Indian Air Force AFCAT Entry Commissioned Officers 2026 145+ Vacancy Notification
IAF AFCAT Entry Recruitment 2026: 145 SSC Posts
Advertisement AFCAT 02/2026: SSC on 19 June 2026 at New Delhi Campus
AFCAT Entry recruitment under the Indian Air Force released Advertisement AFCAT 02/2026 on 16 May 2026 for 145 Short Service Commission posts across Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical services. The vacancy structure includes 35 Flying Branch posts, 26 Weapon Systems posts, 62 Administration posts, 6 Logistics posts, 7 Accounts posts, 3 Education posts, and 3 Meteorology posts. Ground Duty Technical branch vacancies are available separately in the detailed cycle notification. Online applications opened on 02 May 2026 and remain active until 19 June 2026 through the AFCAT portal. The recruitment process operates under Indian Air Force commissioning regulations for July 2027 courses across India.
Flying Branch applications require ages between 20 and 24 years, while Ground Duty branches permit candidates up to 26 years as on 01 July 2027. Graduation with 60% marks applies for Administration, Logistics, and Flying branches, B.Com qualification applies for Accounts, and postgraduate qualifications apply for Meteorology and Education services. Category-wise reservation figures were not published in the Employment News advertisement issued during May 2026. Selection stages include AFCAT written examination, AFSB testing, medical examination, and merit preparation before joining commissioned training. Monthly stipend during the training period remains ₹56,100 for all branches. Short Service Commission tenure begins with 10 years and remains extendable by 4 additional years after commissioning.
| Particulars | Details — IAF Notification |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release Date | 16 May 2026 |
| Advertisement Number | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Recruitment Authority | Indian Air Force |
| Post Name | AFCAT Entry Commissioned Officers |
| Total Vacancies | 145 Posts |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Selection Process | AFCAT Exam, AFSB Interview, Medical Test, Merit List |
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 Years |
| Monthly Stipend | ₹56,100 (All Branches) |
| Job Location | Across India |
IAF AFCAT Entry 2026: Key Dates and Fee Details
Advt AFCAT 02/2026: Last Date 19 June 2026
Online applications started on 02 May 2026 and close on 19 June 2026 at 23:30 hours. AFCAT Entry applicants must pay ₹550 plus GST through online payment gateway facilities available on the official AFCAT portal during registration and submission stages.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Advertisement Release Date | 16 May 2026 |
| Application Start Date | 02 May 2026 |
| Application Last Date | 19 June 2026 |
| Age Calculation Date | 01 July 2027 |
Application Fees
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| General / UR | ₹550 + GST |
| OBC / BC | ₹550 + GST |
| SC / ST | ₹550 + GST |
| EWS | ₹550 + GST |
| Women | ₹550 + GST |
| Payment Mode | Online Payment Gateway |
AFCAT Entry 2026: Vacancy Details and Eligibility
AFCAT Entry 2026: Vacancy Breakdown & Eligibility Guide
Indian Air Force announced 145 AFCAT Entry vacancies for July 2027 courses. Flying Branch includes 35 vacancies under Short Service Commission entries. Administration branch carries 62 vacancies across notified Ground Duty Non-Technical services. Weapon Systems branch contains 26 vacancies for eligible technical stream applicants. Logistics branch includes 6 vacancies under operational support and supply management. Accounts branch offers 7 vacancies for commerce and finance qualified candidates. Education branch includes 3 vacancies requiring postgraduate educational qualifications. Meteorology branch provides 3 vacancies under specialized atmospheric science disciplines. Ground Duty Technical vacancies remain separately published within the detailed notification. Online applications remain active until 19 June 2026 through AFCAT registration portals. Graduation with 60% marks remains mandatory for several notified branches. Meteorology and Education branches require postgraduate qualifications from recognized Indian universities.
