Indian Air Force AFCAT 02/2026 Online Form

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced the AFCAT 02/2026 Notification, inviting online applications all eligible Male and Female candidates in India who wish to become Commissioned Officers in the IAF. So get ready to spread your wings and soar high in the Flying branch or gain a reputed position in the Technical or Admin branch.

The online registration will start from 20 th May 2026 and ends on 19 th June 2026. Candidates are requested not to delay and get themselves registered, as the online application window will be open for only 30 days. Apply online now at https://afcat.edcil.co.in/ before the deadline 11:30 PM on 19 th June 2026. 

AFCAT 02/2026 — Important Dates at a Glance

Mark these dates carefully. Missing any deadline means losing your chance to join the IAF this cycle.

AFCAT 02/2026 — Vacancy Details

The Indian Air Force has announced 142+ tentative vacancies for AFCAT 02/2026, distributed across the following branches and entry types:

Note: Both men and women candidates are eligible to apply. Vacancies for women are listed separately in the detailed official notification.

AFCAT 02/2026 — Eligibility Criteria

Nationality

Must be a citizen of India as defined by the Citizenship Act, 1955.

Candidates must be unmarried at the time the course starts. Marriage is not allowed during the training.

Age Limit(as on 01 July 2027)

Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry): 20-24 years – Born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007.

Flying Branch (with valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence): Age relaxation up to 26 years – Born between 02 Jul 2001 and 01 Jul 2007.

Ground Duty(Technical & Non Technical): 20-26 years- Born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007

Educational Qualifications

Flying Branch: 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (minimum 50% each) and a Graduation degree (any discipline) with minimum 60% marks, OR B.E./B.Tech with a minimum 60% marks from a recognised university.

Ground Duty (Technical): B.E./ B.Tech in appropriate Engineering disciplines (Mechanical/ Electrical/ Electronics/ Computer Science, etc.) from a recognised university with at least 60% marks.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation (in any discipline) with minimum 60% marks, OR Post-Graduation (in any discipline) from a recognised university.

GATE Score Entry (Ground Duty Technical): Valid GATE score in relevant engineering streams.

Application Fee & How to Pay

Application fee: ₹550 + 18% GST (non-refundable) for all applicable candidates.

NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt from the application fee.

Payment is accepted online via credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI.

How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Online Form

Complete your application with minimal to no errors by carefully following each of the steps below. Once submitted, no changes are allowed to branch preference or personal details.

• Visit the official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in/
• You will see on the homepage the link to ‘AFCAT 02/2026 Registration’.
• Enter ‘New User? Register here, and fill out basic registration to generate a Registration ID and password.
• Enter your login ID and password and provide your personal details, educational details, and branch choices.
• Upload scanned copies of your recent passport-size photograph, signature, and thumb impression. (JPG/JPEG).
• Type here your Aadhar Card (Enter the last 4 digits of your Aadhar Card) is needed to complete the registration. Aadhar is compulsory to complete the registration.
• Pay the application fee online and submit the application. Save the PDF that confirms the application.

Note: Candidates who are eligible for multiple entries (AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, or GATE Score Entry) are required to register separately for each entry type.

AFCAT 02/2026 Exam Pattern

• Mode: Online Computer-Based Test (CBT)
• Duration: 2 hours
• Total Marks: 300 marks
• Negative Marking: –1 mark for each incorrect answer
• Subjects: English, General Awareness, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude
• Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT): Additional test for Ground Duty Technical candidates only
• Expected Exam Date: 23 August 2026 (to be confirmed via official website and admit card)

AFCAT 02/2026 Selection Process

The AFCAT selection is a rigorous multi-stage process designed to identify the best candidates for commissioned officer roles:

• Stage 1 – AFCAT Written Examination (Online CBT qualifying test) for entry. It applies only to NCC Special Entry candidates.
• Stage 2 – AFSB Testing (Stage 1 – Screening): Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT). Candidates not clearing Stage 1 are eliminated.
• Stage 3 – AFSB Testing (Stage 2): Psychological tests, Group tests (GTO), & Personal interview by a group of senior IAF officers.
• Stage 4- CPSS(For Flying branch only): At IAF selection centres, this is a Computerised Pilot Selection System test. It is a compulsion for all flying branch applicants.
• Stage 5 – Medical: Performed at specific Air Force medical facilities.

Final Merit List: For all stages as per the performance in the entire process.

Documents Required for Application

• Valid Aadhaar Card (Last 4 digits required for registration)
• 10+2 Marksheet with Physics and Mathematics (for Flying Branch)
• Graduation / Engineering Degree Marksheets and Certificate
• Valid GATE Scorecard (for GATE Score Entry candidates)
• NCC ‘C’ Certificate (for NCC Special Entry candidates)
• Passport-size photograph, signature, and thumb impression (JPG/JPEG)
• PAN Card and SBI/nationalised bank account (required at time of joining)