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

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the AFCAT exam biannually to recruit eligible candidates for Class-I Gazetted Officer positions across Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. The official notification PDF was released on 20th May 2026, and the online application process is now live at https://afcat.edcil.co.in/. The selection process consists of a written examination, AFSB testing, and a medical assessment.

What is the AFCAT Exam?

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a national-level entrance exam designed to select male and female candidates for various officer roles. Successful candidates of the AFCAT 2 2026 exam will be shortlisted for courses commencing in July 2027, granting them a Short Service Commission (SSC) in their respective branches. 

AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 PDF Out

The detailed AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 for courses starting in July 2027 was officially published on 20th May 2026. Aspirants can access crucial information regarding vacancies, eligibility standards, and the selection process through the official notification. Click the link below to view the details.

Download the AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 PDF Here 

AFCAT 2 Exam 2026 

The AFCAT 2 2026 recruitment drive fills vacancies for Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) and Flying Branch officer posts. Interested candidates must submit their applications exclusively via the official website at https://afcat.edcil.co.in/. 

AFCAT 2 2026- Exam Summary
Conducted by	Indian Air Force (IAF)
Exam Name	AFCAT 2/2026
Post Name	Ground Duty (Non-Technical and Technical) and Gazetted Officers in Flying Branches
Vacancies	379
Exam Level	National
Frequency	Twice in a year
Mode of Exam	Online (Computer Based Test)
Registration Dates	20th May to 19th June 2026
Total Number of Questions	AFCAT: 100 & EKT: 50
Exam Language	English
Selection Process	Written test- AFSB Test- Medical Examination
Salary	Rs. 56100- Rs. 177500 (Flying Officer)
Official Website	https://afcat.edcil.co.in/

AFCAT 2 2026- Important Dates

Alongside the notification release, the Indian Air Force has published the comprehensive registration timeline for the AFCAT 2 2026 exam. Candidates are advised to adhere to these important dates to ensure their applications are processed successfully. 

Events	Dates
AFCAT 2 2026 Notification	12th May 2026
Commencement of Application Form	20th May 2026
Last Date to Apply Online	19th June 2026
AFCAT Admit Card 2026	--
AFCAT Exam Date 2026	--
Course Commences From	July 2027

AFCAT 2 Vacancy 2026

This recruitment cycle offers 379 vacancies for Ground Duty and Flying Branch Gazetted Officer posts, with training for the selected candidates scheduled to begin in July 2027. 

Entry	Branch	Course Name	Men (PC)	Women (PC)	Men (SSC)	Women (SSC)
AFCAT Entry	Flying	222/27F/SSC/M&W			30	05
	Ground Duty (Technical)	221/27T/PC/ 111AEC/M&W 221/27T/SSC/ 111AEC/M&W	AE(L) : 2 AE(M) : 8	AE(L) : 2 AE(M) : 2	AE(L) : 107  AE(M) : 52	AE(L) : 25 AE(M) : 13
	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	221/27F/PC/M and 221/27F/SSC/M&W	--	--	10% seats out of CDSE vacancies for PC and10% seats out of AFCAT vacancies for SSC
GATE Score Entry	Ground Duty (Technical)	221/27T/PC/ 111AEC/M&W 221/27T/SSC/ 111AEC/M&W	AE(L) : 1 AE(M) : 1	AE(L) : 1 AE(M) : 1	AE(L) : 12 AE(M) : 6	AE(L) : 3 AE(M) : 1

AFCAT 2026 Eligibility Criteria

The eligibility criteria for the AFCAT 2 2026 Flying and Ground Duty branches are outlined below.

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

(i) Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry): Candidates must be aged 20 to 24 years as of 01 January 2027 (born between 02 January 2003 and 01 January 2007). A relaxation up to 26 years is available for those holding a valid DGCA-issued Commercial Pilot License (born between 02 January 2001 and 01 January 2007). 

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

Note: Candidates must be unmarried at the start of the course. Marriage is prohibited during the training period; violation of this rule will result in discharge and recovery of training expenditures incurred by the Government.

(B) AFCAT Educational Qualification

Educational Qualifications for the Flying Branch: 

Candidates must have passed 10+2 with at least 50% marks in both Mathematics and Physics. OR 

Graduation in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks or equivalent. OR

A four-year BE/B.Tech degree from a recognized university with a minimum aggregate of 60% marks or equivalent. OR

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

Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty (Technical) Branch:

(i) Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) [AE(L)]: Candidates require a minimum of 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, plus a degree or post-graduation in a relevant engineering discipline.

Click Here for Detailed AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

Apply Online for AFCAT 2 2026 Here

Steps to Apply for the AFCAT 2 2026 Exam

Candidates can complete their registration for the AFCAT 2026 exam by visiting https://afcat.edcil.co.in/ and following the provided step-by-step instructions. 

Step 1: Complete 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: Candidate Login

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

Applicants must pay an examination fee of Rs. 550/- plus GST (non-refundable), excluding NCC Special Entry candidates.

