Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 – Apply Online for Flying and Ground Duty Officer Posts

Quick Highlights – Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026

• Organization: Indian Air Force (IAF)
• Advertisement No.: AFCAT 02/2026 / CBC 10801/11/0012/2627
• Post Name: Commissioned Officer – Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
• Entry Types: AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, GATE Score Entry
• Course Commencement: July 2027
• Application Mode: Online
• Application Start Date: 20 May 2026 (1100 hrs)
• Last Date for AFCAT 02/2026 Online Form: 19 June 2026 (2330 hrs)
• Training Location: Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad
• Official Website: afcat.cdac.in

Important Dates – AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026

Important Note: Information filled in the online application form will be considered final. No amendments will be allowed after submission.

Application Fee – AFCAT 02/2026 Online Form 2026

Vacancy Details – Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026

The vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on organizational requirements, cadre control mechanisms, and availability of training slots.

Note: Two seats are reserved from Ground Duty (Non-Technical) vacancies for Law-qualified candidates. No representation in this regard will be entertained.

Eligibility Criteria – Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026

Age Limit

Educational Qualification

Details on physical / medical standards, educational qualifications, and selection procedure are available in the detailed Notification PDF on the official website afcat.cdac.in. Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully before applying.

Marital Status

Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. Marriage is not permitted during training. Any candidate who marries during training will be discharged and liable to refund all expenditure incurred by the Government.

Tattoo Policy

• Permanent body tattoos are not permitted on any other body part except on the inner face of forearms (from inside of the elbow to the wrist of both hands) and the reverse side/dorsal side of both hands.
• A self-declaration certificate is required for small innocuous tattoos that are not prejudicial to good order and military discipline.
• Tribes with tattoo marks on face or body as per their existing customs and traditions will be permitted on a case-to-case basis.

Type of Commission

Permanent Commission (PC) – Men and Women

PC candidates will continue to serve till the age of superannuation in their respective branches as per their rank.

Short Service Commission (SSC) – Men and Women

• Flying Branch SSC: Engagement period is 14 years from the date of commissioning.
• Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) SSC: Initial tenure is 10 years. Extension of 4 years may be granted based on service requirements, vacancies, willingness, suitability, and merit.
• Grant of Permanent Commission at a later date would be considered subject to service requirements and prevailing policies.
• SSC officers are not entitled to pension.

Training Details

• Training will commence in the first week of July 2027 for all courses at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad.
• Training duration for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches: 62 weeks.
• Training duration for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches: 52 weeks at Air Force Training Establishments.
• Flight Cadets will receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month during one year of training.

Pay Scale and Allowances

In addition to pay, the following allowances are applicable based on branch, nature of duty, and place of posting:

• Flying Allowance
• Transport Allowance
• Technical Allowance
• Test Pilot and Flight Test Engineer Allowance
• Risk and Hardship Allowance

Privileges

• Furnished accommodation
• Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
• Canteen and Officers Mess facilities
• Loans at subsidised rates, LTC, and Leave (60 days annual and 20 days casual) subject to service exigencies

Insurance

Mandatory insurance cover from the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) is applicable. Presently, Rs. 1.25 Crore insurance (on contribution basis) is applicable for death while in service. Similarly, PC Officers retiring after 20 or more years of service and SSC Officers who have completed 14 years of service are covered under Air Veterans Insurance Cover (AVIC) for Rs. 24 Lakhs initially for 15 years after retirement, and thereafter Rs. 12 Lakhs till the age of 75 years.

Online Test for AFCAT – Fee and Examination Structure

• Online testing will be conducted for AFCAT Entry at various centres across India.
• AFCAT Entry candidates must pay Rs. 550/- + GST as examination fee (non-refundable).
• NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are not required to pay the examination fee.
• Details of conduct of exam, examination centres, and mode of payment are available in the official notification PDF.

Physical Conditioning

Candidates are advised to be physically fit when reporting for SSB in order to undergo tests at AFSB. Candidates should aim to achieve the ability to:

• Run 1 mile (1.6 km) in 10 minutes
• Do 10 push-ups
• Do 03 chin-ups

Prospective candidates are also advised to keep themselves in good physical condition to adapt to physical training at AFA, which encompasses running, swimming, rope climbing, and other forms of physical training/conditioning during mandatory tests.

Travel Allowance (TA)

To and fro travelling fare by the shortest route of AC-III Tier / AC Chair Car or actual normal bus fare will be reimbursed to candidates appearing at Air Force Selection Board for the first time. For other modes of travel, TA will be admissible as per Government authorized rates. No TA is admissible if you have already appeared for the same type of entry at any of the Selection Boards.

