Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Out: Apply Online for 379 Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer Vacancies

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially published the highly anticipated recruitment advertisement for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/2026). The online application link has been activated today, May 20, 2026, on the official CDAC portal.

This presents a premier opportunity for unmarried male and female graduates, engineering professionals, and postgraduates across India to join the elite force as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers. Selected candidates will undergo rigorous training for commission into the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches for the courses commencing in July 2027 at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal.

Interested candidates can submit their applications via three distinct entry schemes: AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, or the newly streamlined GATE Score Entry. Read this comprehensive guide below to check your eligibility, age limit boundaries, step-by-step registration guidelines, exam pattern, and direct links to apply.

AFCAT 2 2026: Official Recruitment Overview

Before diving into the complex branch-wise criteria, review the macro-level structure of this recruitment drive.

Particulars	Official Selection Details
Organization Name	Indian Air Force (Bhartiya Vayu Sena)
Exam Name	Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 Batch
Cadre Class	Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer
Commission Types	Permanent Commission (PC) & Short Service Commission (SSC)
Total Tentative Vacancies	379 Posts
Mode of Application	Online (Electronic Mode)
Registration Timeline	May 20, 2026, to June 19, 2026
Official Online Apply Link	afcat.edcil.co.in

Important Dates & Cut-Off Schedule

To ensure your application is scrutinized successfully, you must complete your payment and submit your profile within the following strict window:

• Official Brief Notification Date: May 12, 2026
• Detailed Notification & Registration Commences: May 20, 2026 (11:00 AM)
• Last Date to Fill & Submit Online Form: June 19, 2026 (11:30 PM)
• Release of Computer-Based Admit Card: August 4, 2026
• Official AFCAT 02/2026 Written Exam Date: August 8, 2026 (CBT Mode)
• Declaration of Written Results: September 2026 (Expected)
• Commencement of AFA Training Course: July 2027

1. Branch-Wise Vacancy Matrix (AFCAT 02/2026)

The allocation of vacancies for Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) across both genders is laid out in detail below:

A. Flying Branch Entry

• AFCAT Flying Entry: 35 Vacancies (Allocated as 30 for Men and 5 for Women under Short Service Commission)
• NCC Special Entry: 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC are reserved exclusively for NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate holders.

B. Ground Duty (Technical) Branch

• Aeronautical Engineer Electronics – AE(L):136 Posts
  • Men: 2 (PC), 107 (SSC)
  • Women: 2 (PC), 25 (SSC)
• Aeronautical Engineer Mechanical – AE(M):75 Posts
  • Men: 8 (PC), 52 (SSC)
  • Women: 2 (PC), 13 (SSC)

C. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch

• Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 26 Posts (21 Men / 5 Women)
• Administration (Adm): 62 Posts (50 Men / 12 Women)
• Logistics (Lgs): 06 Posts (4 Men / 2 Women)
• Accounts (Accts): 07 Posts (5 Men / 2 Women)
• Education (Edn): 03 Posts (1 Man / 2 Women)
• Meteorology (Met): 03 Posts (1 Man / 2 Women)

Note: 26 technical posts within Ground Duty are separately processed via the specialized GATE Score Entry track utilizing current engineering graduate percentiles.

2. Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria

The Indian Air Force maintains very rigid specifications regarding physical, academic, and age boundaries. Review these rules meticulously to prevent automatic system disqualification.

A. Age Limit Parameters (Calculated as on July 1, 2027)

Your date of birth must strictly fall within the brackets listed below:

• Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Entry):20 to 24 Years. Candidates must be born between July 2, 2003, and July 1, 2007 (both dates inclusive).
  • Relaxation: Upper age limit is extended up to 26 Years (born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007) for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by the Director-General of Civil Aviation (DGCA – India).
• Ground Duty (Technical / Non-Technical): 20 to 26 Years. Candidates must be born between July 2, 2001, and July 1, 2007 (both dates inclusive).

Important Note on Marital Status: Candidates under 25 years of age must be completely unmarried at the time of commencement of the course in July 2027. Marriage is strictly prohibited during the entire training tenure at the Air Force Academy.

B. Educational Qualifications & Percentage Marks

Branch Name	Mandated Academic Qualifications	Minimum Aggregate Requirement
Flying Branch	Cleared 10+2 with Math and Physics PLUS Graduation (3-year degree in any stream) OR 4-year B.E./B.Tech degree.	Minimum 50% marks each in Physics & Math at 10+2 level AND minimum 60% marks in Graduation.
Ground Duty (Technical – AE-L / AE-M)	Cleared 10+2 with Math and Physics PLUS a 4-year professional Engineering/Technology degree or integrated Post-Graduation in relevant sub-disciplines.	Minimum 60% marks each in Physics & Math at 10+2 AND minimum 60% overall marks in Engineering.
Weapon Systems (WS)	Cleared 10+2 with Math and Physics PLUS Graduation in any discipline or B.E./B.Tech.	Minimum 50% marks each in Physics & Math at 10+2 AND minimum 60% marks in Graduation.
Administration & Logistics	Graduation degree in any discipline from a UGC recognized university.	Minimum 60% marks in aggregate.
Accounts Branch	Graduation in Commerce (B.Com) / BBA (Finance) / BMS (Finance) OR qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA.	Minimum 60% marks in graduation or professional qualification.

