The Indian Air Force has officially released the notification for AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment, inviting applications from eligible male and female candidates for officer-level entries in Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches. This recruitment is part of the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), which is conducted twice a year to select commissioned officers for the Indian Air Force.

The online application process for AFCAT 02/2026 has started and will continue until 19 June 2026, which is also the last date for fee payment. Candidates are advised to complete their registration well before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues. The written examination for AFCAT 02/2026 is scheduled to be held on 08 August 2026 (Saturday). This exam serves as the first stage of selection, followed by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview and medical examination.

Vacancy Details

The AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment includes vacancies across multiple branches:

• Flying Branch: 35 posts (Male: 30, Female: 5)
• Ground Duty Technical (AE-L & AE-M): Multiple posts under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC)
• Ground Duty Non-Technical (Admin, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Weapon Systems): Various posts
• Meteorology Entry: 3 posts
• NCC Special Entry: Seats reserved within AFCAT and CDS quotas

This wide distribution ensures opportunities across technical, administrative, and operational roles in the Air Force.

Age Limit Criteria

For the Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age as on 01 July 2027. For Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years. Additional relaxations may apply for NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Entry as per official rules.

Educational Qualification

Eligibility varies by branch:

• Flying Branch: Candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or a B.E./B.Tech degree.
• Technical Branch (Aeronautical Engineering): Requires minimum 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a 4-year engineering degree in relevant disciplines such as Electronics or Mechanical Engineering.
• Non-Technical Branch: Requires a bachelor’s degree in any stream with at least 60% marks for Administration and Logistics posts. Commerce graduates (B.Com) are eligible for Accounts branch.
• Meteorology Entry: Requires postgraduate qualification in Science or related fields as per notification guidelines.

Physical Standards

Candidates must meet physical eligibility requirements:

• Male Height: Minimum 157.5 cm
• Female Height: Minimum 152 cm

These standards ensure candidates are physically fit for demanding Air Force duties.

Selection Process

The AFCAT selection process includes:

1. Written Examination (AFCAT)
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
3. Medical Examination

Final selection is based on combined performance across all stages.

Application Process

Candidates must apply online through the official AFCAT portal. Before applying, candidates should carefully read the notification and ensure they meet eligibility requirements. Applicants must prepare scanned documents such as photographs, signatures, and educational certificates before filling the form. All details should be entered accurately to avoid rejection. After submitting the application and paying the fee, candidates should download and print the final application form for future reference.

Importance of AFCAT Exam

The AFCAT examination is one of the most prestigious entry points into the Indian Air Force. It offers candidates the opportunity to become commissioned officers and serve the nation in various operational and technical roles. It provides not only a respected career but also extensive training, leadership development, and a disciplined professional life.

The Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment is a major opportunity for aspirants seeking a career in defence services. With diverse branches, attractive career paths, and structured selection stages, AFCAT continues to be a highly competitive and respected examination. Eligible candidates should apply before 19 June 2026 and begin their preparation early for the written examination scheduled on 08 August 2026.