At a Glance
- Total Vacancies
- 142+ (AE(L) and AE(M) to be updated)
- Exam / Result Date
- ~23 August 2026 (CBT – Computer Based Test)
- Salary
- Level 10, 7th CPC: ₹56,100 + MSP ₹15,500 + Branch Allowances
- Conducting Body
- Indian Air Force (IAF) / Ministry of Defence
- Eligibility
- Graduation (Flying/Non-Tech) | B.E./B.Tech (Technical Branch)
Quick Summary
Indian Air Force has released AFCAT 02/2026 notification for the July 2027 course batch. Online applications open from 20 May to 19 June 2026 at afcat.cdac.in. 142+ vacancies across Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical, Meteorology, and NCC Special Entry branches. Exam expected in August 2026.
Indian Air Force (IAF) — Bhartiya Vayu Sena — is the aerial warfare branch of the Indian Armed Forces, operating under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the primary route for commissioning graduate-level officers into the IAF's Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches. AFCAT is conducted twice a year at afcat.cdac.in, with each cycle linked to a specific course commencement batch at the Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad.
AFCAT 02/2026 – Overview
Eight days to prepare your documents — applications open 20 May. The Indian Air Force has released the official notification for AFCAT 02/2026, the second cycle of the Air Force Common Admission Test for 2026, for the course commencing in July 2027. Online applications open from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026 at afcat.cdac.in for 142+ vacancies across Flying (35), Ground Duty Non-Technical (Admin: 62, LGS: 6, Accounts: 7, Education: 3, Weapon Systems: 26), Meteorology (3), and NCC Special Entry — with Ground Duty Technical (AE-L, AE-M) vacancies to be updated. The written exam is expected in August 2026 (tentatively 23 August 2026). For candidates with a graduation degree and ambitions in defence aviation or Air Force service, this is the direct entry route to an officer commission. Start preparing your Aadhaar, photograph, signature, and thumb impression today.
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) / Ministry of Defence |
| Exam / Advertisement | AFCAT 02/2026 | July 2027 Batch |
| Total Vacancies (Confirmed) | 142+ (AE(L) and AE(M) to be updated) |
| Commission Type | Short Service Commission (SSC) | Permanent Commission (PC) via NCC / select branches |
| Application Window | 20 May 2026 – 19 June 2026 Opens in 8 Days |
| Exam Date (Expected) | ~23 August 2026 (CBT – Computer Based Test) |
| AFSB Interview | November–December 2026 (5-day process) |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 — Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad) |
| Application Fee | AFCAT Entry: ₹550 + 18% GST | NCC Special Entry: Nil |
| Pay Scale (Initial) | Level 10, 7th CPC: ₹56,100 + MSP ₹15,500 + Branch Allowances |
| Official Portal | afcat.cdac.in |
Source: AFCAT 02/2026 Official Notification, Indian Air Force / CDAC, released 20 May 2026 at afcat.cdac.in. Exam date is expected based on official IAF cycle patterns and pre-release announcements; confirm at afcat.cdac.in after application opens.
AFCAT 02/2026 – Important Dates
The complete AFCAT 02/2026 schedule — from application opening through course commencement — is below. Note that dates after the written exam are expected timelines based on the official IAF AFCAT cycle pattern; they will be confirmed via official notifications progressively.
| Event | Date | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Notification Released | 12 May 2026 | Done |
| Application Begin | 20 May 2026 | Opens in 8 Days |
| Application & Fee Last Date | 19 June 2026 | Upcoming |
| Admit Card Available | ~Before Exam (~1 week before) | Upcoming |
| Written Exam (CBT) — Expected | ~23 August 2026 | Upcoming |
| Written Exam Result — Expected | ~Early to Mid-September 2026 | Upcoming |
| AFSB Interview — Expected | ~November–December 2026 | Upcoming |
| Medical Examination — Expected | ~December 2026–January 2027 | Upcoming |
| Final Merit List — Expected | ~Late December 2026–January 2027 | Upcoming |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 — Air Force Academy, Dundigal | Upcoming |
Source: AFCAT 02/2026 Official Notification, IAF. Post-written-exam dates are expected timelines based on historical IAF AFCAT 2 cycle patterns. Confirm all dates at afcat.cdac.in after the application portal opens on 20 May 2026.
