AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 notification has been officially released by the Indian Air Force for candidates who want to join as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. This recruitment drive offers an excellent opportunity for both male and female candidates to serve the nation and build a prestigious career in the Indian Air Force. Interested applicants can apply online through the official AFCAT portal within the given application dates. The recruitment includes entries through AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry for courses commencing in July 2027.
| Important Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Recruitment Name | AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 |
| Organization | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Flying & Ground Duty Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Exam Date | 08 August 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 04 August 2026 |
| Application Fee | ₹550 + GST |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, AFSB, Medical Test |
| Salary | ₹56,100/- Starting Pay |
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 Years |
| Job Location | Across India |
AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 Vacancy Details
- Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 notification for multiple branches.
- Vacancies are available for both Men and Women candidates.
- Recruitment is being conducted for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches.
- Courses will commence from July 2027.
Flying Branch Vacancies
- SSC Men: 30 Posts
- SSC Women: 05 Posts
Ground Duty (Technical) Vacancies
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) – AE(L)
- PC Men: 02 Posts
- PC Women: 02 Posts
- SSC Men: 107 Posts
- SSC Women: 25 Posts
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) – AE(M)
- PC Men: 08 Posts
- PC Women: 02 Posts
- SSC Men: 52 Posts
- SSC Women: 13 Posts
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Vacancies
Weapon Systems (WS)
- SSC Men: 21 Posts
- SSC Women: 05 Posts
Administration
- SSC Men: 50 Posts
- SSC Women: 12 Posts
Logistics
- SSC Men: 04 Posts
- SSC Women: 02 Posts
Accounts
- SSC Men: 05 Posts
- SSC Women: 02 Posts
Education
- SSC Men: 01 Post
- SSC Women: 02 Posts
Meteorology
- SSC Men: 01 Post
- SSC Women: 02 Posts
NCC Special Entry
- 10% seats reserved from CDSE vacancies for PC.
- 10% seats reserved from AFCAT vacancies for SSC.
GATE Score Entry Vacancies
AE(L)
- PC Men: 01 Post
- PC Women: 01 Post
- SSC Men: 12 Posts
- SSC Women: 03 Posts
AE(M)
All vacancies are tentative and may change according to Indian Air Force requirements.
- PC Men: 01 Post
- PC Women: 01 Post
- SSC Men: 06 Posts
- SSC Women: 01 Post
AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 Age Limit
- The AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 age limit is different for Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches.
- Age will be calculated as on 01 July 2027.
Flying Branch Age Limit
- Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years.
- Applicants should be born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive).
Age Relaxation for CPL Holders
- Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA can apply up to 26 years of age.
- Such candidates should be born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007.
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Age Limit
- Candidates must be between 20 to 26 years.
- Applicants should be born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive).
Marital Status
- Candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement.
- Marriage is not permitted during the training period.
Important Points
Any mismatch in date of birth documents may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Date of birth mentioned in the 10th/Matriculation certificate will be accepted as final.
AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 Education and Qualification
Flying Branch Qualification
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Applicants must have one of the following qualifications:
- Graduation (minimum 3 years degree) in any discipline from a recognized university
- OR BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized university
- OR Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers or Aeronautical Society of India
Ground Duty (Technical) Qualification
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) – AE(L)
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Must have a 4-year Engineering/Technology degree in relevant disciplines such as:
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Artificial Intelligence & Data Science
- Cyber Security
- Instrumentation Engineering
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) – AE(M)
- Candidates must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- Must have a 4-year Engineering/Technology degree in relevant disciplines such as:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
- Industrial Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Mechatronics Engineering
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Qualification
Weapon Systems Branch
- 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics required.
- Graduation or BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized university.
Administration & Logistics
- Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
Accounts Branch
- B.Com degree
- OR BBA/BMS with Finance specialization
- OR Qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA
- OR B.Sc with Finance specialization
Education Branch
- Graduation and Post-Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university.
Meteorology Branch
- B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics
- OR Engineering degree in relevant streams such as Electronics, Computer Science, IT, or Mechanical Engineering.
Important Points
Candidates must submit proof of passing the qualifying degree within the prescribed timeline.
Final year students can also apply if they do not have any current backlog.
AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 Job Criteria
Nationality
- Candidate must be a Citizen of India.
Gender
- Both Male and Female candidates can apply.
Marital Status
- Candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement.
- Marriage is not allowed during training.
Age Criteria
Flying Branch
- Age: 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027.
Ground Duty Branches
- Age: 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027.
Educational Criteria
- Candidates must meet the required educational qualification for the selected branch.
- Flying Branch requires Physics and Mathematics in 10+2.
- Technical Branch requires relevant Engineering degree.
- Non-Technical Branch requires Graduation/Post-Graduation as per branch rules.
Physical & Medical Criteria
- Candidates must meet the Indian Air Force medical and physical standards.
- Vision, height, and fitness standards are mandatory.
Application Criteria
- Application mode is Online only.
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration.