Vacancy Details (Category Wise Breakup)
| Post Name | Total | Men | Women |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 35 | 5 | 30 |
| Weapon Systems | 26 | 21 | 5 |
| Administration | 62 | 50 | 12 |
| Logistics | 6 | 4 | 2 |
| Accounts | 7 | 5 | 2 |
| Education | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Meteorology | 3 | 1 | 2 |
| Total Vacancies | 142 | 87 | 55 |
Note: Scroll horizontally to view all category columns →
Eligibility Criteria
| Post Name | Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch |
Education: Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks and Physics with Mathematics at 10+2 level, or BE/B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks. Age Limit: 20 to 24 Years (As on 01 July 2027) Additional Requirement: Valid Commercial Pilot License holders receive upper age relaxation up to 26 years. |
| Weapon Systems |
Education: Graduation or technical qualification as prescribed in detailed AFCAT 02/2026 notification. Age Limit: 20 to 26 Years (As on 01 July 2027) |
| Administration |
Education: Graduate degree with minimum 60% aggregate marks from recognized university. Age Limit: 20 to 26 Years (As on 01 July 2027) |
| Logistics |
Education: Graduation degree with minimum 60% aggregate marks from recognized institution. Age Limit: 20 to 26 Years (As on 01 July 2027) |
| Accounts |
Education: Bachelor of Commerce with minimum 60% aggregate marks from recognized university. Age Limit: 20 to 26 Years (As on 01 July 2027) |
| Education |
Education: Postgraduate degree with minimum 50% marks and Graduation with minimum 60% marks. Age Limit: 20 to 26 Years (As on 01 July 2027) |
| Meteorology |
Education: Postgraduate degree in Meteorology, Physics, Mathematics, Geography, Statistics, or Environmental Science with minimum 50% aggregate marks. Age Limit: 20 to 26 Years (As on 01 July 2027) |
AFCAT Entry 2026: Exam Pattern & Category-Wise Age Relaxation
AFCAT Entry 2026: Selection Stages & Age Eligibility Guide
AFCAT Entry exam pattern 2026 includes multiple selection stages for officer recruitment. Written examination remains the first screening stage for AFCAT applicants nationwide. NCC Special Entry candidates directly attend AFSB selection procedures without written tests. You'll face reasoning, English, numerical ability, and general awareness sections. Each AFCAT paper contains objective questions with negative marking provisions. AFSB testing includes psychological assessment, group activities, and personal interviews. Medical examination follows successful completion of all earlier assessment rounds nationwide. Category-wise age relaxation remains limited under official Indian Air Force recruitment regulations. Flying Branch applicants require ages between 20 and 24 years. Ground Duty branches permit candidates up to 26 years before commissioning eligibility. It's beneficial focusing on reasoning and English subjects during preparation stages. Commercial Pilot License holders receive additional upper age concessions under notified rules.
Exam Pattern / Selection Stages
| Stage | Details |
|---|---|
| Stage I |
|
| Stage II |
|
| Stage III |
|
| Stage IV |
|
Category Wise Age Relaxation
| Category | Age Relaxation | Maximum Age |
|---|---|---|
| General / UR | No Relaxation | 24 Years (Flying) / 26 Years (Ground Duty) |
| OBC / BC | As per government norms | As per official notification |
| SC / ST | As per government norms | As per official notification |
| PwBD / PH | As per government norms | As per official notification |
| Ex-Servicemen | As per government norms | As per official notification |
| Commercial Pilot License Holders | 2 Years | 26 Years (Flying Branch) |
Important: Always check the official Indian Air Force notification 2026 for exact age calculation and exam pattern updates.
AFCAT Entry 2026: Job Profile & Salary Structure
AFCAT Entry 2026: Salary Structure & Career Guide
AFCAT Entry salary structure 2026 includes commissioned officer pay and allowances. Flying Branch officers handle operational aircraft missions and combat readiness responsibilities nationwide. Ground Duty officers manage logistics, administration, accounts, education, and meteorology services. You'll receive Military Service Pay alongside monthly officer salary structures. Technical officers supervise aircraft systems, maintenance planning, and operational engineering support. Weapon Systems officers coordinate airborne tactical systems and mission deployment operations. It's beneficial checking city allowances before calculating monthly in-hand salary estimates. Training period stipend remains ₹56,100 for all selected officer trainees. Commissioned officers receive accommodation, medical facilities, and transport allowance benefits nationwide. Career growth opportunities include departmental promotions after completed commissioned service periods. Flying Officer rank falls under Level 10 pay matrix structures. Permanent Commission opportunities remain available according to organizational requirements and vacancies. Additional insurance benefits apply during active service and training periods.