AFCAT 02/2026 – Vacancy Details
A total of 142+ vacancies have been notified for AFCAT 02/2026 across all branches. Ground Duty Technical vacancies for AE(L) and AE(M) branches will be updated on the official portal.
| Entry Type | Branch / Post | Male | Female | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 30 | 05 | 35 |
| AFCAT Ground Duty Technical | AE (L) — Aeronautical Engineering Electronics | To be updated | ||
| AFCAT Ground Duty Technical | AE (M) — Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical | To be updated | ||
| AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical | Administration & Logistics | 50 | 12 | 62 |
| AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical | Legal (LGS) | 04 | 02 | 06 |
| AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical | Accounts | 05 | 02 | 07 |
| AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical | Education | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical | Weapon Systems (WS) Branch | 21 | 05 | 26 |
| Meteorology Entry | Meteorology | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% of CDSE vacancies (PC) + 10% of AFCAT vacancies (SSC) | ||
| Confirmed Total (excl. AE(L), AE(M)) | 142+ | |||
Source: AFCAT 02/2026 Official Notification, Indian Air Force, released 12 May 2026. AE(L) and AE(M) vacancy counts will be updated on afcat.cdac.in. Candidates should verify final vacancy figures on the official portal when applications open on 20 May 2026.
AFCAT 02/2026 – Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027)
| Branch / Entry | Age Range | Date of Birth Window |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry) | 20–24 years | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive) |
| Flying Branch (CPL holders — DGCA valid & current) | Up to 26 years | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive) |
| Ground Duty Technical (AE-L, AE-M) & Non-Technical (All branches) | 20–26 years | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive) |
Branch-wise Educational Qualification – AFCAT 02/2026
| Entry / Branch | Qualification Required |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry) | Graduation (minimum 3-year degree, any discipline) with at least 60% marks, from a recognised university AND Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level with minimum 50% marks each. OR B.E./B.Tech (4-year) with minimum 60% marks from a recognised university. |
| Ground Duty Technical — AE(L) Aeronautical Engineering Electronics | 10+2 with minimum 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics, AND 4-year Graduation / Integrated PG Degree in Engineering / Technology in Electronics, Telecommunications, Electrical, Instrumentation, Mechanical, Computer Science, or equivalent discipline (minimum 60%). |
| Ground Duty Technical — AE(M) Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical | 10+2 with minimum 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics, AND 4-year Engineering / Technology Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent (minimum 60%). |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical — Administration & Logistics | Graduation (any stream) with minimum 60% marks. Physical: Height Male ≥ 157.5 cm | Female ≥ 152 cm. |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical — Accounts | B.Com with minimum 60% marks. Physical: Height Male ≥ 157.5 cm | Female ≥ 152 cm. |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical — Education | Graduation with minimum 60% marks + Post-Graduation in relevant subject. Read official notification for full details. |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical — Weapon Systems (WS) Branch | Graduation (any stream) with minimum 60% marks. Refer official notification for full WS branch qualification requirements. |
| Meteorology Entry | Post-graduation (M.Sc.) in Meteorology / Physics / Mathematics / Applied Mathematics / Oceanography / Environment Science or equivalent. Refer official notification for full details. |
| NCC Special Entry — Flying | NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate holder, plus all other eligibility conditions applicable to the Flying Branch under AFCAT. |
Source: AFCAT 02/2026 Official Notification, Indian Air Force. Minimum 60% marks applies to both aggregate and key subjects as specified per branch. Final-year graduation students may apply but must complete their degree (meeting the 60% requirement) before the course commences in July 2027. No academic backlog is permitted at the AFSB stage.
