The official AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 has been published by the Indian Air Force. Aspiring candidates interested in joining the Flying and Ground Duty branches can initiate their online application process starting 20 May 2026. Read on for comprehensive recruitment details.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) officially released the AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 on 20 May 2026, inviting applications for the Flying and Ground Duty branches. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) serves as the premier national-level selection process for commissioning officers into the Indian Air Force.
The online application portal is now live on the official IAF recruitment website. Prospective candidates should review the detailed criteria below, including eligibility requirements, critical dates, vacancy breakdowns, and the step-by-step application procedure.
AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 Out
The comprehensive AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 PDF encompasses essential information regarding total vacancies, specific eligibility criteria, key examination dates, syllabus, exam patterns, salary structures, and selection protocols. We strongly advise applicants to thoroughly review the official notification before completing their online application form.
AFCAT 2 Notification 2026: Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
| Examination Name |
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
|
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
| Exam Level | National |
| Vacancy | 142+ |
| Application Dates | 20 May to 19 June 2026 |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Frequency | Twice a Year |
| Mode oF Exam | Online (Computer-Based Test) |
| Salary | Rs. 56100- Rs. 177500 (Flying Officer) |
| Selection Stages |
Written Test, AFSB Interview, Medical Examination
|
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
AFCAT 2 Notification 2026: Important Dates
| Events | Tentative Dates |
| Release of Notification | 20 May 2026 |
| Start of Online Registration | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Admit Card Release | TBA |
| AFCAT 2 Exam Date | 8 August 2026 |
| Result Announcement | TBA |
| AFSB Interview Process | TBA |
AFCAT 2 Vacancy 2026
The Indian Air Force has announced a total of 142+ vacancies for the AFCAT 2 2026 cycle. These positions span the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches across AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Entry, offering opportunities for both male and female candidates under Permanent (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) categories.
| Entry | Branch | Course Number | Men (PC) | Women (PC) | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) |
| AFCAT Entry | Flying | 222/27F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 30 | 5 |
| AFCAT Entry | Ground Duty (Technical) | 221/27T/PC/111AEC/M&W221/ 27T/SSC/111AEC/M&W | 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) | 221/27G/SSC/M&W | — | — | WS: 21 Adm: 50 Lgs: 4 Accts: 5 Edn: 1 Met: 1 |
WS: 5
Adm: 12 Lgs: 2 Accts: 2 Edn: 2 Met: 2 |
| NCC Special Entry | Flying | 222/27F/PC/M and 222/27F/SSC/M&W | — | — | 10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and 10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC | |
| GATE SCORED ENTRY | Ground Duty (Technical) | 221/27T/PC/111AEC/M&W221/
Refer to the official notification for specific codes, including 27T/SSC/111AEC/M&W. |
AE(L): 1 AE(M): 1 |
AE(L): 1 AE(M): 1 |
AE(L): 12 AE(M): 6 |
AE(L): 3
AE(M): 1 |
AFCAT 2 Application Form 2026
The AFCAT 2 2026 application window is open from 20 May 2026. Eligible candidates are encouraged to apply for Flying and Ground Duty positions exclusively via the official online portal. Utilize the direct link below to access the application form.
AFCAT 2 Application Fee 2026
As per the official AFCAT 2 guidelines, candidates are required to settle the application fee during the online registration process. Payments are accepted through secure digital modes, including UPI, Credit Cards, and Debit Cards.
| Category | Application Fee |
| General | Rs. 550 |
| OBC | Rs. 550 |
| SC/ST | Rs. 550 |
Steps to Apply for AFCAT 2 Notification 2026
Follow our simplified guide below to ensure a smooth, error-free submission of your AFCAT 2 online application. Remember, only digital submissions via the official portal will be accepted.
- Open the official AFCAT website of the Indian Air Force.
- Complete the registration process for AFCAT 2026.
- Enter all the required details in the online application form.
- Upload scanned photographs and necessary documents.
- Pay the prescribed application fee through online payment methods.
- Review all details carefully and submit the form before the last date.
- Download and print the confirmation page for future use.
AFCAT 2 Eligibility Criteria 2026
Candidates must strictly adhere to the eligibility parameters set by the Indian Air Force. Eligibility standards vary by branch, specifically between Flying and Ground Duty profiles.
