The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT Recruitment 2026 notification for candidates who want to join the prestigious Flying Branch and Ground Duty Branches. Through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2026, the Indian Air Force will recruit eligible men and women for Short Service Commission (SSC) courses beginning in July 2027.
According to the official notification, a total of 142 vacancies are available under Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches. The recruitment also includes NCC Special Entry for the Flying Branch.
Interested and eligible candidates can submit their online applications from 20 May 2026 to 19 June 2026 through the official AFCAT portal.
Indian Air Force AFCAT Bharti 2026 Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
| Total Vacancies | 142 Posts |
| Application Mode | Online |
| Job Type | Central Government Job |
| Official Website | AFCAT Official Website |
AFCAT Vacancy Details 2026
| Branch Name | Vacancies |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 35 Posts |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 107 Posts |
| Total | 142 Posts |
The Ground Duty branch includes both Technical and Non-Technical positions in different departments of the Indian Air Force.
Educational Qualification for AFCAT 2026
Candidates must fulfill the educational qualifications prescribed by the Indian Air Force.
Flying Branch Qualification
Candidates should have:
- Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks
OR - BE/B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks
Candidates must also have passed Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level.
Ground Duty Technical Branch Qualification
Candidates should possess:
- A 4-year Engineering or Technology Degree in relevant disciplines with minimum 60% marks
Relevant engineering streams include:
- Mechanical Engineering
- Electrical Engineering
- Electronics Engineering
- Aeronautical Engineering
- Computer Science
- Information Technology
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch Qualification
Candidates should have:
- Graduate Degree with minimum 60% marks
OR - Postgraduate Degree in relevant disciplines
Candidates are advised to read the official notification carefully for detailed eligibility criteria.
Age Limit for AFCAT Recruitment 2026
| Branch | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 Years |
| Ground Duty Branches | 20 to 26 Years |
Age relaxation is applicable for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License (CPL) as per official rules.
Application Fee for AFCAT 2026
| Category | Application Fee |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Entry | Rs. 550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | No Fee |
The fee is non-refundable and must be paid online.
Salary Details for Indian Air Force Officers
Selected candidates in the Indian Air Force receive excellent salary packages along with allowances and benefits.
Expected Salary
| Branch | Salary |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Approx. Rs. 56,100 per month + Allowances |
Additional benefits include:
- Military Service Pay
- Flying Allowance
- Dearness Allowance
- House Rent Allowance
- Medical Facilities
- Insurance Coverage
- Pension Benefits (as per rules)
Indian Air Force officers also receive opportunities for professional growth, adventure training, and international exposure.
Selection Process for AFCAT 2026
The selection process includes the following stages:
- Online AFCAT Examination
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Final Merit List
Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry may directly appear for AFSB testing.
AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
The AFCAT online examination includes questions from:
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Military Aptitude
- Reasoning
Exam Details
| Subject | Total Marks |
|---|---|
| AFCAT Written Test | 300 Marks |
The exam is conducted online across multiple centers in India.
How to Apply Online for AFCAT Recruitment 2026
Candidates can apply online by following these steps:
- Visit the official AFCAT portal
AFCAT Official Portal - Click on the AFCAT 2026 application link
- Complete registration using email ID and mobile number
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details
- Upload required documents, photograph, and signature
- Pay the online application fee
- Submit the form and take a printout for future reference
Important Dates for AFCAT 2026
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Online Application Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Candidates should complete the application process before the last date to avoid technical issues.
Required Documents for AFCAT Application
Applicants should keep the following documents ready:
- Passport-size Photograph
- Signature
- Aadhaar Card
- Graduation Marksheet
- 10th & 12th Certificates
- Valid Email ID and Mobile Number
- Category Certificate (if applicable)
Important Links
- 📑 AFCAT 2026 Official Notification PDF
- 👉 Apply Online for AFCAT 2026
- ✅ Indian Air Force AFCAT Official Website
Why Apply for Indian Air Force AFCAT 2026?
AFCAT Recruitment 2026 is a golden opportunity for candidates who dream of serving the nation through the Indian Air Force. The recruitment offers prestigious officer-level careers with excellent salary packages, government benefits, job security, and opportunities to work with advanced aviation technology.
Candidates interested in defense jobs, flying careers, technical roles, and government officer positions should not miss this opportunity. Eligible applicants are advised to submit their online forms before 19 June 2026 and start preparation for the AFCAT examination.