Indian Air Force Releases AFCAT 2 2026 Notification and Registration Dates
The Indian Air Force has released a formal announcement regarding the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) – 02/2026, which includes the NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry, for Short Service Commission (SSC) courses set to start in July 2027. This notification is directed towards unmarried Indian citizens, both men and women, who fulfill the eligibility criteria as prescribed under the Citizenship Act, 1955. Successful candidates will join as Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty in both Technical and Non-Technical branches.
Registration for AFCAT 2 2026 begins on 20 May 2026 at 1100 hours and will close on 19 June 2026 at 2330 hours. Applicants are required to submit their applications exclusively through the official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in/. Those eligible for multiple entries (AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, or GATE Score Entry) must register separately for each.
The notification details the various branches, course numbers, and vacancies available, with all figures being provisional and subject to modifications based on organizational needs, cadre control, training slots, and actual vacancies emerging in July 2027. Notably, two seats from the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) vacancies are reserved for law-qualified candidates.
The commission types being offered are as follows:
- Permanent Commission (PC): Available to both men and women, ensuring service until the age of retirement in their respective ranks and branches.
- Short Service Commission (SSC):
- Flying Branch: Service tenure is 14 years from the date of commissioning.
- Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches: Initial service duration is 10 years, extendable by four years based on service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability, and merit.
- Possibility of converting to Permanent Commission under certain conditions and prevailing policies.
- SSC officers are not entitled to a pension.
Age limits for AFCAT 2 2026 as of 01 July 2027 are specified as follows:
- Flying Branch: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years, born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007, with a relaxation up to 28 years for those holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA (India), born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007.
- Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches (via AFCAT and GATE Score Entry for Technical): 20 to 26 years, born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007.
Training will commence in the first week of July 2027 at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad, with durations specified as follows:
- Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches: 62 weeks.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches: 50 weeks. A PAN Card and an account in SBI or any nationalized bank are required upon joining, along with an Aadhaar Card for online registration.
Upon commissioning, officers will receive remuneration as per the 7th Central Pay Commission:
- Flying Officer: Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) with a Military Service Pay (MSP) of ₹15,500. During the one-year training period, Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of ₹56,100 per month.
Additional allowances vary based on the branch, nature of duty, and posting, including Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, and Risk and Hardship Allowance. Benefits include furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents, canteen facilities, Officers’ Mess, subsidized loans, and Leave Travel Concession, with leave entitlements of 60 days annually and 20 days casually, subject to service requirements.
Insurance is provided through the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS), offering ₹1.25 crore for death while in service. Permanent Commission officers retiring after 20 or more years and SSC officers completing 14 years of service qualify for Air Veterans Insurance Cover (AVIC) — ₹24 lakh for the first 15 years post-retirement, and ₹12 lakh until the age of 75 years.
The Indian Air Force promotes sports and adventure activities with state-of-the-art facilities, including skydiving, microlight flying, mountaineering, and white-water rafting.
Key instructions are as follows:
- Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are disallowed except on the inner face of the forearms (elbow to wrist), both hands, and the reverse (dorsal) side of both palms/hands. Candidates must sign a self-declaration certificate. Small, innocuous tattoos are allowed, and tattoos based on tribal customs and traditions are assessed individually.
- Narcotics: The use or possession is strictly prohibited, with violations leading to debarment.
- Examination Fee: ₹550 + GST is required for the AFCAT entry, while no fee is charged for NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry.
- Marital Status: Candidates must remain unmarried at the start of training; marriage is not permitted during training, with violations leading to discharge and recovery of all government expenses.
- Application: Information submitted online is final, with no subsequent amendments allowed. Candidates must carefully enter their date of birth.
- Travel Allowance (TA): Reimbursement is available for the first appearance at an Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) by the shortest route, with claims required within one month from the SSB start date.
- Physical Conditioning: Candidates should report fit for SSB testing, with recommended standards including running 1.6 km in 10 minutes, 10 push-ups, and 3 chin-ups.
- Contact for Queries:
- For online examination, registration, and admit cards, contact +91 9513252077 or afcathelpdesk@cdclil.co.in.
- For eligibility, AFSB allotment, dates, merit list, and joining instructions, contact 011-2300231 Extn 7810 or toll-free 1800-11-2448.
The AFCAT 2 2026 online examination will be conducted at various centers across India, with specific dates to be communicated later through the official website and admit cards. The detailed notification on the official IAF website provides comprehensive information regarding physical and medical standards, educational qualifications, and the complete selection procedure, including AFSB interviews and medical examinations.
All information provided is intended for guidance only. In cases of disputes, the Indian Air Force and Government of India's policies, rules, and regulations, as amended from time to time, will be considered final and binding. Selection is based strictly on merit, and any attempt to influence the process or engage in unfair practices will lead to termination of candidature and possible legal action.
Candidates are advised to carefully review the complete notification, ensuring they meet all eligibility criteria, and apply well before the deadline. They should frequently check the official website for updates on examination schedules, admit cards, and other significant announcements.
