The Indian Air Force has issued the official notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) – 02/2026, including NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry, for Short Service Commission (SSC) courses commencing in July 2027. The notification invites unmarried Indian citizens (men and women) who meet the eligibility criteria under the Citizenship Act, 1955, to join as Commissioned Officers in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches.
AFCAT 2 2026 Registration Schedule
Online registration opens on 20 May 2026 at 1100 hours and closes on 19 June 2026 at 2330 hours. Candidates must apply exclusively through the official portal: https://afcat.edcil.co.in/. Separate registrations are mandatory for candidates eligible for more than one entry (AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, or GATE Score Entry).
AFCAT 2 2026 Branches, Course Numbers and Vacancies
The notification outlines the following entries and vacancies (all figures are tentative and subject to change based on organisational requirements, cadre control, training slots, and actual vacancies arising in July 2027). Two seats are reserved from Ground Duty (Non-Technical) vacancies for law-qualified candidates.
Type of Commission
- Permanent Commission (PC): Available for men and women. Officers serve until the age of superannuation in their respective branches and ranks.
- Short Service Commission (SSC):
- Flying Branch: Engaged for 14 years from the date of commissioning.
- Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches: Initial tenure of 10 years, extendable by four years subject to service requirements, vacancy availability, willingness, suitability and merit.
- Grant of Permanent Commission at a later stage is considered on the same parameters and prevailing policies.
- SSC officers are not entitled to pension.
AFCAT 2 2026 Age Limits (as on 01 July 2027)
- Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years (born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive). Relaxable up to 28 years for candidates 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 (through AFCAT and GATE Score Entry for Technical): 20 to 26 years (born between 02 July 2001 and 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive).
Training
Training commences in the first week of July 2027 at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal (Hyderabad).
- Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches: 62 weeks.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches: 50 weeks.
PAN Card and an account in SBI or any nationalised bank are mandatory at the time of joining. Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
Pay, Allowances and Benefits
On commissioning, officers receive pay as per the 7th Central Pay Commission:
- Flying Officer: Pay Level 10 (₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500) with 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 apply according to branch, nature of duty and posting (Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, etc.). Privileges include furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents, canteen facilities, Officers’ Mess, subsidised loans and Leave Travel Concession. Leave entitlement is 60 days annual and 20 days casual, subject to service exigencies.
Insurance
Mandatory cover through the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) provides ₹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 are eligible for Air Veterans Insurance Cover (AVIC) — ₹24 lakh for the first 15 years post-retirement, followed by ₹12 lakh until the age of 75 years.
Sports and Adventure
The Indian Air Force provides state-of-the-art facilities for sports and adventure activities, including skydiving, microlight flying, mountaineering and white-water rafting.
Important Instructions
- Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are prohibited 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 (religious symbols or names of near and dear ones) are permitted. Tattoos on the face or body as per tribal customs and traditions are considered case-by-case.
- Narcotics: Use or possession is strictly banned. Candidates may be tested during medical examination and training. Any violation leads to debarment.
- Examination Fee: ₹550 + GST (non-refundable) for AFCAT entry. No fee is charged for NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry.
- Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the commencement of training. Marriage is not permitted during training; violation results in discharge and recovery of all government expenditure.
- Application: Information submitted in the online form is final. No subsequent amendments are permitted. Candidates must exercise due care while entering their date of birth.
- Travel Allowance (TA): Reimbursed for the first appearance at an Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) by the shortest route (AC-III Tier/AC Chair Car or actual bus fare). Correct savings bank account details in the candidate’s own name must be furnished. Claims must be submitted within one month from the start of SSB; delayed claims are not entertained. No TA is admissible for repeat appearances of the same entry type.
- Physical Conditioning: Candidates should report fit for SSB testing. Recommended standards include the ability to run 1.6 km in 10 minutes, perform 10 push-ups and 3 chin-ups. Good physical condition is essential to adapt to training at the Air Force Academy, which includes running, swimming and rope climbing.
- Contact for Queries:
- Online examination, registration and admit cards: +91 9513252077 or [email protected].
- Eligibility, AFSB allotment, dates, merit list and joining instructions: 011-2300231 Extn 7810 or toll-free 1800-11-2448.
Conduct of Examination and Selection
Online testing for AFCAT entry will be conducted at designated centres across India. Specific dates for the AFCAT 2 2026 online examination are not mentioned in this notification and will be intimated subsequently through the official website and admit cards. Detailed information on physical and medical standards, educational qualifications and the complete selection procedure (AFSB interview, medical examination, etc.) is available in the detailed notification on the official IAF website.
Disclaimers and Statutory Warning
All information provided is for guidance only. In case of any ambiguity, the prevailing policies, rules and regulations of the Indian Air Force and Government of India (as amended from time to time) shall be final and binding. Selection is strictly merit-based and fair. Any attempt to influence the process or use unfair means, including forgery, impersonation or submission of false information, will result in termination of candidature and initiation of legal and departmental action.
Candidates are advised to read the complete notification carefully, ensure they meet all eligibility criteria, and apply well before the closing date. Regular visits to the official website are recommended for updates on examination schedules, admit cards and other important announcements.
