Indian Air Force AFCAT Recruitment 2026: Apply for 379 Vacancies in July 2027 Course

The Indian Air Force (Bhartiya Vayu Sena) has officially announced the notification for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) for the July 2027 course. This is a prestigious opportunity for aspirants looking to serve the nation as commissioned officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. With a total of 379 vacancies available, the recruitment drive aims to select the best talent through a rigorous selection process.

The online application window for the AFCAT 02/2026 cycle opens on May 20, 2026. Eligible candidates are encouraged to submit their applications well before the deadline of June 19, 2026, to avoid last-minute technical issues.

AFCAT 2026 Recruitment Overview

This recruitment cycle covers various entries, including the AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and Meteorology Entry. Below is a detailed breakdown of the schedule, fees, and vacancy distribution.

Important Dates

• Notification Release: May 2026
• Application Start Date: May 20, 2026
• Last Date to Apply Online: June 19, 2026
• Last Date for Fee Payment: June 19, 2026
• Exam Date: To be announced soon
• Admit Card Availability: Released prior to the exam

Application Fee Details

Candidates applying for the AFCAT entry are required to pay a standard examination fee. Payments can be made securely through online modes including Debit Cards, Credit Cards, Net Banking, or UPI.

• All Candidates: Rs. 550/-
• NCC Special Entry: Exempted (Refer to official notification)

Vacancy Breakdown for AFCAT July 2027 Course

The Indian Air Force has distributed 379 seats across different branches and entry types. Here is the post-wise distribution:

• AFCAT Flying Branch: 35 Posts
• Ground Duty (Technical):
  • Aeronautical Engineer Electronics AE(L): 126 Posts
  • Aeronautical Engineer Mechanical AE(M): 75 Posts
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
  • Administration: 62 Posts
  • Logistics (LGS): 06 Posts
  • Accounts: 07 Posts
  • Education: 03 Posts
  • Weapon Systems (WS) Branch: 26 Posts
  • Meteorology: 03 Posts
• NCC Special Entry: 10% seats reserved for CDSE and AFCAT vacancies.

Eligibility Criteria: Age and Education

Aspiring candidates must meet specific age and educational requirements to be eligible for the AFCAT 2026 recruitment.

Age Limit (As of January 01, 2027)

• Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years.
• Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical): 20 to 26 years.
• Note: Age relaxation is applicable as per the official Indian Air Force recruitment guidelines.

Educational Qualifications

The qualification requirements vary based on the branch selected:

• Flying Branch: Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with at least 60% marks. Candidates must have passed Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Alternatively, a B.E/B.Tech degree is also acceptable.
• Ground Duty (Technical): Minimum 60% marks in Physics and Math at the 10+2 level, along with a 4-year degree in Engineering or Technology (Mechanical, Electronics, or related fields).
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical):
  • Admin & Logistics: Bachelor’s Degree in any stream with a minimum of 60% marks.
  • Accounts: Bachelor’s Degree in Commerce (B.Com) with at least 60% marks.
• Physical Standards: Male candidates must have a minimum height of 157.5 CMS, and female candidates must be at least 152 CMS tall.

Selection Process for AFCAT 2026

To join the Indian Air Force, candidates must clear a multi-stage selection process designed to test mental aptitude, physical fitness, and leadership qualities:

1. Written Examination: An objective test covering General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning.
2. AFSB Interview: Candidates who pass the written exam are called for the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, which includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews.
3. Document Verification: Validation of all educational and identity certificates.
4. Medical Examination: A comprehensive health check-up to ensure candidates meet the IAF’s strict medical standards.

How to Apply for AFCAT Online Form 2026

Follow these steps to complete your application smoothly:

• Visit the official AFCAT recruitment portal or use the direct link provided in the table below.
• Register yourself by providing basic details like name, email, and mobile number.
• Log in using your credentials and fill out the detailed application form.
• Upload scanned copies of required documents, including your photograph and signature, in the prescribed format.
• Pay the application fee of Rs. 550/- using any online payment method.
• Review all the information carefully before clicking the final submit button.
• Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.

Important Links

Link Name	Access
Apply Online for AFCAT 2026	Open Registration Link
Download Official AFCAT Notification PDF	Download PDF
AFCAT Official Recruitment Website	Visit Official Site
Indian Air Force (CDAC) Portal	Access Portal

Conclusion

The AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment is a golden opportunity for graduates to embark on a challenging and rewarding career path. With 379 vacancies across various technical and non-technical roles, candidates should start their preparation early. Ensure you meet all the eligibility criteria and submit your application before the June 19, 2026, deadline.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. When is the last date to apply for AFCAT 2026?

The final date to submit the online application for AFCAT 02/2026 is June 19, 2026.

2. What is the application fee for the AFCAT exam?

All candidates applying through the AFCAT entry must pay an examination fee of Rs. 550/-.

3. Can final-year students apply for the AFCAT July 2027 course?

Yes, final-year students can generally apply, provided they can produce their degree certificate by the time the course commences in July 2027. Please refer to the official notification for specific cutoff dates.

4. What is the age limit for the Flying Branch?

For the Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age as of January 01, 2027.

5. How can I download the AFCAT 2026 Admit Card?

The admit card will be available for download on the official AFCAT website a few weeks before the exam date. You will need your registration ID and password to log in and download it.