New Delhi, June 8, 2026: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 2026 notification, opening the gateway for aspiring candidates to join the nation's air force as commissioned officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) remains one of the most sought-after defence examinations for graduates aiming to serve the country with pride and honor.
According to the official notification, Candidates may submit their online applications via the AFCAT portal throughout the designated registration period, per the official release. Men and women can enlist in the Indian Air Force as Group "A" Gazetted Officers.
AFCAT 2026 Important Dates
The on-line application method for AFCAT 2/2026 will be opened on 20 May 2026 and will run till 19 June 2026. Though the training of selected candidates is expected to start in July 2027, the AFCAT 2 exam is ready on August 8, 2026
Applications for AFCAT 1/2026 were previously held daily from 17 November to 19 December 2025, and the exam was changed to be hung on 31 January 2026.
Vacancy Details
The Indian Air Force has 379 openings in various branches, which is at the stage of AFCAT 2/2026 announcement. These steps are divided into: • Flight Branch • Technical ground duties • Non-technical ground duties • Special entry for NCC
The vacancies include opportunities for both Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) entries.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must be Indian citizens and meet the age and educational qualifications prescribed by the IAF.
Age Limit
Flying Branch:
- 20 to 24 years as on 1 July 2027.
- Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA.
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical):
- 20 to 26 years as per the notification guidelines.
Educational Qualification
Applicants must have a graduate diploma with a significant percentage of marks if you want to be considered for the flying branch. While Ground Duty (Non-Technical) candidates must hold up-graduate qualifications as mentioned within the Bachelor Degree or Notification, Technical Branch applicants must possess relevant engineering qualifications.
Exam Pattern
The AFCAT examination is conducted in online mode and consists of objective-type questions from:
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude
The examination duration is two hours, and negative marking is applicable for incorrect answers.
For the recent graduates of the national, AFCAT 2026 gives ample opportunity because of the loads of open positions and the honor of serving in the Indian Air Force. The privilege of serving as an officer in one of the most prestigious armed offerings of India, collectively offered top notch education, attractive repayment package and perks, to the candidates for success.
Candidates interested in troubleshooting remaining-minute technical issues are requested to read the entire notice carefully and finish their package well before the deadline. AFCAT remains one of the pinnacle entry points for aspiring young people exploring a grueling and pleasurable career within the conservation industry