Job Profile & Responsibilities
| Responsibility | Details |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch Duties | Operate fighter, transport, and helicopter aircraft during commissioned service assignments across India. |
| Weapon Systems Operations | Manage airborne tactical systems, mission coordination, and operational combat support activities. |
| Administration Services | Supervise personnel management, documentation control, and station administration responsibilities. |
| Logistics Management | Handle supply chain operations, equipment movement, and inventory support systems. |
| Accounts Responsibilities | Maintain financial records, audit coordination, and defense accounting operations. |
| Education Branch Work | Conduct academic instruction, training programs, and educational administration assignments. |
| Meteorology Services | Analyze atmospheric conditions, weather forecasting, and aviation meteorological support operations. |
| Technical Branch Operations | Supervise aircraft engineering maintenance and technical system performance management. |
Salary Details
| Pay Level / Type | Pay Matrix Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) |
| Monthly Basic Pay | ₹56,100 during commissioned service training and Flying Officer appointment |
| Allowances | Military Service Pay ₹15,500, Dearness Allowance, Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance |
| Job Location | Air Force Stations and Training Establishments Across India |
| Career Growth | Eligible for departmental promotions and Permanent Commission opportunities after commissioned service tenure |
AFCAT Entry 2026: Syllabus & Online Application Guide
AFCAT Entry 2026: Preparation Syllabus & Application Guide
AFCAT Entry syllabus 2026 includes reasoning, English, mathematics, and awareness sections. Numerical ability topics include ratio, speed, distance, percentage, and time calculations. General awareness sections cover defense affairs, history, geography, and current events. You'll answer objective questions carrying negative marking during AFCAT written examinations nationwide. English syllabus contains grammar, vocabulary, comprehension, and sentence completion exercises. Reasoning sections evaluate verbal reasoning, spatial ability, and analytical problem-solving skills. It's useful preparing high-weightage reasoning topics before attempting advanced numerical sections. Exam topics and marking scheme remain important during competitive preparation stages. How to apply online for Indian Air Force begins through AFCAT portals. Document uploads require photograph, signature, qualification certificates, and identification records. Online registration remains active until 19 June 2026 through official recruitment portals. Final application submission generates printable confirmation records for future recruitment stages nationwide.
Syllabus
| Subject | Topics Covered |
|---|---|
| English |
• Grammar • Vocabulary • Comprehension • Sentence Completion • Error Detection |
| General Awareness |
• History • Geography • Polity • Current Affairs • Defence Awareness |
| Numerical Ability |
• Ratio and Proportion • Profit and Loss • Time and Distance • Percentage • Time and Work |
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude |
• Verbal Reasoning • Non-Verbal Reasoning • Analytical Ability • Spatial Ability • Logical Sequences |
How to Fill Application Form
| Step 1 | Visit the AFCAT official portal at afcat.cdac.in for online registration access. |
| Step 2 | Read AFCAT 02/2026 notification details before beginning the application process. |
| Step 3 | Register using valid email address and active mobile communication number. |
| Step 4 | Fill personal, educational, and branch preference details carefully during form completion. |
| Step 5 | Upload photograph, signature, and qualification documents in prescribed digital format. |
| Step 6 | Pay ₹550 plus GST through available online payment gateway facilities. |
| Step 7 | Submit the completed AFCAT application before 19 June 2026 closing schedule. |
| Step 8 | Print the submitted application form and payment receipt for future verification stages. |
AFCAT Entry Recruitment 2026: Selection Mode & Essential Documents
AFCAT Entry 2026: Selection Stages & Verification Guide
AFCAT Entry selection process 2026 includes multiple screening and verification stages nationwide. Written examination remains compulsory for AFCAT applicants across notified commissioned officer branches. NCC Special Entry candidates directly appear before Air Force Selection Board panels. You'll face psychological tests, group activities, and officer intelligence assessments during AFSB. Medical examination occurs at AFCME or Institute of Aviation Medicine centres. Document verification checklist includes educational certificates, photographs, and identification proof documents. It's beneficial keeping multiple photocopy sets before verification and interview reporting stages. Required certificates for recruitment include graduation records and age proof documents. Category certificates remain necessary for applicable reservation and relaxation benefit claims. Current government employees require No Objection Certificate during document verification procedures. Final merit preparation depends upon examination performance, AFSB assessment, and medical fitness. Training commencement for selected candidates begins during July 2027 commissioned officer courses.
