AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 Released: 379 Vacancies, Apply Online Now

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the biannual AFCAT exam to recruit dynamic candidates for its Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches as Class-I Gazetted Officers. The comprehensive AFCAT 2 notification 2026 was released on 20th May 2026, marking the commencement of the online application process at https://afcat.edcil.co.in/. The selection pipeline includes a rigorous written test, AFSB assessment, and medical evaluation.

What is the AFCAT Exam?

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a premier national-level entrance exam designed to select both male and female officers for the Indian Air Force. Successful candidates of this cycle will be shortlisted for courses commencing in July 2027, serving under a Short Service Commission (SSC) in their respective branches.

AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 PDF Out

The detailed AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 PDF for the July 2027 courses was published on 20th May 2026 in the Employment Newspaper. Aspiring officers can find vital information regarding vacancy distribution, eligibility, and the step-by-step selection process via the official document linked below.

Download the Official AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 PDF Here

AFCAT 2 Exam 2026 

The AFCAT 2 2026 recruitment drive invites applications for Ground Duty and Flying Branch Gazetted Officer roles for the January 2027 induction. Interested candidates must ensure their applications are submitted exclusively through the official portal at https://afcat.edcil.co.in/.

AFCAT 2 2026- Important Dates

Alongside the official notification, the Indian Air Force has published the complete registration schedule. It is critical for all aspirants to mark these dates on their calendars to ensure a seamless application experience.

AFCAT 2 Vacancy 2026

For the July 2027 course, a total of 379 vacancies have been announced across various Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches as specified in the official notification.

AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

Below are the specific eligibility requirements for candidates applying to the Ground Duty and Flying Branch positions under AFCAT 2 2026.

(A) AFCAT Age Limit (as on 01/06/2027)

(i) Flying Branch (including NCC Special Entry): Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years old as of 01 January 2027 (born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007). Those holding a current DGCA-issued Commercial Pilot License may be eligible up to 26 years of age.

(ii) Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branches: Candidates must be between 20 and 26 years old as of 01 January 2027 (born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007).

Note: Only unmarried candidates are eligible at the time of course commencement. Marriage during the training period is strictly prohibited, and violation of this rule will lead to discharge and a mandatory refund of government expenses.

(B) AFCAT Educational Qualification

Academic Eligibility Criteria for Flying Branch:

Candidates must have secured a minimum of 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level, OR

Possess a three-year degree from a recognized university with at least 60% aggregate marks, OR

Hold a four-year BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized university with at least 60% aggregate marks, OR

Candidates who have successfully cleared Sections A and B of the Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India with at least 60% marks.

Academic Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:

(i) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics/Mechanical): Candidates must have scored at least 60% in both Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, plus an Engineering degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.

Check Detailed AFCAT Eligibility Criteria Here

Submit Your AFCAT 2 Application Form 2026 Now

Steps to Apply for the AFCAT 2 2026 Exam

Candidates should apply for the AFCAT 2026 exam via the official website at https://afcat.edcil.co.in/ by following the step-by-step registration guide provided below.

Step 1: Complete New Registration

1. Click on the link provided below or visit the official website https://afcat.edcil.co.in/.
2. A new page will appear. New Users will have to register first.
3. Click on New User Register.
4. A new page will appear to enter your mobile no. and email to register yourself.
5. An OTP will be sent to your mobile no. and email, fill and click on “Submit”.
6. A Login Id and Password will be sent to your registered mobile no. and email id.

Step 2: Log in and Fill Application Details

1. Login using the Registration Number and Password. Select the post.
2. Fill up other details such as educational qualifications etc. depending upon the educational qualification of the candidate.
3. Pay the examination fee as applicable, online using a Credit/Debit Card or Internet Banking
4. Candidates are required to upload their scanned color photograph and Signature (in English or in Hindi) in JPEG format.
5. Login with your Registration Number and Password in the link for “UPLOAD” and thereafter, upload the file/scanned filled
6. Upload all the required certificates
7. Apply. Print out the acknowledgment for records.

