✅ Direct Apply Link + Full Details Available Below
📄 AFCAT 02/2026 Online Form – Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 for the course commencing in July 2027. Eligible candidates can apply online for Commissioned Officer posts in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches. ✈️
📅 Post Date: 12 May 2026 | 📅 Form Starts: 20 May 2026
🔍 About AFCAT 02/2026
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force to recruit Commissioned Officers. Through AFCAT 02/2026, IAF invites graduates from across India to serve the nation as Flying Officers in the Flying Branch, or as Ground Duty officers in Technical and Non-Technical branches. 🇮🇳
Both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) are offered to men and women candidates. The course is scheduled to begin in July 2027.
�“… Important Dates
| �“� Notification Released | 20 May 2026 |
| �€ Online Form Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| �› Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| �“‘ Admit Card | ⏳ To be notified |
| �“� Exam Date (Expected) | ⏳ Aug�€“Sep 2026 |
| �“ Course Commencement | July 2027 |
�’� Application Fee
| Category | Fee Amount |
|---|---|
| All Categories (Gen / OBC / SC / ST) | �‚� 550/- |
| Payment Mode | Online (Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI) |
⚠️ Fee once paid is non-refundable.
�‚ Age Limit (As on 01 July 2027)
| Branch | Age Limit | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry) | 20 �€“ 24 Years | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| Flying Branch (with valid DGCA CPL) | Up to 26 Years | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 |
| Ground Duty Technical | 20 �€“ 26 Years | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 |
| Ground Duty Non-Technical | 20 �€“ 26 Years | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 |
⚠️ Candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement. Marriage is not permitted during training.
�“� Vacancy Details: 300+ Posts (Expected)
| Branch | Entry Type | Commission | For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | AFCAT Entry | PC / SSC | Men & Women |
| Flying Branch | NCC Special Entry | SSC | Men & Women |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | AFCAT Entry | PC / SSC | Men & Women |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | AFCAT Entry | PC / SSC | Men & Women |
�“� Exact vacancy split will be announced in the official notification PDF. Total 300+ posts expected.
�“ Eligibility & Qualification
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Graduation with 60% marks OR 10+2 with Physics & Maths with 50% marks in each subject |
| Ground Duty (Technical) - AE(L) | B.E. / B.Tech (Electronics / Electrical / Communication / Computer Science) with 60% marks |
| Ground Duty (Technical) - AE(M) | B.E. / B.Tech (Mechanical / Aeronautical / Civil) with 60% marks |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks from a recognized University |
| NCC Special Entry (Flying) | Graduation with 60% marks + NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate with 'B' Grade |
✅ Nationality: Candidate must be a Citizen of India.
🎯 Selection Process
- 1️⃣ Written Examination (AFCAT) �€“ Online CBT Mode
- 2️⃣ Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) �€“ Only for Ground Duty (Technical)
- 3️⃣ AFSB Interview �€“ Air Force Selection Board (5-Day Assessment)
- 4️⃣ Medical Examination �€“ Conducted at IAM Bengaluru / AFCME Delhi
- 5️⃣ Document Verification
- 6️⃣ Final Merit List
📍 AFSB is conducted at centers in Dehradun, Mysore, Varanasi and Gandhinagar.
📝 AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
| Section | No. of Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability in English | ~20 | ~60 |
| Numerical Ability | ~18 | ~54 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude | ~32 | ~96 |
| General Awareness | ~30 | ~90 |
| Total | 100 Questions | 300 Marks |
- ✅ Each correct answer = +3 marks
- ❌ Each wrong answer = �€“1 mark (Negative Marking)
- ⏱️ Duration: 2 Hours (120 minutes)
- 💻 Mode: Online (CBT)
🔍 EKT Exam Pattern (Technical Branch Only)
| Stream | Questions | Marks | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical | 50 | 150 | 45 Mins |
| Electronics & Communication | 50 | 150 | 45 Mins |
| Computer Science | 50 | 150 | 45 Mins |
⚠️ EKT is conducted immediately after AFCAT exam on the same day.
📋 AFCAT Syllabus 2026
| Subject | Topics |
|---|---|
| Verbal Ability | Comprehension, Synonyms, Antonyms, Idioms & Phrases, Error Spotting, Cloze Test |
| Numerical Ability | Decimal & Fractions, Percentage, Average, Profit & Loss, Time & Work, Speed & Distance |
| Reasoning | Verbal Skills, Spatial Ability, Military Aptitude |
| General Awareness | History, Geography, Polity, Economics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Current Affairs, Defence |
💰 Salary & Pay Scale
| Pay Component | Amount |
|---|---|
| Basic Pay (Flying Officer) | ₹ 56,100/- per month (Level 10) |
| Military Service Pay (MSP) | ₹ 15,500/- per month |
| Dearness Allowance (DA) | As per Government norms |
| House Rent Allowance (HRA) | As per posting location |
| Flight Pay / Technical Pay | As applicable |
| Gross Salary (Approx) | ₹ 1,00,000+ per month (including all allowances) |
✅ Other benefits include free accommodation, medical facilities, CSD canteen, LTC, and more.
