Kamal Ghorui
AFCAT 02/2026 notification: The Indian Air Force has released the AFCAT 02/2026 notification for recruitment through the Air Force Common Admission Test, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry. The recruitment drive is for courses scheduled to commence in July 2027. Applications for eligible candidates will open on May 20, 2026, through the official AFCAT portal, afcat.edcil.co.in.Both men and women candidates are eligible to apply for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches, including Technical and Non-Technical categories. The recruitment process includes entries under Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission, depending on the branch and category mentioned in the notification.Eligibility criteria and vacanciesThe notification announced more than 300 vacancies under AFCAT 02/2026. Candidates applying for Ground Duty Technical posts must possess a BTech degree, while applicants for Non-Technical posts should hold a graduate degree in the relevant discipline.For the Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age. Applicants for Ground Duty Technical and Non-Technical branches should be between 20 and 26 years. The age limit will be calculated as on July 1, 2027, and applicable relaxations will be provided according to recruitment rules.Application fee and important datesThe online registration process will remain open from May 20, 2026, to June 19, 2026. The notification was released on May 12, 2026. Examination dates have not yet been announced.Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry are required to pay an application fee of Rs. 550 along with GST charges. No application fee has been prescribed for NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry candidates.Selection process for candidatesThe Indian Air Force stated in the notification that the selection process will be conducted strictly on merit and through a fair recruitment system. AFCAT online examinations will take place at designated centres across the country.The recruitment process includes a written examination, followed by the Air Force Selection Board process, document verification, and medical examination. Candidates appearing before the Air Force Selection Board for the first time will also be eligible for travel allowance according to the conditions mentioned in the official notification.
