The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued the official notification for AFCAT (02/2026) and NCC Special Entry/GATE Score Entry for courses commencing in July 2027. Through this recruitment drive, a total of 379 Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer vacancies will be filled in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
Interested and eligible candidates can submit their applications online before the closing date.
IAF AFCAT Recruitment 2026: Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Organization | Indian Air Force |
| Entry Name | AFCAT (02/2026) |
| Total Vacancies | 379 |
| Qualification | Degree / B.E. / B.Tech / Post Graduate |
| Age Limit | 20 to 26 Years |
| Application Fee | ₹550 + GST |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date | 21 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Vacancy Details
1. AFCAT Entry
Flying Branch
- 35 Posts
Ground Duty (Technical)
- 211 Posts
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- 107 Posts
2. NCC Special Entry
- 10% seats from CDSE vacancies for Permanent Commission.
- 10% seats from AFCAT vacancies for Short Service Commission.
3. GATE Score Entry
Ground Duty (Technical)
- 26 Posts
Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
Flying Branch
Applicants should be between 20 and 24 years as on 1 July 2027 and must have been born between 2 July 2003 and 1 July 2007.
Candidates possessing a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA are eligible for age relaxation up to 26 years.
Ground Duty Branches & GATE Entry
Candidates should be between 20 and 26 years as on 1 July 2027 and must have been born between 2 July 2001 and 1 July 2007.
Marital Status
Candidates must remain unmarried at the commencement of training. Marriage during the training period is not permitted and may lead to cancellation of candidature.
Educational Qualification
Flying Branch
Candidates should have secured at least 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level and must possess any one of the following:
- Graduation (Minimum 3 years) with 60% marks.
- B.E./B.Tech degree with 60% marks.
- Section A & B of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers or Aeronautical Society with 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Technical)
Candidates should have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and possess a four-year Engineering degree with at least 60% marks.
Eligible streams include:
- Computer Science Engineering
- Information Technology
- Electronics & Communication Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechanical Engineering
- Mechatronics
- Robotics
- Instrumentation Engineering
- Aerospace Engineering
- Production Engineering
- Automobile Engineering
and other disciplines specified in the official notification.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Weapon Systems Branch
Graduates with 60% marks along with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level are eligible.
Administration & Logistics
Bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks.
Accounts Branch
Candidates with B.Com, BBA (Finance), BMS (Finance), CA, CMA, CS, CFA or B.Sc Finance with 60% marks are eligible.
Education Branch
Postgraduate degree with 50% marks and Graduation with 60% marks.
Meteorology Branch
B.Sc with Physics and Mathematics or Engineering graduates with 60% marks.
GATE Score Entry
Engineering graduates who have qualified in specified GATE disciplines are eligible to apply. GATE scores obtained within the last three years will be accepted.
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
The application fee is non-refundable.
How to Apply for IAF AFCAT Recruitment 2026?
Eligible candidates may apply online by following these steps:
Step 1
Visit the official Indian Air Force recruitment portal.
Step 2
Click on New Registration and complete the registration process.
Step 3
Login using registered credentials.
Step 4
Fill in personal and educational details carefully.
Step 5
Upload photograph, signature and required documents.
Step 6
Pay the prescribed examination fee.
Step 7
Submit the application form and download a copy for future reference.
Important Dates
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Starts | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 21 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | 4 August 2026 |
| AFCAT Examination Date | 8 August 2026 |
| Training Course Begins | July 2027 |
Selection Process
The selection process includes:
- AFCAT Written Examination
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
