Indian Air Force Recruitment for Flying & Ground Duty Branches
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification for recruitment in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. This is one of the biggest opportunities for candidates looking for Indian Air Force Jobs 2026 and defence sector careers in India.
Eligible male and female candidates from across India including Gujarat, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Pune, Ahmedabad, Surat, Hyderabad, Chennai, Kolkata and other cities can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026.
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/2026) |
| Branches | Flying Branch & Ground Duty Branches |
| Course Start | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has announced vacancies under Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch and Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry and GATE Entry.
| Branch | Vacancy Details |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 35 Vacancies |
| Ground Duty Technical | AE(L) & AE(M) Multiple Vacancies |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, Weapon Systems |
| NCC Special Entry | 10% Seats Reserved |
| GATE Entry | Technical Branch Vacancies Available |
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 02/2026
- Candidates must be citizens of India.
- Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible.
- Candidates should be physically fit and medically eligible.
- Applicants must be capable of running 1.6 km in 10 minutes along with physical fitness standards.
Educational Qualification for AFCAT 2026
Flying Branch
- 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Graduation with minimum 60% marks OR BE/B.Tech Degree.
Ground Duty Technical Branch
- Physics and Mathematics in 10+2.
- Engineering Degree in related streams like Mechanical, Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, Aerospace etc.
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch
- Graduation in relevant discipline.
- B.Com / Finance qualification for Accounts Branch.
- Post Graduation required for Education Branch.
AFCAT 02/2026 Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years |
| Flying Branch with CPL License | Up to 26 Years |
| Ground Duty Branches | 20 to 26 Years |
AFCAT 2026 Application Fee
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry Candidates | ?550 + 18% GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Entry | No Fee |
AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process
- Online AFCAT Written Examination
- AFSB Interview Process
- Psychological Test & Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Exam Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Questions | 100 Questions |
| Total Marks | 300 Marks |
| Question Type | Objective Type |
| Subjects | General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, Military Aptitude |
AFCAT Salary and Benefits
Selected candidates will receive an attractive salary package along with allowances and military benefits.
- Training Stipend: ?56,100 per month
- Flying Officer Salary: ?56,100 – ?1,77,500
- Military Service Pay & Flying Allowances
- Medical Facilities
- Accommodation & Canteen Benefits
- High Respect and Career Growth
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026
- Visit the official AFCAT portal.
- Register using valid mobile number and email ID.
- Verify OTP received on email and mobile.
- Fill personal and educational details carefully.
- Select branch preferences and exam city.
- Upload photograph, signature and thumb impression.
- Pay the online application fee.
- Submit application form and save PDF copy.
Important Dates for AFCAT 02/2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 2026 |
| Online Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Late July 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Why Choose Indian Air Force Career Through AFCAT?
Joining the Indian Air Force through AFCAT provides candidates with a prestigious career, excellent salary package, leadership opportunities, adventurous life and national pride. It is among the top career choices for graduates interested in defence jobs and government jobs in India.
Candidates from Ahmedabad, Rajkot, Surat, Vadodara, Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, Jaipur, Lucknow, Hyderabad and all over India are advised to apply before the last date to avoid server issues and heavy traffic.
