IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026: Apply Online

📅 Posted: 20/05/2026 📝 Updated: 20/05/2026

Total Vacancy379+ (AFCAT + GATE Entry; NCC Special Entry vacancies additional as per CDSE/AFCAT percentages)

SalaryPay Level-10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) + MSP ₹15,500 + Allowances [Approx. ₹1,10,000+/Month]

LocationAll India

Last Date19/06/2026

Short Information: Indian Air Force (IAF) is inviting applications from men and women Indian citizens for Commissioned Officer posts in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches through AFCAT 02/2026, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry. Courses will commence in July 2027 at Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad. On commissioning, Flying Officers are placed at Pay Level-10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) as per the Defence Pay Matrix, plus a Military Service Pay of ₹15,500/month. Add flying allowance, transport allowance, technical allowance, and risk/hardship allowances — the total in-hand package for a Flying Officer easily crosses ₹1,10,000/month. Beyond pay, IAF officers receive furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents, canteen access, Officers' Mess facilities, loans at subsidised rates, and LTC. Annual leave entitlement is 60 days earned leave + 20 days casual leave. Online registration opens on 20 May 2026 at 11:00 AM and closes on 19 June 2026 at 11:30 PM through the official portal afcat.edcil.co.in. AFCAT exam fee is ₹550 + GST (non-refundable). NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempt from the exam fee. Candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement — marriage during training is not permitted.

Quick Navigation:

📅 Dates & Fees 📦 Vacancy 💰 Salary 🎯 Selection 📝 Pattern 🏃 Physical 📏 Standards 📖 Syllabus ❓ FAQs 🔗 Important Links

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026 2026Important Dates

Notification Released	20/05/2026
Registration Opens (AFCAT / NCC Special Entry)	20/05/2026 (11:00 AM)
Registration Closes	19/06/2026 (11:30 PM)
Registration Opening Time	11:00 AM on 20/05/2026
Registration Closing Time	11:30 PM on 19/06/2026
Admit Card Download (AFCAT)	04/08/2026 (11:00 AM onwards)
AFCAT Exam Date	08/08/2026 (Saturday)
Course Commencement	First week of July 2027

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026 2026Application Fee

AFCAT Entry (All Candidates)	₹550 + GST (18%)
NCC Special Entry (All Candidates)	₹0
GATE Score Entry (All Candidates)	₹0

Payment: Online — Net Banking / Debit Card / Credit Card / UPI via Payment Gateway on afcat.edcil.co.in

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026: Apply OnlineVacancy Details & Age Limit

Age Limit: Flying Branch: 20–24 Years; Ground Duty: 20–26 Years (as on 01/07/2027)

(Flying Branch: Candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) — upper age limit relaxable up to 26 years (born between 02/07/2001 to 01/07/2007), All age limits are as on 01 July 2027, Candidates must be unmarried at time of course commencement)

Entry	Branch	Course No.	Men (PC)	Women (PC)	Men (SSC)	Women (SSC)
AFCAT Entry	Flying	222/27F/SSC/M&W	--	--	30	5
AFCAT Entry	Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(L)	221/27T/PC/111AEC/M&W & 221/27T/SSC/111AEC/M&W	2	2	107	25
AFCAT Entry	Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(M)	221/27T/PC/111AEC/M&W & 221/27T/SSC/111AEC/M&W	8	2	52	13
AFCAT Entry	Ground Duty (Non-Technical)	221/27G/SSC/M&W	--	--	WS:21, Adm:50, Lgs:4, Accts:5, Edn:1, Met:1	WS:5, Adm:12, Lgs:2, Accts:2, Edn:2, Met:2
NCC Special Entry	Flying	222/27F/PC/M&W & 222/27F/SSC/M&W	10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC	10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC	10% out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC	10% out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC
GATE Score Entry	Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(L)	221/27T/PC/111AEC/M&W & 221/27T/SSC/111AEC/M&W	1	1	12	3
GATE Score Entry	Ground Duty (Technical) — AE(M)	221/27T/PC/111AEC/M&W & 221/27T/SSC/111AEC/M&W	1	1	6	1
Note: Vacancies are tentative and subject to change based on organizational requirements, training slots, and actual number accruing in July 2027. 2 seats reserved in Ground Duty (Non-Tech) for Law qualified candidates.

