
Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must additionally qualify the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS), which assesses flying aptitude and pilot suitability.
Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by the Air Force Selection Board are required to undergo a detailed medical examination at designated military medical centres.
The medical assessment evaluates:
- Physical fitness
- Vision standards
- Hearing ability
- General health condition
- Air Force medical eligibility standards
Only medically fit candidates proceed to the final merit stage.
Final Merit List
The final selection is based on overall performance throughout the recruitment process.
The merit list is prepared considering:
- AFCAT Written Examination Marks
- AFSB Assessment Performance
- Medical Fitness Status
- Availability of Vacancies
Candidates securing higher overall merit positions will receive joining instructions for the training course commencing in July 2027.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Syllabus
The AFCAT examination follows a graduate-level standard, while Numerical Ability questions are generally based on Class 10 mathematics concepts.
English Language
Important topics include:
- Reading Comprehension
- Grammar and Error Detection
- Vocabulary
- Synonyms and Antonyms
- Sentence Completion
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Analogy
- Cloze Test
- Sentence Rearrangement
General Awareness
Questions may be asked from:
- Indian History
- Geography
- Current Affairs
- Indian Economy
- Polity and Constitution
- Sports
- Defence Affairs
- Science and Technology
- Environment
- Awards and Honours
- National and International Events
Numerical Ability
Key topics include:
- Percentage
- Ratio and Proportion
- Profit and Loss
- Average
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Probability
- Interest
- Number System
- HCF and LCM
- Mensuration
- Statistics
- Mixture and Allegation
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026, Reasoning and Military Aptitude
Candidates should prepare:
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Logical Analysis
- Pattern Recognition
- Spatial Ability
- Decision Making
- Analytical Thinking
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. How many vacancies are available under AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
The Indian Air Force has announced 379 vacancies under AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment.
Q2. When did the online application process start?
The online application process started on 20 May 2026.
Q3. What is the last date to apply online?
The last date to submit the AFCAT online application form is 21 June 2026.
Q4. What is the AFCAT 2026 examination date?
The AFCAT online examination is scheduled for 08 August 2026.
Q5. When will the AFCAT admit card be released?
The admit card will be available for download from 04 August 2026 onwards.
Q6. Is there negative marking in AFCAT?
Yes. One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer, while three marks are awarded for every correct answer.
Q7. Do NCC Special Entry candidates need to pay the application fee?
No. Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry are exempted from paying the examination fee.
Q8. What is the course commencement date?
Selected candidates will begin training from July 2027.