AFCAT 2 2026 notification is officially out. The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 02/2026 advertisement inviting men and women from Indian citizens to join as Commissioned Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Online registration opens 20 May 2026 and closes 19 June 2026 at afcat.cdac.co.in. Courses will commence in July 2027 at Air Force Academy Dundigal, Hyderabad.
This guide covers every detail from the official AFCAT 02/2026 notification — dates, vacancies, eligibility, pay, and the step-by-step application process — so you can apply without missing anything.
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AFCAT 2 2026 — Key Dates at a Glance
| Event | Date / Detail |
|---|---|
| Notification Released | 12 May 2026 |
| Online Registration Opens | 20 May 2026 (1100 hrs) |
| Online Registration Closes | 19 June 2026 (2330 hrs) |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.co.in |
| Course Number | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Training Commencement | First week of July 2027 |
| Training Location | Air Force Academy Dundigal, Hyderabad |
| Exam Fee (AFCAT Entry) | ₹550 + GST (non-refundable) |
| Exam Fee (NCC / GATE Entry) | NIL |
AFCAT 2 2026 Vacancy — Branch-wise Breakdown
The AFCAT 02/2026 notification announces vacancies across Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches. Here is the complete branch-wise vacancy table:
| Entry | Branch | Men (SSC) | Women (SSC) | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT | Flying Branch | 30 | 5 | Short Service Commission |
| AFCAT | Ground Duty (Technical) | As published in Notification for induction cycle 02/2026 | ||
| AFCAT | Ground Duty Non-Tech — Weapons Systems (WS) | 21 | 5 | Short Service Commission |
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Administration (Adm) | 50 | 12 | ||
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Logistics (Lgs) | 4 | 2 | ||
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Accounts (Accts) | 5 | 2 | ||
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Education (Edn) | 2 | 2 | ||
| Ground Duty Non-Tech — Meteorology (Met) | 1 | 2 | ||
| NCC Special | Flying Branch | 10% of CDSE vacancies (PC) + 10% of AFCAT vacancies (SSC) | ||
| GATE Score | Ground Duty (Technical) | As published in Notification for induction cycle 02/2026 | ||
Note: Vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on organizational requirements, training slots, and actual number accruing by July 2027. Two seats are reserved from Ground Duty (Non-Tech) for Law qualified candidates.
AFCAT 2 2026 Eligibility Criteria
Age Limit
| Branch / Entry | Age as on 01 Jul 2027 | Born Between |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry) | 20 to 24 years | 02 Jul 2003 to 01 Jul 2007 |
| Flying Branch — CPL holders (DGCA) | Up to 26 years | 02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007 |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007 |
| GATE Score Entry (Ground Duty Technical) | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jul 2001 to 01 Jul 2007 |
Educational Qualifications
Educational qualification details are published in the detailed notification on the official website. General requirements for each branch are as follows:
| Branch | Minimum Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Graduation (3-year degree) with min 60% marks in any discipline OR BE/B.Tech (4-year) with min 60% marks. Candidates must have passed Maths & Physics at 10+2 level. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | BE/B.Tech in approved engineering disciplines with min 60% marks; or GATE Score entry for eligible engineering graduates. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Graduation (3-year degree) with min 60% marks in any discipline. For Education branch: Post-graduation required. For Meteorology: degree in Science/Maths preferred. |
Physical & Medical Standards
Before you appear for AFSB, ensure you meet these baseline physical standards:
- Run: 1 mile (1.6 km) in 10 minutes
- Push-ups: Minimum 10
- Chin-ups: Minimum 03
Detailed physical and medical standards are available on the official website. Prospective candidates are strongly advised to maintain good physical condition and adapt to physical training — AFA training encompasses running, swimming, rope climbing, and mandatory aero-medical tests for Flying branch aspirants.
Three Entry Routes: AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry
AFCAT 02/2026 offers three distinct pathways into the Indian Air Force as a commissioned officer. Understanding which route applies to you is critical before applying.
AFCAT Entry
For Flying Branch and all Ground Duty branches. Write the AFCAT written exam, qualify AFSB, and clear medical.
Exam Fee: ₹550 + GST
NCC Special Entry
For Flying Branch only. No written exam required. Candidates with NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) qualify for direct AFSB call.
Exam Fee: NIL
GATE Score Entry
For Ground Duty Technical branch only. Valid GATE score in approved engineering disciplines required. No AFCAT exam needed.
Exam Fee: NIL
Important: Candidates eligible for more than one entry type must register separately for each entry. Applications for different entries are handled through separate tabs on the official portal.
