AFCAT 02/2026 Notification [PDF Out] Apply AFCAT 2/26 Before 19 June 2026

AFCAT 02/2026 Notification is officially out! The Indian Air Force has released the much-awaited AFCAT 2026 recruitment notification inviting online applications from eligible Indian citizens for grant of Short Service Commission and Permanent Commission in Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) Branch, and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch. Alongside this golden opportunity, the Indian Navy SSC IT Jan 27 Course 2026 notification has also been published for IT professionals seeking a defence career.

AFCAT 02/2026 Notification [PDF Out]: If you are searching for AFCAT apply online 2026, AFCAT vacancy details, AFCAT eligibility criteria, age limit, salary, selection process, and step-by-step application guidance, this comprehensive SEO-optimized guide covers everything directly sourced from the official Employment News and IAF notification. Read till the end and bookmark this page for daily defence job updates.

AFCAT 02/2026 Notification Overview & Summary Table

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 is being conducted to select Commissioned Officers for courses commencing in July 2027. This recruitment drive also includes the NCC Special Entry Scheme for the Flying Branch and the GATE Score Entry for Ground Duty (Technical) branches. Candidates who meet the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2026 can submit their online application through the official portal starting 20 May 2026. Below is the quick-reference summary table containing all essential facts about the Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026.

AFCAT 02/2026 Important Dates & Exam Schedule

Knowing the exact timeline is crucial for every defence aspirant. The AFCAT 2026 online registration window remains open for exactly one month. Candidates must not wait for the last date to avoid server congestion. Here are the officially declared dates for AFCAT 02/2026 apply online and related milestones.

AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details – Flying & Ground Duty Branches

The AFCAT 02/2026 vacancy breakdown covers multiple branches for both Men and Women candidates under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC). The Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch offers vacancies across various sub-streams including Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, and Meteorology. All vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on organizational requirements and training slot availability.

Disclaimer: The vacancies indicated are tentative and subject to change without notice. Actual intake depends on organizational requirements, training slot availability, and various cadre control mechanisms. Two seats are reserved from Ground Duty (Non-Tech) vacancies for Law qualified candidates.

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Age, Qualification & Physical Standards

Before filling the AFCAT 02/2026 online application form, candidates must thoroughly verify their eligibility. The Indian Air Force has prescribed strict norms regarding age limit, educational qualifications, nationality, marital status, and physical standards. Any mismatch found at any stage will lead to immediate cancellation of candidature.

AFCAT Age Limit 2026 (As on 01 July 2027)

The crucial date for calculating age is 01 July 2027. Candidates must ensure their date of birth falls within the prescribed window. There is no general age relaxation except for specific categories as mentioned below.

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (Born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 inclusive). Upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) – Born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007.
• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years (Born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 inclusive).

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AFCAT Educational Qualifications 2026

As per the official short notification, detailed educational qualifications for each branch are published in the detailed notification on the official website. However, based on standard AFCAT norms and the entries mentioned:

• Flying Branch: Candidates typically require a minimum of 60% marks in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and a Graduate degree (minimum three years) with minimum 60% marks or equivalent. CPL holders may get age relaxation as noted above.
• Ground Duty (Technical): Candidates must hold a four-year degree qualification or clear the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE). The GATE Score Entry route is specifically available for Ground Duty (Technical) branches.
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduate degree in relevant disciplines as specified in the detailed notification.
• NCC Special Entry (Flying): NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate holders are eligible to apply.

Important: Candidates must refer to the detailed notification at afcat.edcil.co.in for exact stream-wise eligibility and university recognition norms.

Nationality and Marital Status Rules

Only Indian citizens as per the Citizenship Act 1955 can apply. Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. Marriage is not permitted during training. Any candidate found married or who marries during the training period shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred by the Government.