AFCAT 2 2026 Exam Application Fee

Candidates must pay an examination fee of Rs. 550/- plus GST (non-refundable). Note that this fee is not applicable for NCC Special Entry candidates.

AFCAT 2026 Selection Process

Successful candidates from the written exam will receive call letters to attend the second phase of selection, known as AFSB Testing.

AFSB Testing Stage 1

The AFSB selection process includes two distinct stages:

1. Officer Intelligence Rating Test.
2. Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PP&DT)

Stage 1 consists of a screening test. Candidates who do not qualify at this stage are not permitted to proceed to Stage 2.

AFSB Testing Stage 2

Stage 2 qualifiers undergo a comprehensive assessment consisting of the following modules:

Psychological Tests: Administered by professional psychologists, these are specialized written evaluations.

Group Tests: These involve a series of mental and physical activities to gauge teamwork and leadership.

AFSB Interview: A personal, in-depth interaction conducted by the interviewing officer.

Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) Test: This is mandatory exclusively for Flying Branch candidates.

Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by the AFSB will proceed to medical examinations at the Institute of Aviation Medicine or the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME). A final merit list is compiled based on written and AFSB scores, followed by the issuance of joining instructions.

AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026

The table below outlines the AFCAT 2026 exam pattern for your reference.

AFCAT Exam Overview

Question Format: Objective Multiple-Choice Questions

Time Allotted: 2 Hours

Total Questions: 100

Maximum Marks: 300

Subject Areas: Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, General Awareness, and Military Aptitude.

Marking Scheme: +3 marks for every correct response.

Negative Marking: -1 mark for every incorrect response.

AFCAT Syllabus 2026

To excel in the exam, candidates should align their preparation strategy with the official AFCAT 2026 syllabus.

English Syllabus Overview:

This section typically features 20+ questions of moderate to difficult intensity. Key topics include comprehension, cloze tests, synonyms, antonyms, idioms, phrases, and error spotting.

Syllabus for General Knowledge:

This section covers Indian History, Polity, Economics, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Current Affairs. Difficulty ranges from easy to moderate.

Reasoning Syllabus Overview:

Expected topics include series, Venn diagrams, syllogism, blood relations, non-verbal reasoning, verbal reasoning, and military aptitude.

Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus Overview:

This section tests basic mathematical proficiency. Key areas: number systems, HCF and LCM, time, distance and speed, ratio and proportion, percentages, averages, and interest calculations.

Click Here for the Complete AFCAT 2026 Syllabus

AFCAT Previous Year Question Paper 

We provide access to AFCAT Previous Year Question Papers to help streamline your preparation. These resources are essential for understanding exam trends and improving your test-taking speed.

Download AFCAT Previous Year Papers PDF Here

AFCAT 2026 Salary 

1. Cadets receive a fixed monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100 during their final year of training.

2. Upon successful commissioning, officers are placed at Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix [Rs. 56,100–1,10,700].

3. A monthly Military Service Pay (MSP) of Rs. 15,500 is provided.

Additional Allowances:

1. Flying Branch Allowance: Rs. 11,250 per month.

2. Technical Branch Allowance: Rs. 2,500 per month.

Additional benefits include TA/DA, children's education allowance, and ration allowances.

AFCAT 2 2026 Admit Card 

Admit cards are issued online for each stage of the exam. Candidates must download their admit card and bring a printed copy to the examination center.

AFCAT 2026 Result 

The AFCAT 2026 exam takes place in two shifts daily. Results are typically declared one month post-exam, where candidates can verify their performance and compare against the official cut-off.

AFCAT 2026 Cut-Off

Official cut-off marks are released alongside the results. Reviewing previous years' cut-offs helps in setting realistic preparation targets.

Check Previous Year AFCAT Cut-Offs Here