IAF AFCAT 2 2026 Notification – Apply Online for Group A Gazetted Officer Posts, Eligibility, Last Date
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the recruitment notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/2026). This presents a golden opportunity for unmarried Indian citizens (both men and women) to join the elite force as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers.
Eligible candidates can apply for various roles across the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Below, we have compiled all the essential details regarding the AFCAT 2 2026 notification, including key dates, eligibility criteria, exam patterns, salary structure, and application procedures.
AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates
Staying updated with the official timeline is crucial for aspirants. Mark your calendar with the following important dates for the AFCAT 2 2026 recruitment cycle:
- Online Application Start Date: May 20, 2026 (From 11:00 AM)
- Online Application Last Date: June 19, 2026 (Until 11:30 PM)
- AFCAT 2 2026 Online Exam Date: August 08, 2026 (Saturday)
- Course Commencement Date: July 2027
IAF AFCAT 2026 Branch-Wise Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force recruits officers through multiple entry schemes. The vacancies are distributed across key operational and administrative branches:
Flying Branch: Short Service Commission (SSC) openings are available for both Men and Women, offering a total of 35 vacancies.
Ground Duty (Technical): Technical roles require specialized qualifications in Aeronautical Engineering. This branch is divided into Electronics {AE(L)} and Mechanical {AE(M)} subdivisions.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Non-technical administrative roles are spread across Weapon Systems (WS), Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, and Meteorology branches.
Note: Candidates applying via the NCC Special Entry or the GATE Score Entry schemes are completely exempted from the written exam. They will be shortlisted directly for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview process.
Complete Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 2 2026
To be considered for the selection process, applicants must fulfill the strict age and educational benchmarks set by the Indian Air Force as of July 01, 2027.
1. Age Limit & Marital Status
- Flying Branch: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years old (born between July 02, 2003, and July 01, 2007, both dates inclusive). Applicants holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by the DGCA receive an upper age relaxation up to 26 years.
- Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech): The required age profile is 20 to 26 years old (born between July 02, 2001, and July 01, 2007, both dates inclusive).
- Marital Status: All candidates must be strictly Unmarried at the time of commencement of the training course.
2. Educational Qualifications
- Flying & Weapon Systems (WS): Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Intermediate) with a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics. Additionally, a graduation degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or a B.E/B.Tech degree with a minimum of 60% marks is mandatory.
- Ground Duty (Technical): Minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, alongside a 4-year graduation or integrated post-graduation degree in Engineering or Technology fields with an aggregate score of at least 60%.
- Accounts Branch: Applicants must possess a Graduation degree in Commerce (B.Com) / BBA / BMS (with a specialization in Finance) or be a qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA, with an overall score of at least 60% marks.
AFCAT 2 2026 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
The selection process features a highly competitive Computer Based Test (CBT) conducted entirely in the English language. Understanding the structure of the exam is paramount for clearing the cutoff:
- Total Number of Questions: 100 Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
- Maximum Marks: 300 Marks
- Exam Duration: 2 Hours (120 Minutes)
- Negative Marking Scheme: Yes. For every correct response, 3 marks are awarded. For every incorrect response, 1 mark is deducted. Unattempted questions receive no marks.
Section-Wise Syllabus Overview
- English: Comprehension, Error Detection, Sentence Completion, Synonyms, Antonyms, Vocabulary, Idioms, and Phrases.
- General Awareness: History, Geography, Civics, Politics, Current Affairs, Defence news, Art, Culture, Sports, and Environmental Science.
- Numerical Ability: Decimal Fractions, Time & Work, Average, Profit & Loss, Percentage, Ratio & Proportion, Simple Interest, Time, Speed & Distance.
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude: Verbal reasoning skills, Spatial ability, Analogy, Odd one out, Venn Diagrams, and Missing figures.
Physical and Medical Standards
Candidates must maintain peak physical condition to qualify through the medical boards of the Indian Air Force:
• Minimum Height Requirements:
- Flying Branch: 162.5 cm for both men and women (with specific metrics for sitting height and leg length).
- Ground Duty Branches: 157.5 cm for Men and 152 cm for Women.
- Visual Standards: Must have 6/6 vision in the better eye for the Flying Branch. Strict criteria apply regarding past LASIK eye surgeries or corrective lenses depending on the opted branch.
- Permanent Body Tattoos: Permanent tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of the forearms and the back of the palm. Customized relaxations are provided to tribal candidates following distinct community traditions.
Salary Structure, Allowances, and Career Benefits
Upon successful completion of institutional training, cadets are commissioned directly into the rank of Flying Officer.
Pay Scale: Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500).
Military Service Pay (MSP): A fixed sum of ₹15,500 per month.
Starting Gross Package: Together with allowances like Dearness Allowance (DA), Kit Maintenance Allowance, and Transport Allowance, the initial in-hand salary ranges between ₹85,000 to ₹1,00,000+ per month based on the location of posting.
Additional Perks: Comprehensive Life Insurance coverage of ₹1.10 Crores, free medical care for self and dependents, CSD Canteen privileges, furnished accommodation, and up to 80 days of paid annual/casual leave every year.
AFCAT Online Application Fee
Examination Fee: An online test fee of ₹550/- plus 18% GST is applicable to candidates registering via the regular entry. The fee is completely non-refundable.
Exemptions: Candidates applying through the NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry schemes are completely exempt from paying any examination fee.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 2 2026?
Eligible and interested candidates can complete their registrations on the official online portal by following these steps:
Visit the official Indian Air Force recruitment website at https://afcat.edcil.co.in.
Navigate to the ‘Candidate Login’ section and fill out the new user registration form.
Login using your newly generated credentials and fill in your personal, educational, and contact details.
Upload clear, scanned copies of your passport-sized photograph, signature, and left thumb impression.
(Ensure you have a valid Aadhaar Card number ready, as it is a mandatory requirement).
Complete the application process by paying the exam fee via credit card, debit card, or net banking.
Submit your final application form and download a printout of the confirmation page for your future reference.
FAQs
What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 2 2026?
The last date is June-19 -2026
What is the salary of AFCAT officers?
The stating salary is around Rs 85000 er month
Is there Negative marking in AFCT?
Yes, 1 mark is deducted for every wrong answer.
Important Links
Conclusion
A career in the Indian Air Force offers an unparalleled blend of adventure, professional growth, honour, and patriotism. If you meet the mentioned eligibility benchmarks, ensure you register early on the portal to avoid any last-minute server bottlenecks. Start organizing your preparation schedule today to successfully crack the AFCAT 2 2026 exam!
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