Mode of Selection
| Stage I | AFCAT Written Examination covering English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning sections. |
| Stage II | Air Force Selection Board testing including Officer Intelligence Rating and Psychological Assessment. |
| Stage III | Group Tasks, Personal Interview, and Communication Assessment during AFSB evaluation stages. |
| Stage IV | Medical Examination at AFCME or Institute of Aviation Medicine authorized centres. |
| Stage V | Document Verification and Merit Preparation based on branch vacancies and performance. |
| Final Selection | Based on Merit and Document Verification |
Documents Required
| Personal Identity Documents | |
| [Aadhaar Card] | Government issued identity proof for verification and registration records |
| [PAN Card] | Identity verification document during selection and joining procedures |
| Passport Size Photograph | Recent colour photograph in prescribed digital upload format |
| Candidate Signature | Scanned signature for online registration and verification records |
| Educational Documents | |
| Class 10 Marksheet | Age proof and educational qualification verification document |
| Class 12 Marksheet | Physics and Mathematics qualification verification for Flying Branch eligibility |
| Graduation Degree Certificate | Degree completion proof from recognized university or institution |
| Postgraduate Certificate | Meteorology and Education branch qualification verification records |
| School Leaving Certificate | Date of birth and academic history verification document |
| Category/Caste Documents | |
| SC/ST Certificate | Reservation and category relaxation verification document |
| OBC-NCL Certificate | Non Creamy Layer certificate in prescribed government format |
| EWS Certificate | Economically Weaker Section certificate issued by competent authority |
| PwBD Certificate | Disability certificate for applicable relaxation and reservation benefits |
| Miscellaneous Documents | |
| No Objection Certificate | Mandatory for currently employed government or public sector applicants |
| NCC Certificate | Required for NCC Special Entry applicants during AFSB verification |
| Commercial Pilot License | Required for Flying Branch age relaxation eligibility claims |
| Experience Certificate | Supporting employment or technical experience verification document |
AFCAT Entry 2026: Official Links & Social Media Updates
Official Recruitment Links
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
Join Our Job Community
| Follow On Facebook | Subscribe Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Now |
| Follow on Twitter | Follow Updates |
| Medium | Follow Us |
| Save Post | |
| Bitly | Government Jobs |
AFCAT Entry Recruitment 2026: Selection Mode & Essential Documents
AFCAT Entry 2026: Selection Stages & Verification Guide
AFCAT Entry selection process 2026 includes multiple screening and verification stages nationwide. Written examination remains compulsory for AFCAT applicants across notified commissioned officer branches. NCC Special Entry candidates directly appear before Air Force Selection Board panels. You'll face psychological tests, group activities, and officer intelligence assessments during AFSB. Medical examination occurs at AFCME or Institute of Aviation Medicine centres. Document verification checklist includes educational certificates, photographs, and identification proof documents. It's beneficial keeping multiple photocopy sets before verification and interview reporting stages. Required certificates for recruitment include graduation records and age proof documents. Category certificates remain necessary for applicable reservation and relaxation benefit claims. Current government employees require No Objection Certificate during document verification procedures. Final merit preparation depends upon examination performance, AFSB assessment, and medical fitness. Training commencement for selected candidates begins during July 2027 commissioned officer courses.
Mode of Selection
| Stage I | AFCAT Written Examination covering English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning sections. |
| Stage II | Air Force Selection Board testing including Officer Intelligence Rating and Psychological Assessment. |
| Stage III | Group Tasks, Personal Interview, and Communication Assessment during AFSB evaluation stages. |
| Stage IV | Medical Examination at AFCME or Institute of Aviation Medicine authorized centres. |
| Stage V | Document Verification and Merit Preparation based on branch vacancies and performance. |
| Final Selection | Based on Merit and Document Verification |
Documents Required
| Personal Identity Documents | |
| [Aadhaar Card] | Government issued identity proof for verification and registration records |
| [PAN Card] | Identity verification document during selection and joining procedures |
| Passport Size Photograph | Recent colour photograph in prescribed digital upload format |
| Candidate Signature | Scanned signature for online registration and verification records |
| Educational Documents | |
| Class 10 Marksheet | Age proof and educational qualification verification document |
| Class 12 Marksheet | Physics and Mathematics qualification verification for Flying Branch eligibility |
| Graduation Degree Certificate | Degree completion proof from recognized university or institution |
| Postgraduate Certificate | Meteorology and Education branch qualification verification records |
| School Leaving Certificate | Date of birth and academic history verification document |
| Category/Caste Documents | |
| SC/ST Certificate | Reservation and category relaxation verification document |
| OBC-NCL Certificate | Non Creamy Layer certificate in prescribed government format |
| EWS Certificate | Economically Weaker Section certificate issued by competent authority |
| PwBD Certificate | Disability certificate for applicable relaxation and reservation benefits |
| Miscellaneous Documents | |
| No Objection Certificate | Mandatory for currently employed government or public sector applicants |
| NCC Certificate | Required for NCC Special Entry applicants during AFSB verification |
| Commercial Pilot License | Required for Flying Branch age relaxation eligibility claims |
| Experience Certificate | Supporting employment or technical experience verification document |
AFCAT Entry 2026: Official Links & Social Media Updates
Official Recruitment Links
| Download Notification | Click Here |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
| Apply Online | Apply Online |
Join Our Job Community
| Follow On Facebook | Subscribe Here |
| Join Telegram Channel | Join Now |
| Follow on Twitter | Follow Updates |
| Medium | Follow Us |
| Save Post | |
| Bitly | Government Jobs |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026
What is the last date for AFCAT Entry Recruitment 2026 online application?