3. Salary Structure, Fixed Stipend, and Perks

Joining the IAF as a Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer guarantees substantial financial stability alongside exceptional perks:

• Flight Cadet Pay / Stipend: ₹56,100 per month during the final year of intensive training.
• Pay Matrix Level: Placed in Pay Level 10 of the 7th Central Pay Commission (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500).
• Military Service Pay (MSP): A mandatory fixed addition of ₹15,500 per month.
• Allowances: Depending on the nature of your posting branch, officers receive Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Field Area Allowance, Transport Allowance, and HRA.
• Additional Perks: Fully furnished accommodation, complete medical cover for self and dependents, subsidized institutional loans, 60 days annual leave, 20 days casual leave, and an institutional insurance cover up to ₹1.25 Crore.

4. Examination Pattern & Marking Scheme

The written test is conducted completely online in English only. It measures fundamental cognitive ability, speed, and analytical processing.

• Total Number of Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
• Total Maximum Marks: 300 Marks
• Duration of Exam: 2 Hours (120 Minutes)

Subject-wise Syllabus Split:

1. Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms/Antonyms, Cloze Test, Idioms and Phrases, Analogy, and One Word Substitution.
2. General Awareness: Indian and International History, Geography, Sports milestones, National & International Organizations, Art & Culture, Indian Polity, Economy, Basic General Science, and Current Affairs.
3. Numerical Ability: Decimal Fractions, Time and Work, Average, Percentage, Profit and Loss, Ratio and Proportion, Simple & Compound Interest, Time-Distance & Races (Trains/Boats), Area and Perimeter, and Probability.
4. Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning, Spatial Ability, Hidden Figures, Rotated Blocks, and Pattern Completion.

Marking Protocol:

• For every Correct Answer: +3 Marks are awarded.
• For every Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark is deducted (Negative Marking).
• For Unattempted Questions: 0 Marks.

5. Detailed Step-by-Step Selection Procedure

The journey from an aspirant to a commissioned officer flows through four separate competitive filters:

[Online Written CBT] ──> [5-Day AFSB Interview] ──> [Centralized Medical Test] ──> [All-India Final Merit List]

1. Online Computer Based Test (CBT): Candidates must score above the minimum cut-off marks (usually hovering around 150-165 out of 300) to clear the initial round.
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview: Shortlisted candidates choose an interview date and center (Dehradun, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, or Mysuru).
   • Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT). This is a screening stage; failing it means immediate return.
   • Stage II: Psychological testing, Group Testing Officer (GTO) indoor/outdoor tasks, and a personal interview spanning the next 4 days.
3. CPSS (Computerized Pilot Selection System): Candidates opting for the Flying Branch must additionally clear the CPSS test. This is a once-in-a-lifetime test. If failed, a candidate can never enter the flying arm of the IAF again.
4. Medical Examination: Conducted at the Institute of Aerospace Medicine (IAM), Bengaluru, or specific Air Force Medical Establishments.

6. Step-by-Step Online Application Procedure

Follow this layout step-by-step to register your profile without errors:

1.Navigate to Official Portal:Gateway Access.

Open your browser and visit the dedicated web link at afcat.edcil.co.in. Avoid clicking on secondary phishing domains.

2.Complete First-Time Registration:Profile Sign-Up.

Click on “Candidate Login” and select the active AFCAT 02/2026 cycle. Click “New User Registration” and enter your legal name (exactly matching your 10th/Matriculation passing certificate), primary mobile number, and email. Verify via mobile and email OTP codes.

3.Fill Personal & Qualification Forms:Data Input.

Log in using your system-generated login credentials. Carefully enter your aggregate graduation scores and input your 10+2 Physics and Mathematics marks. Select your preferred branch hierarchy matching your eligibility.

4.Upload Scan Profiles & Live Photo:Media Uploads.

Upload your scanned passport-size photograph (10-50 KB), signature (10-50 KB), and thumb impression. Special Requirement: Stand in front of a well-lit background to complete the dynamic automated web-camera live image capture required by the CDAC engine.

5.Submit Fees & Download Reciept:Payment Gateway.

Review your filled draft carefully. Pay the exam registration fee online using net banking, credit cards, or UPI. Once processed, download the final confirmation PDF dashboard.

• Application Fee Structure: ₹550 + 18% GST for standard online entries. Nil (Exempted) for NCC Special Entry and GATE Entry tracks.

7. Essential Quick Links for aapkajobalert Readers

Resource Asset	Direct Active Link URL
Apply Online Link (Registration Portal)	AFCAT 02/2026 CDAC Portal Link
Download Official Notification PDF	Official AFCAT 2 2026 Detailed Notification
Official Central Website	Indian Air Force Official Portal

8. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can final-year graduation or engineering college students apply for the AFCAT 02/2026 batch?

Ans: Yes. Final year/semester college students can apply provided they do not have any active backlogs at the time of testing and can produce their official passing degree certificate with at least 60% aggregate marks by May 30, 2027.

Q2: Is there any specific height and weight relaxation for female applicants?

Ans: Yes. The absolute minimum acceptable height for entry into the Flying Branch is 162.5 cm across all candidates due to cockpit parameters. For Ground Duty branches, the minimum height for male candidates is 157.5 cm and for female candidates is 152 cm, with weight proportionately mapped to age brackets.

Q3: Can I modify my branch preferences after submitting my application form fee?

Ans: No. Once the payment gateway finalizes the transaction and the form is submitted, branch preference sequences are permanently locked. Candidates are advised to evaluate their preferences thoroughly before clicking final submit.

Q4: How many attempts are officially permitted in the AFCAT exam?

Ans: There is no official restriction or limit on the number of attempts for the AFCAT written examination. An aspirant can apply as many times as desired, provided they satisfy the strict branch-wise age limit boundaries on the cutoff date.