Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026: The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Notification for 379 vacancies under the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). Applications are invited for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry courses commencing in July 2027.
Candidates holding qualifications such as B.E/B.Tech, B.Com, BBA, B.Sc, CA, and CMA are eligible to apply through online mode. Interested applicants can submit their applications through the official AFCAT portal from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 – Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force |
|---|---|
| Advertisement No | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Job Category | Central Government Jobs |
| Job Type | Regular Basis |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Starting Date | 20.05.2026 – 11:00 AM |
| Last Date | 19.06.2026 – 11:30 PM |
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Portal |
Indian Air Force AFCAT Vacancy Details 2026
The recruitment includes vacancies under the following branches:
- AFCAT Entry – Flying Branch
- AFCAT Entry – Ground Duty (Technical)
- AFCAT Entry – Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- NCC Special Entry – Flying Branch
- GATE Score Entry – Ground Duty (Technical)
A detailed branch-wise vacancy distribution will be available in the official notification PDF.
Educational Qualification for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026
Educational Qualification
Candidates should possess any of the following qualifications from a recognized university or institution:
- B.E / B.Tech
- B.Com
- BBA
- B.Sc
- CA / CMA
Applicants are advised to check the official notification for branch-wise educational requirements and subject eligibility.
Age Limit for Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026
Flying Branch
Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027.
- Born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive)
Applicants holding a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) are eligible for relaxation up to 26 years.
- Born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
Candidates applying through AFCAT and GATE Entry should be between:
- 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027
- Born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007
Age Relaxation
- SC/ST Candidates – 5 Years
- OBC Candidates – 3 Years
- PwBD Candidates – Up to 15 Years
- Ex-Servicemen – As per Government Rules
Salary Details for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026
Selected candidates will receive salary under:
| Post Category | Pay Scale |
|---|---|
| All Branches | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500/- (Level 10) |
In addition to the basic pay, officers will also receive various allowances and benefits as per Indian Air Force rules.
Selection Process for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026
The selection process consists of the following stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview / SSB Test
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates shortlisted in the AFCAT written examination will be called for the SSB interview process.
Application Fees
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| All Candidates | ₹550/- |
| Payment Mode | Online |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starting Date | 20 May 2026 – 11:00 AM |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 – 11:30 PM |
How to Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026
Eligible and interested candidates can apply online by following the steps below:
- Visit the official AFCAT website at https://afcat.cdac.in/
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in the online application form carefully.
- Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
- Pay the application fee through online mode.
- Submit the application form and take a printout for future reference.
Applicants should ensure that all details entered in the application form are correct before final submission.
| Official Notification PDF | Click Here |
| Online Application Form | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
Why Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
Joining the Indian Air Force through AFCAT 02/2026 offers an excellent career opportunity for young graduates and engineers who dream of serving the nation. Here are some major reasons to apply:
- Attractive salary package starting from ₹56,100 up to ₹1,77,500 per month
- Opportunity to work in prestigious Flying and Ground Duty branches
- Job security under the Central Government
- Additional benefits including allowances, medical facilities, insurance, and pension benefits
- Chance to build leadership skills and a respected career
- Opportunities for adventure, travel, and professional growth
- Training from one of India’s top defence organizations
- Posting opportunities across various Air Force stations in India
The AFCAT recruitment process provides a golden opportunity for candidates seeking a challenging and rewarding career in the defence sector.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What is the total number of vacancies in Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment?
The Indian Air Force has announced a total of 379 vacancies under AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment.
2. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment?
The last date to submit the online application is 19 June 2026 till 11:30 PM.
3. What is the application mode for AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
Candidates can apply only through online mode via the official AFCAT website.
4. What is the educational qualification required for AFCAT 2026?
Candidates with qualifications such as:
- B.E / B.Tech
- B.Com
- BBA
- B.Sc
- CA / CMA
are eligible to apply for various branches.
5. What is the age limit for Flying Branch in AFCAT 2026?
Applicants should be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027. Candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License may get age relaxation up to 26 years.
6. What is the salary offered in Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment?
Selected candidates will receive salary in Level 10 Pay Matrix ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month.
7. What is the selection process for AFCAT 02/2026?
The selection process includes:
- AFCAT Written Examination
- SSB Interview/Test
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
8. What is the application fee for AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
The application fee is ₹550/- for all candidates.
9. When will the AFCAT 02/2026 course commence?
The training courses for selected candidates will commence in July 2027.
10. Where can I download the official notification?
Candidates can download the official notification and apply online through the official AFCAT portal of the Indian Air Force.
Conclusion
The Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment is an excellent opportunity for graduates and engineering candidates aspiring to serve the nation as Air Force officers. With attractive salary packages, prestigious career opportunities, and postings across India, eligible candidates should not miss this opportunity. Interested applicants are advised to apply online before the last date, 19 June 2026.
