Quick snapshot: What’s new in AFCAT Recruitment 2026
The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 02/2026 notification on its official website indianairforce.nic.in in May 2026 . This cycle offers 379 vacancies across the Flying branch and Ground Duty (technical and non-technical) posts.
Key facts in one line: online applications opened on 20 May 2026 and the last date to apply is 19 June 2026 . The application fee is ₹550 and basic age eligibility is 20 to 26 years . The exam code for this window is AFCAT 02/2026 .
Both Flying and Ground Duty roles share some common requirements (like a graduate degree) but have separate, post-specific eligibility rules—so you must read the official notification on indianairforce.nic.in before applying.
Important dates and deadlines (apply these at-a-glance)
Below are the dates published in the notification. Save them now and plan your application early.
| Event | Date |
|---|---|
| Notification released on official site | May 2026 |
| Online application start date | 20 May 2026 |
| Online application last date | 19 June 2026 |
Don’t wait until the final hours. The IAF portal normally sees heavy traffic during closing days. Also keep documents ready to avoid rejected uploads or incomplete forms.
Who can apply: Eligibility broken down simply
Minimum education: A graduate degree from a recognised university is required for AFCAT 02/2026. That is the baseline mentioned in the notification.
Age: The published age range is 20 to 26 years . Calculate your age based on the dates given in the official notification to confirm you fall inside this band.
Branch differences (high level): - Flying branch: typically has tighter medical and flying-related educational requirements; check notification for exact subject/degree rules for pilots. - Ground Duty (technical and non-technical): educational requirements may vary by post—technical roles often require specific engineering or technical qualifications.
Documents to have ready before applying: your degree certificate or provisional certificate, scanned photograph, scanned signature, and a valid photo ID. The notification also instructs uploading these during the online form.
Always confirm post-wise eligibility in the official notification on indianairforce.nic.in before you start the application.
Step-by-step application guide (quick checklist for students)
Where to apply: Use the official website indianairforce.nic.in to reach the AFCAT 02/2026 application page. The notification and apply link are hosted there.
Filling the form: You will register first (create login credentials), then fill in personal and educational details. Common fields include name, DOB, contact, educational qualifications, category, and preferred post/branch.
Uploading documents: Scan and upload your photograph and signature in the formats and sizes required. Also upload degree certificates as instructed. Label your files clearly before upload to avoid confusion.
Payment of fee: The application fee is ₹550 . Follow the online payment options shown on the portal and keep the payment confirmation reference safe.
Final submission: After completing all sections and payment, submit the form and print or save the acknowledgement. Your application is not complete until you see a submission confirmation and application number.
Practical tips while applying: - Use a laptop or desktop to avoid mobile upload issues. - Keep scanned files within size limits and in the required file types (check the portal). - Take screenshots at each major step — registration, payment confirmation, and final submission.
Selection process explained: From written exam to medical
The selection stages listed in the notification are: written exam, AFSB tests, interview and medical. The written test for this cycle is the AFCAT exam (AFCAT 02/2026).
Written exam (AFCAT): This is the first filtering stage and determines who will be called for the AFSB tests or further processing, depending on the post. The notification identifies AFCAT as the entry exam for these vacancies.
AFSB testing stages: The notification mentions AFSB tests as part of selection. AFSB typically includes Stage 1 screening and Stage 2 detailed testing (psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews). The notification confirms these tests form part of selection for the advertised posts.
Interview and documentation: The interview (part of AFSB and/or separate personnel interview) checks your suitability and verifies documents. Carry original certificates and ID proofs when appearing.
Medical examination: The final stage is medical. Medical fitness is mandatory for appointment. The notification highlights that medicals form part of the selection process—failure to meet medical standards may disqualify you.
Practical prep tips for the AFCAT written exam and AFSB
Start with what you can control: time management, past papers, mock tests and consistent study hours. Focus on general ability, English, reasoning and numerical skills if you have limited time.
Practice mock tests under timed conditions. They give you rhythm for the exam day and highlight weak topics quickly. Solve previous AFCAT papers if available.