AFCAT 02/2026 – Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee | Payment Mode |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry (All Branches) | ₹550/- + 18% GST (non-refundable) | Debit Card | Credit Card | Net Banking | e-Challan |
| NCC Special Entry | Nil (Free) | — |
Source: AFCAT 02/2026 Official Notification. GST at 18% is charged extra on the base fee of ₹550 — total payable is approximately ₹649/-. Fee is strictly non-refundable under any circumstances. NCC Special Entry candidates are fully exempted from the application fee.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026 – Step by Step
Applications will open at afcat.cdac.in from 20 May 2026. The portal requires Aadhaar-linked registration. Keep the following documents ready before 20 May: Aadhaar card number (last 4 digits), a recent passport-size colour photograph (JPG/JPEG), scanned signature (JPG/JPEG), and a scanned thumb impression (JPG/JPEG).
Application Window: 20 May 2026 – 19 June 2026 | July 2027 Batch | AFCAT 02/2026
- Prepare Your Documents Before 20 May: Keep ready — (1) Aadhaar card (last 4 digits required for registration), (2) valid email ID and mobile number, (3) scanned recent passport-size colour photograph (JPG/JPEG), (4) scanned signature (JPG/JPEG), and (5) scanned left-hand thumb impression (JPG/JPEG). Ensure the same photograph is used throughout the entire recruitment process including AFSB reporting.
- Register on the AFCAT Portal: From 20 May 2026, visit afcat.cdac.in and click on "Register" or "Apply for AFCAT 02/2026". Enter your basic details, email, and mobile number to generate your login credentials. Note the Registration ID carefully — it is required for all subsequent logins.
- Fill the Application Form: Log in and fill in your personal details, educational qualification, branch preference, and NCC certificate details (for NCC Special Entry applicants). Select the correct branch — Technical (AE-L or AE-M), Non-Technical, Flying, Meteorology, or NCC Special Entry. This selection determines which stages of the selection process you will undergo (e.g., Technical candidates also appear for EKT; Flying candidates undergo CPSS).
- Upload Photograph, Signature, and Thumb Impression: Upload all three in JPG/JPEG format as specified. Verify clarity before uploading — the same photograph must be carried to the exam centre and all subsequent AFSB stages.
- Pay the Application Fee: AFCAT Entry candidates pay ₹550 + 18% GST (~₹649 total) via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or e-Challan. NCC Special Entry candidates pay no fee. Confirm payment status shows "Successful" before closing the browser. Fee is strictly non-refundable.
- Verify and Submit: Check all filled details on the preview screen — personal information, educational qualifications, branch choice, and uploaded documents. Once submitted, changes are not permitted. Take a printout of the final submitted application form and fee payment receipt.
AFCAT 02/2026 – What Applicants Should Know
AFCAT is a three-stage selection that tests academic aptitude, officer-like qualities (OLQs), and medical fitness. The written exam is the first filter — but the AFSB 5-day process is where most candidates are ultimately recommended or rejected. Understanding all three stages before applying is essential.
Stage 1 – AFCAT Written Exam Pattern (CBT)
| Section | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 35 | 105 |
| General Awareness | 20 | 60 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Duration: 2 hours | Mode: CBT (Computer Based Test — Online) | Marking: +3 per correct answer | –1 per wrong answer (negative marking) | Language: English only. Historical cut-offs for AFCAT range from 121 to 165 out of 300 depending on branch and year.
