AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 Released: Apply Online for 142 Officer Vacancies
The official AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 has been published by the Indian Air Force. Aspiring candidates looking to join the Flying or Ground Duty branches can begin their online application process starting 20 May 2026. Read further for complete recruitment details.
The Indian Air Force officially released the AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 on 20 May 2026, inviting applications for the prestigious Flying and Ground Duty branches. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) serves as the primary national-level gateway for individuals aspiring to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force.
The online application portal is now live on the official IAF recruitment website. Candidates are encouraged to review the critical information regarding eligibility criteria, important dates, branch-wise vacancies, and the step-by-step application process outlined below.
AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 Out
The comprehensive AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 PDF provides exhaustive details on vacancies, eligibility standards, exam schedules, syllabus, marking schemes, and selection protocols. Alongside the notification, the Indian Air Force has launched the application link. Applicants are strongly advised to thoroughly review the official document before submitting their candidature.
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. Opportunities are available across Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches, encompassing AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Entry. Both male and female candidates can apply for Permanent Commission (PC) or Short Service Commission (SSC) roles.
| 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/
Course Code: 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 application window for AFCAT 2 2026 opened on 20 May 2026. Eligible candidates may apply for their preferred Flying or Ground Duty posts directly through the official website using the provided application link.
AFCAT 2 Application Fee 2026
As per the official AFCAT 2 2026 notification, candidates must remit the prescribed application fee during the registration process. Payments are accepted via various digital platforms, 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 these streamlined steps to successfully complete your AFCAT 2 2026 online application. Please note that only applications submitted via the official online portal will be considered valid.
- 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
Applicants must strictly adhere to the eligibility criteria set by the Indian Air Force. Specific requirements regarding age, education, and physical standards vary depending on whether you are applying for the Flying or Ground Duty branch.
1. Nationality:
-
Only citizens of India are eligible to apply for these officer vacancies.
2. Age Limit (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: Candidates must remain unmarried at the start of the course and throughout the training period. Marriage during training will result in disqualification and potential recovery of training expenses incurred by the Government.
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 selection process for AFCAT 2 is a multi-stage evaluation designed to test the intelligence, aptitude, and psychological profile of applicants.
- Online Written Examination (AFCAT)
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Medical Examination
Successful candidates who clear all selection stages will be inducted for training at the prestigious Air Force Academy (AFA) in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
AFCAT 2 Exam Pattern 2026
The written examination for AFCAT 2 2026 is an objective-type, computer-based test. Please review the official exam pattern for subject-wise weightage.
| 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 |
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
Candidates who successfully navigate the entire selection process are 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 Indian Air Force officially released the AFCAT 2 Notification on 20 May 2026.
The online application window is open from 20 May 2026 until 19 June 2026.
AFCAT is the acronym for the Air Force Common Admission Test.
Recruitment is open for the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.
The AFCAT 2 2026 examination will be conducted in an online, computer-based format.
The application processing fee for all eligible categories is Rs. 550.
Applicants for the Flying Branch must be between 20 and 24 years of age as of 01 January 2027.
Selected officers will receive a competitive salary (pay scale of ₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500 per month) along with comprehensive allowances and military benefits.