Important Notice: Indian Air Force has released AFCAT 02/2026 notification for recruitment of Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Officers. Online applications open on 20 May 2026 at afcat.edcil.co.in. Last date to apply is 19 June 2026.
Overview
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam / Entry | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 |
| Post Category | Flying Branch & Ground Duty (Technical + Non-Technical) Officer |
| Total Vacancies | 142+ (Technical branch vacancies to be announced) |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
| Application Mode | Online via afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Official Website | https://afcat.edcil.co.in/ |
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|
| Notification Date | 12 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Fee Payment Deadline | 19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | Before Exam (check portal) |
| AFCAT Written Exam | As per Schedule (notified separately) |
| Course Commencement | January 2027 |
Vacancy Details
| Branch / Post | Male | Female | Total |
|---|
| Flying Branch | 30 | 5 | 35 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech – Administration | 50 | 12 | 62 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech – Logistics & Supply | 4 | 2 | 6 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech – Accounts | 5 | 2 | 7 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech – Education | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech – Weapon Systems | 21 | 5 | 26 |
| Meteorology | 1 | 2 | 3 |
| Ground Duty Technical (AE-L / AE-M) | To be announced | – |
| Total (Known) | 112 | 30 | 142+ |
* NCC Special Entry: 10% of CDSE + AFCAT vacancies. Technical branch vacancies will be updated after official notification.
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027)
| Branch | Age Limit | Born Between |
|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 – 24 Years | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20 – 26 Years | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20 – 26 Years | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 |
| Meteorology | 20 – 26 Years | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 |
Pay Scale & Benefits
| Detail | Value |
|---|
| Pay Level (Flying Officer) | Level 10 – ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 (7th CPC) |
| Flying Allowance | ₹25,000 per month (Flying Branch only) |
| Military Service Pay | ₹15,500 per month |
| Other Allowances | HRA / DA / Transport / Kit Maintenance as applicable |
| Free Accommodation | Provided at Air Force stations |
| Medical & Insurance | Full medical coverage for self, spouse & dependents + AFGI |
Educational Qualification
- Flying Branch: Bachelor's Degree in any stream with Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level from a recognized university with minimum 60% aggregate
- Ground Duty Technical – Aeronautical Engineering (L): 4-year B.E./B.Tech in Electrical / Electronics / Telecommunication / Instrumentation Engineering with minimum 60%
- Ground Duty Technical – Aeronautical Engineering (M): 4-year B.E./B.Tech in Mechanical / Aeronautical / Aerospace Engineering with minimum 60%
- Ground Duty Non-Tech – Administration / Logistics / Weapon Systems: Bachelor's Degree in any stream with minimum 60% aggregate
- Accounts: B.Com degree with minimum 60% aggregate
- Education Branch: Post Graduate degree (M.A. / M.Sc. / M.Com) with minimum 50% in PG and 60% in graduation
- Meteorology: Post Graduate degree in Science / Mathematics / Statistics / Geography / Computer Applications / Environmental Science with minimum 50% aggregate
Physical Standards
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|
| Minimum Height | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Leg Length (Min – Max) | 99 cm – 120 cm | Not specified |
| Thigh Length | Max 64 cm | Not specified |
| Sitting Height | 81.5 cm – 96 cm | Not specified |
| Eyesight (Flying) | 6/6 (corrected) – Hypermetropia ≤ +2.0D, Myopia ≤ –0.75D | Same |
| Eyesight (Ground Duty) | Correctable to 6/6 in better eye & 6/9 in worse eye | Same |
AFCAT Exam Pattern
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 75 |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 35 | 105 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Duration: 2 Hours | Mode: Online (CBT) | Marking: +3 correct, –1 wrong | Language: English only
EKT – Engineering Knowledge Test (Technical Branch Only)
| Detail | Value |
|---|
| Total Questions | 50 |
| Total Marks | 150 |
| Duration | 45 Minutes |
| Subjects | Mechanical / Electrical-Electronics / Computer Science (as per branch) |
| Marking | +3 correct, –1 wrong |
Application Fee
| Entry Type | Fee |
|---|
| AFCAT Entry (All candidates) | ₹550 |
| NCC Special Entry | Nil (Free) |
| Payment Mode | Debit / Credit Card / Net Banking / UPI / E-Challan |
Selection Process
- AFCAT Written Exam (CBT): Online objective test — General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude (100Q / 300M / 2hrs). Technical branch candidates also appear for EKT (50Q / 150M / 45 min)
- AFSB Interview: Air Force Selection Board at notified centres — includes intelligence tests, psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview conducted over 5 days
- Medical Examination: At IAF Medical Board — strict physical and eyesight standards especially for Flying Branch
- Final Merit List: Prepared based on AFCAT score, AFSB marks, and medical fitness — published on IAF official portal
How to Apply
- Visit the official AFCAT portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in/
- Register using a valid email ID and mobile number (or login if already registered)
- Select AFCAT 02/2026 and choose the branch(es) you wish to apply for
- Fill in personal, educational, and physical details accurately
- Upload scanned photograph, signature, and supporting documents
- Pay ₹550 application fee (waived for NCC Special Entry)
- Submit and save the printout of the application form
Required Documents
- Class 10 certificate (for date of birth proof)
- Class 12 / 10+2 marksheet (Physics & Mathematics mandatory for Flying branch)
- Graduation / Post Graduation degree and marksheets
- NCC Certificate (for NCC Special Entry — 'C' Certificate with grade B or higher)
- Valid government-issued photo ID (Aadhaar / PAN / Passport)
- Recent passport-size photograph and signature scan
Pro Tip: The AFCAT exam emphasizes Reasoning & Military Aptitude (35 questions — highest weightage). Focus on non-verbal reasoning, spatial ability, and military aptitude mock tests. For Flying Branch, eyesight standards are extremely strict — verify yours before applying (Myopia beyond –0.75D is disqualifying). The AFSB process is 5 days long — mental preparation and group discussion practice are as important as written exam scores. Attempting both AFCAT and EKT papers together in one sitting is required for Technical branch — do not skip EKT preparation.
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