The Indian Air Force has officially released the AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 for recruitment into Flying and Ground Duty branches. Interested candidates can submit the online application form from May 20, 2026 through the official website afcat.cdac.in. The last date to apply for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 is June 19, 2026. Through this recruitment drive, more than 300 vacancies will be filled, including 142 officer posts for Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Key Highlights
- Recruitment Name: AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026
- Conducting Authority: Indian Air Force
- Application Start Date: May 20, 2026
- Last Date to Apply: June 19, 2026
- Official Website: AFCAT Official Portal
- Total Vacancies: 300+ Posts
- Branches: Flying Branch and Ground Duty Branches
- Selection Process: Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Test
- Application Fee: Rs 550 for General Candidates
- Training Location: Air Force Academy Dundigal
More Info
The AFCAT 2 Exam 2026 is one of the major defence recruitment examinations conducted for candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. The recruitment includes opportunities in Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical Branch, and Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch.
Candidates interested in serving in the defence sector can apply online once the registration link becomes active on May 20, 2026. Applicants are advised to carefully check the eligibility criteria, age limit, educational qualifications, and selection procedure before filling out the application form.
Step by Step Process
Follow these steps to apply for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026:
- Visit the official AFCAT website.
- Click on the AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 registration link.
- Complete the registration process using valid details.
- Fill in the online application form carefully.
- Upload required documents including photograph and signature.
- Pay the application fee online if applicable.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
- Take a printout for future reference.
AFCAT 2 Exam 2026 Educational Qualification
Ground Duty Branch
Candidates applying for Ground Duty Branch must fulfill any one of the following educational qualifications:
- Degree in Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) with minimum 60% marks.
- 12th pass with Mathematics and Physics securing at least 50% marks along with eligibility requirements.
- 3-year Graduation Degree with minimum 60% marks.
- BE/BTech Degree with at least 60% marks.
Candidates are advised to verify detailed branch-wise eligibility conditions in the official notification before applying.
AFCAT 2 Exam 2026 Age Limit
The age will be calculated as on July 1, 2027.
Ground Duty and Non-Technical Branches
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 26 Years
Flying Branch
- Age Limit: 20 to 24 Years
Candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) issued by DGCA are eligible for upper age relaxation up to 26 years.
AFCAT 2 Exam 2026 Application Fee
- NCC Special Entry candidates are exempted from paying the application fee.
- Candidates applying through GATE are also exempted.
- All other candidates must pay Rs 550 as application fee.
The fee can be paid online using debit card, credit card, net banking, or UPI methods.
AFCAT 2 Exam 2026 Selection Process
The selection process for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 includes multiple stages:
- Written Examination
- SSB Interview
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
Candidates must qualify each stage separately to move to the next phase of recruitment. Final selection will be based on overall performance and medical fitness standards prescribed by the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT 2 Exam 2026 Exam Pattern
The AFCAT 2 written examination will be conducted for a total of 300 marks. The duration of the examination will be two hours.
Subjects Included
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test
Important Points
- Total Marks: 300
- Exam Duration: 2 Hours
- Negative Marking: 1 mark will be deducted for every incorrect answer.
Candidates should prepare thoroughly as the competition level for AFCAT recruitment remains high every year.
AFCAT 2 2026 Training Details
Selected candidates will undergo training at the Air Force Academy located in Dundigal, Hyderabad.
Training Duration
- Flying Branch: 62 Weeks
- Ground Duty Technical Branch: 62 Weeks
- Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch: 50 Weeks
Training is scheduled to commence from the first week of July 2027.
At the time of joining training, candidates must possess:
- PAN Card
- Bank Account in State Bank of India or any nationalised bank
What’s Next
Candidates interested in AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 should begin preparing required documents and exam preparation strategy before the application window opens on May 20. Aspirants should also regularly visit the official AFCAT portal for updates regarding admit cards, exam dates, and further announcements.
Quick Reference Summary
| Particulars | Details |
| Recruitment | AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
| Application Start | May 20, 2026 |
| Last Date | June 19, 2026 |
| Vacancies | 300+ |
| Application Fee | Rs 550 |
| Exam Duration | 2 Hours |
| Total Marks | 300 |
| Selection Process | Written Exam, SSB, Medical |
| Training Start | July 2027 |
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the application start date for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026? |
| The online application process for AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026 will begin on May 20, 2026 through the official AFCAT website. Candidates should apply before the deadline. |
| What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 2 2026? |
| The last date to submit the AFCAT 2 online application form is June 19, 2026. Applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted. |
| How many vacancies are available in AFCAT 2 Recruitment 2026? |
| The recruitment drive will fill more than 300 vacancies across Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches of the Indian Air Force. |
| What is the AFCAT 2 application fee? |
| The application fee for general candidates is Rs 550. NCC Special Entry and GATE candidates are exempted from fee payment. |
| What is the age limit for AFCAT 2 Flying Branch? |
| Candidates applying for the Flying Branch should be between 20 to 24 years of age. CPL holders can get age relaxation up to 26 years. |
| What is the selection process for AFCAT 2 Exam 2026? |
| The selection process includes Written Examination, SSB Interview, Document Verification, and Medical Examination. Candidates must qualify all stages. |
| What is the duration of AFCAT 2 training? |
| Training duration is 62 weeks for Flying and Technical branches, while Non-Technical branch training will continue for 50 weeks. |
| Where will AFCAT 2 training be conducted? |
| Training for selected candidates will be conducted at the Air Force Academy, Dundigal, Hyderabad starting from July 2027. |
The release of AFCAT 2 Notification 2026 has opened an excellent opportunity for candidates dreaming of joining the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. With over 300 vacancies available in Flying and Ground Duty branches, eligible candidates should complete their applications within the given timeline and begin serious preparation for the examination and SSB interview process, for more details CLICK HERE