Stage 1 (Additional) – Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) for Technical Branch Only
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Applicable to | Ground Duty Technical (AE-L and AE-M) candidates only |
| Questions | 50 MCQs |
| Duration | 45 minutes |
| Negative Marking | –1 per wrong answer |
| Syllabus | Engineering subject specific to the branch applied (Electronics / Mechanical) |
Stage 2 – AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) Interview — 5-Day Process
Candidates who clear the AFCAT cut-off are allotted one of the AFSB centres — Dehradun, Mysuru, Varanasi, Gandhinagar, or Guwahati — and can choose their preferred reporting date online. The 5-day AFSB process is structured as follows:
| Day / Stage | Test / Activity | What It Assesses |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 — Stage I (Screening) | Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test + Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT) | Logical reasoning, perception, imagination, and group communication. Only screened-in candidates proceed to Stage II. |
| Days 2–4 — Stage II | Psychological Tests (written, by professional psychologists) | Personality traits, mental aptitude, emotional stability, and OLQs. |
| Days 2–4 — Stage II | Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks — outdoor and indoor group tasks | Leadership, teamwork, decision-making, physical coordination, and problem-solving under pressure. |
| Days 2–4 — Stage II | Personal Interview by Interviewing Officer (IO) | Background, motivation, self-awareness, communication clarity, and suitability for commissioned service. |
| Day 5 | Conference | All assessors (Psychologist, GTO, IO) meet collectively to finalise recommendation or non-recommendation. |
| Flying Branch only (additional) | CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System) — one-time test | Pilot aptitude — psychomotor coordination, spatial reasoning, situational awareness. One attempt only — failing CPSS means permanent disqualification from IAF Flying Branch. |
Stage 3 – Medical Examination
Candidates recommended by AFSB undergo a comprehensive medical examination at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM), Bengaluru. The Flying Branch demands the most stringent medical standards — including perfect colour vision, minimum distant vision, and strict cardiovascular norms. Candidates with any known medical condition should review the IAF medical standards before applying for the Flying Branch.
| Stage | Summary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Written Exam (AFCAT + EKT for Tech) | 100 MCQs / 300 marks / 2 hrs / +3/–1 marking | EKT: 50Q / 45 min / –1 marking (Tech only) | Expected ~23 Aug 2026 | ~23 Aug 2026 |
| AFSB Interview | 5-day process at Dehradun / Mysuru / Varanasi / Gandhinagar / Guwahati | OIR+PPDT → Psych → GTO → Interview → Conference | CPSS for Flying only (one-time) | ~Nov–Dec 2026 |
| Medical Examination | At AFCME, New Delhi or IAM, Bengaluru | Flying standards most stringent | ~Dec 2026–Jan 2027 |
| Final Merit List | Based on AFCAT score + AFSB recommendation + Medical fitness | Vacancies branch-wise | ~Late Dec 2026–Jan 2027 |
| Course Commencement | Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad | July 2027 |
IAF officers are commissioned at Pay Level 10 of the 7th CPC (basic pay ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) with an additional Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month applicable to all service officers. Flying Branch officers receive a Flying Allowance (approximately ₹25,000 – ₹50,000 per month depending on aircraft type and flying hours), making their monthly in-hand salary approximately ₹1,00,000 – ₹1,20,000. Ground Duty officers receive DA, HRA, Transport Allowance, and Field/Duty allowances, with estimated in-hand packages of approximately ₹65,000 – ₹80,000 per month. All IAF officers receive accommodation in Air Force stations, medical benefits for self and family, canteen (CSD) privileges, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), and Group Insurance. Short Service Commission (SSC) officers serve an initial term of 14 years (10 + 4 extendable), with an option to apply for Permanent Commission based on vacancies and performance.
AFCAT 02/2026 – Official Links
| Document / Action | Link |
|---|---|
| Apply Online (Opens 20 May 2026) | afcat.cdac.in (Link Active from 20 May 2026) |
| Download Official Notification (When Active) | afcat.cdac.in (Notification PDF — Active from 20 May 2026) |
| Official AFCAT Portal | afcat.cdac.in |
Apply Online and Notification PDF links will be activated at afcat.cdac.in from 20 May 2026. Bookmark the portal and return on 20 May to complete your application.