📈 AFCAT Previous Year Expected Cut Off
Below is the expected AFCAT cut off trend based on previous years. 📈
| Branch | Expected Cut Off (Out of 300) |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 155 �€“ 175 |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 140 �€“ 165 |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | 140 �€“ 160 |
�’� Actual cut off depends on exam difficulty and number of applicants.
�’� How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026
Follow these simple steps to apply online for AFCAT 02/2026:
- 🌐 Visit the official website: afcat.cdac.in
- �–�️ Click on "Register/Login for AFCAT 02/2026"
- �“� Register with Name, Email ID and Mobile Number
- �”‘ Login using your Registration ID and Password
- �“„ Fill the Application Form carefully with all correct details
- �“� Upload Photo, Signature and required documents
- �’� Pay application fee of �‚�550/- online
- �… Submit the form and save the Confirmation Page / Print it
⚠️ Always verify all details before final submission. No changes are possible after submission.
✨ Apply Online Opens: 20 May 2026 | Last Date: 19 June 2026
�”— IMPORTANT LINKS
�”— Apply Online (AFCAT 02/2026) Click to Apply �“„ Download Official Notification PDF Click Here �“� Download AFCAT Previous Year Question Papers Click Here �“– Check Syllabus & Exam Pattern Click Here 🌐 Official Website careerindianairforce.cdac.in �“� AFCAT Helpdesk: +91-9513252077 Click Here�“ FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q1. What is AFCAT 02/2026?
A: AFCAT 02/2026 is the Air Force Common Admission Test conducted by Indian Air Force for recruiting
Commissioned Officers in Flying and Ground Duty branches. �ˆ️
Q2. How many posts are available in AFCAT 02/2026?
A: 300+ posts are expected. Exact vacancy count will be mentioned in the official notification. �“�
Q3. What is the qualification for AFCAT?
A: Graduation with minimum 60% marks from a recognized university (for Non-Technical). B.Tech for
Technical branch. �“
Q4. Is AFCAT a permanent job?
A: Both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) are offered. SSC has an initial
service period of 10�€“14 years. �…
Q5. What is the salary after joining IAF through AFCAT?
A: Starting Basic Pay is �‚�56,100/- per month. Total in-hand including allowances is �‚�1,00,000+ per
month. �’�
Q6. Can women apply for AFCAT 02/2026?
A: Yes, women can apply for all branches �€“ Flying, Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical). �‡��‡�
Q7. Is there negative marking in AFCAT?
A: Yes. -1 mark for every wrong answer. ⚠️
Q8. What is the AFCAT application fee?
A: �‚�550/- for all categories. Payment mode is online only. �’�
�’� Preparation Tips for AFCAT 02/2026
- �ˆ️ Focus on Defence & Current Affairs �€“ IAF related news
- �“� Practice Previous Year AFCAT Papers daily
- �“� Revise NCERT books (Science, History, Geography, Polity)
- 🎯 Give Mock Tests under timed conditions
- ?? Strengthen Numerical Ability with shortcuts
- �“– Read English newspapers daily for verbal ability
- 🏃 Stay physically fit for AFSB �€“ aim 1.6 km in 10 mins, 10 push-ups, 3 chin-ups
�“‘ AFCAT Previous Year Sample Questions
Practicing AFCAT Previous Year Questions is the best strategy to crack the exam. ✍️
-
Who was the first Indian to fly solo around the world in a microlight aircraft?
A. Wing Commander Vijayant Thapar
B. Flying Officer Nizhoni Burman
C. Capt. Dilip Donde
D. Air Marshal Arjun Singh
Answer: C. Capt. Dilip Donde �ˆ️ -
AFCAT is conducted by which organization?
A. UPSC
B. Indian Air Force
C. Ministry of Defence
D. NDA
Answer: B. Indian Air Force �– -
What is 'Mach 1'?
A. Speed of light
B. Speed of sound
C. Speed of aircraft
D. None of these
Answer: B. Speed of Sound (~343 m/s) ?? -
Operation Cactus was conducted to restore order in which country?
A. Sri Lanka
B. Maldives
C. Bhutan
D. Nepal
Answer: B. Maldives 🌊
�€ Solving PYQs improves accuracy and helps understand exam pattern.