Type of Commission — PC vs SSC Explained
| Factor | Permanent Commission (PC) | Short Service Commission (SSC) |
|---|---|---|
| Service Duration | Till superannuation | Flying: 14 yrs | Ground: 10 yrs (extendable by 4) |
| Pension | ✅ Entitled | ❌ Not entitled |
| PC Grant (later) | — | Possible, subject to vacancies & merit |
| Available to | Men & Women (NCC route) | Men & Women (AFCAT route) |
Pay, Allowances & Benefits After Commissioning
IAF officers are among the best-compensated government servants in India. Here is what you earn from Day 1 of commissioning (as per 7th CPC):
| Rank | Pay (Defence Matrix) | Level | MSP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | 10 | ₹15,500 |
| Flight Cadet (Training) | Fixed stipend of ₹56,100/month during one year of training | ||
In addition to basic pay and MSP, IAF officers receive Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance, and Risk & Hardship Allowance based on branch and posting. Other benefits include:
- Accommodation: Furnished accommodation on all IAF stations
- Medical: Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents
- Leave: 60 days annual + 20 days casual leave
- Canteen & Mess facilities at subsidised rates
- LTC (Leave Travel Concession)
- Insurance: Rs. 1.25 Crore life insurance (on contribution) through AFGIS; Rs. 24 Lacs AVIC for officers with 14+ years of service
- Sports & Adventure: Sky diving, micro light flying, mountaineering, water rafting, and more
AFCAT 02/2026 Training Details
All selected candidates will commence training in the first week of July 2027 at Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad.
| Branch | Training Duration | Training Location |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 62 weeks | Air Force Academy, Dundigal |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 62 weeks | Air Force Academy, Dundigal |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 52 weeks | Air Force Training Establishments |
PAN Card and account in SBI/Nationalized Bank are mandatory at the time of joining AFA. Aadhaar Card is mandatory for registration.
Important Rules You Must Know
Tattoo Policy
Permanent body tattoos are not permitted on any body part — visible or non-visible — except on the inner face of forearms (elbow to wrist of both hands) and the reverse/palm/back side of both hands. Candidates with tattoos in these permitted zones must sign a Self-Declaration Certificate. Small, innocuous tattoos not prejudicial to good order and military discipline (such as religious symbols or names of near and dear ones) are permitted. Tribes with traditional tattoo marks on the face or body are permitted on a case-to-case basis.
Marital Status
Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. Marriage is not permitted during training. A candidate who marries during training will be discharged and liable to refund all training expenditure.
Narcotics
Use or possession of narcotics is banned. Candidates may be tested for drugs during Medicals and subsequently during training. A candidate found using or in possession of narcotics at any time during training will be debarred from joining the IAF.
How to Apply for AFCAT 2 2026 — Step by Step
- Visit the official portal at afcat.cdac.co.in from 20 May 2026 onwards.
- Register using a unique email ID and active mobile number — keep these active throughout the selection process.
- Choose your entry — AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, or GATE Score Entry. If eligible for more than one, register separately for each.
- Fill the application form carefully. All information filled is considered final — no amendments are allowed later. Exercise due care while entering your date of birth.
- Upload documents as specified (photograph, signature, certificates).
- Pay the examination fee — ₹550 + GST for AFCAT Entry (NCC and GATE entry: NIL). Provide a correct and active Savings Bank Account in your own name for TA claim purposes.
- Submit and download the confirmation/admit card once generated. Contact +91 9513252077 or email afcathelpdesk@cdac.co.in for online examination queries.
For AFSB-related queries (eligibility, AFSB centre allotment, merit list, joining instructions): Call 011-23010231 Extn 7810 or Toll Free 1800-11-2448.
AFCAT Preparation: How NCA Academy Helps You Crack the Exam
NCA Academy, India’s oldest defence coaching institute (est. 1967), has trained 39,000+ commissioned officers across all three services. Our AFCAT coaching programme covers every stage of the selection process:
- AFCAT Written Exam Preparation — Verbal Ability, Quantitative Aptitude, Reasoning & Military Aptitude, GK (Defence & Current Affairs)
- AFSB Preparation — Psychological tests (SRT, WAT, TAT, SDT), GTO tasks, Personal Interview — all stages covered with expert IAF veterans as mentors
- Mock AFCATs — full-length timed practice tests aligned to latest pattern
- Physical Conditioning — structured PT programme to clear physical standards for AFSB
- Online Batches Available — study from anywhere in India with live interactive sessions
AFCAT 2 2026 Notification — Frequently Asked Questions
Conclusion — Apply Before 19 June 2026
The AFCAT 2 2026 notification is a golden opportunity for every aspiring IAF officer. With courses commencing in July 2027, you have time to prepare — but the application window closes on 19 June 2026 at 2330 hrs. Do not miss it.
At NCA Academy Chandigarh, we have been preparing officers for the Indian Air Force since 1967. Whether you need help with the AFCAT written exam, AFSB preparation, or personal interview coaching, our team of retired IAF veterans and expert faculty will guide you every step of the way.
📞 Call / WhatsApp: +91 95010 70051
🌐 Apply now: afcat.cdac.co.in
📍 NCA Academy: SCO 52-53, Sector 34-A, Chandigarh
Source: Official AFCAT 02/2026 Notification, Indian Air Force (CBC 1080/1/11/0012/2627). All vacancy figures are tentative and subject to change. Verify all details on afcat.cdac.co.in before applying.
