AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Apply Online for Flying & Ground Duty Posts

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment into Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. Interested unmarried Indian men and women can apply online through the official AFCAT portal. This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity for candidates who dream of serving the nation as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the Indian Air Force.

AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Overview

Vacancy Details of AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment

The Indian Air Force has announced vacancies for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches.

Flying Branch Vacancies

Ground Duty Technical Vacancies

Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics)

Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)

Ground Duty Non-Technical Vacancies

Important Dates

Eligibility Criteria of AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment

Age Limit

Flying Branch

• Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027.
• Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA can apply up to 26 years of age.

Ground Duty Branches

• Candidates applying for Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches should be between 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027.

Educational Qualification

Flying Branch

Candidates should have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and possess:

• Graduation in any discipline with minimum three years degree course
  OR
• BE/B.Tech degree
  OR
• Cleared Sections A & B of Associate Membership examinations.

Ground Duty Technical Branch

Candidates should have Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level along with Engineering degree in relevant disciplines such as:

• Computer Science
• Information Technology
• Electronics Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
• Robotics
• Instrumentation Engineering and related streams.

Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch

Educational qualifications differ branch-wise:

• Administration & Logistics: Graduate Degree
• Accounts: B.Com/BBA Finance/CA/CMA/CS/CFA
• Education: Graduation + Post Graduation
• Meteorology: B.Sc with Physics & Mathematics or Engineering qualification.

Type of Commission

Permanent Commission (PC)

• Selected candidates will serve till the age of superannuation according to their branch and rank.

Short Service Commission (SSC)

• Flying Branch SSC tenure: 14 years
• Ground Duty SSC tenure: 10 years with possible extension of 4 years.

Selection Process

The selection process includes the following stages:

1. Online AFCAT Written Examination
2. AFSB Interview
3. Medical Examination
4. Final Merit List

Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are exempted from the AFCAT written examination.

Exam Pattern

Marking Scheme

• +3 marks for each correct answer
• -1 mark for each wrong answer
• No marks for unanswered questions.

Syllabus of AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment

English

• Comprehension
• Synonyms & Antonyms
• Idioms & Phrases
• Error Detection
• Sentence Rearrangement
• Cloze Test

General Awareness

• History
• Geography
• Current Affairs
• Defence
• Science & Technology
• Indian Polity
• Economy

Numerical Ability

• Percentage
• Profit & Loss
• Time & Work
• Ratio & Proportion
• Probability
• Statistics
• Time & Distance

Reasoning & Military Aptitude

• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning.

Application Fee

• Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry need to pay ₹550 + GST through online payment modes.
• NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from fee payment.

How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment

• Visit the official AFCAT website: afcat.edcil.co.in.
• Complete registration using mobile number and email ID.
• Verify OTP sent to registered mobile and email.
• Fill personal, educational, and communication details.
• Upload photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
• Pay the application fee online.
• Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.

Documents Required

• Passport size photograph
• Signature
• Thumb impression
• Aadhaar Card
• Educational certificates
• Valid email ID and mobile number.

Salary and Benefits

Candidates selected as officers in the Indian Air Force receive attractive salary packages along with several allowances and benefits including:

• Military Service Pay
• Flying Allowance
• Dearness Allowance
• Medical Facilities
• Accommodation
• Leave Travel Concession
• Pension benefits for Permanent Commission officers

Why Join the Indian Air Force?

Joining the Indian Air Force offers:

• Prestigious career opportunities
• Adventure and leadership experience
• Job security
• Attractive salary and benefits
• Opportunity to serve the nation with pride

Important Links

The AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment is a golden opportunity for graduates and engineering candidates who wish to build a career in the Indian Air Force. Candidates should carefully check eligibility criteria and submit their online applications before the last date. Aspirants are advised to start preparation early for the AFCAT examination to improve their chances of selection.

FAQs of AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment

1. What is AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment?
AFCAT 02/2026 is a recruitment examination conducted by the Indian Air Force for selection of candidates into Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches.

2. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 19 June 2026.

3. When will the AFCAT 2026 exam be conducted?
The AFCAT 02/2026 examination will be conducted on 08 August 2026.

4. What is the application fee for AFCAT 2026?
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must pay ₹550 plus GST. NCC Special Entry and GATE Entry candidates are exempted from the fee.

5. What is the age limit for AFCAT Flying Branch?
Candidates should be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027. Candidates with Commercial Pilot License can apply up to 26 years.

6. What is the age limit for Ground Duty Branches?
Candidates applying for Ground Duty branches should be between 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027.

7. Can final year students apply for AFCAT 2026?
Yes, final year students can apply if they do not have any current backlog and can submit proof of degree completion within the prescribed time.

8. Is AFCAT conducted online or offline?
AFCAT is conducted in online computer-based mode.

9. What subjects are included in AFCAT 2026 syllabus?
The syllabus includes English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test.

10. How many questions are asked in AFCAT exam?
The AFCAT exam contains 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 300 marks.

11. Is there negative marking in AFCAT 2026?
Yes. One mark is deducted for every wrong answer, while three marks are awarded for every correct answer.

12. Can women apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
Yes, both men and women candidates are eligible to apply for AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment.

13. What is the selection process for AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
The selection process includes AFCAT Written Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Examination and Final Merit List.

14. What is the official website for AFCAT 2026?
The official website is afcat.edcil.co.in

15. Is Aadhaar mandatory for AFCAT application?
Yes, Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.

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