The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 recruitment notification, inviting applications from eligible graduates and engineers for Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) officer appointments. The recruitment encompasses 379 plus vacancies across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches, with courses scheduled to commence in July 2027.
Online registration commenced on May 20, 2026, through the official AFCAT portal at afcat.edcil.co.in, with the application window closing on June 19, 2026, at 11:30 PM. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply through standard AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry pathways based on qualification and eligibility criteria.
Flying Branch eligibility requires a bachelor’s degree in any discipline with Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level, or a BE/B.Tech degree, with minimum 60 percent marks. Selected candidates undergo rigorous pilot training at the Air Force Academy, culminating in commissioned officer status and permanent careers in military aviation.
Ground Duty Technical branches require BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering streams such as Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, and Aeronautical Engineering. Ground Duty Non-Technical branches accept any graduate degree or postgraduate qualifications in Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, or Law depending on specific branch requirements.
The non-refundable examination fee for AFCAT Entry is Rs. 550 plus 18 percent GST. No fees apply for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry, making recruitment accessible to candidates with prior service backgrounds or engineering entrance qualifications.
AFCAT 02/2026 RECRUITMENT DETAILS:
Notification Released: May 16, 2026 Online Registration Opens: May 20, 2026 (11:00 AM) Application Deadline: June 19, 2026 (11:30 PM) Total Positions: 379 Plus (Branch-wise allocation) Course Start: July 2027 Official Website: afcat.edcil.co.in Eligibility: Both Male and Female Candidates
DEFENCE CAREER OPPORTUNITY:
Selection through AFCAT 02/2026 provides entry into one of Asia’s most advanced air forces, offering permanent employment, government pension benefits, medical coverage, and family welfare provisions. Flying Branch selection leads to pilot training, executive duties as commissioned officers, and international exposure through air force partnerships. Candidates must demonstrate exceptional physical fitness (running, swimming, push-ups), psychological stability, and commitment to national defence. Preparation should emphasize quantitative reasoning, English proficiency, current affairs, and military service awareness.
