Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Out – Apply Online for 379 Flying & Ground Duty Posts.
Indian Air Force
Last Date :- 19 June 2026Indian Air Force Flying & Ground Duty Recruitment 2026
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the detailed notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/2026). This is a golden opportunity for both male and female Indian citizens to join the elite force as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
The online application portal opens on May 20, 2026, and the online exam is scheduled to take place in August 2026. Below is a structured layout containing all the key details you need to know before applying.
Interested and eligible candidates may read this advertisement and apply online here against these Application notifications. All applicants are requested to bookmark this page for future updates .
Indian Air Force Flying & Ground Duty Recruitment 2026 Overview
| Post Name | Flying & Ground Duty |
| Vacancies | 379 |
| Organization | Indian Air Force |
| Qualification | Graduate |
| Apply Mode | Online |
| Apply Fee | 550 /- |
| Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 19 June 2026 |
Indian Air Force Flying & Ground Duty Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The tentative vacancies distributed across various entries and branches are listed below:
1. AFCAT Entry
* Flying Branch: 35 Vacancies (SSC)
* Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:
* Aeronautical Engineer Electronics {AE(L)}: 132 Vacancies (Permanent Commission: 4, Short Service Commission: 128)
* Aeronautical Engineer Mechanical {AE(M)}: 75 Vacancies (Permanent Commission: 10, Short Service Commission: 65)
* Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch:
* Weapon Systems (WS): 26 Vacancies
* Administration (Adm): 62 Vacancies
* Logistics (Lgs): 6 Vacancies
* Accounts (Accts): 7 Vacancies
* Education (Edn): 3 Vacancies
* Meteorology (Met): 3 Vacancies
2. NCC Special Entry
* Flying Branch: 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC.
3. GATE Score Entry
* Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:
* AE(L): 17 Vacancies (PC: 2, SSC: 15)
* AE(M): 9 Vacancies (PC: 2, SSC: 7)
*(Note: Two vacancies in Ground Duty Non-Technical branches are strictly reserved for Law qualified candidates).
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 Education Qualification
Educational Qualifications
* Flying Branch: * Must have mandatorily passed Physics and Mathematics with a minimum of 50% marks each at the 10+2 level.
* AND Graduation with a minimum 3-year degree course in any discipline with at least 60% marks OR a 4-year BE/B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks.
* Ground Duty (Technical):
* Must have cleared Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.
* A minimum 4-year graduation/integrated post-graduation degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university in specific engineering disciplines (like Computer Science, Electronics, Electrical, Mechanical, etc.) with at least 60% marks.
* Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
* Weapon Systems (WS): Passed 10+2 with Physics & Math, plus a minimum 3-year Graduation degree or 4-year BE/B.Tech with 60% marks.
* Administration & Logistics: Passed 10+2 and a Graduate Degree (minimum 3 years) in any discipline with at least 60% marks.
* Accounts: Passed 10+2 and Graduation in B.Com (Min 3 years) / BBA or BMS (with specialization in Finance) / qualified CA, CMA, CS, or CFA with at least 60% marks.
* Education: Passed 10+2, Graduation, and Post-Graduation in any discipline with minimum required standards.
* Meteorology: Passed 10+2 and B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics OR a 4-year Graduation degree in Engineering/Technology in specified streams with at least 60% marks.
*(Note: Final year students with no existing backlogs can also apply, provided they submit proof of passing by May 30, 2027).
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Nationality
* Candidates must be citizens of India.
Age Limit (As on July 01, 2027)
* Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry): 20 to 24 years. (Candidates must be born between July 02, 2003, and July 01, 2007, both dates inclusive).
* *Relaxation:* Upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India).
* Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical Branches): 20 to 26 years. (Candidates must be born between July 02, 2001, and July 01, 2007, both dates inclusive).
Marital Status
* Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the training course. Marrying during the training period is strictly prohibited.
