The Indian Air Force (IAF) has opened online registrations for the Air Force Common Admission Test 2 (AFCAT 02/2026) for recruitment of 379 Commissioned Officer vacancies in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The registration window is open from May 20 to June 19, 2026, at the official portal afcat.cdac.in. The AFCAT 2026 exam is scheduled for August 8, 2026, and courses will commence in July 2027.
This is a prestigious opportunity for eligible Indian graduates, both men and women, to join the Indian Air Force as Group A Gazetted Officers.
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Registration Opens | May 20, 2026 |
| Registration Last Date | June 19, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| AFCAT Exam Date | August 8, 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Branch-wise Vacancy Overview
| Branch | Type |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Short Service Commission |
| NCC Special Entry | As per notification |
| GATE Score Entry | As per notification |
Eligibility Criteria
- Flying Branch: Age 20 to 24 years (as on July 1, 2027). CPL holders eligible up to 26 years
- Ground Duty (Technical): Engineering graduates in relevant disciplines
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduates in any stream with minimum qualifying marks
- Both male and female Indian citizens are eligible
Application Fee
- AFCAT Entry: Rs 550 + 18% GST
- NCC Special Entry and Meteorology Entry: Fully exempted from fee
Selection Process
- Stage 1: Online AFCAT Written Exam (Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, General Awareness, Military Aptitude)
- Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview — Psychological Tests, Group Tasks, Personal Interview
- Stage 3: Medical Examination
- Stage 4: Merit List and Course Allotment
Stipend During Training: Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend during the approximately 62-week training period at Air Force Training Establishments. Apply well before the last date at afcat.cdac.in to avoid last-minute server rush.
