IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Commissioned Officer Recruitment 2026

Indian Air Force (IAF) is recruiting 379 officer vacancies through AFCAT 02/2026 and GATE Score Entry for courses commencing in July 2027. The official AFCAT page has extended the online application deadline to 21 June 2026 at 23:59 hrs. Graduates, engineers and eligible NCC/GATE candidates can apply as per branch rules. Pay on commissioning is Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 in Level 10 plus MSP and allowances.

Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 - 379 Vacancies

Indian Air Force has notified AFCAT 02/2026 for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch, Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry. The original notification showed applications from 20 May 2026 at 11:00 hrs to 19 June 2026, and the official AFCAT homepage now revises the closing date to 21 June 2026 at 23:59 hrs. No official corrigendum changing vacancy count, age limit, qualification or fee was found.

Vacancy Breakdown

• AFCAT Entry - Flying Branch: 35 SSC vacancies
• AFCAT Entry - Ground Duty Technical: 211 vacancies across AE(L) and AE(M)
• AFCAT Entry - Ground Duty Non-Technical: 107 vacancies across Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education and Meteorology
• GATE Score Entry - Ground Duty Technical: 26 vacancies across AE(L) and AE(M)
• NCC Special Entry: seats are notified as a percentage of CDSE/AFCAT vacancies, as applicable

The official notification says vacancies are tentative and can change as per Indian Air Force requirements.

Who Can Apply?

Flying Branch

• Qualification: You must have Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level and a graduation degree, B.E./B.Tech degree, or equivalent notified engineering membership qualification.

Ground Duty Technical

• Qualification: You must have Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and an engineering or technology qualification in the notified AE(L) or AE(M) disciplines.
• GATE Score Entry: Eligible technical branch candidates may apply through AFCAT, GATE Score Entry or both, subject to the notification rules.

Ground Duty Non-Technical

• Weapon Systems: 10+2 Mathematics and Physics plus graduation or B.E./B.Tech.
• Administration and Logistics: 10+2 plus a graduate degree or notified equivalent engineering membership qualification.
• Accounts: 10+2 plus B.Com, finance-related BBA/BMS/BBS, CA/CMA/CS/CFA, or B.Sc. with finance specialisation.
• Education: 10+2 plus post-graduation and graduation as specified in the notification.
• Meteorology: 10+2 plus B.Sc. with Physics and Mathematics or a specified engineering/technology degree.

Age Limit

• Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry: 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027, born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007.
• Flying Branch CPL relaxation: candidates with a valid current DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence can apply up to 26 years, born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007.
• Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical: 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027, born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007.
• Marital status: candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement.

Salary

• Flying Officer pay: Rs. 56,100 to Rs. 1,77,500 in Defence Matrix Level 10.
• Military Service Pay: Rs. 15,500.
• Training stipend: Flight Cadets get a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month during one year of training.
• Allowances: applicable allowances may include Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance and other admissible benefits based on branch, duty and posting.

Application Fee

• AFCAT Entry: Rs. 550 plus 18% GST, non-refundable.
• NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry: fee is not applicable as per the notification.
• Payment mode: online payment through the application portal.

Selection Process

The selection process depends on the entry and branch:

1. Online AFCAT Examination: AFCAT exam is scheduled for 08 August 2026 for AFCAT entry candidates.
2. AFSB Testing: shortlisted candidates have to attend Air Force Selection Board testing.
3. Medical Examination: candidates must meet the required medical and physical standards.
4. Final Merit: final selection depends on merit, medical fitness, branch choice and available vacancies.

How to Apply

1. Go to the official AFCAT portal at afcat.edcil.co.in.
2. Open the AFCAT 02/2026 candidate login or application link.
3. Register with your name, mobile number and email ID.
4. Fill in personal, communication, qualification and branch preference details.
5. Upload the required photograph, signature and thumb impression.
6. Pay the fee online if it applies to your entry.
7. Submit the form before 21 June 2026 at 23:59 hrs and keep the printout for reference.

Important Dates

• Online Application Start: 20 May 2026 at 11:00 hrs
• Original Last Date: 19 June 2026
• Revised Last Date: 21 June 2026 at 23:59 hrs
• Admit Card Download: 04 August 2026 from 11:00 hrs onward
• AFCAT Exam Date: 08 August 2026
• Course Commencement: July 2027

• Fly fighter, transport, or helicopter aircraft on operational, peace-time, and combat missions as a Flying Branch officer
• Maintain, repair, and manage advanced avionics, weapon systems, and mechanical assets as a Ground Duty Technical officer
• Manage human resources, administration, accounts, logistics, and education as a Ground Duty Non-Technical officer
• Operate sophisticated radar, weapon, and surveillance systems in the Weapon Systems branch
• Lead airmen and ground crew in day-to-day station operations and disciplined service life
• Uphold the constitution of India and contribute to national defence under the IAF motto Touch the sky with glory
• Participate in disaster relief, humanitarian assistance, and joint operations with sister services