Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Apply Online for Commissioned Officer Posts
Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for AFCAT 02/2026 inviting online applications from eligible Indian men and women candidates for grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches. Applications are also invited for NCC Special Entry and for Meteorology Entry through AFCAT.
The online registration process will begin from 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM) and will remain open till 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM). The courses are scheduled to commence in July 2027.
Official Notification PDF: Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Overview
| Particulars |
Details |
| Organization Name |
Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name |
AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Course Commencement |
July 2027 |
| Branches |
Flying Branch & Ground Duty Branches |
| Commission Type |
Short Service Commission (SSC) |
| Application Mode |
Online |
| Registration Start Date |
20-05-2026 |
| Last Date to Apply |
19-06-2026 |
| Official Website |
afcat.cdac.in |
Important Dates
| Event |
Date |
| Notification Release Date |
16-05-2026 |
| Online Registration Start Date |
20-05-2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date for Registration |
19-06-2026 (11:30 PM) |
| AFCAT Examination |
As per schedule |
| Course Commencement |
July 2027 |
Entry Wise Vacancy Details
| Entry |
Branch |
Vacancies |
| AFCAT Entry |
Flying Branch |
30 |
| AFCAT Entry |
Ground Duty (Technical) |
Published separately in detailed notification |
| AFCAT Entry |
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
Various Posts |
| NCC Special Entry |
Flying Branch |
10% seats out of CDSE vacancies and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies |
| Ground Duty Technical |
GATE Entry |
As per official notification |
Branches Available
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
- NCC Special Entry
- GATE Score Entry
Age Limit
Flying Branch
- 20 to 24 Years as on 01 July 2027
- Born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007
- Upper age limit up to 26 years for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
- 20 to 26 Years as on 01 July 2027
- Born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007
Educational Qualification
- Candidates must possess required educational qualification in relevant discipline from recognized university/institution.
- Engineering candidates can apply for Technical Branches.
- Graduates can apply for Flying and Non-Technical Branches.
- NCC Special Entry candidates should possess valid NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate.
- Detailed branch-wise qualification criteria are available in the official notification.
Type of Commission
| Branch |
Commission Type |
| Flying Branch |
Short Service Commission (SSC) |
| Ground Duty (Technical) |
SSC |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
SSC |
Training Details
- Training will commence in the first week of July 2027.
- Flying training duration is approximately 62 weeks.
- Training for Ground Duty branches is approximately 52 weeks.
- Training will be conducted at Air Force Training Establishments.
Salary Details
| Rank |
Pay Scale |
Level |
MSP |
| Flying Officer |
Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 |
Level 10 |
Rs. 15,500 |
Flight Cadets will receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month during one year of training.
Application Fee
| Entry Type |
Application Fee |
| AFCAT Entry |
Rs. 550/- + GST |
| NCC Special Entry |
No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry |
No Fee |
Selection Process
- Online AFCAT Examination
- AFSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Physical Fitness Standards
- Candidates should be physically fit according to Air Force standards.
- Running, push-ups and sit-ups practice is advised before reporting for selection.
- Medical standards will be checked during selection process.
Documents Required
- 10th & 12th Marksheet and Certificates
- Graduation / Engineering Certificates
- Photo Identity Proof
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- NCC Certificate (if applicable)
- GATE Score Card (if applicable)
How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment
- Visit the official AFCAT portal at https://afcat.cdac.in.
- Complete the online registration process.
- Fill the application form carefully with personal and educational details.
- Upload photograph, signature and required documents.
- Pay the application fee through online mode.
- Submit the online application form before 19 June 2026.
- Take a printout of the final submitted application form.
Important Instructions
- Candidates must use valid email ID and mobile number during registration.
- Multiple applications may lead to cancellation of candidature.
- Permanent body tattoos are permitted only as per Air Force policy.
- Use of narcotics and banned substances is strictly prohibited.
- All information provided in the application form must be correct.
- Admit card and further instructions will be available on the official website.
Important Links
FAQs - Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment
1. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 19 June 2026.
2. What is the application fee for AFCAT Entry?
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry need to pay Rs. 550/- plus GST.
3. What is the age limit for Flying Branch?
The age limit for Flying Branch is 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027.
4. What is the salary of Flying Officer in Indian Air Force?
The pay scale for Flying Officer is Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 with MSP of Rs. 15,500.
5. What is the selection process for AFCAT 02/2026?
The selection process includes online examination, AFSB interview, medical examination and final merit list.