AFCAT 2 2026 Notification, Apply Online for 379 Posts
The Indian Air Force (IAF) invites online applications for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 / NCC Special Entry. This recruitment process aims to commission officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches for courses commencing in July 2027. Eligible candidates who wish to serve in the armed forces can submit their applications online through the official portal at afcat.edcil.co.in.
Candidates are encouraged to read the complete official notification carefully to understand the qualification and eligibility rules before registering.
- Application Start Date: 20-05-2026
- Application Last Date: 19-06-2026
- Admit Card Release Date: 04-08-2026
- Online Exam Date: 08-08-2026
- AFCAT Entry Candidates: Rs. 550/-
- NCC Special Entry Candidates: Exempted (Rs. 0/-)
- Payment Mode: Online (Credit Card, Debit Card, or Net Banking)
- Age Calculation Reference Date: 01-07-2027
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007)
- Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech): 20 to 26 years (born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007)
- (Both dates inclusive)
- Flying Branch: Min. 50% marks each in Maths & Physics at 10+2 level AND Graduation (3 years course, min 60% marks) OR BE/B.Tech (4 years course, min 60% marks) OR cleared Sec A & B of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) / Aeronautical Society of India with min 60%.
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:
- Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)}: Min. 50% marks in Physics & Maths at 10+2 AND 4 years graduation/integrated PG in Engineering/Technology with 60% marks OR equivalent examination.
- Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}: Min. 50% marks in Physics & Maths at 10+2 AND 4 years graduation/integrated PG in Engineering/Technology with 60% marks OR equivalent examination. - Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches:
- Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: Passed 10+2 with 50% each in Maths & Physics AND Graduation (3 years, 60% marks) OR 4-year BE/B.Tech (60% marks).
- Administration & Logistics: Passed 10+2 AND Graduation (3 years, 60% marks) OR cleared Sec A & B of AMIE / AeSI with 60% marks.
- Accounts Branch: Passed 10+2 AND Graduation (60% marks) in B.Com, BBA (Finance), BMS (Finance), BBS (Finance), B.Sc (Finance) OR Qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA.
- Education: Passed 10+2 AND Post-Graduation (50% marks) with 60% marks in Graduation.
- Meteorology: Passed 10+2 AND B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics (60% marks) OR 4-year Engineering/Technology graduation (60% marks).
| Entry Type | Branch | Men Vacancies (SSC) | Women Vacancies (SSC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 30 | 5 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) |
AE(L): 107 AE(M): 52 [Men (PC) - AE(L): 02 & AE(M): 08] |
AE(L): 25 AE(M): 13 [Women (PC) - AE(L): 02 & AE(M): 02] |
|
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
Weapon Systems (WS): 21 Admin: 50 | LGS: 04 | Accts: 05 Edn: 01 | Met: 01 |
Weapon Systems (WS): 05 Admin: 12 | LGS: 02 | Accts: 02 Edn: 02 | Met: 02 |
|
| NCC Special Entry | Flying |
10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC |
|
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) |
AE(L): 12 AE(M): 06 [Men (PC) - AE(L): 01 & AE(M): 01] |
AE(L): 03 AE(M): 01 [Women (PC) - AE(L): 01 & AE(M): 01] |
- Online Examination: Objective-type computer-based test conducted for non-technical and technical roles (fee of Rs. 550/- applies, exempt for NCC entry).
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview:
- Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT).
- Stage II: Psychological, Group Tasks, and Personal Interview. - Medical Examination: Comprehensive fitness verification conducted by designated military medical boards.
- Final Merit List: Compiled based on cumulative scores from the written examination and the AFSB interview.
- Visit the official AFCAT registration website: afcat.edcil.co.in.
- On the home page, select "Candidate Login" and navigate to registration for the "02/2026" cycle.
- Enter your primary details to generate login credentials (Username and Password).
- Log in using these credentials to open the comprehensive application form.
- Select your preferred branch (Flying, Ground Duty Technical, or Ground Duty Non-Technical).
- Upload scanned copies of required documents including educational certificates, photograph, signature, and left thumb impression.
- Submit the examination fee of Rs. 550/- using credit/debit cards or net banking (not applicable for NCC special entry).
- Download and print a physical copy of the submitted registration form for future reference.
AFCAT Exam 2026 Apply Online Links
1. What is the final date to register for the AFCAT 02 2026 exam?
The online registration portal starts on 20 May 2026, and candidates can submit their forms up until the final deadline on 19 June 2026.
2. What is the application fee for AFCAT 02/2026 entry?
The examination fee is Rs. 550/- for general entries. NCC Special Entry applicants are exempted from paying any exam fee.
3. What are the age limits for Flying and Ground Duty branches?
As of 01 July 2027, the age limit is 20 to 24 years for the Flying Branch (born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007) and 20 to 26 years for Ground Duty branches (born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007).
4. How many total vacancies are offered in this recruitment cycle?
The Indian Air Force has advertised a total of 379 vacancies across different entries, branches, and gender categories.
5. What are the scheduled dates for the online exam and admit cards?
The online exam is scheduled to take place on 08 August 2026. Registered candidates can download their admit cards beginning from 04 August 2026.