Selection Criteria
- AFCAT Written Examination
- AFSB Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Important Criteria
- Final year students can apply if they have no current backlog.
- Candidates with criminal cases are not eligible.
- Candidates removed from defence academies for indiscipline cannot apply.
AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
- The AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 Selection Process consists of multiple stages.
- Candidates must qualify each stage to move to the next phase.
1. Online Written Examination
- Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must appear for the AFCAT online exam.
- The exam includes:
- General Awareness
- English Verbal Ability
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning & Military Aptitude
2. AFSB Interview
- Shortlisted candidates will be called for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview.
- The interview process includes:
- Officer Intelligence Test
- Picture Perception & Discussion Test
- Psychological Tests
- Group Tasks
- Personal Interview
3. Medical Examination
- Candidates who clear the AFSB interview must undergo a medical fitness test.
- Medical standards are checked according to Indian Air Force rules.
4. Final Merit List
- Final selection is based on:
- AFCAT Exam Performance
- AFSB Interview Marks
- Medical Fitness
- Availability of Vacancies
Important Points
- Candidates must clear every stage for final selection in the Indian Air Force.
- NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from the AFCAT written exam.
- Such candidates are directly called for the AFSB interview.
AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 Salary
- Candidates selected through AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 will receive attractive salary and allowances from the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT Salary Structure
- Selected candidates will receive salary as per the 7th Pay Commission.
- Pay Scale: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month (Level 10).
Military Service Pay (MSP)
- Officers will also receive Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500 per month.
Flying Branch Allowance
- Flying Branch officers are eligible for Flying Allowance.
Technical Branch Allowance
- Technical officers receive Technical Allowance as per IAF rules.
Additional Benefits
- Dearness Allowance (DA)
- Transport Allowance
- House Rent Allowance (HRA)
- Medical Facilities
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- Insurance Cover
- Pension benefits for Permanent Commission officers
Training Period Stipend
- During training, candidates receive a fixed stipend as decided by the Indian Air Force.
Career Growth
Officers receive regular promotions and salary increments based on rank and service period.
AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 Application Fee
- Candidates applying for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 must pay the application fee online.
Application Fee Details
- AFCAT Entry Fee: ₹550/- + 18% GST
- The fee is non-refundable.
Fee Exemption
- NCC Special Entry candidates do not need to pay the application fee.
- GATE Score Entry candidates are also exempted from the fee payment.
Payment Mode
Candidates can pay the fee through:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Important Points
- Candidates should keep the payment receipt and transaction details for future reference.
- No cash, cheque, or demand draft will be accepted.
- Application form will be submitted successfully only after fee payment confirmation.
AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: May 2026
- Online Application Start Date: 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM)
- Last Date to Apply Online: 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM)
- Last Date for Fee Payment: 19 June 2026
- AFCAT Admit Card Release Date: 04 August 2026
- AFCAT 2 2026 Exam Date: 08 August 2026 (Saturday)
- Course Commencement Date: July 2027
Important Points
- Late applications will not be accepted by the Indian Air Force.
- Candidates should complete the application form before the last date to avoid server issues.
- Admit card will be available only through online mode.
How to Apply (Step-by-Step Process) AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026
How to Apply for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026
Step 1: Visit Official Website
- Go to the official AFCAT website:
https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Step 2: Complete Registration
- Click on the AFCAT 02/2026 Registration link.
- Enter:
- Full Name
- Mobile Number
- Email ID
- Verify mobile number and email using OTP.
Step 3: Login to Account
- Use the generated User ID and Password to login.
Step 4: Fill Application Form
- Enter all required details carefully:
- Personal Details
- Communication Details
- Educational Qualification
- Course Preference
- Exam City Preference
Step 5: Upload Required Documents
Upload scanned copies of:
- Passport Size Photograph
- Signature
- Thumb Impression
Step 6: Preview Application Form
- Check all entered details carefully before final submission.
- No correction is allowed after final submission.
Step 7: Pay Application Fee
- Pay the application fee online through:
- Debit Card
- Credit Card
- Net Banking
- UPI
Step 8: Submit the Form
- After successful fee payment, submit the application form online.
Step 9: Print Application Form
- Download and print the final submitted application form for future use.
Important Points
- Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration.
- Candidates should apply before the last date to avoid server issues.
- Only online applications will be accepted.
Interested Candidates Can Read the Full Notification Before Applying Online
| Website Link | Official Website |
| Download PDF | Click Here |
| Apply Now | Click Here |
| Job Update | More Jobs Update |
FAQ – AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026
Q1. What is the application start date for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026?
The online application process started on 20 May 2026.
Q2. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026?
The last date to submit the online application form is 19 June 2026.
Q3. What is the AFCAT 2 2026 exam date?
The AFCAT 2 2026 examination will be conducted on 08 August 2026.
Q4. Who can apply for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026?
Both Male and Female Indian citizens who meet the eligibility criteria can apply.
Q5. What is the qualification required for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026?
Candidates must have passed Graduation or Engineering degree from a recognized university.