Actually, the Indian Air Force 2026 Online Link remains active until 19 June 2026, 11:30 PM. The AFCAT Entry application process started on 02 May 2026 through afcat.cdac.in for Flying Branch and Ground Duty Commissioned Officer vacancies.
How much application fee must I pay for AFCAT 02/2026?
As per the official rules for 2026, AFCAT Entry applicants must pay ₹550 plus GST through the online payment gateway. NCC Special Entry candidates are generally exempted from written examination fee payment requirements during registration.
Can I get age relaxation in this Indian Air Force Hiring 2026?
Actually, Flying Branch applicants require ages between 20 and 24 years, while Ground Duty branches permit up to 26 years. Commercial Pilot License holders receive additional upper age relaxation for Flying Branch eligibility under AFCAT 02/2026 notification rules.
Can final year students apply for AFCAT Entry Commissioned Officer posts?
Actually, final year students may apply provisionally if qualifying degree results are submitted before the prescribed training commencement deadlines. Graduation with 60% marks remains mandatory for several AFCAT Entry branches notified during the 2026 recruitment cycle.
What are the selection stages in AFCAT Entry Recruitment 2026?
As per the official process for 2026, selection includes AFCAT written examination, Air Force Selection Board testing, psychological assessment, medical examination, and final merit preparation. NCC Special Entry applicants directly attend AFSB interviews without appearing in the written examination stage.
Is there negative marking in the AFCAT Job Opening 2026 examination?
Actually, the AFCAT written examination includes negative marking for incorrect objective responses. The exam covers English, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Numerical Ability sections. Candidates preparing for AFCAT Entry 2026 should attempt questions carefully during online examination sessions.
Can I appear for the AFCAT exam in Hindi language?
Actually, AFCAT examination papers are generally conducted in English language format because Air Force operational communication uses English during training and commissioned service. Candidates preparing for AFCAT Entry 2026 should maintain strong English comprehension and grammar preparation levels.
What salary will selected AFCAT Commissioned Officers receive?
As per the official salary structure for 2026, selected officers receive ₹56,100 basic pay under Pay Matrix Level 10. Additional benefits include Military Service Pay, Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Dearness Allowance, accommodation, and medical facilities during commissioned service.
Where will selected candidates work after this Indian Air Force Notification 2026?
Actually, selected AFCAT Entry officers may receive postings at Air Force Stations, operational units, and training establishments across India. The Indian Air Force maintains transferable service conditions depending upon branch requirements, operational duties, and organizational deployment policies.
Which documents are required during AFCAT document verification?
As per the official verification process for 2026, candidates require Class 10 and 12 marksheets, graduation certificates, Aadhaar Card, passport photographs, category certificates, and NCC certificates where applicable. OBC-NCL and EWS certificates must remain valid during verification stages.
Can women candidates apply for AFCAT Entry 2026 vacancies?
Actually, women candidates can apply for Flying Branch, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, and Weapon Systems vacancies under AFCAT 02/2026. The notification includes 55 vacancies reserved for women applicants across notified commissioned officer branches.
Can I edit my AFCAT Hiring 2026 application after final submission?
Actually, modifications become possible only if the Indian Air Force activates a correction facility after the closing schedule. Most AFCAT Entry forms cannot be edited after final submission, therefore personal details, photographs, and educational qualifications require careful verification before confirmation.
Is there any physical or skill test in AFCAT Entry Recruitment 2026?
As per the official physical standards for 2026, candidates should complete 1.6 km running in 10 minutes, 10 push-ups, and 3 chin-ups. Medical fitness and physical conditioning assessments continue throughout commissioned officer training periods.
What should I do if my AFCAT application payment fails?
Actually, failed online payments generally update automatically within banking settlement periods. Candidates should avoid multiple fee transactions immediately after payment failure. The AFCAT 2026 Online Link allows candidates to verify transaction status using registered login credentials.
What career growth opportunities are available after AFCAT selection?
As per Indian Air Force service rules, commissioned officers receive promotion opportunities through departmental evaluations and service performance. Short Service Commission tenure begins with 10 years and may extend by 4 additional years based on organizational requirements and eligibility.
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