What Is AFCAT 02/2026?
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force to select officers for three main branches — Flying, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical. AFCAT 02/2026 was notified on 12 May 2026, with 142+ confirmed vacancies (Ground Duty Technical numbers are yet to be released). If you want to serve as a commissioned officer in the IAF without going through NDA, AFCAT is the direct route.
Branch-Wise Vacancy Details
The AFCAT 02/2026 notification has released vacancies for most branches. Ground Duty Technical (Aeronautical Engineering – Electronics and Mechanical) vacancies are listed as "to be notified" and will appear in the detailed advertisement once published.
| Branch | Commission | Vacancies |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | PC (Men) + SSC (Men & Women) | 35 |
| GD Non-Tech – Administration | PC + SSC | 62 |
| GD Non-Tech – Weapon Systems | PC + SSC | 26 |
| GD Non-Tech – Accounts | PC + SSC | 7 |
| GD Non-Tech – Logistics | PC + SSC | 6 |
| GD Non-Tech – Education | PC + SSC | 3 |
| Meteorology | SSC | 3 |
| GD Tech – AE (Electronics) | PC + SSC | TBD |
| GD Tech – AE (Mechanical) | PC + SSC | TBD |
Eligibility – Branch by Branch
Flying Branch: Any graduation degree with Physics and Mathematics studied at 10+2 level. Alternatively, B.E./B.Tech in any stream qualifies directly. Age must be 20–24 years as on 01 July 2027. Height minimum 157.5 cm (men), 152 cm (women).
Ground Duty Technical (AE-L / AE-M): Four-year engineering degree with minimum 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. Electronics/Electrical/Aerospace for AE-L; Mechanical/Aerospace for AE-M. Age 20–26 years.
Ground Duty Non-Technical: Any graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% aggregate marks. Age 20–26 years. This is the most accessible branch — commerce, arts, science graduates all eligible.
Meteorology: Post-graduation in Meteorology, Physics, Applied Physics, or Applied Mathematics. Age 20–26 years.
AFCAT Exam Pattern
AFCAT is an online MCQ exam — 2 hours (120 minutes), 100 questions, 300 marks total. Each correct answer gives 3 marks; each wrong answer deducts 1 mark. There is no sectional time limit.
| Subject | Questions | Marks |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Ability in English | 30 | 90 |
| Numerical Ability | 15 | 45 |
| Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test | 30 | 90 |
| General Awareness | 25 | 75 |
| Total | 100 | 300 |
Selection Process
Selection happens in three stages. First, you clear the AFCAT written exam — your score determines whether you get called for the next stage. Second, qualified candidates appear before the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) for a 5-day psychological assessment, group tasks, and interview. Flying Branch candidates additionally undergo CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System) at the start of AFSB. Third, candidates who clear AFSB undergo a medical examination to confirm fitness standards. Final merit is based on AFSB performance.
How to Apply
Visit afcat.edcil.co.in and register from 20 May 2026. Fill your personal, educational, and branch preference details. Upload photograph and signature as per specifications. Pay the ₹550 application fee (NCC Special Entry candidates are exempt). Submit and save your application number. The detailed official notification will be published on the same portal — read it carefully before applying to confirm your branch-specific eligibility.