AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Out – Apply Online 20 May to 19 June, 300+ Vacancies @ afcat.edcil.co.in
AFCAT 2026 Online Form: Golden Opportunity Before Last Date Ends
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the notification for AFCAT 02/2026 (Air Force Common Admission Test) inviting applications from eligible graduates and engineers to join as Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. The online application window opens on 20 May 2026 and closes on 19 June 2026 at the official portal afcat.edcil.co.in. This recruitment is for the July 2027 course — a prestigious opportunity for young Indians to wear the uniform and serve the nation in the sky. If you are interested in IAF Non-Gazetted civilian posts, also check out IAF Group C Recruitment 2026.
AFCAT 02/2026 – Overview
| Organization | Indian Air Force (Bhartiya Vayu Sena) |
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Branches | Flying Branch | Ground Duty Technical | Ground Duty Non-Technical |
| Application Start | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Application Fee (AFCAT) | ₹550/- (All Candidates) |
| Application Fee (NCC Entry) | Nil |
| Official Portal | afcat.edcil.co.in |
Important Dates – AFCAT 02/2026
| Notification Released | 12 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Last Date for Fee Payment | 19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card | To be Notified Soon |
| AFCAT Exam Date | To be Notified Soon |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
AFCAT 02/2026 – Vacancy Details
| Entry Type | Branch | Male | Female | Total |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 30 | 05 | 35 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Technical – AE (Electronics) | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty Technical – AE (Mechanical) | TBA | TBA | TBA |
| AFCAT Entry | Administration & Logistics | 50 | 12 | 62 |
| AFCAT Entry | Logistics (LGS) | 04 | 02 | 06 |
| AFCAT Entry | Accounts | 05 | 02 | 07 |
| AFCAT Entry | Education | 01 | 02 | 03 |
| AFCAT Entry | Weapon Systems (WS Branch) | 21 | 05 | 26 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% of AFCAT vacancies for SSC | ||
Application Fee
- AFCAT Entry: ₹550/- + GST (Non-refundable) — payable Online or via E-Challan
- NCC Special Entry: No fee — completely free to apply
- GATE Score Entry: No fee — completely free to apply (valid GATE score required)
Age Limit – AFCAT 2026 online form
📌 See detailed age relaxation rules: AFCAT Age Limit 2026 – Category-wise Relaxation
Age is calculated as on 01 July 2027:
| Entry / Branch | Age Limit |
| AFCAT Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years |
| Ground Duty Technical & Non-Technical | 20 to 26 Years |
Age relaxation is applicable as per IAF/AFCAT 02/2026 Recruitment Rules.
Eligibility Criteria – AFCAT 2026 (Branch-wise)
📌 For complete branch-wise eligibility details, see: AFCAT Eligibility Criteria – Full Guide
Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry)
- Bachelor’s degree in any stream with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level from a recognised university, OR
- B.E. / B.Tech degree from a recognised university
- NCC Special Entry additionally requires NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate
- Vision: 6/6 in better eye and 6/9 in worse eye (corrected); specific vision standards apply — check official notification
Ground Duty Technical – Aeronautical Engineering Electronics (AE-L)
- 10+2 with minimum 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics, AND
- Minimum 4-year Graduation / Integrated PG Degree in Engineering / Technology in a relevant stream from a recognised university
Ground Duty Technical – Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical (AE-M)
- Minimum 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, AND
- 4-year Engineering / Technology degree in Mechanical Engineering, Industrial Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, or equivalent
Ground Duty Non-Technical – Administration & Logistics
- Bachelor’s degree in any stream with minimum 60% aggregate marks
- Physical Height: Male – 157.5 cm | Female – 152 cm — Full AFCAT Height, Weight & Vision Standards
Ground Duty Non-Technical – Accounts
- B.Com (Bachelor of Commerce) with minimum 60% aggregate marks
- Physical Height: Male – 157.5 cm | Female – 152 cm
Ground Duty Non-Technical – Weapon Systems (WS Branch)