How to Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026

Eligible candidates can Apply Online through the official AFCAT portal. Follow the steps below for submitting the AFCAT 02/2026 Online Form 2026:

1. Visit the official AFCAT website at afcat.cdac.in when the application window opens on 20 May 2026 (1100 hrs).
2. Register yourself using your unique E-Mail ID and mobile phone number. Keep these active throughout the selection process.
3. Select the relevant entry tab – AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, or GATE Score Entry – as applicable. Candidates eligible for more than one entry must register separately in each.
4. Fill in your personal, educational, and other required details carefully. Exercise due care while entering your date of birth as no amendments will be allowed subsequently.
5. Pay the examination fee of Rs. 550/- plus GST (applicable for AFCAT Entry candidates only) through the available online payment mode. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempt from fee payment.
6. Ensure a PAN Card and an account in SBI or any Nationalised Bank is available, as it is mandatory at the time of joining Air Force Academy. Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration.
7. Submit your online application before 19 June 2026 (2330 hrs). Note that information filled in the online application form will be considered final and no amendments will be allowed afterwards.

Important: Candidates must maintain their unique registered E-Mail ID and mobile phone number active throughout the selection process. Any declaration found wrong at any stage of selection will lead to cancellation of candidature.

Important Rules and Instructions

• Eligible candidates must register online through separate tabs for AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry. Candidates eligible for more than one entry must register separately.
• Use or possession of narcotics is strictly banned. Candidates may be tested for narcotics during medicals and training. If found using/possessing narcotics, the candidate will be debarred from joining the IAF.
• Selection in the Indian Air Force is fair and merit-based. Any attempt to influence the selection process at any stage – forgery, impersonation, or supplying false information – is liable to lead to termination of candidature or initiation of service and legal action.
• Information given in the advertisement and on the website are only guidelines. In case of any ambiguity, the existing policies, rules and regulations of IAF / Government of India as amended from time to time will be final and binding.
• Terms and conditions given in the advertisement are only guidelines and are subject to change without notice.

Contact Information – AFCAT 02/2026

• For queries on online examination, registration process, and admit cards: Call +91 9513252077 or email afcathelpdesk@cdac.in
• For queries on eligibility, AFSB interview, merit list, and joining instructions: Call 011-23010231 Extn. 7610 or Toll Free 1800-11-2448

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Is the Last Date to Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026?

The last date for online application for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment 2026 is 19 June 2026 (2330 hrs). The application window opens on 20 May 2026 (1100 hrs). Candidates are advised to apply well before the last date to avoid any technical issues.

What Is the Application Fee for AFCAT 02/2026?

Candidates registering for AFCAT Entry are required to pay an examination fee of Rs. 550/- plus GST (non-refundable). However, candidates registering for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are not required to pay any examination fee.

What Is the Age Limit for AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch?

For Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027, i.e., born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive). Upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA is relaxable up to 26 years, i.e., born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive).

What Is the Age Limit for Ground Duty Branches in AFCAT 02/2026?

For Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches through AFCAT, and Ground Duty Technical Branch through GATE Score Entry, candidates must be between 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027, i.e., born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive).

What Is the Selection Process for Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026?

The selection process includes an online AFCAT examination conducted at various centres, followed by an Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview. Candidates who clear the AFSB are then put through a medical examination. Final selection is based on merit. Details of the exam, examination centres, and mode of payment are available in the official notification.

What Is the Pay Scale for Indian Air Force Officers Recruited Through AFCAT 02/2026?

As per 7th CPC, Flying Officers are placed at Level 10 with a pay range of Rs. 56,100/- to Rs. 1,77,500/- per month along with a Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500/-. In addition, various allowances such as Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, and others are applicable based on the branch and place of posting.

Is Permanent Commission Available Through AFCAT 02/2026?

Grant of Permanent Commission (PC) at a later date would be considered subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability, and merit, as per prevailing policies. PC candidates joining would continue to serve till the age of superannuation in their respective branches as per their rank. SSC officers are not entitled to pension.

What Is the Training Duration for AFCAT 02/2026 Selected Candidates?

Training will commence in the first week of July 2027 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad. The training duration for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches is 62 weeks. The training duration for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches is 52 weeks at Air Force Training Establishments.

Source

This article is based on the official advertisement released by the Indian Air Force for AFCAT 02/2026 / NCC Special Entry / GATE Score Entry (CBC 10801/11/0012/2627) for courses commencing July 2027. Candidates must refer to the official notification PDF available at afcat.cdac.in for complete and accurate details before applying.

Disclaimer

This article is published for informational purposes only. VacancyPage does not claim any official association with the Indian Air Force. All information is sourced directly from the official recruitment advertisement. Candidates are advised to verify all details from the official website before submitting their application. Terms and conditions given in the advertisement are subject to change without notice.