Short Information: The Indian Air Force (IAF), Ministry of Defence, Govt. of India has published an Advertisement for Commissioned Officer (Flying Branch & Ground Duty – Technical and Non-Technical) to Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026. Details & completed all eligibility criteria can read the notification & Apply Online through Official Website From 20/05/2026 to 19/06/2026.
Important Dates – IAF AFCAT-02/2026 Recruitment 2026
Initial tenure for SSC officers in Ground Duty branches would be for a period of 10 years. An extension of 4 years may be granted subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability, and merit.
Grant of PC (at a later date)
Considered subject to service requirements, availability of vacancies, willingness, suitability, merit, and as per prevailing policies on the subject.
Note: SSC officers are not entitled for grant of pension.
Type of Commission, Age Limit – IAF AFCAT-02/2026 Recruitment 2026
Branch / Entry Name
Age Limit (As on 01.07.2026)
Flying Branch (AFCAT Entry)
Candidates born between 02 July 2003 and 01 July 2007both dates inclusive).
Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years (born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007, both dates inclusive).
Graduation with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level, or BE/B.Tech degree. (Refer official notification for full details.)
Ground Duty (Technical)
BE/B.Tech in relevant engineering disciplines. GATE Score Entry candidates must have valid GATE scores in specified disciplines. (Refer official notification for full details.)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Graduation in relevant discipline as per the sub-branch (Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, Weather Service). (Refer official notification for full details.)
Note: Flight Cadets shall receive a fixed stipend of Rs. 56,100/- per month during one year of training.
Allowances: On commissioning, allowances are applicable based on the branch/nature of posting including Flying Allowance, Transport Allowance, Technical Allowance, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer Allowance, Risk and Hardship Allowance, etc.
Privileges: Air Force Officers are entitled to furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for self and dependents, Canteen, Officers’ Mess, loans at subsidised rates, LTC, Leave (60 days annual and 20 days casual), subject to service exigencies.
Insurance: Mandatory Insurance Cover is applicable for IAF Officers through Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS). Group Insurance for death while in service is Rs. 1.25 Crore (on contribution). Similarly, PC Officers retiring from service after rendering 20 or more years of service and SSC Officers who have completed 14 years of service are covered under Air Veterans Insurance Cover (AVIC) for Rs. 24 Lacs initially for 15 years, after retirement. The annual transfer for this is Rs. 12 Lacs till the age of 75 years.
Stage 2: Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Interview (including Psychological Test, Group Tests, and Interview) at various AFSB centres
Stage 3: Medical Examination at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME) / Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM)
Stage 4: Final Merit List and Joining Instructions
Physical Condition: Candidates are advised to be physically fit when reporting for SSB. Aim to achieve an ability to run 01 mile (1.6 km) in 10 minutes, do 10 push-ups and 03 chin-ups. Prospective candidates are also advised to keep themselves in good physical condition by training at RFA which encompasses running, swimming, rope climbing, and other forms of physical training/ conditioning. Mandatory tests are conducted during training.
How to Apply?
Interested and Eligible Candidate may Apply Online through Official Website From 20.05.2026 to 19.06.2026