- Bachelor’s degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, OR B.E./B.Tech — refer to official notification for complete details
How to Apply for AFCAT 2026 Online Form
- Visit the official AFCAT portal: afcat.edcil.co.in (link active from 20 May 2026)
- Click on “Register / New Candidate Registration” and create your account
- Log in with your credentials and fill in the online application form — personal details, educational qualifications, branch preference
- Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and other required documents in the specified format
- Select your preferred exam city from the available list (80+ cities across India)
- Pay the application fee of ₹550 + GST via online mode or E-Challan (NCC entry: no fee)
- Review all details carefully before final submission
- Submit the form and take a printout of the confirmation page for future reference
AFCAT Selection Process – Step by Step
📌 Full details: AFCAT Selection Process | AFCAT Selection Process 2026 – AFSB, Medical Explained
- AFCAT Written Exam: Computer-based test of 2 hours — 100 questions covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude. Each correct answer: +3 marks | Wrong answer: -1 mark
- Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT): Additional 45-minute test only for Ground Duty Technical (AE) branch candidates — covers domain-specific engineering subjects
- AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board): 5-day process at designated AFSB centres. (Similar to SSB for NDA — check UPSC NDA NA-I Result 2026 to see how competitive the defence selection is.) Includes Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR), Psychological Tests (PPDT, WAT, TAT, SRT), Group Tasks, and Personal Interview
- Medical Examination: Conducted at IAF Medical Establishments after AFSB recommendation — strict vision, height, weight, and general fitness standards. See: AFCAT Medical Test 2026 – Standards & Common Rejections
- Merit List & Final Selection: Based on AFCAT score + AFSB marks combined
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
📌 Detailed breakdown: AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026 | AFCAT Exam Pattern – Full Analysis
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Verbal Ability in English | 25 | 75 |
| Numerical Ability | 25 | 75 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 25 | 75 |
| Total (AFCAT) | 100 | 300 |
| EKT (Technical only) | 50 | 150 |
Duration: 2 hours (AFCAT) + 45 minutes (EKT if applicable) | Negative Marking: -1 for each wrong answer | Mode: Computer Based Test (CBT)
AFCAT Exam Cities – 80+ Centres Across India
AFCAT 02/2026 will be conducted in over 80 cities across India including Agra, Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Bhopal, Bhubaneswar, Chandigarh, Chennai, Dehradun, Delhi/NCR, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur, Jammu, Kanpur, Kochi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Mumbai, Nagpur, Noida, Patna, Pune, Ranchi, Srinagar, Thiruvananthapuram, Varanasi, Visakhapatnam, and many more. Candidates can select their preferred city during the online application.
AFCAT vs CDSE — Which is Better for You?
📌 Also see: AFCAT Cut Off 2026 – Previous Year Marks Analysis
Both AFCAT and CDSE (UPSC Combined Defence Services Exam) allow you to join the Indian Air Force as an officer. You can also check the UPSC CDS-I Result 2026 to understand the competition level. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:
| Parameter | AFCAT | CDSE |
| Conducted by | Indian Air Force / CDAC | UPSC |
| Eligibility | Graduation (60% for GD) | Graduation |
| Branches available | Flying + All Ground Duty | Flying + Ground Duty |
| Commission type | SSC (Short Service) + PC | PC (Permanent Commission) |
| Frequency | Twice a year | Twice a year |
| NCC benefit | NCC Special Entry available | Not applicable |
Tips to Crack AFCAT 02/2026
📌 Deep dive resources: AFCAT Preparation Tips 2026 | AFCAT Study Plan 2026 (3–6 Month Strategy) | Best Books for AFCAT 2026 | AFCAT Online Coaching 2026
- General Awareness: Read newspapers daily — focus on defence news, IAF achievements, national awards, sports, science & technology. Last 6 months current affairs are most important
- English Verbal Ability: Vocabulary, reading comprehension, error detection, and sentence completion — solve AFCAT previous year papers to understand patterns