Physical, Medical and Tattoo Policy

Candidates must be physically fit to undergo rigorous training at Air Force Academy. The AFCAT physical standards include height, weight, and eye-sight criteria as detailed on the website. Regarding tattoos:

• Permanent body tattoos are not permitted on any visible body part except the inner face of forearms (from inside of elbow to wrist) and the reverse (dorsal) side of both hands.
• Candidates with permitted tattoos must submit a Self-declaration Certificate.
• Small innocuous tattoos (religious symbols or names of near ones) that are not prejudicial to good order and military discipline are permitted.
• Tribes with tattoo marks as per existing customs may be permitted on a case-to-case basis.

AFCAT Application Fee 2026 – Fee Structure & Exemptions

The AFCAT examination fee is applicable only for candidates registering through the AFCAT Entry route. Candidates applying through special entry schemes are exempted from payment. The fee must be paid online during the application submission process.

AFCAT Selection Process 2026 – Exam Pattern & SSB Interview

The AFCAT selection process 2026 is a multi-stage filter designed to identify the best officers for the Indian Air Force. It consists of an online written examination followed by rigorous personality and medical assessments.

1. AFCAT Online Test: Conducted at various centers across India. The test evaluates verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, general awareness, and military aptitude.
2. SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview which spans 5-6 days and includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
3. Medical Examination: Recommended candidates undergo detailed medical check-ups at designated military hospitals.
4. Final Merit List: Prepared based on combined performance in the written exam and SSB. Appointment is subject to police verification, character verification, and vacancy availability.

Travel Allowance (TA): To and fro travelling fare by the shortest route of AC-III Tier/AC Chair Car or actual normal bus fare is reimbursed for candidates appearing in Air Force Selection Board for the first time. No TA is admissible if you have already appeared for the same type of entry.

How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Online – Step by Step Guide

Candidates must apply only through the official online portal. Separate tabs are available for AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry. Eligible candidates applying for multiple entries must register separately for each.

1. Visit the official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
2. Click on the relevant entry tab (AFCAT / NCC / GATE).
3. Register using a valid and unique Email ID and mobile number (must remain active throughout the selection process).
4. Fill in all personal particulars exactly as per the Matriculation Certificate.
5. Upload scanned copies of required documents in the prescribed format (original JPG/TIFF preferred).
6. Pay the examination fee (if applicable) through the online payment gateway.
7. Review all details carefully before final submission. No amendments are allowed after submission.
8. Take a printout of the completed application form for future reference.

Mandatory Documents: PAN Card, Aadhaar Card, Matriculation certificate (for date of birth), educational mark sheets, and a recent passport-size colour photograph. Candidates must maintain their registered email ID and mobile number active till the entire selection process is concluded.

Apply Online for AFCAT 02/2026 Online from 20th May Click Here

AFCAT Salary 2026 – Pay Scale, Allowances & Benefits

The Indian Air Force offers one of the most lucrative pay packages in the government sector along with unparalleled perks. The AFCAT salary structure follows the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC) guidelines.

Allowances & Privileges: In addition to basic pay, officers receive Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance. Officers are entitled to furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents, Canteen facilities, Officers’ Mess, loans at subsidised rates, LTC, and 60 days annual leave plus 20 days casual leave. The Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) provides Rs. 1.25 Crore insurance cover on contribution basis.

AFCAT Training Details 2026 – Academy, Duration & Location

All selected candidates will commence training in the first week of July 2027. The training academies and duration vary by branch.

• Venue: Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad) and other Air Force Training Establishments.
• Flying & Ground Duty (Technical): 74 weeks duration.
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): 50 weeks duration.

PAN Card and Aadhaar Card are mandatory at the time of joining the Air Force Academy. Candidates are advised to be physically fit to undergo mandatory tests including running, swimming, rope climbing, and other forms of physical conditioning.

Important Instructions for AFCAT 02/2026 Aspirants

The Indian Air Force has issued strict guidelines that every applicant must follow to avoid disqualification.