How to Prepare for AFCAT 2 2026 — Stage-by-Stage Strategy
AFCAT has two filters before you get your wings: the Written Exam and the AFSB. Most aspirants fail because they prepare only for one. Here is what each stage demands and exactly how to clear it.
Stage 1 — AFCAT Written Exam
The AFCAT written exam is a 2-hour objective test with 100 questions (3 marks each, –1 for wrong answers). It tests four areas:
| Subject | Questions | Key Topics | Preparation Tip |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | 25 | Reading comprehension, synonyms, antonyms, error detection, sentence completion | Read editorials daily; learn 10 vocab words/day |
| Quantitative Ability | 25 | Decimal & fractions, simplification, average, ratio, time & work, mensuration | Solve 30 problems daily; focus on speed |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | 25 | Verbal reasoning, spatial ability, distance-direction, coding-decoding, blood relations | Practice spatial puzzles; military aptitude is scoring |
| General Awareness | 25 | History, geography, civics, current affairs, defence & IAF news, science | Follow PIB, IAF press releases, monthly GK capsules |
Cutoff strategy: There is no section-wise cutoff — total marks matter. Most candidates score well in Reasoning but lose marks in Verbal. Prioritise Verbal Ability; even 18/25 in that section creates a significant lead.
Stage 2 — AFSB (Air Force Selection Board)
The AFSB is a 5-day residential test at one of the Air Force Selection Boards (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, or Varanasi). It has two stages:
Stage 1 — Screening (Day 1)
- Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) test — Verbal & Non-Verbal
- Picture Perception & Description Test (PPDT)
- Group Discussion on PPDT story
⚠️ ~50–70% candidates are screened out here.
Stage 2 — Full Assessment (Days 2–5)
- Psychological Tests: TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT
- GTO (Group Testing Officer) Tasks: PGT, HGT, Snake Race, Lecturette, Individual Obstacles, Command Task, FGT
- Personal Interview (PI) with Interviewing Officer
- Conference (Day 5)
The AFSB tests 15 Officer Like Qualities (OLQs) across all three assessors — Psychologist, GTO, and IO — and they must all agree on your recommendation. This is why ad-hoc preparation rarely works. You need structured, repeated practice under real conditions.
Stage 3 — Medical Examination
After AFSB recommendation, candidates undergo a detailed medical examination at a designated Air Force Medical Establishment. For Flying Branch, standards are significantly stricter (eyesight, hearing, cardiovascular fitness) than for Ground Duty branches. Start getting medically fit well before your AFSB date — eyesight and dental issues are common rejection causes.
AFCAT 2 2026 Exam Pattern at a Glance
| Parameter | Detail |
|---|---|
| Mode | Online (Computer-Based Test) at authorised exam centres |
| Duration | 2 hours |
| Total Questions | 100 |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Marks per Question | +3 for correct |
| Negative Marking | –1 for wrong answer |
| Language | English only |
| Sections | Verbal Ability | Quantitative Ability | Reasoning & Military Aptitude | General Awareness |
Why Join NCA Academy to Clear AFCAT in One Go
Most candidates attempt AFCAT 2–3 times before clearing AFSB. The ones who clear in one go share one common factor: structured, expert-guided preparation. Here is why NCA Academy gives you that edge — backed by 59 years and 39,000+ commissioned officers.
Purpose-Built AFCAT Curriculum
Our AFCAT syllabus is mapped section-by-section to the actual exam pattern. No wasted topics — every class, test, and assignment is aligned to what the IAF actually tests.
Taught by Retired IAF Officers
Our AFSB prep faculty includes retired IAF officers who have sat on the other side of the table — actual GTO and IO veterans who know exactly what selectors look for in OLQs.
Mock AFCATs Every Week
Weekly full-length timed mock tests with All India Rank. You know exactly where you stand, which section needs work, and what your safe score looks like before the real exam.
Complete AFSB Preparation
TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT, PPDT — all covered with trained psychologists. GTO tasks simulated in a real outdoor environment. Mock PIs conducted by ex-Interviewing Officers. Full 5-day AFSB simulation before you go.
Online Batches for All India Students
Can’t relocate to Chandigarh? Our live online AFCAT batches deliver the same curriculum via interactive Zoom sessions, daily test series, and WhatsApp mentor support — wherever you are in India.
59 Years of Proven Results
Since 1967, NCA Academy has trained 39,000+ commissioned officers across the Indian Army, Navy, and Air Force. Our AFCAT selection rate is consistently above the national average — because we don’t just teach you; we prepare you.
🏆 NCA Academy AFCAT Results — What Our Students Say
“Cleared AFCAT written in my first attempt and got recommended at AFSB Dehradun. The mock PI sessions at NCA were almost identical to the real interview.”
— Flying Officer, IAF (Batch 2024)
“The GTO training at NCA is in an actual outdoor setting. By the time I reached my AFSB, the tasks felt familiar. That confidence made all the difference.”
— Flying Officer, IAF (Batch 2023)
Ready to Clear AFCAT 2 2026 in One Go?
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Online + Chandigarh batches | Retired IAF officer faculty | Mock AFCAT every week | Complete AFSB prep
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