AFCAT 02/2026 Registration Deadline Extended Till June 21 for 379 IAF Vacancies

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has extended the application deadline for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 Recruitment. Eligible candidates now have additional time to complete their registration and submit applications until June 21, 2026, through the official AFCAT portal.

The recruitment drive aims to fill 379 vacancies across various branches, including AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry. Selected candidates will join the training courses commencing in July 2027. Both male and female candidates meeting the prescribed eligibility criteria can apply for the available positions.

AFCAT 02/2026 Registration Extended

The extension of the application deadline provides aspiring candidates with another opportunity to apply for one of the most prestigious career opportunities in the Indian Armed Forces. The recruitment covers vacancies in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.

The Indian Air Force has clarified that the entire recruitment process will be conducted strictly on the basis of merit and eligibility criteria specified in the official notification.

AFCAT 02/2026 Vacancy Details

A total of 379 vacancies are available under various entries:

AFCAT Entry
NCC Special Entry
GATE Score Entry
Flying Branch
Ground Duty Technical Branch
Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch

Selected candidates will undergo training and subsequently serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force.

Eligibility Criteria

Educational Qualification

Flying Branch

Graduation degree in any discipline with the required percentage of marks.
Candidates must have studied Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level.

Ground Duty (Technical) Branch

Bachelor of Technology (BTech) or equivalent engineering degree in the relevant discipline.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch

Graduation degree in the relevant discipline from a recognized university.

Age Limit

Flying Branch

Candidates should be between 20 and 24 years of age.

Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches

Candidates should be between 20 and 26 years of age.
The age will be calculated as on July 1, 2027.

Application Fee

AFCAT Entry: ₹500 plus applicable GST.
NCC Special Entry: No application fee.
GATE Score Entry: No application fee.

Candidates should ensure successful fee payment before the final submission of the application form.

Selection Process

The AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment process consists of multiple stages:

Online AFCAT Examination
Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
Document Verification
Medical Examination

Final selection will be based on candidates' performance in all stages of the recruitment process and the preparation of the merit list.

Travel Allowance for Candidates

The Indian Air Force has informed that candidates appearing before the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) for the first time may be eligible for travel allowance as per the provisions mentioned in the official notification.

How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026?

Candidates can follow these steps to submit their applications:

Step 1: Visit the official AFCAT recruitment portal.

Step 2: Click on the AFCAT 02/2026 Registration link.

Step 3: Complete the registration process using a valid email ID and mobile number.

Step 4: Fill in personal, educational, and communication details carefully.

Step 5: Upload the required documents, photograph, and signature.

Step 6: Pay the application fee, if applicable.

Step 7: Review all details and submit the application form.

Step 8: Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Why AFCAT is a Popular Career Option

AFCAT offers candidates an opportunity to join the Indian Air Force as commissioned officers with attractive salary packages, career growth opportunities, professional training, and the honor of serving the nation. It remains one of the most sought-after defence recruitment examinations in India.

Final Advice for Aspirants

Candidates who have not yet applied should take advantage of the extended deadline and complete their registrations before June 21, 2026. Applicants are advised to carefully read the official notification, verify their eligibility, and ensure that all required documents are uploaded correctly. Since recruitment will be conducted strictly on merit, aspirants should also begin focused preparation for the AFCAT examination and subsequent selection stages.