The Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 notification has been released for the recruitment of 379 Group A Gazetted Officer posts. This recruitment includes AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry for Flying Branch and Ground Duty Branches. Candidates who want to serve the nation through the Indian Air Force can now submit their applications online.
The Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026 offers a great chance for graduates, engineers, and postgraduates. Interested candidates can apply online from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026 through the official recruitment portal.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Job Overview
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 |
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Advertisement No. | AFCAT (02/2026) |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Post Name | AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry & GATE Score Entry |
| Job Location | Across India |
| Job Type | Group A Gazetted Officer |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Qualification | Degree, BE/B.Tech, Post Graduation & Other Eligible Qualifications |
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 Years |
| Application Fee | ₹550/- + GST (AFCAT Entry) |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release Date | From 04 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Official Website | Indian Air Force |
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
The recruitment includes vacancies in different branches of the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT Entry
| Branch | Posts |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 35 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 211 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 107 |
NCC Special Entry
- Flying Branch seats will be filled as per AFCAT and CDSE vacancy rules.
GATE Score Entry
| Branch | Posts |
|---|---|
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 26 |
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Eligibility Criteria For Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026
Age Limit
Flying Branch
Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years as on 01 July 2027.
Date of birth should be between:
- 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007
Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License can apply up to the age of 26 years.
Ground Duty Branches And GATE Entry
Candidates must be between:
- 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027
Date of birth should be between:
- 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007
Marital Status
- Candidates must be unmarried at the start of training.
- Marriage during training is not allowed.
- If a candidate marries during training, training may be cancelled as per rules.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
Candidates must have:
- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
And any one of the following:
- Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks.
- BE/B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks.
- Associate Membership examination of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with minimum 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Technical)
Candidates must have:
- Minimum 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.
- Four-year Engineering Degree with minimum 60% marks.
Eligible engineering streams include:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Artificial Intelligence
- Data Science
- Electronics
- Electrical Engineering
- Communication Engineering
- Instrumentation
- Robotics
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Manufacturing Engineering
and other branches listed in the official notification.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Weapon Systems Branch
- Graduation in any discipline with 60% marks.
- OR BE/B.Tech with 60% marks.
Administration And Logistics
- Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks.
Accounts Branch
Candidates must have one of the following:
- B.Com
- BBA (Finance)
- BMS (Finance)
- BBS (Finance)
- CA
- CMA
- CS
- CFA
- B.Sc Finance
Education Branch
- Graduation with 60% marks.
- Post Graduation with 50% marks.
Meteorology Branch
- B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics.
- OR Engineering degree in approved streams.
GATE Score Entry
Candidates must:
- Hold a BE/B.Tech degree in approved disciplines.
- Have a valid GATE score obtained within the permitted period.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
The examination fee is non-refundable.
How To Apply For Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official recruitment portal.
- Complete New Registration.
- Login using registration details.
- Fill in personal and educational information.
- Upload required documents.
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit the application form.
- Take a printout for future use.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date To Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | From 04 August 2026 |
| Course Begins | July 2027 |
Selection Process
The selection process includes several stages.
Stage 1
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test
Stage 2
- Psychological Test
- Group Tests
- Personal Interview
- Document Verification
Flying Branch Additional Test
- Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
Final Stage
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
The final merit list will be prepared based on written exam performance and AFSB testing.
AFCAT Online Examination Pattern
| Exam | Duration | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | 2 Hours | 100 | 300 |
Subjects Included
- General Awareness
- English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning
- Military Aptitude
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: 3 Marks
- Wrong Answer: -1 Mark
AFCAT Syllabus 2026
English
- Comprehension
- Error Detection
- Sentence Completion
- Synonyms
- Antonyms
- Idioms and Phrases
- One Word Substitution
- Analogy
General Awareness
- History
- Geography
- Sports
- Environment
- Economy
- Polity
- Science
- Technology
- Current Affairs
- Defence
Numerical Ability
- Percentage
- Average
- Profit and Loss
- Ratio and Proportion
- Time and Work
- Time and Distance
- Probability
- Statistics
- Mensuration
Reasoning And Military Aptitude
- Verbal Reasoning
- Non-Verbal Reasoning
- Logical Thinking
Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026 Important Links
| WhatsApp Group | Click Here |
| Official Website | Click Here |
| Notification | Click Here |
| Online Form | Click Here |
| Telegram Channel | Click Here |
| Facebook Group | Click Here |
| Jobs Link | Click Here |
FAQs
1. What is the last date to apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application is 19 June 2026.
2. How many vacancies are available under AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
A total of 379 vacancies have been announced.
3. What is the application fee for AFCAT Entry?
Candidates need to pay Rs. 550 plus GST.
4. What is the age limit for Flying Branch?
The age limit is 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027.
5. When will the AFCAT 2026 examination be held?
The AFCAT examination is scheduled for 08 August 2026.