AFSB prep: AFSB assesses personality, group behaviour and communication. Work on clear, calm answers in personal interviews. Practice group discussions and group tasks with friends or batchmates.
On test day: carry the required photo ID, admit card (when released), and photocopies of your documents as instructed. For AFSB, carry originals and extra photocopies of all certificates and your recent photograph.
Documents, proofs and photo guidelines checklist
Mandatory uploads during application include your educational certificate(s), photo and signature. The notification specifically asks candidates to upload educational documents, photo and signature while applying.
Photo and signature specs: Check the portal for exact size and format. Common reasons for rejection are incorrect file size, unclear photo, or mismatch between uploaded signature and the one produced later.
Keep both digital and physical copies of all documents. Digital copies should be clearly scanned, labelled and stored in more than one place (phone and cloud). Physical copies should be organised in a folder for AFSB and medical stages.
Where this plan doesn’t cover (gaps to check in the official notification)
The notification confirms the broad facts above but does not give every operational detail you may need. Before you apply, verify the following in the official document on indianairforce.nic.in:
- Post-wise vacancy breakup and category-wise distribution (SC/ST/OBC/EWS/UR).
- Detailed educational qualifications per post and any subject-specific requirements.
- Reservation and category relaxation rules.
- Full physical standards and medical criteria for each branch.
- Detailed exam syllabus and paper pattern for AFCAT 02/2026.
- City-wise exam centres, admit card dates and application correction window.
- Salary structure, pay scale, training duration and posting locations.
- Previous-year cutoffs or expected cutoffs.
The notification is the authoritative document. If you need any of the items above, check indianairforce.nic.in now.
Checklist and timeline you can follow (one-page student plan)
Use this checklist as your working timeline from notification to exam prep.
| When | Task |
|---|---|
| Within 48 hours of notification | Download and read the official notification from indianairforce.nic.in. Note post-wise eligibility and document list. |
| First week | Organise degree certificate/provisional certificate, ID, and scanned photo & signature in required formats. Create a checklist of required uploads. |
| Application week (before 19 June 2026) | Register on the portal, fill form, upload documents, pay ₹550 fee and submit. Save application number and payment receipt. |
| After submission | Start AFCAT preparation: mock tests, previous year papers, and revision plan. Monitor official site for admit card dates. |
| When called for AFSB | Prepare original documents and a folder of photocopies. Practice group tasks and interview answers. |
| Medical stage | Ensure you meet basic medical fitness standards. Keep recent medical records if you have chronic conditions to discuss with the medical board. |
Treat the above timeline as flexible but complete the application well before 19 June 2026 to prevent last-minute problems.
Wrapping up: Final reminders before you hit submit
Double-check your eligibility details and post-specific rules in the notification. An ineligible application can be rejected at any stage.
Make sure your scanned documents are clear and your photo looks like you. Save the application number, payment reference and take multiple screenshots or printouts of the submitted form.
Set calendar reminders for admit card release, exam dates and AFSB call letters. Keep monitoring indianairforce.nic.in for any corrigendum or updates.
And finally, read the official notification carefully before you apply. It contains the definitive instructions and post-wise conditions for AFCAT Recruitment 2026.
FAQs
Q1: Where do I apply for AFCAT Recruitment 2026? A1: Apply online at the Indian Air Force official website indianairforce.nic.in. The notification and application link are hosted there.
Q2: What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026? A2: The last date to submit the online application is 19 June 2026 .
Q3: How many vacancies are there in AFCAT Recruitment 2026? A3: The notification lists 379 total vacancies across Flying and Ground Duty posts.
Q4: What is the application fee and how do I pay it? A4: The application fee is ₹550 . Pay online through the payment options provided on the portal and keep the payment confirmation.
Q5: What are the main selection stages I should prepare for? A5: Selection stages include the AFCAT written exam, AFSB testing (Stage 1 and Stage 2), interview and a medical exam.
Q6: Do I need to upload my degree certificate while applying? A6: Yes. The notification instructs candidates to upload educational documents, photo and signature during the application process.