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 Salary & Pay Scale
| Career Stage / Component | Details & Pay Scale (As per 7th CPC) |
| Training Period Stipend | ₹56,100 per month (Fixed stipend for Flight Cadets during the 1-year training duration) |
| Rank Upon Commissioning | Flying Officer |
| Pay Matrix Level | Level 10 |
| Basic Pay Scale | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹15,500 per month (Additional pay for defence personnel) |
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
1. Written Examination: Standard online computer-based exam (applicable only for AFCAT entry).
2. AFSB Testing: Shortlisted candidates from the written exam, as well as direct entries (NCC and GATE score entries), will be called for Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing. It includes:
* Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test along with Picture Perception and Discussion Test.
* Stage II: Psychological Test, Group Tests, and Interview.
* For Flying Branch: Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test.
3. Medical Examination: Comprehensive check-up to meet medical standards set by the IAF.
4. Final Merit List: Prepared based on written test and AFSB marks performance.
Written Examination
Candidates appearing for the online AFCAT entry test will have to face a single paper pattern:
* Exam Mode: Online (Objective type, Multiple Choice Questions in English only).
* Duration: 2 Hours (120 minutes).
* Number of Questions: 100 Questions.
* Maximum Marks: 300 Marks.
* Subjects Covered: General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test.
* Marking Scheme: * +3 Marks for every correct answer.
* -1 Mark for every incorrect answer (Negative Marking).
* 0 Marks for un-attempted questions.
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
| Entry Type | Application Fee | Payment Mode |
| AFCAT Entry (All candidates) | ₹550/- + 18% GST (Non-refundable) | Online via Debit Card, Credit Card, Net Banking, or UPI |
| NCC Special Entry | Exempted (Free) | N/A |
| GATE Score Entry | Exempted (Free) | N/A |
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
* Notification Release Date: May 20, 2026
* Starting Date for Online Applications: May 20, 2026 (from 11:00 AM)
* Closing Date for Online Applications: June 19, 2026 (until 11:30 PM)
* AFCAT Online Exam Date: August 08, 2026 (Saturday)
* Admit Card Download Starts: August 04, 2026 (from 11:00 AM onwards)
* Course Commencing Month: July 2027
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 Document Type
| Document Type | File Size Range | Required File Name | Special Instructions |
| Passport Size Colour Photograph | 100KB to 200KB | Passport Photograph.jpg | Must be a clear, recent color photo. |
| Signature | 80KB to 150KB | Signature.jpg | Must be signed in black ink only. |
| Thumb Impression | 50KB to 100KB | Thumb Impression.jpg | Males: Left thumb Females: Right thumb |
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 How to Apply
Applicants need to visit official https://afcat.edcil.co.in/ portal for submission of online application this scheme. One needs to follow below mentioned steps to apply online.
Step 1: Scroll down, go to Important Web Links section.
Step 2: Click on One-Time Registration link .
Step 3: A new webpage will be opened.
Step 4: Enter your details as required in the portal; and register yourself.
Step 5: After registration, Click on Online Application Form and Login.
Step 6: Enter all credentials and upload your documents as required in the portal.
Step 7: Finally click on "Submit" and take print out of your submitted application.
Step 1: Scroll down, go to Important Web Links section.
Step 2: Click on One-Time Registration link .
Step 3: A new webpage will be opened.
Step 4: Enter your details as required in the portal; and register yourself.
Step 5: After registration, Click on Online Application Form and Login.
Step 6: Enter all credentials and upload your documents as required in the portal.
Step 7: Finally click on "Submit" and take print out of your submitted application.
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 web Link
Application Form Click Here Official Notification Click Here WhatsApp Channel Click Here Telegram Channel Click Here Official Website
Click Here
Disclaimer
Note to Applicants: This blog post is intended for informational purposes only and does not constitute an official legal document. While we strive to keep the information accurate and up-to-date, recruitment rules and dates are subject to change by the issuing authority.
Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 FAQ
What is the starting date of online application for Indian Air Force Flying and Ground Duty Recruitment ?
The starting date of Indian Air Force Flying Ground Duty Recruitment application submission is 20 May 2026.
What is the total number of available vacancies of Indian Air Force Flying and Ground Duty Recruitment ?
The total number of vacancies under 379.
What is the last date of online application Indian Air Force Flying and Ground Duty ?
The last date of Indian Air Force Flying and Ground Duty Recruitment application submission is 19 June 2026.