Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment: Apply Online for 300 Commissioned Officer Posts

AFCAT 02/2026 is for candidates who want to join the Indian Air Force as Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty Technical or Non-Technical branches. The recruitment is reported for 300-plus vacancies, and the online application window runs from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026 through the AFCAT portal. Candidates should check branch-wise education, age and entry route carefully because AFCAT, NCC Special Entry and GATE-based entry do not follow exactly the same route.

Contents

• Quick Overview
• Should You Read This Job Post?
• Vacancy Details, Eligibility and Salary
• Important Dates, Fee and Age Limit
• Salary and Posting Value
• Selection Process
• Documents You Should Keep Ready
• How to Apply
• Quick FAQs

Quick Overview

Should You Read This Job Post?

Read this if

• You want a defence officer career through AFCAT, NCC Special Entry or GATE-based technical entry.
• You meet the branch-wise age range as on 01 July 2027.
• You have the required graduation, science, engineering or branch-specific qualification for the entry you want to choose.

You may skip this if

• You do not meet the strict age window for Flying Branch or Ground Duty branches.
• You are not ready for AFCAT, AFSB and medical standards required for officer selection.
• You are looking for a civilian desk-only job rather than a commissioned service career.

Vacancy Details, Eligibility and Salary

Flying Branch

This entry is for candidates aiming for flying duties and has the strictest age window. Candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence should check the separate relaxation rule.

Ground Duty Technical Branch

This route is for engineering graduates in eligible technical disciplines. Candidates should verify their engineering stream carefully before applying.

Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch

Non-Technical roles cover officer functions such as administration, logistics, accounts, education and meteorology-related entries. The qualification is not identical for every branch.

NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry

These routes are useful for candidates who meet separate NCC or GATE-linked requirements. Candidates should follow the entry-specific instructions on the AFCAT portal.

Important Dates, Fee and Age Limit

Salary and Posting Value

The pay for a Flying Officer is in Level 10, ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500, with Military Service Pay applicable as per Indian Air Force rules. Training and final branch allocation are governed by service requirements.

Practical view: this is suitable for candidates who want a long-term commissioned officer career and are ready for testing, AFSB assessment, medical standards, training and service discipline.

Selection Process

For AFCAT Entry, selection includes the AFCAT online examination, followed by AFSB testing, medical examination and final merit. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates should follow the route-specific shortlisting and AFSB instructions on the AFCAT portal.

Documents You Should Keep Ready

• Recent photograph, signature and thumb impression as per portal instructions
• Class 10 certificate for date of birth proof
• Class 12 marksheet showing mathematics and physics where required
• Graduation or engineering degree certificate and marksheets
• NCC certificate, if applying through NCC Special Entry
• GATE score details, if applying through GATE Score Entry
• Commercial Pilot Licence details, if claiming CPL age relaxation
• Government-issued identity proof

How to Apply

1. Go to the official AFCAT portal at afcat.edcil.co.in.
2. Open the AFCAT 02/2026 registration link when active.
3. Register with correct name, email ID, mobile number and basic details.
4. Select the appropriate entry route and branch preferences after checking eligibility.
5. Enter educational, NCC, GATE or CPL details wherever applicable.
6. Upload the required photograph, signature, thumb impression and documents.
7. Pay the examination fee if applicable to your entry route.
8. Submit the application before 19 June 2026, 23:30 hrs and save the confirmation page.

Quick FAQs

What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026?

The last date to apply online is 19 June 2026 up to 23:30 hrs.

When does AFCAT 02/2026 registration start?

Online registration starts on 20 May 2026 from 11:00 hrs.

How many vacancies are available?

The recruitment is reported for 300-plus Commissioned Officer vacancies.

What is the application fee?

For AFCAT Entry, the fee is ₹550 plus GST. Candidates applying through other entry routes should check the AFCAT portal instructions.

What is the age limit for Flying Branch?

The Flying Branch age limit is 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027, with CPL relaxation as per rules.

What is the age limit for Ground Duty branches?

For Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027.

What is the salary for a Flying Officer?

The pay is Level 10, ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500, with Military Service Pay as applicable.