The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for AFCAT 02/2026 (Air Force Common Admission Test), inviting applications from Indian citizens (men and women) for Short Service Commission (SSC) and Permanent Commission (PC) in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches. Courses will commence in July 2027. Applications are also invited under NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch) and GATE Score Entry (Ground Duty Technical).
Applications are invited through three entries:
- AFCAT Entry
- NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch)
- GATE Score Entry (Ground Duty Technical Branch)
Total Tentative Vacancies: 379
IAF Recruitment 2026 Important Dates
- Online Registration Start: 20 May 2026 (1100 hrs)
- Last Date to Apply: 19 June 2026 (2330 hrs)
- AFCAT Exam Date: 08 August 2026 (Saturday)
- Courses Commencing: July 2027
- Training Start: First week of July 2027 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad
Official Website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
IAF Recruitment 2026 Vacancies (Tentative)
| Entry | Branch | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | - | - | 30 | 5 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) AE(L) & AE(M) | AE(L): 2 AE(M): 8 | AE(L): 2 AE(M): 2 | AE(L): 107 AE(M): 52 | AE(L): 25 AE(M): 13 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | - | - | WS: 21, Adm: 50, Lgs: 4, Accts: 5, Edn: 1, Met: 1 | WS: 5, Adm: 12, Lgs: 2, Accts: 2, Edn: 2, Met: 2 |
| GATE Score Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) AE(L) & AE(M) | AE(L): 1 AE(M): 1 | AE(L): 1 AE(M): 1 | AE(L):12 AE(M):6 | AE(L): 3 AE(M): 1 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 10% of PC vacancies | - | 10% of SSC vacancies | - |
Note: Vacancies are tentative and subject to change. Two seats reserved in Ground Duty (Non-Tech) for Law-qualified candidates. Actual intake depends on organizational requirements.
IAF Recruitment 2026 Type of Commission
- Permanent Commission (PC) : For Men & Women, Serve till superannuation.
- Short Service Commission (SSC) :
- Flying Branch : 14 years.
- Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech) : Initial 10 years + possible 4-year extension.
- PC may be granted later based on service needs, merit, and vacancies.
- SSC officers are not entitled to pension.
Age Limit (as on 01 July 2027)
- Flying Branch : 20–24 years (born 02 Jul 2003 to 01 Jul 2007). Upper age up to 26 years (born 02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007) for candidates with valid & current DGCA Commercial Pilot License.
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) : 20–26 years (born 02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007).
Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the commencement of the course. Marriage is not permitted during training.
IAF Recruitment 2026 Educational Qualifications
Flying Branch
- 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics (min 50% each) + Graduation (any discipline, min 60% marks) / BE/B.Tech (4 years) / equivalent.
Ground Duty (Technical) – AE(L) & AE(M)
- 10+2 with Physics & Maths (min 60% each) + 4-year B.E./B.Tech degree in relevant disciplines (Aeronautical, Electronics, Mechanical, Computer Science, etc.).
- For GATE Entry : Valid GATE score in relevant paper required.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- Admin/Logistics : Graduation in any discipline (min 60% marks).
- Accounts : B.Com (min 60% marks).
- Education : Post Graduation in relevant subjects.
- Meteorology : Relevant Post Graduation.
- Weapon Systems : As per notification.
NCC Special Entry (Flying): NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate (valid within prescribed period) + Flying Branch eligibility.
Detailed discipline-wise qualifications and minimum marks are available in the official notification.
IAF Recruitment 2026 Physical & Medical Standards
Candidates must meet IAF medical and physical standards (height, vision, fitness, etc.). Refer to the detailed notification. Maintain good physical fitness: 1.6 km run in 10 minutes, push-ups, chin-ups, etc.
IAF Recruitment 2026 Application Process
- Register separately for each entry (AFCAT / NCC / GATE) on theofficial portal .
- Fill the online application carefully (no changes allowed later).
- Pay fee: ₹550 + GST for AFCAT Entry (NCC & GATE: Nil).
- Upload documents and submit.
- Keep registered email ID and mobile number active.
Mandatory at Joining: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, and SBI/Nationalised Bank account.
Tattoo Policy: Only small innocuous tattoos on inner forearms or back of hands permitted. Narcotics use is strictly prohibited.
IAF Recruitment 2026 Selection Process
AFCAT Entry
- Online AFCAT Written Exam.
- AFSB Testing (Psychological Tests, Group Tests, Interview).
- Medical Examination.
- Final Merit List.
GATE Score Entry
- Direct shortlisting for AFSB based on GATE score + academics (no written exam).
- AFSB + Medical.
NCC Special Entry
- Shortlisting based on NCC ‘C’ Certificate + eligibility, followed by AFSB.
Travel Allowance (TA) is admissible for first-time AFSB appearance.
IAF Recruitment 2026 Salary Structure & Benefits
During Training: Fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month.
On Commissioning (Flying Officer – Level 10)
- Basic Pay: ₹56,100 – 1,77,500 (7th CPC Defence Matrix).
- Military Service Pay (MSP): ₹15,500.
Allowances: Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport, Risk & Hardship, etc. (branch/posting dependent).
Other Benefits:
- Furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self & dependents.
- Canteen, Officers’ Mess, subsidized loans, LTC.
- 60 days annual + 20 days casual leave.
- Insurance: Up to ₹1.25 Cr (AFGIS) during service + post-retirement benefits.
- Excellent sports & adventure facilities.
Training
- Flying & Ground Duty (Technical): 62 weeks.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 50 weeks.
- At Air Force Academy, Dundigal, and other IAF training establishments.
Key Instructions
- Information entered in the application is final.
- Selection is purely merit-based. Any malpractice will lead to disqualification and legal action.
- Read the full official notification for syllabus, exam pattern, detailed medical standards, and sub-branch specifics.
This is an excellent opportunity to serve the nation as a commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force. Candidates should start AFCAT preparation immediately, maintain physical fitness, and apply before the deadline.