1. Nationality Requirements:
-
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for these commissioned officer roles.
2. Age Criteria (Calculated as of 01 January 2027):
| Branch | Age Limit (As on 01 January 2027) |
Date of Birth Range
|
| Flying Branch through AFCAT & NCC Special Entry | 20 to 24 years |
Born between 02 January 2003 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive)
|
| Flying Branch (Candidates with valid & current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA India) | Up to 26 years |
Born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007
|
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches | 20 to 26 years |
Born between 02 January 2001 to 01 January 2007 (both dates inclusive)
|
Marital Status Note: Applicants must be unmarried at the start of training and remain so throughout the training period. Marriage during training will result in discharge and recovery of government training expenses.
Educational Qualifications:
| Branch |
Educational Qualification
|
| Flying Branch |
Candidates must have scored at least 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level. In addition, candidates should fulfill any one of the following qualifications:
• Graduation with a minimum 3-year degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 60% marks or equivalent. • BE/B.Tech degree (4-year course) from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. • Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with at least 60% marks or equivalent. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) Branch – Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) [AE(L)] |
Candidates must have secured a minimum of 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level and should possess a graduate/postgraduate degree in Engineering or Technology from a recognized university.
|
AFCAT 2 Selection Process 2026
The AFCAT 2 selection process is a multi-stage evaluation designed to test the applicant's aptitude, cognitive intelligence, and personality attributes.
- Online Written Examination (AFCAT)
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Medical Examination
Successful candidates who qualify across all evaluation stages will be invited for officer training at the Air Force Academy (AFA), located in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
AFCAT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
The AFCAT 2 2026 written examination is a computer-based test (CBT) featuring objective-type questions. Details regarding the exam structure are provided below.
| Subjects | Number of Questions | Total Marks | Duration |
| General Awareness | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
| English Verbal Ability | |||
| Numerical Ability | |||
| Reasoning and Military Aptitude | |||
| Total | 100 | 300 | 2 Hours |
Exam Marking Scheme:
- 3 marks will be awarded for every correct answer.
- 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
- No deduction will be made for unanswered questions.
AFCAT 2 Salary Structure
Upon final selection, successful recruits will be commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force.
- Cadets in the final year of training will receive a stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month.
- After completing training, candidates will get a salary under Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission Pay Matrix (Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,10,700).
- Officers will also receive Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500 per month.
- Flying Branch officers will get an additional flying allowance of Rs. 11,250 per month.
- Technical Branch officers will receive a technical allowance of Rs. 2,500 per month.
- Other benefits include TA, DA, Children Education Allowance, Ration Money Allowance, and more.
| Post/Rank | Monthly Salary | Salary Level |
| Flying Officer | Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 | Level 10 |
| Flight Lieutenant | Rs. 61,300 – Rs. 1,93,900 | Level 10 B |
| Squadron Leader | Rs. 69,400 – Rs. 2,07,200 | Level 11 |
| Wing Commander | Rs. 1,21,200 – Rs. 2,12,400 | Level 12A |
| Group Captain | Rs. 1,30,600 – Rs. 2,15,900 | Level 13 |
| Air Commodore | Rs. 1,39,600 – Rs. 2,17,600 | Level 13A |
| Air Vice Marshal | Rs. 1,44,200 – Rs. 2,18,200 | Level 14 |
| Air Marshal (HAG Scale) | Rs. 1,82,200 – Rs. 2,24,100 | Level 15 |
| HAG+ Scale Officer | Rs. 2,05,400 – Rs. 2,24,400 | Level 16 |
| VCAS / Air Force Commander / Air Marshal (NFSG) | Rs. 2,25,000 (Fixed) | Level 17 |
| Chief of Air Staff (CAS) | Rs. 2,50,000 (Fixed) | Level 18 |
FAQs
The formal AFCAT 2 notification was released on 20 May 2026.
The online application portal is open from 20 May 2026 through 19 June 2026.
AFCAT stands for the Air Force Common Admission Test.
Recruitment is currently open for Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.
The AFCAT 2 2026 test will be administered in a computer-based examination format.
The standard application fee is Rs. 550 for all eligible candidates.
Applicants for the Flying Branch must be aged between 20 and 24 years as of 01 January 2027.
Selected officers will receive a competitive monthly pay scale ranging from ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500, supplemented by comprehensive government allowances and service benefits.