• Narcotics Ban: Use or possession of narcotics is strictly banned. Candidates may be tested for drugs during medicals and training. If found positive, candidature will be cancelled.
• Final Information: Data filled in the online form is considered final. No amendments are permitted subsequently.
• Single Application: Only one application per candidate per entry is allowed.
• Statutory Warning: Attempting to influence the selection process through unfair means, forgery, or false information will lead to termination and legal action.
• Contact for Queries: For exam-related queries: +91 9513252077 or afcathelpdesk@edcil.co.in. For eligibility and SSB queries: 011-23010231 Extn 7610 or Toll Free 1800-11-2448.

Indian Navy SSC IT Jan 27 Course 2026 – Executive (Information Technology) Recruitment

In addition to the AFCAT opportunity, the Indian Navy has invited online applications for Short Service Commission (SSC) in Executive (Information Technology) – Jan 27 Course. This is an excellent opportunity for IT and Computer Science graduates to serve the nation.

Indian Navy SSC IT 2026 – Key Highlights

Navy SSC IT Eligibility & Qualifications

Candidates must have minimum 60% marks in English in Class X or XII and one of the following qualifications with minimum 60% overall marks:

• M.Sc / B.E / B.Tech / M.Tech in Computer Science, Computer Science & Engineering, Computer Engineering, Information Technology, Software Systems, Cyber Security, System Administration & Networking, Computer Systems & Networking, Data Analytics, or Artificial Intelligence.
• MCA with BCA / B.Sc (Computer Science / Information Technology).

The university must be recognized by the Government of India or established under UGC/AICTE/IIT/NIT Acts. Final-year students may apply provided they can submit proof of qualifying degree by the stipulated date.

Navy SSC IT Selection Process & Service Terms

Selection is based on normalized marks in the qualifying degree followed by SSB interview and medical examination. Shortlisted candidates will undergo a six-week Naval Orientation Course at INA Ezhimala followed by professional training at Naval Ships and establishments. The initial tenure is 10 years, extendable by a maximum of 04 years in two terms (2+2), subject to service requirements and willingness. Extension beyond 14 years is not permitted, and Permanent Commission is not applicable under this entry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – AFCAT 02/2026 & Indian Navy SSC IT 2026

Q1. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026?

Ans: The last date for online application submission is 19 June 2026 at 2330 HRS. Candidates are advised to apply well before the deadline.

Q2. Can women apply for AFCAT 02/2026 Flying Branch?

Ans: Yes. Women candidates can apply for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch. There are 5 vacancies for Women (SSC) in the AFCAT Entry Flying Branch.

Q3. Is there any application fee for NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry?

Ans: No. Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry are not required to pay any examination fee. Only AFCAT Entry candidates need to pay Rs. 550/- plus GST.

Q4. What is the training duration for AFCAT selected candidates?

Ans: Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) branches undergo 74 weeks of training, while Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches undergo 50 weeks of training at Air Force Academy, Dundigal.

Q5. Can married candidates apply for AFCAT 02/2026?

Ans: No. Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. Marriage during training is not permitted and will lead to discharge.

Q6. What is the starting salary of an AFCAT selected Flying Officer?

Ans: The basic pay starts at Rs. 56,100/- (Level 10) plus Military Service Pay of Rs. 15,500/- and various allowances, taking the gross emoluments to a highly competitive level.

Q7. Is the Indian Navy SSC IT course different from AFCAT?

Ans: Yes. The Indian Navy SSC IT Jan 27 Course is a separate recruitment drive for the Navy’s Information Technology Executive Branch. It requires a separate application at www.joinindiannavy.gov.in and is not part of AFCAT.

Conclusion – Don’t Miss This Golden Opportunity

The AFCAT 02/2026 notification and the Indian Navy SSC IT Jan 27 Course 2026 together offer a spectacular gateway for young Indians to serve the nation as Commissioned Officers. With attractive salaries, world-class training, adventure sports, and the honour of wearing the uniform, these opportunities are life-transforming. Ensure you check your eligibility, keep your documents ready, and submit your application before the respective deadlines. For daily updates on defence jobs, AFCAT admit cards, exam patterns, and SSB preparation tips, stay connected to our blog and share this article with fellow aspirants.

Download AFCAT 02/2026 Notification PDF