Recruitment Table: Ground Duty (Non-Technical) — Branch Wise Vacancy (SSC)

Branch / Stream	Men (SSC)	Women (SSC)	Total
Weapons Systems (WS)	21	5	26
Administration (Adm)	50	12	62
Logistics (Lgs)	4	2	6
Accounts (Accts)	5	2	7
Education (Edn)	1	2	3
Meteorology (Met)	1	2	3
Total	82	25	107
Note:2 seats reserved for Law qualified candidates in Ground Duty (Non-Technical) vacancies.

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026Eligibility Criteria

Citizenship: Candidate must be an Indian citizen as per Citizenship Act 1955.
Marital Status: Must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course. Marriage during training is not permitted. A candidate who marries during training will be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred by the Government.
Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry & NCC Special Entry): Graduation with minimum 60% marks in aggregate in any discipline from a recognised university; OR BE/B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks in aggregate. Physics and Mathematics must have been studied at 10+2 level.
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch — Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) & (Mechanical): BE/B.Tech with minimum 60% marks in Electronics / Electrical / Electronics & Communication / Instrumentation (for AE Electronics); or Mechanical / Aeronautical Engineering (for AE Mechanical). Physics and Mathematics must have been studied at 10+2 level.
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch — GATE Score Entry: Candidates with valid GATE score in relevant engineering disciplines. GATE score must be within 3 years preceding from the date of course commencement.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch — Administration & Logistics: Graduation with minimum 60% marks in any discipline. Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level NOT mandatory.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch — Accounts: Graduation with minimum 60% marks in Commerce / Arts / Science; OR CA / ICWA / CS qualification.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch — Education: Post Graduation with minimum 50% marks in any discipline with minimum 60% in Graduation.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch — Meteorology: Graduation with minimum 60% marks with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level; OR Post Graduation in Science / Geography / Computer Applications / Environmental Science / Applied Mathematics / Oceanography / Meteorology / Agricultural Meteorology / Ecology & Environment / Geophysics / Statistics.
NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch): NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate holders with minimum 60% marks in Graduation. Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level mandatory. NCC 'C' Certificate must have been acquired within two years from AFCAT registration date.
Age — Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2027 (born between 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive). Relaxable to 26 years for candidates holding valid CPL issued by DGCA (India).
Age — Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) via AFCAT and Ground Duty (Technical) via GATE Score: 20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2027 (born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive).
Tattoos: Permanent tattoos are not permitted on any body part that is visible or non-visible, EXCEPT on the inner face of forearms (elbow to wrist) and reverse/palm/back of both hands. Self-declaration certificate required for permitted areas. Tribal tattoos on face/body as per existing customs permitted on case-to-case basis.
Narcotics: Use/possession of narcotics is banned. Candidates may be tested during medicals and training. Found positive = debarred from IAF.
Physical Fitness: Candidates must be physically fit and able to run 1 mile (1.6 km) in 10 minutes, do 10 push-ups and 03 chin-ups. Mandatory swim testing and rope climbing during AFA training.

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026Pay Scale / Salary Structure

Post Name	Salary Level
Flying Officer (All Branches — on Commissioning)	Pay Level-10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) as per Defence Pay Matrix + MSP ₹15,500/Month [Approx. ₹1,10,000–₹1,20,000+/Month with allowances]
Flight Cadets (During 1 Year Training at AFA)	Fixed Stipend of ₹56,100/Month

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026Selection Process Steps

Step 1 — Online Registration: Apply through afcat.edcil.co.in (AFCAT Entry / NCC Special Entry separately).
Step 2 — AFCAT Written Examination: Online CBT conducted on 08 Aug 2026 (Saturday) at designated exam centres for AFCAT Entry candidates. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are not required to appear in AFCAT.
Step 3 — Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing: Shortlisted candidates appear for AFSB Interview at designated Air Force Selection Boards (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, Guwahati). Includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview conducted over multiple days.
Step 4 — Medical Examination: Candidates recommended by AFSB undergo medical examination at designated Air Force Medical Establishments.
Step 5 — Merit List: Final merit list prepared based on AFCAT score + AFSB score (for AFCAT Entry); NCC 'C' Certificate marks + AFSB score (for NCC Special Entry); GATE score + AFSB score (for GATE Score Entry).
Step 6 — Training: Selected candidates report to Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad) in the first week of July 2027.

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026Detailed Exam Pattern

Recruitment Details: AFCAT Written Examination Overview

Mode: Online Computer Based Test (CBT) at designated examination centres across India.
Exam Date: 08 August 2026 (Saturday). Reporting time: 0800 Hr; Gate closing: 0930 Hr; Exam: 1000 Hr – 1200 Hr.
Applicable For: AFCAT Entry only. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are NOT required to appear.
Examination Fee: ₹550 + 18% GST (non-refundable). Payment via Net Banking / Debit / Credit Card / UPI.
Negative Marking: Yes — 3 marks for correct answer; 1 mark deducted for incorrect answer; 0 for unattempted.
Admit Card: Available for download from 04 Aug 2026 (11:00 AM onwards) at afcat.edcil.co.in — NOT sent by post.

Recruitment Table: AFCAT Exam Pattern — Subject-wise Breakdown

Subject	No. of Questions	Max Marks	Duration
General Awareness	Combined	Combined	2 Hours
Verbal Ability in English	Combined	Combined	''
Numerical Ability	Combined	Combined	''
Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test	Combined	Combined	''
Total	100	300	2 Hours
Note:Normalisation of marks will be undertaken if exam is conducted in more than one shift.

Recruitment Details: AFSB Testing Overview

Stage 1: Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test + Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT). Candidates not clearing Stage 1 are sent back on the same day.
Stage 2 (over 4–5 days): Psychology Tests, Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks, Personal Interview, Conference. Flying Branch candidates additionally undergo CPSS (once in a lifetime test).
Travel Allowance: To and fro fare by AC-III Tier / AC Chair Car or actual normal bus fare reimbursed for candidates appearing at AFSB for the first time only.
Physical Fitness: Candidates must be able to run 1 mile in 10 minutes, 10 push-ups, 03 chin-ups before reporting for AFSB.

Recruitment Details: Physical & Medical Standards

Physical Fitness Benchmark: Ability to run 1 mile (1.6 km) in 10 minutes; 10 push-ups; 03 chin-ups.
AFA Training Activities: Running, swimming, rope climbing, and other physical conditioning activities are mandatory during training at Air Force Academy.
Medical Standards: Detailed physical and medical standards are available in the detailed notification on the official website (afcat.edcil.co.in).
Tattoos: Permitted only on inner forearm (elbow to wrist) and reverse/palm/back of hands. Self-declaration certificate required.
Narcotics Test: Candidates may be tested for narcotics during medicals and at any time during training.

Recruitment Table: Type of Commission — Service Period Details

Commission Type	Branch	Service Period / Tenure
Permanent Commission (PC)	All Branches (Men & Women)	Serve till age of superannuation in respective branch as per rank. PC officers are eligible for pension.
Short Service Commission (SSC)	Flying Branch	14 years from date of Commissioning (including training period). Not entitled to pension.
Short Service Commission (SSC)	Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech)	10 years initial tenure. Extension of 4 years may be granted subject to service requirements, vacancies, suitability, and merit.
Grant of PC (to SSC Officers)	All Branches	Considered at a later date subject to service requirements, vacancies, willingness, suitability, and merit as per prevailing policies. SSC officers are NOT entitled to pension.

Recruitment Table: Job Profile by Branch

Branch	Primary Responsibilities
Flying Branch	Operate and command IAF aircraft including fighters, transport, and helicopters; conduct air operations, strategic missions, and training sorties; manage flight safety and operational readiness of assigned aircraft and crew.
Ground Duty — Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics)	Maintain, repair, and overhaul avionics, radar, communication, and electronic warfare systems of IAF aircraft; ensure airworthiness and serviceability of electronic systems; manage technical teams on ground.
Ground Duty — Aeronautical Engineering (Mechanical)	Oversee maintenance and servicing of airframes, engines, and mechanical systems; manage ground support equipment; ensure aircraft are technically airworthy for operational flights.
Ground Duty — Administration	Handle personnel administration, HR management, welfare activities, legal matters, and statutory functions; manage Orderly Room, court proceedings, and administrative coordination across IAF units.
Ground Duty — Logistics	Manage supply chain, procurement, inventory, and warehousing of IAF stores, spares, and equipment; oversee vendor management and contract administration under GeM and Defence procurement rules.
Ground Duty — Accounts	Manage financial accounting, audit, budget preparation, and payroll for IAF units; handle Government expenditure control, Treasury functions, and internal audit compliance.
Ground Duty — Education	Impart academic instruction to IAF personnel at various training establishments; develop training curriculum; conduct educational tests and assessment; manage educational administrative functions.
Ground Duty — Meteorology	Provide weather forecasting and meteorological support for IAF flight operations; analyse atmospheric data; issue weather warnings and aviation weather products; support operational planning with weather intelligence.

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026Subject-wise Syllabus Topics

The detailed AFCAT syllabus is published on the official website afcat.edcil.co.in. Based on the official notification, the examination broadly covers the following areas. The standard of Numerical Ability questions is of Matriculation level; all other subjects are of Graduation level.

📚 Verbal Ability in English

Comprehension passages
Error Detection in Sentence
Sentence Completion / Filling in correct word
Synonym / Antonym
Cloze Test / Fill in the Gaps in a paragraph
Idioms and Phrases
Analogy
Sentence Rearranging
One Word Substitution
Transformation of Sentence (Complex to Simple)
Homonyms

📚 Numerical Ability

Decimal Fraction
Time & Work
Average / Percentage
Profit & Loss
Ratio & Proportion
Simple and Compound Interest
Time & Distance and Races (Trains / Boats & Streams)
Area and Perimeter
Probability
Number System & Number Series
Mixture & Allegation Rules
Square & Square Root / Cube & Cube Roots
HCF & LCM
Elementary Mensuration
Heights and Distance
Statistics (Mean, Median and Mode)
Exponents and Powers

📚 Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test

Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning
Figure Classification
Odd One Out
Series Completion
Analogy
Venn Diagram
Pattern Recognition
Spatial Ability

📚 General Awareness

History of India
Geography
Sports
National & International Organisations
Art & Culture
Personalities
Environment & Ecology
Indian Polity
Economy
Basic Science Based Knowledge
Science & Technology
Current Affairs (National & International)
Defence

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026How to Apply

Visit the official AFCAT registration portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in
Register separately for AFCAT Entry and/or NCC Special Entry through the separate tabs available on the website. Candidates eligible for more than one entry must register separately in each.
Fill in all personal, educational, and service details accurately. Note: Information filled in the online application form will be considered final — no amendments will be allowed after submission.
Ensure date of birth is entered correctly — cross-check with 10th Matriculation certificate before submitting. Date of birth as per Matriculation certificate is the only accepted proof.
Upload required documents (passport size photograph: 100KB–200KB; signature: 80KB–150KB; thumb impression: 50KB–100KB) in JPG/JPEG format as per specifications.
Pay the examination fee of ₹550 + 18% GST for AFCAT Entry through the online payment gateway (Net Banking / Debit / Credit Card / UPI). NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates do not pay any fee.
Maintain the same unique registered Email ID and mobile phone number active throughout the entire selection process.
Submit the application before 19 June 2026 at 11:30 PM.
For queries on online examination, registration, and admit cards contact: +91 9513252077 (Mon–Sat, 0900–1800 Hrs) or afcathelpdesk@edcil.co.in
For queries on eligibility contact: 011-23010231 Extn 7245. For AFSB interview dates, merit list, and joining instructions contact: 011-23010231 Extn 7610 or Toll Free 1800-11-2448.

Recruitment Note: About Indian Air Force (IAF)

The Indian Air Force (IAF), established on 08 October 1932, is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces and the fourth largest air force in the world. Operating under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India, IAF's primary mission is to secure Indian airspace and conduct aerial warfare during armed conflict. With a fleet of over 1,700 aircraft including advanced fighters like the Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, and MiG-29, along with transport aircraft, helicopters, and UAVs, IAF operates from air bases across the length and breadth of India. IAF officers are commissioned through prestigious entries including AFCAT, NDA, CDSE, and NCC Special Entry. The Air Force Academy at Dundigal, Hyderabad, is one of Asia's largest flying training establishments. Beyond combat operations, IAF plays a critical role in humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and United Nations peacekeeping missions globally. A career in IAF offers not just a competitive salary package but also a lifestyle defined by adventure, professional excellence, and national service.

Recruitment Note: Benefits & Perks Beyond Salary

IAF Commissioned Officers receive an extensive benefits package beyond the base pay and MSP: Furnished accommodation at the place of posting (Officers' Mess facilities included); Comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents at military hospitals (free of cost); Canteen facilities at subsidised rates; Leave Travel Concession (LTC) for travel; 60 days Earned Leave and 20 days Casual Leave annually (subject to service exigencies); Insurance coverage — Mandatory Insurance Cover (AFGIS) with presently ₹1.25 Crore for death while in service; PC Officers retiring after 20+ years and SSC Officers completing 14 years covered under Air Veterans Insurance Cover (AVIC) — ₹24 Lacs initially for 15 years post-retirement, then ₹12 Lacs till age 75; Loans at subsidised rates; Sports and adventure activities including sky diving, micro-light flying, mountaineering, and water rafting; PAN Card, Aadhaar and SBI/Nationalised Bank account mandatory at joining.

Recruitment Note: Statutory Warning & Important Notes

Selection in the Indian Air Force is strictly fair and merit-based. Any attempt to influence the selection process at any stage — including forgery, impersonation, or supply of false information — is liable to lead to termination of candidature or initiation of criminal and legal action against the concerned individual. Information in this advertisement is only a guideline. In case of any ambiguity, existing policies, rules, and regulations of IAF/Government of India as amended from time to time will be final and binding. All information given in the advertisement is subject to change without notice. Candidates are advised to visit the official website regularly for updates.

IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Officer Recruitment 2026Important Official Links

Apply Online Application Window: 20/05/2026 to 19/06/2026 (11:30 PM)	Click Here ↗
Download Notification AFCAT 02/2026 \| CBC 1080/11/0012/2627	Click Here ↗
Download Employment News Notification AFCAT 02/2026 \| CBC 1080/11/0012/2627	Click Here ↗
Official Website	Click Here ↗

Disclaimer Information provided here is for quick reference. Verify all details on the official website before taking action.

Share on WhatsApp Share on Telegram

Quick Overview

🚀 Recruitment Overview

Quick Summary of the Notification

Organization	Indian Air Force
Post Name	Flying Officer (Flying & Ground Duty Branches)
Total Vacancy	379+ (AFCAT + GATE Entry; NCC Special Entry vacancies additional as per CDSE/AFCAT percentages)
Salary	Pay Level-10 (₹56,100–₹1,77,500) + MSP ₹15,500 + Allowances [Approx. ₹1,10,000+/Month]
Job Location	All India
Apply Mode	Online
Last Date	19/06/2026
Official Website	Visit Website ↗

💡 Expert Tip

Two things most candidates get wrong with IAF AFCAT applications: First, the date of birth you enter in the online form is treated as final — no amendments are allowed after submission. Cross-check your birth certificate, 10th marksheet, and Aadhaar before filling the form. Second, if you have a tattoo anywhere on your body other than the inner forearm (elbow to wrist) or inner palm/back of hands, you will be disqualified at the AFSB stage regardless of your written exam score. Temporary tattoos are also not permitted. Additionally, candidates must maintain the same unique registered Email ID and mobile number throughout the entire selection process — changing either mid-process can result in missing critical communications.

Common Questions (FAQs)

Q.1 What is the in-hand salary for a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force? ▼

Ans: A Flying Officer is placed at Pay Level-10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) as per the Defence Pay Matrix, plus a Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500/month. After adding Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance (for technical branches), and other branch-specific allowances, the total in-hand package for a Flying Officer on commissioning is approximately ₹1,10,000 to ₹1,25,000 per month. Flight Cadets during their 1-year training at AFA receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100/month.

Q.2 What is the last date to apply online for IAF AFCAT 02/2026? ▼

Ans: The online registration portal at afcat.edcil.co.in closes on 19 June 2026 at 11:30 PM. Registration opens on 20 May 2026 at 11:00 AM. Candidates eligible for more than one entry (AFCAT and NCC Special Entry) must register separately for each. No applications will be accepted after the closing date and time.

Q.3 Is there any negative marking in the AFCAT exam? ▼

Ans: Yes, there is negative marking in AFCAT 02/2026. Each correct answer carries 3 marks, and 1 mark is deducted for every incorrect answer. No marks are awarded or deducted for unattempted questions. The exam consists of 100 questions carrying a total of 300 marks, to be completed in 2 hours.

Q.4 What is the age limit for Flying Branch in AFCAT 02/2026? ▼

Ans: For the Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 to 24 years of age as on 01 July 2027, i.e., born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive). Candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) can apply up to 26 years of age, i.e., born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007 (both dates inclusive).

Q.5 How to download the IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Notification PDF? ▼

Ans: The official notification for AFCAT 02/2026 is available on the IAF AFCAT portal: afcat.edcil.co.in. Navigate to the Notification or Recruitment section to download the detailed PDF. The notification reference is CBC 1080/11/0012/2627. For eligibility queries call 011-23010231 Extn 7245; for AFSB dates and joining instructions call 011-23010231 Extn 7610 or Toll Free 1800-11-2448.

Q.6 What is the educational qualification required for Ground Duty (Technical) Branch? ▼

Ans: Candidates must hold a BE/B.Tech degree with minimum 60% marks in aggregate in Electronics / Electrical / Electronics & Communication / Instrumentation Engineering (for Aeronautical Engineering Electronics branch), or Mechanical / Aeronautical Engineering (for Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical branch). Physics and Mathematics must have been studied at 10+2 level. Alternatively, candidates with a valid GATE score in relevant disciplines can apply through the GATE Score Entry route.

Q.7 What is the selection process for IAF AFCAT 02/2026? ▼

Ans: The selection involves: (1) Online AFCAT Written Exam (CBT) on 08 Aug 2026 for AFCAT Entry candidates — NCC and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempt. (2) Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing — includes Stage 1 (OIR + PPDT) and Stage 2 (Psychology Tests, GTO Tasks, Personal Interview, Conference) conducted over 4-5 days. Flying Branch candidates additionally undergo CPSS. (3) Medical Examination at designated IAF medical establishments. (4) Final merit list based on combined scores. Training commences at Air Force Academy, Dundigal in July 2027.

Q.8 Is IAF Commission a permanent government job? ▼

Ans: It depends on the type of commission. Permanent Commission (PC) officers serve till the age of superannuation and are entitled to pension. Short Service Commission (SSC) officers serve for 14 years (Flying Branch) or 10 years extendable by 4 years (Ground Duty branches) and are NOT entitled to pension. SSC officers can be considered for grant of PC at a later stage subject to service requirements, vacancies, merit, and prevailing policies at that time.