AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 Out: Vacancies, Important Dates, Schedule, Eligibility Criteria

AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 Out; Indian Air Force Extends Application Deadline to June 21 for 379 Vacancies. The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 Notification, inviting applications for 379 vacancies in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers can submit their applications through the official AFCAT portal.In a major relief for applicants, the registration deadline has been extended to June 21, 2026, giving eligible candidates additional time to complete the online application process. The written examination for AFCAT 2 2026 is scheduled to be held on August 08, 2026.

AFCAT 2 2026 Notification 2026 Released for 379 Vacancies

The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice every year for induction into various branches. Through the AFCAT 02/2026 cycle, the Air Force has announced 379 vacancies for candidates seeking careers as Group A Gazetted Officers. The courses for selected candidates are expected to commence in July 2027. The notification is open to both male and female candidates meeting the prescribed eligibility requirements. Recruitment will be carried out for:

• Flying Branch
• Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch

AFCAT 2 2026 Important Dates and Schedule

Candidates are advised to complete the registration process before the revised deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. Candidates planning to appear for the examination should keep track of the important events.

AFCAT 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying, candidates must ensure that they satisfy the eligibility requirements specified in the official notification. Separate eligibility norms have been prescribed for Technical and Non-Technical entries. Candidates are advised to carefully review the detailed notification before submitting their applications. The eligibility conditions include:

• Educational qualifications according to the branch applied for.
• Prescribed age criteria.
• Physical and medical fitness standards.
• Nationality requirements.
• Additional conditions applicable to Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches.

Branch-Wise Posts Available Through AFCAT 02/2026

The recruitment process aims to fill vacancies across multiple branches of the Indian Air Force.The major categories include:

Flying Branch Vacancies Through AFCAT 2026

Candidates selected under this branch will undergo flying training and serve as officers responsible for operational duties.

Ground Duty Technical Branch Vacancies

This branch includes engineering streams such as:

• Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)
• Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)

Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch Vacancies

These branches provide opportunities for graduates from different academic backgrounds. Posts are available in:

• Administration
• Logistics
• Accounts
• Education
• Meteorology
• Weapon Systems

How to Apply for AFCAT 2 2026 Application Form?

Candidates interested in applying can complete the process online. Before filling out the application form, applicants should keep their academic details and documents ready. Only candidates who successfully complete both application submission and fee payment will be considered eligible for the examination. The application process includes:

1. Visit the official AFCAT portal.
2. Complete new registration.
3. Log in using credentials.
4. Fill in personal and academic details.
5. Upload photographs and signatures.
6. Pay the application fee.
7. Submit the form and download the confirmation page.

AFCAT 2 2026 Application Fee Details

Candidates applying through AFCAT entry are required to pay the prescribed application fee. The fee, once paid, will not be refunded under any circumstances. The fee amount is:

• INR 550 plus applicable GST for AFCAT entry candidates.
• No fee for NCC Special Entry candidates.

AFCAT 2 2026 Selection Process

The recruitment process comprises multiple stages. Selection will be based on overall performance and medical fitness. Candidates qualifying all stages will receive joining instructions for training programmes beginning in July 2027. Candidates will be shortlisted through:

• Online Written Examination
• Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
• Medical Examination
• Final Merit List

New GATE-Based Entry Introduced for AFCAT 2 2026 Technical Branch

The Indian Air Force has also introduced a separate recruitment mechanism through GATE scores for Technical Branch entries. Engineering graduates shortlisted through this route will not be required to appear for the AFCAT written examination. However, the existing AFCAT route remains the primary recruitment mechanism for officer-level appointments.

AFCAT 2 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme

Candidates are advised to begin preparations early, considering the competitive nature of the examination. Questions are generally asked from: The AFCAT written examination will be conducted in online mode. The examination pattern includes:

• 100 Objective-Type Questions
• 300 Maximum Marks
• Duration of 2 Hours
• Negative marking for incorrect answers
• General Awareness
• Verbal Ability in English
• Numerical Ability
• Reasoning and Military Aptitude

AFCAT 2 2026 Notification Offers Opportunity to Join Indian Air Force

The release of the AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 marks the beginning of the recruitment process for 379 officer vacancies in the Indian Air Force. With the application deadline extended to June 21, 2026, eligible candidates have received additional time to complete their registrations. As the examination approaches, aspirants are advised to regularly monitor official announcements related to admit cards, exam centres and further selection stages. The recruitment drive continues to provide one of the most prestigious opportunities for graduates aspiring to serve as officers in the Indian Air Force