Job Description

Overview

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the AFCAT 02/2026 cycle, inviting applications from eligible male and female candidates for the position of Group 'A' Gazetted Officers. This recruitment drive covers the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches for courses starting in July 2027. Selected candidates will serve in either Permanent Commission (PC) or Short Service Commission (SSC) roles, contributing to the nation's aerial defense and operational capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

  • Flying Branch officers are responsible for operating advanced aircraft and conducting aerial missions.
  • Ground Duty (Technical) officers manage the maintenance, repair, and operational readiness of sophisticated aeronautical systems.
  • Ground Duty (Non-Technical) officers oversee administration, logistics, accounts, education, and meteorological services.
  • Officers must maintain high standards of physical fitness and operational discipline throughout their service.
  • Personnel are required to lead teams and manage resources effectively within their respective departments.
  • Continuous training and professional development are mandatory to keep pace with evolving defense technologies.

Why Apply

Joining the Indian Air Force offers a prestigious career path with unparalleled job security, competitive pay scales, and comprehensive medical and insurance benefits. It provides a unique opportunity to serve the country while gaining leadership experience in a high-stakes environment.

Important Dates

  • Application Start: 20 May 2026
  • Extended Closing Date: 21 June 2026
  • Online Exam Date: 08 August 2026

Quick Facts

  • Vacancy: 379 Posts
  • Pay Level: 10 (7th CPC)
  • Location: Pan India
  • Category: Defence Jobs

Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 Notification Out - Apply Online For 379 Posts Overview

Registration Date
20 May 2026 – 21 Jun 2026
Exam Date
08 Aug 2026
Salary
Rs. 56,100 - 1,77,500
Vacancies
379
Eligibility
Graduate/BE/B.Tech/Post-Graduate
Application Link

Vacancy Details

  • Flying Branch (SSC): 35 Posts
  • Ground Duty (Technical): 156 Posts
  • Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 188 Posts

How to Apply

  1. Visit the official AFCAT website at https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
  2. Complete the registration process using a valid email ID and mobile number.
  3. Log in with the system-generated credentials to access the application form.
  4. Fill in all personal, educational, and branch preference details accurately.
  5. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression as per the specified size requirements.
  6. Pay the examination fee through the online payment gateway.
  7. Review the application thoroughly before final submission.
  8. Download and print the submitted application form for future reference.

Cutoff Marks

Determined by the Indian Air Force based on performance in the online exam and AFSB testing.

Application Fee

AFCAT Entry: Rs. 550/- plus 18% GST. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry: Nil.

Age Limit

20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027.

Selection Process

The selection process begins with an online Computer Based Test (AFCAT) for eligible candidates. Those who qualify the written exam are invited to the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) for a multi-day assessment, which includes intelligence tests, psychological evaluations, group tasks, and personal interviews. Flying branch candidates must also clear the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS). Finally, candidates undergo a rigorous medical examination, and a merit list is prepared based on combined written and AFSB scores.

Exam Pattern

The AFCAT exam consists of 100 questions carrying 300 marks, covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude. The duration is 2 hours. Each correct answer earns 3 marks, while each incorrect answer results in a penalty of 1 mark.

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Organization

The Indian Air Force (IAF) stands as the premier aerial warfare branch of the Indian Armed Forces, serving as a critical pillar of national security and sovereignty. Entrusted with the primary responsibility of protecting Indian airspace and executing aerial warfare during times of conflict, the IAF has evolved into one of the most sophisticated and technologically advanced air forces globally. Beyond its core combat capabilities, the Indian Air Force is widely recognized for its humanitarian efforts, disaster relief missions, and search and rescue operations, which provide essential support both within India and across the regional landscape. The organizational structure of the IAF is meticulously designed to ensure operational efficiency, comprising various regional commands and specialized units that manage everything from frontline aircraft operations and logistical supply chains to complex strategic planning and intelligence gathering. To maintain its formidable operational readiness and technological edge, the IAF maintains a rigorous recruitment process, inviting talented Indian citizens to fill a diverse array of roles. These encompass high-stakes combat positions for fighter pilots as well as vital ground duty roles in technical, administrative, educational, and meteorological sectors. Recruitment for these positions is handled with extreme transparency through national-level assessments like the Air Force Common Admission Online Test (AFCAT), alongside specialized entry schemes for engineering graduates, NCC cadets, and direct recruitment drives for civilian Group C posts. These career paths offer individuals the opportunity to serve the nation while developing professional expertise in fields as varied as aerospace engineering, logistics management, and aviation administration. Modernization remains a cornerstone of the IAF strategy, as the organization continuously integrates state-of-the-art aircraft, advanced radar networks, and cutting-edge electronic warfare technologies to mitigate evolving security threats. By fostering a culture of discipline, innovation, and unwavering commitment, the Indian Air Force upholds the integrity of the nation's skies and supports the broader strategic objectives of the Indian Armed Forces. For prospective candidates, the IAF represents more than just a military career; it is an environment that balances technical excellence with the profound honor of national service. As an integral component of India's defense architecture, the IAF remains a symbol of national pride, ensuring that it remains perpetually prepared for traditional aerial threats and modern, multidimensional security challenges. Whether through active combat missions or critical administrative support, the organization continues to be a cornerstone of India's military capability, maintaining high standards of training and excellence that define its reputation as a world-class institution. Those seeking to contribute to the nation’s defense will find that the IAF offers a unique blend of challenging work, professional growth, and the opportunity to safeguard the future of the country, making it a highly respected destination for the nation’s brightest talent.

Frequently Asked Questions

AFCAT 02/2026 is the Indian Air Force Common Admission Test for recruitment of Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non‑Technical) branches, including NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry for courses commencing in July 2027.

For AFCAT 02/2026, online registration opens on 20 May 2026 (11:00 hrs) and closes on 21 June 2026 (23:30 hrs), and applications must be submitted only through the official AFCAT website.

For the Flying Branch, the age limit is 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027, with a relaxable upper age of 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India).

For Ground Duty (Technical and Non‑Technical) branches (including GATE Score Entry), the age limit is 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027 for both men and women candidates.

For the Flying Branch, candidates must be graduates with minimum prescribed marks and must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or possess a BE/B.Tech degree in any discipline from a recognized university.

For AFCAT entry, candidates must pay a non‑refundable exam fee of Rs. 550/- plus GST, while NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempt from paying any examination fee.

On successful completion of training, an IAF Flying Officer receives a pay scale of Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 (Level 10 as per 7th CPC) plus Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500 per month, along with applicable allowances.

Yes, unmarried male and female Indian citizens can apply for Short Service Commission in Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches, and for Permanent Commission wherever notified, subject to eligibility conditions.

The AFCAT 02/2026 selection process includes an online AFCAT written exam (for AFCAT entry), followed by AFSB interview (Psychological tests, Group Tests and Personal Interview), and a medical examination, after which a final merit list is prepared.

Eligible candidates must apply online only through the official AFCAT portal afcat.cdac.in, using a valid email ID and mobile number, and carefully filling personal, educational and branch preference details before the last date.
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