- Numerical Ability: Basic arithmetic, percentages, ratio, time-speed-distance, and data interpretation — 10th standard level but time-pressured
- Military Aptitude & Reasoning: Spatial reasoning, clock problems, Venn diagrams, and map-reading type questions — practice regularly
- EKT (Technical candidates): Revise core engineering subjects — Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics (AE-M), or Electronics, Digital Circuits, Networks (AE-L)
- Target 150+ out of 300: Previous year AFCAT cut-offs hover around 140–160. Aim for 160+ to be safe
- Start AFSB prep simultaneously: Work on personality development, current affairs knowledge, physical fitness, and communication skills — AFSB is the real filter
Important Links
| Apply Online (Active from 20 May 2026) | Click Here to Apply Online |
| Download Official Advertisement | Download Official Notification |
| AFCAT Official Portal | Visit afcat.edcil.co.in |
| IAF Career Website | Visit careerairforce.nic.in |
📚 Explore More – Complete AFCAT 2026 Guide
| Topic | Link |
| AFCAT Eligibility Criteria | Read Full Eligibility Guide |
| AFCAT Age Limit & Relaxation | Check Age Limit Details |
| AFCAT Exam Pattern | View Exam Pattern |
| AFCAT Exam Pattern (Detailed) | Detailed Exam Pattern Analysis |
| AFCAT Selection Process | Complete Selection Process |
| AFCAT Selection Process 2026 (AFSB + Medical) | AFSB Interview & Medical Explained |
| AFCAT Medical Test Standards | Medical Standards & Common Rejections |
| AFCAT Height, Weight & Vision Standards | Physical Standards Guide |
| AFCAT Tattoo & Medical Policy | Tattoo & Medical Policy |
| AFCAT Marital Status Rules | Marital Status Rules Explained |
| AFCAT Salary (In-Hand) | AFCAT In-Hand Salary Breakdown |
| AFCAT Cut Off 2026 | Previous Year Cut Off Analysis |
| AFCAT Preparation Tips 2026 | Strategy to Crack in First Attempt |
| Best Books for AFCAT 2026 | Best Books – Subject Wise |
| AFCAT Study Plan 2026 | 3–6 Month Study Plan for Beginners |
| AFCAT Online Coaching 2026 | Best Online Coaching Options |
Also Read – Related Defence & Government Job Posts
- 🪖 Indian Army 10+2 TES 56 Online Form 2026 – 90 Posts
- ✈️ IAF Group C Civilian Recruitment 2026 – LDC, Typist, Driver 47 Posts
- ⚓ Navy SSR Medical Admit Card 2026 – Stage 1 Exam on 16 May
- 📋 UPSC NDA NA-I Result 2026 – Merit List PDF Download
- 📋 UPSC CDS-I Result 2026 – 8826 Candidates Qualified
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is AFCAT 02/2026?
AFCAT 02/2026 is the Air Force Common Admission Test conducted by the Indian Air Force for recruiting Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches for the July 2027 course.
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
The last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026 is 19 June 2026 at 11:30 PM. The application form opens on 20 May 2026 at afcat.edcil.co.in.
What is the application fee for AFCAT 02/2026?
The application fee is ₹550 + GST for AFCAT entry candidates. NCC Special Entry candidates pay no fee.
Can girls apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
Yes! Female candidates can apply for Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Non-Technical branches. Vacancies for female candidates are listed separately in the notification.
What is the minimum percentage required for AFCAT?
For Flying Branch: Any graduation degree with Physics & Maths at 10+2. For Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): minimum 60% aggregate marks in graduation is required.
What is the AFCAT exam pattern?
AFCAT is a 2-hour CBT with 100 questions (300 marks) covering General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning. There is negative marking of -1 per wrong answer. Technical candidates also appear for a 45-minute EKT.
What is NCC Special Entry in AFCAT?
NCC Special Entry allows candidates with a valid NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate to apply for the Flying Branch without appearing in the AFCAT written test. They directly go to AFSB Interview. Seats are 10% of AFCAT Flying vacancies.
The Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 is your runway to the sky. Curious about pay? Check the AFCAT In-Hand Salary 2026. — one of the most prestigious career paths in India. Whether you dream of flying fighter jets or managing the nation’s aerospace defence systems, AFCAT opens that door. Apply between 20 May and 19 June 2026, prepare hard, and take that leap. आसमान की कोई सीमा नहीं होती — बस हौसला बुलंद रखो! 🇮🇳✈️
