Indian Air Force AFCAT Notification :- The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially published the highly anticipated employment notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026, along with the NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry schemes. This recruitment drive invites applications from dynamic and eligible Indian men and women to join the IAF as Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. The selected candidates will undergo training for courses commencing in July 2027.
Follow us:
Eligible candidates can submit their applications online exclusively through the official AFCAT portal. The online registration window is scheduled to open on the 20th of May 2026 and will close on the 19th of June 2026. Aspirants are advised to thoroughly review the official employment news notification to understand the specific educational qualifications, physical standards, and age limit criteria before filling out the online form.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Notification
💡 Key Highlights
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Entry Type | AFCAT Entry / NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Entry |
| Branches Offered | Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
| Pay Scale (Upon Commissioning) | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level-10) + MSP & Allowances |
| Application Mode | Online Only |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
📅 Important Dates
| Event | Date & Time |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | 12 May 2026 |
| Online Registration Starts | 20 May 2026 (From 11:00 AM) |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 (Up to 11:30 PM) |
| AFCAT Exam Date | To Be Notified Later |
⏳ Age Limit & Vacancy Details
The recruitment aims to fill over 300+ tentative vacancies across various branches. The eligibility criteria are detailed below:
Age Limit (As on 01 July 2027)
- Flying Branch: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age. (Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA is relaxable up to 26 years).
- Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branches: Candidates must be between 20 to 26 years of age.
Educational Qualification
| Exam Name | Expected Vacancies | Basic Qualification |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Exam 02/2026 | 300+ Posts | Graduation or Degree in Related Field (For Non-Technical) / B.E. or B.Tech Degree (For Technical Branches). |
Note: Flight Cadets shall receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month during one year of their training period.
💰 Application Fee
| Entry Type | Application Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550/- + GST (Non-refundable) |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
Payment Mode: The application fee must be paid strictly online via Debit/Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI before the deadline.
📝 Selection Process
The selection in the Indian Air Force is strictly fair and merit-based. The recruitment process includes the following crucial stages:
- Online Written Exam: Conducted for AFCAT entry candidates at various designated centers across the country.
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview: Shortlisted candidates will face psychological tests, group tests, and personal interviews. Candidates appearing for the AFSB for the first time are eligible for Travel Allowance (TA) as per the rules.
- Document Verification: Scrutiny of all original educational, identity, and NCC/GATE certificates (if applicable).
- Medical Examination: Rigorous medical and physical fitness evaluation by Air Force Medical Officers.
🚀 How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026
- Visit the official AFCAT recruitment portal: afcat.edcil.co.in.
- On the homepage, navigate to the “Candidate Login” section and click on “AFCAT 02/2026”.
- If you are a new user, click on “Register Here” and fill in your basic details (Name, Email, Mobile Number) to generate a login ID and password.
- Log in with your credentials and complete the detailed application form.
- Upload clear, scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and left thumb impression in the prescribed format.
- Pay the required application fee (Rs. 550 + GST) via the online payment gateway (applicable only for AFCAT entry).
- Review all the entered details carefully and submit the application. Take a printout of the final confirmation page for future reference.
🔗 Important Links [MUST]
| Link Description | Direct Link |
|---|---|
| Download AFCAT 02/2026 Notification (Employment News) | Click Here |
| Download AFCAT 02/2026 Detailed Notification PDF | Available Soon |
| Apply Online (Active from 20.05.2026) | Click Here |
| Official AFCAT EdCIL Website | Click Here |
❓ FAQs
Q1. When will the AFCAT 02/2026 online registration start?
Ans. The online application process for AFCAT 02/2026 will commence on 20 May 2026 at 11:00 AM.
Q2. What is the application fee for the NCC Special Entry scheme?
Ans. Candidates applying through the NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry schemes are completely exempted from paying any application fee.
Q3. What is the age limit for the Flying Branch in AFCAT 02/2026?
Ans. Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must be between 20 to 24 years of age as of 01 July 2027.
Q4. Will I get Travel Allowance (TA) for attending the AFSB interview?
Ans. Yes, candidates appearing for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview for the first time are eligible to receive Travel Allowance as per government rules.
💡 Final Thoughts
The AFCAT 02/2026 notification is a magnificent opportunity for young graduates looking to serve the nation as Commissioned Officers. With a handsome starting pay matrix and world-class training, the competition will be fierce. Candidates should not wait until the last date of 19 June to submit their applications. Prepare your documents, ensure your physical fitness aligns with IAF standards, and start your written exam preparation immediately. Touch the sky with glory. Best of luck!