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Overview Summary
Vacancy Details - IAF AFCAT 02/2026
*Vacancies are tentative and subject to change. 2 seats reserved from Ground Duty (Non-Tech) for Law qualified candidates.
Age Limit
Flying Branch (AFCAT)
Age: 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027
Born between: 02 July 2003 - 01 July 2007
Relaxation: Candidates with valid CPL relaxed up to 26 years (born 02 July 2001 - 01 July 2007)
Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech)
Age: 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027
Born between: 02 July 2001 - 01 July 2007
(Both dates inclusive)
Educational Qualifications
Application Fee
(Non-refundable)
Selection Process
Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) conducted at various centers. Exam fee: Rs.550 + GST for AFCAT. NCC and GATE entries are exempt from fee.
Shortlisted candidates are called for AFSB testing at various centers. Includes Psychological Tests, Group Tests, and Personal Interview.
Medically recommended candidates undergo thorough medical examination at AFMSF (for Flying) or designated military hospitals.
Final merit list prepared based on AFCAT score and AFSB marks. Joining Instructions sent to selected candidates.
Flying Branch: 62-week training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad). Ground Duty (Non-Tech): 50 weeks. Ground Duty (Tech): as per schedule.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Candidates must be physically fit for SSB tests at AFSB. Key fitness benchmarks to aim for:
- Run 1 mile (1.6 km) in 10 minutes
- Minimum 10 push-ups and 03 chin-ups
- Candidates also undergo running, swimming, rope climbing, and obstacle-course-type conditioning
- Mandatory physical tests during training at Air Force Academy
Salary & Benefits
- Allowances: Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance, Risk Allowance, Hardship Allowance
- Accommodation: Furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
- Canteen, Officers' Mess, Loans at subsidised rates, LTC, Leave (60 days annual + 20 days casual)
- Insurance: Mandatory AFGIS cover; AVIC (Air Veterans Insurance) for officers with 14+ years of service
- Sports & Adventure: Sky diving, micro light flying, mountaineering, water rafting, and more
How to Apply - Step-by-Step Guide
- Visit the official website: afcat.cdac.in
- Click on "Register" and create a new account using your valid Email ID and mobile number
- Fill in personal details, educational qualifications, and other required information accurately - information once submitted is FINAL and cannot be amended
- Upload scanned copies of photo, signature, and required documents
- Pay the application fee of Rs.550 + GST (AFCAT candidates only) via online payment. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates pay no fee
- Download and save the Application Form / Admit Card for future reference
- Ensure you maintain a unique registered Email ID and mobile number throughout the selection process
Tattoo Policy
- Permanent body tattoos are NOT permitted on any body part visible or non-visible, except on the inner face of the forearms (from inside of the elbow to the wrist of both hands) and the reverse side of the palm/back (dorsal) side of both hands
- Candidates with tattoos in permitted areas must sign a Self-Declaration Certificate
- Small innocuous tattoos not prejudicial to good order and military discipline are allowed (e.g., religious symbols or names of near and dear ones)
- Tribes with existing tattoo marks on the face or body may be considered on a case-to-case basis
Travel Allowance (TA)
- For first-time AFSB appearance: AC III Tier/AC Chair Car fare reimbursed by shortest route
- For all other modes of travel: TA admissible as per Government-authorized rules
- Candidates must furnish the correct and active Savings Bank Account in their name only (no other name / Sukanya Samridhi accounts)
- Maximum period of one month from the date of SSB commencement is considered for TA claims
Important Links
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1. When will IAF AFCAT 02/2026 registration begin?
Registration opens on 20 May 2026 at 11:00 hrs and closes on 19 June 2026 at 23:30 hrs at afcat.cdac.in.
Q2. Can women apply for IAF AFCAT 02/2026?
Yes! The Indian Air Force invites both men and women to apply for Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches.
Q3. Is GATE score accepted for IAF recruitment?
Yes, GATE Score Entry is accepted for Ground Duty (Technical) branch. Candidates with a valid GATE score in relevant engineering disciplines can apply. No exam fee is required.
Q4. What is the difference between PC and SSC in IAF?
PC (Permanent Commission) means a permanent career in the IAF till superannuation. SSC (Short Service Commission) is an initial engagement of 10 years (extendable by 4 more years for Ground Duty). SSC officers are not entitled to pension.
Q5. What is the AFCAT exam fee?
AFCAT Entry candidates pay Rs.550 + GST (non-refundable). Candidates registering via NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry do NOT pay any fee.
Q6. Where is the Air Force Academy (AFA) located?
Air Force Academy is located at Dundigal, Hyderabad. It is where Flying and Ground Duty Branch officers undergo their initial training.
Q7. What is the salary during training?
Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs.56,100/- per month during the one year of training. On commissioning, pay rises to Flying Officer level (Rs.56,100–Rs.1,77,500 + MSP Rs.15,500).
Q8. Can I apply for multiple entries simultaneously?
Yes, if you are eligible for more than one entry type (e.g., AFCAT and NCC Special Entry), you must register separately for each entry through the respective tabs on the official portal.
