AFCAT 02/2026 — Apply Online from May 20 for 142 IAF Officer Posts, Graduates Eligible
The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 02/2026 notification for recruitment of Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical). Online applications open tomorrow — May 20, 2026.
| Detail | Information |
| Total Posts | 142 (tentative) |
| Branches | Flying + Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech) |
| Apply Start | May 20, 2026 (11:00 AM) |
| Last Date | June 19, 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Eligibility — Flying | Graduation (60%) + 12th with Physics & Maths |
| Eligibility — GD Tech | B.E./B.Tech from recognized university |
| Eligibility — GD Non-Tech | Graduation in any discipline (60%) |
| Age — Flying | 20-24 years (as on Jan 1, 2027) |
| Age — Ground Duty | 20-26 years |
| Commission Type | SSC + Permanent Commission |
| Gender | Both Men and Women eligible |
| Exam Mode | Computer Based (CBT) — August 2026 |
| Selection | AFCAT CBT → AFSB Interview → Medical |
| Course Starts | July 2027 |
How to apply: Visit afcat.cdac.in → Register with email and mobile → Fill application form → Select branch preference (Flying/GD Tech/GD Non-Tech) → Upload photo and signature → Pay fee → Submit. Keep application printout for AFSB interview.
Selection process: Three stages — (1) AFCAT Computer Based Test covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude. (2) Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing over 5 days including psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview. (3) Medical examination at Air Force Central Medical Establishment.
Also accepting: NCC Special Entry for Flying Branch (no AFCAT exam needed if you have NCC Air Wing Senior Division C certificate) and GATE Score Entry for Ground Duty Technical branches.
For defence exam preparation, check our NDA exam guide. For age relaxation details, see our age relaxation rules.
🔗 Official Links
💡Applications Open Tomorrow
AFCAT 02/2026 online registration opens May 20 at 11:00 AM. Bookmark afcat.cdac.in and apply early to avoid last-minute server issues. Both permanent and short service commission available for men and women.
❓Frequently asked questions
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Published: 2026-05-19 • Source: Official government press releases and notifications.