IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Registration Begins for Officer Vacancies

The Indian Air Force has officially commenced the online registration process for AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment for Commissioned Officer posts in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. Eligible unmarried male and female candidates can submit applications online through the official AFCAT portal, afcat.edcil.co.in. The recruitment drive is being conducted for courses scheduled to commence in July 2027. Candidates can apply through AFCAT entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE-based Technical Entry according to the eligibility criteria prescribed in the official notification.

AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates and Schedule

The Indian Air Force released the AFCAT 02/2026 notification earlier this month and activated the application link on May 20. Candidates are advised to complete the registration process before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.

AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details

The recruitment drive includes vacancies in:

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

Reports indicate that the Indian Air Force has announced more than 300 vacancies across various branches for the AFCAT 02/2026 cycle. Some key vacancy categories include:

• Flying Branch
• Administration
• Logistics
• Accounts
• Education
• Weapons Systems
• Meteorology
• Aeronautical Engineering

Separate entries are also available through:

• NCC Special Entry
• GATE Score Entry for Technical Branches

AFCAT 02/2026 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for AFCAT 02/2026 must satisfy the educational qualification and age criteria prescribed by the Indian Air Force.

For Flying Branch:

• Graduation with minimum qualifying marks
• Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level
• BE/BTech candidates are also eligible

For Ground Duty Technical Branch:

• Engineering degree in relevant disciplines
• Physics and Mathematics in Class 12

For Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch:

• Graduation or postgraduate qualification according to branch requirements

AFCAT 2026 Age Limit

Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence may receive age relaxation for Flying Branch entry.

How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment?

Candidates can complete the AFCAT application process online through the official login portal. The following steps can be followed:

1. Visit the official AFCAT portal
2. Complete registration using email ID and mobile number
3. Log in through the candidate dashboard
4. Fill personal and academic details
5. Upload required documents
6. Pay the application fee online
7. Submit and download the application form.

AFCAT 02/2026 Application Fee

The application fee for AFCAT entry has been fixed at:

• INR 550 plus GST

However, candidates applying through:

• NCC Special Entry
• Meteorology Entry
• Certain GATE-based entries

AFCAT 2026 Selection Process

The AFCAT recruitment process consists of multiple stages conducted by the Indian Air Force. Candidates qualifying all stages will receive training at Air Force establishments before commissioning. The selection stages include:

• AFCAT written examination
• Air Force Selection Board interview
• Medical examination
• Final merit list

AFCAT 2026 Salary and Benefits

Reports indicate that the starting basic pay may begin from INR 56,100 per month excluding allowances. Selected candidates joining as Commissioned Officers in the Indian Air Force will receive:

• Starting pay under Level 10 pay matrix
• Military Service Pay
• Flying allowance
• Accommodation and medical benefits
• Insurance and pension-related facilities

AFCAT 2026 Exam FAQs