Introduction
The Indian Air Force has announced the AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment drive, opening doors for aspiring candidates to join as commissioned officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty positions. This prestigious opportunity offers a chance to serve the nation while building a distinguished career in aviation and technical fields.
Important Details
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Job Post Title | AFCAT 02/2026 – Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers |
| Department / Organization | Indian Air Force |
| Post Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Total Vacancy | To be announced |
| Qualification | Graduate degree in relevant discipline |
| Salary Band | Level 10 (7th Pay Commission) |
| Location of Posting | All India |
| Official Website | https://afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Important Dates | Application: 20 May – 19 June 2026 Exam Date: 08 August 2026 |
Position Summary
The AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment aims to select Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers for various branches of the Indian Air Force, including Flying Branch and Ground Duty positions in both Technical and Non-Technical streams.
Purpose of the Role
Selected officers will serve as commissioned personnel responsible for operational, technical, and administrative duties within the Indian Air Force structure.
Where the Role Fits
Ministry of Defence – Indian Air Force – Various Commands and Units across India
Key Impact Area
National security, aviation operations, technical maintenance, and administrative support for Air Force operations.
Vacancy and Reservation Details
Total Vacancies
The exact number of vacancies will be specified in the detailed notification upon release.
Category-wise Breakup
- Unreserved (UR): As per government norms
- Scheduled Caste (SC): 15%
- Scheduled Tribe (ST): 7.5%
- Other Backward Classes (OBC): 27%
- Economically Weaker Sections (EWS): 10%
- Persons with Benchmark Disability (PwBD): 4%
Horizontal Reservation
Women candidates are eligible for all branches as per current Air Force policies.
Eligibility Criteria
4.1 Educational Qualification
Essential Requirements:
- Flying Branch: Graduate degree with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
- Ground Duty Technical: BE/BTech in relevant engineering streams
- Ground Duty Non-Technical: Graduate degree in any discipline
Desirable Qualifications:
- Higher academic achievements
- Relevant certifications in technical fields
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate with flying experience (preferred)
4.2 Age Criteria
- Flying Branch: 20-24 years
- Ground Duty Technical: 20-26 years
- Ground Duty Non-Technical: 20-26 years
- Age relaxation: 5 years for SC/ST, 3 years for OBC candidates
4.3 Experience Requirements
Fresh graduates are eligible. Relevant work experience in technical fields will be considered advantageous.
Salary and Benefits
Pay Level and Pay Matrix
Level 10 as per 7th Pay Commission with regular increments based on service years.
Basic Pay Range
Starting basic pay approximately Rs. 56,100 per month with annual increments.
Allowances
- Dearness Allowance (DA): As per government rates
- House Rent Allowance (HRA): Based on posting location
- Transport Allowance (TA): As applicable
- Flying Pay: Additional allowance for flying branch officers
Benefits
- New Pension Scheme (NPS) contribution
- Comprehensive medical facilities for self and family
- Earned leave, casual leave, and medical leave provisions
- Canteen facilities and accommodation
Job Responsibilities
Core Functional Duties
- Execute operational missions and training exercises
- Maintain aircraft systems and equipment standards
- Implement safety protocols and procedures
- Coordinate with ground support teams
- Participate in specialized training programs
Administrative Duties
- Supervise junior personnel and administrative staff
- Prepare operational reports and documentation
- Manage resource allocation and inventory
- Conduct performance evaluations
Field Work
- Deploy for operational missions as required
- Participate in joint exercises and training camps
- Handle emergency response situations
Reporting Structure
Officers report to senior commanding officers within their respective units and follow the established Air Force hierarchy.
Selection Process
Stages of Selection
- Online AFCAT examination
- Engineering Knowledge Test (for technical branches)
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing
- Medical examination
- Final merit list preparation
Written Examination Details
- AFCAT exam duration: 2 hours
- Multiple choice questions covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning
- Negative marking: 1/3 mark deduction for wrong answers
Physical and Medical Tests
- Comprehensive medical examination at designated Air Force hospitals
- Physical fitness standards as per Air Force requirements
- Psychological aptitude tests
Interview Process
Air Force Selection Board conducts a five-day testing process including psychological tests, group discussions, personal interviews, and outdoor leadership tasks.
Upload resume β AI checks eligibility instantly Β· 100% Free
π Free Sample Papers & Previous Year Questions
Practicing previous year papers is the single most effective exam strategy. Download free sample papers below and start practicing today!