Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment notification has been officially released by the Indian Air Force under the Ministry of Defence for Flying Branch and Ground Duty Technical & Non-Technical posts. Eligible male and female candidates can apply online for AFCAT 02/2026, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry through the official AFCAT portal. This latest defence job notification offers Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) opportunities with attractive salary, allowances, and career growth in the Indian Air Force.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Notification Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer |
| Branches | Flying & Ground Duty |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Official Website | https://afcat.cdac.in |
IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has announced 300+ expected vacancies for Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches through AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry. Final vacancies may vary depending on organizational requirements.
Post Name
- Flying Branch Officer
- Ground Duty Technical Officer
- Ground Duty Non-Technical Officer
Entry Wise Details
- AFCAT Entry: Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical & Non-Technical
- NCC Special Entry: Flying Branch
- GATE Score Entry: Ground Duty Technical Branch
Type of Commission
- Permanent Commission (PC): Available for Men & Women in selected branches.
- Short Service Commission (SSC): Flying Branch – 14 years service.
- SSC Ground Duty: Initial tenure of 10 years with possible extension of 4 years.
Educational Qualification & Age Limit
Educational Qualification
- Flying Branch: Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized university.
- Ground Duty Technical: BE/B.Tech degree in relevant engineering disciplines. Candidates applying through GATE Entry must possess valid GATE scores.
- Ground Duty Non-Technical: Graduation/Post Graduation in relevant disciplines for Administration, Logistics, Education, Accounts, Meteorology, and other branches.
Candidates are advised to check the detailed branch-wise qualification requirements in the official notification before applying online.
Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit |
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years |
| Ground Duty Branches | 20 to 26 Years |
- Age will be calculated as on 01 July 2027.
- Commercial Pilot Licence holders can get relaxation up to 26 years for Flying Branch.
Salary, Allowances & Application Fee
Salary
Selected candidates will receive an attractive salary package under the 7th CPC along with military benefits and allowances.
| Rank | Salary |
| Flying Officer | Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500/- |
- Military Service Pay (MSP): Rs. 15,500/-
- Training Stipend: Rs. 56,100/- per month
- Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, Risk Allowance, and Medical Benefits
- Insurance Cover up to Rs. 1.25 Crore
- Furnished Accommodation, LTC, Leave Benefits, and Canteen Facilities
Application Fee
| Entry Type | Application Fee |
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550/- + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
Selection Process for AFCAT 02/2026
The Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 selection process is conducted in multiple stages to shortlist eligible candidates for officer-level training.
- AFCAT Online Examination
- NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Screening
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Psychological Test & Group Tasks
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Physical Fitness Standards
- Run 1.6 km in 10 minutes
- 10 Push-ups
- 3 Chin-ups
- Swimming and physical endurance training recommended
Important Dates for IAF AFCAT 02/2026
| Event | Date |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Start | July 2027 |
How to Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026
Candidates interested in Indian Air Force Officer Recruitment 2026 must apply online only through the official AFCAT portal. No offline application will be accepted.
Steps to Apply Online
- Visit the official AFCAT website.
- Complete registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill the online application form carefully.
- Upload required documents and photograph.
- Pay the examination fee online if applicable.
- Submit the application form and download the confirmation slip.
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