The Indian Air Force (IAF) has extended the registration deadline for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026, giving aspiring candidates additional time to complete their online applications. The application process, which was earlier scheduled to close on June 19, 2026, remained open until June 21, 2026. The recruitment drive is being conducted for entry into the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches for courses commencing in July 2027.
Key Highlights
- AFCAT 02/2026 registration deadline extended till June 21, 2026.
- Recruitment for Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches.
- Courses will commence from July 2027.
- Vacancies available for men and women candidates.
- AFCAT written examination scheduled on August 8, 2026.
- Online examination with 100 objective-type questions.
- Total marks: 300.
- Admit cards will be available from August 4, 2026.
- Application fee is ₹550 plus GST.
- NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are exempted from the fee.
More Info
The AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment process is one of the major officer-entry opportunities offered by the Indian Air Force. Through this examination, eligible candidates can join prestigious branches of the Air Force under Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) categories.
The recruitment includes vacancies under:
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
- NCC Special Entry
- GATE Score Entry
Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for several positions based on branch-specific criteria.
Direct Link
Candidates can submit their applications through the official AFCAT portal:
Official AFCAT Website: https://afcat.cdac.in
Applicants should carefully read all instructions before submitting their forms and ensure that all information entered is accurate.
Step-by-Step Process
Follow these steps to complete the AFCAT 02/2026 application process:
- Visit the official AFCAT portal.
- Click on the AFCAT 02/2026 registration link.
- Complete the registration process using a valid email ID and mobile number.
- Fill in personal, educational, and communication details.
- Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.
- Select the desired branch and examination centre.
- Pay the application fee through online mode.
- Review the application form carefully.
- Submit the form and download the confirmation page.
- Keep a printed copy for future reference.
Age Limit
Flying Branch
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 24 Years
- Age calculated as on July 1, 2027
Ground Duty Branches
- Minimum Age: 20 Years
- Maximum Age: 26 Years
- Age calculated as on July 1, 2027
Educational Qualification
Different educational qualifications have been prescribed depending on the branch selected.
Eligible qualifications include:
- Graduation Degree
- Engineering Degree
- Postgraduate Degree
- Professional Qualifications as specified in the notification
Final-year students without current backlogs are also eligible to apply, provided they meet all conditions prescribed by the Indian Air Force.
Examination Pattern
The AFCAT examination will be conducted online.
Exam Details:
- Mode: Computer-Based Test
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Question Type: Objective (Multiple Choice Questions)
Subjects Included
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning
- Military Aptitude
Marking Scheme
- Correct Answer: +3 Marks
- Incorrect Answer: -1 Mark
- Unattempted Questions: No Marks
Application Fee
| Category | Fee |
| AFCAT Applicants | ₹550 + GST |
| NCC Special Entry | Exempted |
| GATE Score Entry | Exempted |
Admit Card Release Date
- Admit Card Availability: August 4, 2026
Exam Date
- AFCAT 02/2026 Examination: August 8, 2026
Career Benefits
Selected candidates will have the opportunity to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force and gain:
- Leadership opportunities
- Professional military training
- Attractive salary and allowances
- Medical and welfare benefits
- Career growth opportunities
- National service and prestige
What’s Next
After the completion of the AFCAT written examination, shortlisted candidates will be called for the next stages of the selection process. Depending on the branch applied for, candidates may undergo:
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing
- Document Verification
- Medical Examination
- Merit List Preparation
Final selection will be based on performance in all stages and fulfillment of eligibility requirements.
Quick Reference Summary
- Exam Name: AFCAT 02/2026
- Conducting Authority: Indian Air Force
- Registration Deadline Extended To: June 21, 2026
- Course Commencement: July 2027
- Exam Date: August 8, 2026
- Admit Card Release: August 4, 2026
- Application Fee: ₹550 + GST
- Mode of Exam: Online
- Total Questions: 100
- Total Marks: 300
- Negative Marking: Yes
- Eligible Candidates: Men and Women
Frequently Asked Questions
| What is the extended last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026? |
| The Indian Air Force extended the AFCAT 02/2026 registration deadline to June 21, 2026, providing additional time for eligible candidates to submit applications. |
| When will the AFCAT 02/2026 examination be conducted? |
| The AFCAT 02/2026 written examination is scheduled to be held on August 8, 2026, at various centres across India. |
| When will the AFCAT 02/2026 admit card be released? |
| Admit cards for AFCAT 02/2026 will be available for download from August 4, 2026, through the official AFCAT website. |
| What is the application fee for AFCAT 02/2026? |
| Candidates applying through AFCAT must pay ₹550 plus GST. NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry applicants are exempted from the fee. |
| What is the age limit for the Flying Branch? |
| Candidates applying for the Flying Branch must be between 20 and 24 years of age as on July 1, 2027. |
| Can final-year students apply for AFCAT 02/2026? |
| Yes. Final-year students without current backlogs can apply, subject to meeting all eligibility conditions specified by the Indian Air Force. |
| How many questions will be asked in the AFCAT examination? |
| The AFCAT online examination will consist of 100 objective-type questions carrying a total of 300 marks. |
| Is there negative marking in AFCAT 02/2026? |
| Yes. Three marks are awarded for every correct answer, while one mark is deducted for every incorrect response. |
The extension of the AFCAT 02/2026 registration deadline has provided a valuable opportunity for candidates who were unable to complete their applications earlier. With vacancies available across Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, Ground Duty Non-Technical, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry categories, AFCAT remains one of the most sought-after defence recruitment examinations in India. Candidates should prepare strategically for the August 8, 2026 examination and ensure they meet all eligibility requirements before proceeding further in the selection process, for more details and apply CLICK HERE
