AFCAT 02/2026 Notification 2026
Complete Guide for Flying & Ground Duty Branches
The Indian Air Force has officially released the notification for AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment for courses commencing in July 2027. AFCAT, also known as the Air Force Common Admission Test, is one of the most prestigious defence examinations in India for candidates who dream of serving the nation as commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force. Through AFCAT 2026, candidates can apply for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch, and Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch. Along with AFCAT entry, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry notifications have also been released.
According to the official notification, the online application process has started from 20 May 2026 and eligible candidates can submit their forms till 19 June 2026 through the official AFCAT portal. The AFCAT written examination will be conducted on 08 August 2026 across multiple exam centres in India.
Candidates preparing for defence jobs, Air Force officer recruitment, AFCAT Flying Branch vacancy, AFCAT Technical Entry, and AFCAT Ground Duty jobs should carefully read all important details including eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualification, application fee, selection process, exam pattern, syllabus, salary, and important dates before applying.
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates
The Indian Air Force has announced all major dates related to AFCAT 2026 recruitment. Candidates should complete the application process before the last date to avoid server issues during the final days.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release Date | May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Last Time for Application Submission | 11:30 PM |
| AFCAT Admit Card Release | 04 August 2026 |
| AFCAT Online Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Answer Key & Response Sheet | 09 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
The application process is completely online through the official AFCAT website.
AFCAT 2026 Apply Online Link
Apply Online |
Click Here |
Download Official Notification |
Click Here |
AFCAT Official Website |
Click Here |
Candidates can submit their online application form through the official AFCAT portal:
Before filling the form, applicants should keep their Aadhaar Card, scanned passport-size photograph, signature, thumb impression, valid email ID, and mobile number ready.
AFCAT 2026 Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has released vacancies for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC).
Flying Branch Vacancies
- Men SSC: 30
- Women SSC: 05
Ground Duty Technical Vacancies
AE(L) Electronics
- Men PC: 2
- Women PC: 2
- Men SSC: 107
- Women SSC: 25
AE(M) Mechanical
- Men PC: 8
- Women PC: 2
- Men SSC: 52
- Women SSC: 13
Ground Duty Non-Technical Vacancies
- Weapon Systems
- Administration
- Logistics
- Accounts
- Education
- Meteorology
The notification also includes NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry vacancies.
AFCAT 2026 Age Limit
Candidates applying for AFCAT 2026 must satisfy the age criteria as mentioned in the official notification.
Flying Branch Age Limit
Candidates should be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027. Applicants must be born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007.
Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA are eligible for age relaxation up to 26 years.
Ground Duty Branch Age Limit
For Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches, candidates should be between 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027. Applicants must be born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007.
Marital Status
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of training. Marriage during training is not permitted.
AFCAT 2026 Educational Qualification
Flying Branch Qualification
Candidates must have passed Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and should possess:
- Graduation in any discipline with minimum three years degree course
OR - BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized university
OR - Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers or Aeronautical Society of India.
Ground Duty Technical Qualification
Candidates should have Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and Engineering degree in relevant disciplines such as:
- Computer Science Engineering
- Information Technology
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Production Engineering
- Automobile Engineering and many more.
Ground Duty Non-Technical Qualification
Administration & Logistics
Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
Accounts Branch
B.Com, Finance specialization, CA, CMA, CS, CFA, or related qualifications.
Education Branch
Post-Graduation with Graduation in any discipline.
Meteorology
B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics or Engineering degree in specified streams.
AFCAT 2026 Application Fee
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry are required to pay:
- ₹550 + 18% GST
The application fee is non-refundable. However, NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from payment of examination fee.
Payment Mode
Candidates can pay the fee through:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
AFCAT 2026 Selection Process
The AFCAT recruitment selection process includes several stages:
- Online AFCAT Written Examination
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates qualifying in the written examination will be called for AFSB testing at centres located in Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, and Guwahati.
AFCAT 2026 Exam Pattern
The AFCAT online examination will be conducted in objective mode and questions will be available in English language only.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| General Awareness | Included in AFCAT | |
| Verbal Ability in English | Included in AFCAT | |
| Numerical Ability | Included in AFCAT | |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | Included in AFCAT | |
| Total | 100 Questions | 300 Marks |
Duration
- Total Time: 2 Hours
AFCAT 2026 Marking Scheme
The marking scheme for AFCAT 2026 is as follows:
- +3 marks for every correct answer
- -1 mark for every incorrect answer
- No marks deducted for unanswered questions
AFCAT 2026 Exam Timing
The AFCAT online examination will be conducted on 08 August 2026.
| Activity | Time |
|---|---|
| Reporting Time | 08:00 AM |
| Gate Closing Time | 09:30 AM |
| Exam Start Time | 10:00 AM |
| Exam End Time | 12:00 PM |
Candidates arriving after 09:30 AM will not be allowed to enter the examination centre.
AFCAT 2026 Syllabus
English
- Comprehension
- Synonyms & Antonyms
- Idioms & Phrases
- Error Detection
- Sentence Completion
- Cloze Test
General Awareness
- Current Affairs
- Indian History
- Geography
- Defence
- Science & Technology
- Sports
- Economy
- Indian Polity
Numerical Ability
- Profit & Loss
- Time & Distance
- Percentage
- Ratio & Proportion
- Average
- Probability
- Statistics
Reasoning & Military Aptitude
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Military Aptitude Questions
AFCAT 2026 Admit Card
The AFCAT admit card will be released on 04 August 2026 on the official AFCAT website. Candidates can download the admit card using their login credentials. No admit card will be sent through post.
Documents Required at Exam Centre
Candidates must carry:
- Printed AFCAT Admit Card
- Original Aadhaar Card
- Second Photo Identity Proof
- Two Passport Size Photographs
- Blue/Black Ball Pen
AFCAT 2026 Physical Fitness Standards
Candidates appearing for AFSB should maintain good physical fitness. The Indian Air Force recommends:
- Running 1.6 km in 10 minutes
- 10 Push-Ups
- 3 Chin-Ups
AFCAT 2026 Exam Cities
The AFCAT examination will be conducted in major cities across India including:
- Ranchi
- Patna
- Delhi
- Kolkata
- Mumbai
- Bengaluru
- Chennai
- Hyderabad
- Jaipur
- Lucknow
- Bhopal
- Guwahati
- Chandigarh
and many more.
Why AFCAT is a Great Career Opportunity
Joining the Indian Air Force through AFCAT provides candidates with:
- Prestigious Officer Rank
- Attractive Salary Package
- Job Security
- Adventure & Respect
- Medical Facilities
- Accommodation
- Travel Benefits
- Leadership Opportunities
- National Service Pride
The AFCAT recruitment is one of the best defence career opportunities for graduates and engineers who want to build a disciplined and respected career in the armed forces.
Conclusion: AFCAT 02/2026 Notification 2026
AFCAT 02/2026 is a golden opportunity for candidates dreaming of becoming officers in the Indian Air Force. With vacancies available in Flying Branch, Technical Branch, and Non-Technical Branches, eligible aspirants should complete the application process before 19 June 2026. Candidates are advised to carefully check eligibility criteria, educational qualifications, age limit, application fee, and exam pattern before applying online.
The AFCAT examination not only offers an excellent career but also gives candidates a chance to serve the nation with pride and honor. Interested applicants should start their preparation immediately and regularly visit the official AFCAT website for the latest updates regarding admit cards, exam cities, and results.
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