AFCAT 02/2026 Apply Online Started : Indian Air Force has officially started the online application process for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 from today, 20 May 2026. The notification has been released for AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry for recruitment to Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches.
This is a golden opportunity for candidates who dream of becoming Commissioned Officers in the Indian Air Force. Through this recruitment drive, eligible male and female candidates will get a chance to join one of India’s most prestigious defence forces with attractive salary, allowances, adventure-filled career, and officer-level lifestyle.
The online application link is now active on the official AFCAT portal, and interested candidates can apply till 19 June 2026. Selected candidates will join the Air Force Academy course commencing in July 2027.
Candidates preparing for defence jobs after Graduation, B.Tech, B.Com, or NCC certification should not miss this opportunity, as AFCAT vacancies are considered among the most sought-after officer recruitments in India.
AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Entry Type | AFCAT / NCC Special Entry / GATE Entry |
| Posts | Commissioned Officers |
| Branches | Flying & Ground Duty |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Apply Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
AFCAT 02/2026 Apply Online Started– Important Dates
Candidates should complete the application process before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 12 May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Start Date | July 2027 |
AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
The fee must be paid online and is non-refundable.
AAFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
The age limit will be calculated as on 01 July 2027.
| Branch / Entry | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years |
| CPL Holders (DGCA) | Up to 26 Years |
| Ground Duty Branches | 20 to 26 Years |
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The recruitment includes vacancies for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches.
| Entry | Branch |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying Branch |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Technical |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Non-Technical |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying Branch |
| GATE Entry | Ground Duty Technical |
Total Vacancies
142+ Posts (Tentative)
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch also includes reserved seats for Law Graduates.
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
Candidates must have:
- 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics
- Graduation with minimum 60% marks
OR - BE/B.Tech Degree
Ground Duty (Technical)
- BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering discipline
- Valid GATE score required for GATE Entry
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Qualification varies according to branch such as:
- Administration
- Logistics
- Accounts
- Education
- Meteorology
Accounts Branch Qualification
- B.Com with minimum 60% marks
NCC Special Entry
Candidates must possess:
- NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate
AFCAT 02/2026 Salary & Benefits
Selected candidates will receive salary under the 7th CPC Pay Matrix.
| Rank | Salary |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 |
Military Service Pay (MSP)
- ₹15,500 per month
Training Stipend
- ₹56,100 per month during training
Additional Allowances
After commissioning, officers will receive several attractive allowances including:
- Flying Allowance
- Technical Allowance
- Transport Allowance
- Risk & Hardship Allowance
- Test Pilot Allowance
Facilities & Perks
Indian Air Force Officers enjoy premium facilities and lifestyle benefits.
Major Benefits
- Furnished Accommodation
- Medical Facilities for Self & Family
- Subsidised Loans
- Officers’ Mess
- LTC Benefits
- 60 Days Annual Leave
- 20 Days Casual Leave
- Group Insurance Cover
AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process
The selection process consists of multiple stages.
| Stage | Process |
|---|---|
| Stage 1 | AFCAT Written Exam / NCC / GATE Screening |
| Stage 2 | AFSB Interview |
| Stage 3 | Medical Examination |
| Stage 4 | Final Merit List |
Physical Fitness Requirements
Candidates should start physical preparation early for better performance during training.
Recommended Standards
- 1.6 Km Run in 10 Minutes
- 10 Push-Ups
- 3 Chin-Ups
- Swimming Knowledge Preferred
- Rope Climbing Practice Recommended
Important Rules for Candidates
Before applying, candidates should carefully understand the official rules.
- Only Indian Citizens are eligible
- Candidates must remain unmarried during training
- Permanent body tattoos allowed only on forearms
- Drug or narcotic usage strictly prohibited
- Aadhaar Card mandatory
- Separate application required for multiple entries
How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026
Candidates can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official AFCAT portal.
- Register using valid Email ID and Mobile Number.
- Choose branch and entry type carefully.
- Fill personal and educational details.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay application fee online.
- Submit the application form.
- Download application slip for future reference.
Important Links
| Details | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online | Click Here |
| Official Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| New Job Alert | Click Here |