Category	Fee
All	Rs. 550/- + GST (non-refundable)

AFCAT 2026 Selection Process

Qualified candidates from the written exam will receive call letters to participate in the second stage of selection: the AFSB Testing process.

AFSB Testing Stage 1

The AFSB selection process includes two stages:

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

Stage 1 is the screening test. Candidates who do not qualify at this stage will not proceed to the AFSB Stage 2 testing.

AFSB Testing Stage 2

Successful Stage 1 candidates will proceed to AFSB Stage 2, which includes the following assessments:

Psychological Tests: Written tests evaluated by professional psychologists.

Group Tests: Interactive mental and physical activities to assess candidate capabilities.

AFSB Interview: A personal, one-on-one interview conducted by an interviewing officer.

Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) Test: A mandatory assessment for candidates applying specifically to the Flying Branch.

Medical Examination

Recommended candidates will proceed to a medical examination at designated centers: the Institute of Aviation Medicine (Bengaluru) or the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME). A final merit list will be prepared based on written and AFSB scores, followed by the issuance of joining letters for the training academies.

AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026

The table below details the AFCAT 2026 exam pattern.

Name of Exam	Subjects	Time Duration	Number of Questions	Maximum Marks
AFCAT 2 Exam 2026	General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test	2 Hours	100	300

AFCAT Exam Pattern Overview 

Question Type: Multiple-Choice Questions (MCQs)

Exam Duration: 2 Hours

Total Questions: 100

Maximum Marks: 300

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

Marking Scheme: 3 marks awarded for every correct answer.

Negative Marking: 1 mark deducted for every incorrect answer.

AFCAT Syllabus 2026

Aspirants should prepare using the updated AFCAT Syllabus 2026 to ensure optimal performance. 

English Section Syllabus:

This section comprises approximately 20 questions ranging from moderate to difficult. Topics include Reading Comprehension, Cloze Tests, Synonyms/Antonyms, Idioms/Phrases, and Error Spotting.

Syllabus for General Knowledge:

Covering subjects such as Indian History, Polity, Economics, Geography, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and Current Affairs, this section is generally easy to moderate in difficulty.

Reasoning Section Syllabus:

Topics include Series, Venn Diagrams, Syllogism, Blood Relations, Non-Verbal reasoning, Verbal logic, and Military Aptitude.

Quantitative Aptitude Syllabus:

This section tests basic Mathematics (Easy to Moderate level), covering Number Systems, HCF & LCM, Time, Speed & Distance, Time & Work, Ratios, Percentages, Averages, Interest, and Pipes & Cisterns.

Click Here for Detailed AFCAT Syllabus 2026

AFCAT Previous Year Question Paper 

Utilizing AFCAT Previous Year Question Papers is a highly effective way to prepare for the Indian Air Force exam. Download the PDFs via the link below.

Download AFCAT Previous Year Papers

AFCAT 2026 Salary 

1. During the final year of training, cadets receive a stipend of Rs. 56,100.

2. Post-training, officers are commissioned at Level 10 of the 7th CPC Pay Matrix [Rs. 56,100 – 1,10,700].

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

Additional Allowances:

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

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

Officers are also entitled to TA, DA, Children’s Education Allowance, and Ration Money, among other benefits.

AFCAT 2 2026 Salary Structure
Rank	Level	Pay Scale (in Rs.)
Flying Officer	Level 10	Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500
Flight Lieutenant	Level 10 B	Rs. 6,13,00-1,93,900
Squadron Leader	Level 11	Rs. 6,94,00 – 2,07,200
Wing Commander	Level 12A	Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12400
Group Captain	Level 13	Rs. 1,30,600-2, 15,900
Air Commodore	Level 13A	Rs. 1,39,600-2,17,600
Air Vice Marshal	Level 14	Rs. 1,44,200-2,18,200
Air Marshal HAG Scale	Level 15	Rs. 1, 82, 200-2,24,100
HAG+Scale	Level 16	Rs. 2,05,400 – 2,24,400
VACS/Airforce Cdr/ Air Marshal (NFSG)	Level 17	Rs. 2,25,000/-(fixed)
CAS	Level 18	Rs. 2,50,000/-(fixed)

AFCAT 2 2026 Admit Card 

The Indian Air Force releases admit cards for each selection stage. Candidates must download and carry a printout of the admit card to the examination venue. 

AFCAT 2026 Result 

The exam is held in two shifts daily. Results are typically announced approximately one month post-exam. Candidates can check their status and view cutoff marks on the official website once released.

AFCAT 2026 Cut-Off

Official cutoff marks are declared alongside the results. Previous years' cutoff trends are available for reference.

Previous years	AFCAT-1 Cut Off	AFCAT 2 Cut-Off
AFACT 2025	121	140
AFCAT 2024	137	139
AFCAT 2023	155	151
AFCAT 2022	157	157
AFCAT 2021	165	157
AFCAT 2020	153	155

Check Previous Year AFCAT Cut-Offs