AFCAT 2 2026 Notification Out for 379 Vacancies
The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 2 2026 Notification for candidates who want to join the defence sector as commissioned officers. This recruitment drive offers opportunities in Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch, and Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch for both men and women candidates across India.
Candidates looking for Indian Air Force officer jobs after graduation can now apply online through the AFCAT application portal. The notification includes important details related to vacancy distribution, eligibility criteria, exam pattern, selection process, application dates, and branch-wise posts for the July 2027 courses.
Table of Contents
AFCAT 2 2026 Recruitment Overview
The AFCAT 2 2026 recruitment notification brings excellent opportunities for graduates and engineering candidates seeking government defence jobs with career growth and prestigious service benefits. The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test to recruit Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in multiple branches.
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 2 2026 |
| Post Type | Group A Gazetted Officer |
| Branches | Flying, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical |
| Total Vacancies | 379 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| AFCAT Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
AFCAT 2 2026 Vacancy Details for Flying Branch and Technical Officer Posts
The Indian Air Force has announced vacancies for multiple branches under AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry. These vacancies are tentative and may change depending on organizational requirements.
| Branch | Vacancies | Commission |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 35 | SSC |
| Ground Duty Technical AE(L) | 136 | PC + SSC |
| Ground Duty Technical AE(M) | 75 | PC + SSC |
| Weapon Systems Branch | 26 | SSC |
| Administration | 62 | SSC |
| Logistics | 6 | SSC |
| Accounts | 7 | SSC |
| Education | 3 | SSC |
| Meteorology | 3 | SSC |
| GATE Score Entry AE(L) | 17 | PC + SSC |
| GATE Score Entry AE(M) | 9 | PC + SSC |
AFCAT Officer Salary Structure and Defence Career Benefits
Officers selected through AFCAT 02/2026 are commissioned as Flying Officers and receive a competitive pay package backed by the 7th CPC structure. The starting basic pay is in Pay Level 10 (Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500) plus Military Service Pay and branch-specific allowances.
| Salary Component | Details |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Starting) | Rs 56,100 |
| Pay Matrix Level | Level 10 (Rs 56,100 – Rs 1,77,500) |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | Rs 15,500 |
| Stipend During Training | Rs 56,100 per month |
| Branch Allowances | Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Field Area Allowance |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per current Central Government rates |
| HRA & Transport Allowance | Based on city classification |
Apart from salary, Indian Air Force officers receive professional growth opportunities, defence service prestige, accommodation benefits, medical facilities, and allowances depending on branch and posting location.
Important Links for AFCAT 2 2026 Online Form and Application Details
Candidates should carefully read all eligibility conditions and application instructions before filling out the AFCAT online application form. The recruitment process is conducted completely in online mode.
| Details | Link |
|---|---|
| Official Notification | Download AFCAT Notification |
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Website |
| IAF Website | IAF Official Website |
AFCAT 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria for Graduates and Engineers
Candidates must fulfill all eligibility conditions before applying for AFCAT 2 2026 recruitment. Applications can be rejected at any stage if eligibility requirements are not satisfied.
Nationality
Applicants must be citizens of India.
Age Limit for Flying Branch
- 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027
- Born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007
- Commercial Pilot License holders get relaxation up to 26 years
Age Limit for Ground Duty Branches
- 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027
- Born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007
Educational Qualification for Flying Branch
- Graduation degree of minimum 3 years
- BE/B.Tech degree
- AMIE/ASI qualification
Educational Qualification for Technical Branch
Candidates should possess a four-year engineering degree in eligible disciplines mentioned in the notification PDF. Major streams include Computer Science Engineering, Artificial Intelligence and Data Science, Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Robotics and Automation, and Information Technology.
Educational Qualification for Non-Technical Branches
Different qualifications are applicable for Administration and Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, and Weapon Systems Branch. Final year students without current backlog are also eligible subject to conditions mentioned in the notification.
AFCAT 2 2026 Selection Process for Indian Air Force Officer Recruitment
The AFCAT selection process is designed to evaluate candidates on academic ability, reasoning skills, personality, and officer-like qualities.
- Online AFCAT Written Examination
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are exempted from the AFCAT written exam and are directly called for AFSB testing.
AFCAT 2 2026 Exam Pattern and Marking Scheme
Candidates preparing for AFCAT 2026 should understand the latest exam pattern and negative marking rules before starting preparation.
| Subject | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Maximum Marks | 300 |
| Language | English Only |
| Question Type | Objective Type |
Subjects Included in AFCAT Exam
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test
AFCAT Marking Scheme
- +3 marks for each correct answer
- -1 mark for each wrong answer
- No marks for unanswered questions
AFCAT 2 2026 Important Dates for Online Application and Exam
Candidates interested in Air Force officer recruitment should complete the application process before the deadline to avoid last-minute technical issues.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification Release | May 2026 |
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 04 August 2026 |
| AFCAT 2 2026 Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 2 2026 Recruitment
Candidates must submit the AFCAT online application through the official website only.
- Visit the AFCAT official website
- Complete registration using email ID and mobile number
- Verify OTP sent to mobile and email
- Fill personal and educational details
- Upload photograph, signature, and thumb impression
- Select branch preferences carefully
- Pay the application fee online
- Submit the application form
- Download and print the final application form
Candidates should carefully verify all entered details before final submission because edits are not allowed after submission.
AFCAT 2 2026 Application Fee Details
The AFCAT application fee must be paid online through debit card, credit card, UPI, or net banking.
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
| GATE Score Entry | No Fee |
The fee is non-refundable under all circumstances.
About AFCAT Officer Careers in the Indian Air Force
Joining the Indian Air Force through AFCAT offers candidates an opportunity to serve the nation while building a respected professional career. Officers in Flying and Ground Duty branches receive specialized training and work in highly disciplined technical and operational environments.
The AFCAT recruitment process attracts graduates and engineers from across India who aspire to work in defence services with leadership responsibilities. Technical branches especially provide opportunities for candidates from modern engineering fields such as Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Computer Science, Electronics, and Mechanical Engineering.
Final Word
AFCAT 2 2026 recruitment is a valuable opportunity for graduates and engineering aspirants aiming for a defence officer career in the Indian Air Force. Candidates should carefully review the official eligibility conditions and complete the online application before the closing date.
Those preparing for AFCAT 2026 should begin exam preparation early by understanding the syllabus, exam pattern, and branch requirements. Wishing all aspirants success in their AFCAT journey and future career in the Indian Air Force.