Indian Air Force Recruitment 2026

Educational Qualification :
Candidates applying for IAF AFCAT 02/2026 must satisfy the educational qualifications, medical standards, and physical fitness requirements prescribed by the Indian Air Force. Detailed branch-wise eligibility criteria are available in the official notification.

Required Qualification :
Flying Branch Candidates should have Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level or a B.E./B.Tech degree from a recognized university/institution.
Ground Duty (Technical)Applicants must possess a B.E./B.Tech degree in the relevant engineering discipline. Candidates applying through GATE Entry should hold a valid GATE score in the specified branch.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)Graduation/Post Graduation in relevant disciplines as prescribed for Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, and other non-technical branches.

Salary, Allowances & Benefits :
Selected candidates will receive salary and benefits as per the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC).
Military Service Pay : Flying Officer₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500Level 10₹15,500.
Training Stipend ;
Flight Cadets will receive a monthly stipend of ₹56,100 during the training period.
Additional Allowances ;
Depending on branch and posting, officers may receive ;
Flying Allowance.
Technical Allowance.
Transport Allowance.
Risk & Hardship Allowance.
Test Pilot / Flight Test Engineer Allowance.
Facilities & Privileges.
Indian Air Force officers are entitled to ;
Furnished accommodation.
Comprehensive medical facilities.
Officers’ Mess and canteen facilities
Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
Subsidized loan facilities.
Annual and casual leave benefits.
Insurance Coverage.
Group Insurance Cover up to ₹1.25 Crore under Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS).
Air Veterans Insurance Cover (AVIC) for eligible retired officers.

Application Fee :
Entry Type Fee AFCAT Entry :₹550 + GSTNCC.
Special Entry No Fee GATE Score Entry : No Fee.

Selection Procedure :
The recruitment process for AFCAT 02/2026 consists of the following stages ;
Stages ;
Stage 1 : AFCAT Online Examination / NCC Special Entry / GATE Screening.
Stage 2 : Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview.
Stage 3 : Medical ExaminationStage 4Final Merit List & Joining.
AFSB Testing Includes ;
Psychological Tests.
Group Tasks.
Personal Interview.
Physical Fitness Standards.
Candidates are advised to maintain proper physical fitness before reporting for training. Recommended fitness standards include ;
Running 1.6 km in 10 minutes.
10 Push-ups.
3 Chin-ups.
Training activities may also involve swimming, rope climbing, and endurance exercises.

How to Apply :
Interested candidates must apply online through the official AFCAT portal only.
Steps to Apply ;
Visit the official AFCAT website and complete the registration process.
Use a valid email ID and active mobile number throughout the recruitment process.
Fill in personal, educational, and communication details carefully.
Upload scanned copies of required documents in the prescribed format.
Pay the examination fee online, if applicable.
Submit the application form before the deadline.
Download and save the application slip for future reference.
Application Schedule ;
Online Registration Starts: 20 May 2026 (11:00 AM).
Last Date to Apply: 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM).

Important Instructions :
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
Candidates must remain unmarried during the training period.
Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
Separate registration is required for different entries if eligible.
Candidates should carefully verify all details before final submission, as corrections may not be permitted later.
Permanent body tattoos are allowed only in approved areas as per IAF norms.
Any use of unfair means, false information, or impersonation will lead to cancellation of candidature.
Candidates are advised to regularly visit the official AFCAT website for updates regarding examination schedules, admit cards, interviews, and results.