IAF AFCAT 02/2026 Registration Deadline Extended Till June 21; Apply Online for 379 Vacancies
AFCAT 2026 Registration Extended: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has extended the last date for submitting online applications for the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026. Eligible candidates can now apply until June 21, 2026 through the official AFCAT portal. The recruitment drive aims to fill 379 vacancies in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
AFCAT 02/2026: Overview
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers for various branches. Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for several entries under AFCAT 02/2026, including NCC Special Entry and Technical Branch entry through GATE scores. Successful candidates will join courses commencing in July 2027.
Key Highlights
– Exam Name: AFCAT 02/2026
– Conducting Authority: Indian Air Force (IAF)
– Total Vacancies: 379
– Application Deadline (Extended): June 21, 2026
– Course Commencement: July 2027
– Official Website: AFCAT Portal
– Branches:
– Flying Branch
– Ground Duty (Technical)
– Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
AFCAT 2026 Vacancy Details
The recruitment drive offers opportunities in:
Flying Branch
Candidates selected for the Flying Branch will be commissioned as officers responsible for flying operations and related duties.
Ground Duty (Technical)
This branch includes engineering and technical roles related to aircraft systems, maintenance, and operations.
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Includes administration, logistics, accounts, education, and other support services essential for Air Force operations.
Eligibility Criteria
Candidates must satisfy the educational qualifications and age criteria prescribed by the Indian Air Force. Eligibility varies depending on the branch selected.
Generally, applicants should possess a graduate degree from a recognized university. Engineering graduates are eligible for Technical Branch entries, while candidates with valid GATE scores may also apply under the newly introduced Technical Branch recruitment scheme.
Application Fee
Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry are required to pay the prescribed examination fee online. However, candidates applying through NCC Special Entry and certain other special entries may be exempted from the fee as per official guidelines.
Selection Process
The AFCAT selection process generally consists of:
1. AFCAT Written Examination
2. Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview
3. Medical Examination
4. Final Merit List
Candidates applying through the GATE-based Technical Entry route may be exempted from the AFCAT written examination, subject to the conditions specified by the IAF.
How to Apply for AFCAT 02/2026
Candidates can follow these steps to submit their application:
1. Visit the official AFCAT portal.
2. Register using a valid email ID and mobile number.
3. Complete the online application form.
4. Upload the required documents and photographs.
5. Pay the application fee, if applicable.
6. Submit the form and download the confirmation page for future reference.
Important Dates
Event| Date
Online Application Started| May 20, 2026
Original Closing Date| June 19, 2026
Extended Last Date| June 21, 2026
Course Commencement| July 2027
Why Candidates Should Apply Soon
With the extended deadline ending on June 21, candidates are advised not to wait until the final hours due to possible heavy traffic on the application portal. AFCAT remains one of the most prestigious opportunities for graduates aspiring to serve as commissioned officers in the Indian Air Force.
Direct Application Link
Candidates can submit their applications through the official AFCAT portal: