Indian Air Force AFCAT 2026

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the official notification for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) 02/2026 for recruitment of Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branches. Eligible Indian men and women candidates can apply online for AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, and GATE Score Entry for courses commencing in July 2027.

The online application process has started from 20 May 2026 and will continue until 19 June 2026. Candidates selected through AFCAT will undergo training and subsequently join the prestigious Indian Air Force as commissioned officers.

📊 Post Overview

Particulars	Details
Organization	Indian Air Force (IAF)
Recruitment Name	AFCAT 02/2026
Post Type	Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officer
Entry Type	AFCAT Entry, NCC Special Entry, GATE Score Entry
Branches	Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Total Vacancies	379 Posts
Application Mode	Online
Job Location	Across India
Training Commencement	July 2027
Official Website	careerairforce.gov.in

💡অসমীয়াত সহজকৈ বুজক 👇

• ভাৰতীয় বায়ুসেনাই AFCAT 02/2026 অধিসূচনা প্ৰকাশ কৰিছে।
• মুঠ 403 টা AFCAT খালী পদ উপলব্ধ।
• Flying Branch আৰু Ground Duty Branchত নিয়োগ কৰা হ'ব।
• অনলাইন আবেদন 20 মে' 2026 তাৰিখৰ পৰা আৰম্ভ হৈছে।
• আবেদনৰ অন্তিম তাৰিখ 19 জুন 2026।
• AFCAT পৰীক্ষা 08 আগষ্ট 2026 তাৰিখে অনুষ্ঠিত হ'ব।
• আবেদন কেৱল অনলাইন মাধ্যমে কৰিব লাগিব।
• পুৰুষ আৰু মহিলা উভয়ে আবেদন কৰিব পাৰিব।
• বয়স 20 বছৰৰ পৰা 26 বছৰৰ ভিতৰত হ'ব লাগিব (পদ অনুসৰি)।
• নির্বাচিত প্ৰাৰ্থীয়ে জুলাই 2027 ৰ পৰা প্ৰশিক্ষণ গ্ৰহণ কৰিব।

📅 Important Dates

Event	Date
Notification Release	May 2026
Online Application Start Date	20 May 2026 (11:00 AM)
Last Date to Apply Online	19 June 2026 (11:30 PM)
AFCAT Examination Date	08 August 2026
Question Paper & Response Sheet Available	09 August 2026
Training Commencement	July 2027

⏳ Calculating...

📋 Vacancy Details

Branch	Vacancies
Flying Branch	35
Weapon Systems (WS)	26
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) AE(L)	153
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) AE(M)	84
Administration	49
Logistics	11
Accounts	9
Education	7
Meteorology	5
Total	379

The vacancies are tentative and may change depending on organisational requirements, training capacity and actual vacancies available in July 2027.

✈️ Branch-wise Vacancy Distribution

Branch	Total Vacancies
Flying Branch	35
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) - AE(L)	165
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) - AE(M)	84
Weapon Systems	38
Administration	62
Logistics	6
Accounts	7
Education	3
Meteorology	3

Two vacancies from Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch are reserved for Law-qualified candidates as specified in the notification.

🏛 Type of Commission

• Permanent Commission (PC): Available for eligible men and women candidates. Officers serve until the age of superannuation.
• Short Service Commission (SSC): Available for men and women candidates in notified branches.
• Flying Branch SSC: Engagement period is 14 years from the date of commissioning.
• Ground Duty SSC: Initial tenure is 10 years.
• Extension: Ground Duty SSC may be extended by 4 years subject to service requirements and merit.
• Permanent Commission Opportunity: SSC Officers may be considered later as per prevailing policies.
• Pension: SSC Officers are not entitled to pension.

🎂 Age Limit

Branch	Age Criteria
Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Special Entry)	20 to 24 Years as on 01 July 2027
Date of Birth Range	02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 (Both Dates Inclusive)
CPL Holders (DGCA)	Upper Age Relaxation up to 26 Years
CPL DOB Range	02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)	20 to 26 Years as on 01 July 2027
Ground Duty DOB Range	02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007

Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of training. Marriage during the training period is not permitted and may result in termination from training and recovery of expenditure incurred by the Government.

🌍 Nationality

• The candidate must be a citizen of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
• Candidates must possess valid proof of nationality and identity whenever required during the recruitment process.

💍 Marital Status

• Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.
• Marriage is not permitted during the training period.
• If a candidate marries during training, he/she will be discharged from training.
• Such candidates may also be required to refund the expenditure incurred by the Government on their training.

🎓 Educational Qualification

Candidates must fulfill the branch-wise educational qualifications prescribed by the Indian Air Force. The eligibility requirements differ for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches.

✈️ Flying Branch Eligibility

Candidates applying for the Flying Branch through AFCAT Entry or NCC Special Entry must have compulsorily studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.

• Passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
• Graduation (Minimum 3 Years Degree Course) in any discipline from a recognised university.
• OR BE/B.Tech (Four-Year Degree Course) from a recognised university.
• OR Cleared Section A & B Examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India.
• Candidates should possess the minimum percentage prescribed by the Indian Air Force in graduation or equivalent qualification.

🔧 Ground Duty (Technical) Branch Eligibility

Candidates applying for Ground Duty Technical Branches must have passed Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and possess an engineering degree in the prescribed disciplines.

💻 Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) – AE(L)

Candidates should have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and possess a minimum four-year Engineering Degree in any of the approved disciplines notified by the Indian Air Force.

Eligible engineering streams generally include:

• Electronics Engineering
• Electronics & Communication Engineering
• Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering
• Telecommunication Engineering
• Electrical & Electronics Engineering
• Electrical Engineering
• Computer Science Engineering
• Computer Engineering
• Computer Technology
• Information Technology
• Software Engineering
• Instrumentation Engineering
• Control Engineering
• Electronics Instrumentation Engineering
• Avionics
• Communication Engineering
• Radio Engineering
• Microwave Engineering
• Automation Engineering
• Robotics Engineering

Candidates should refer to the official notification for the complete list of approved disciplines and equivalent qualifications.

⚙️ Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) – AE(M)

Candidates should have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics and possess a minimum four-year Engineering Degree in any approved Mechanical stream.

Eligible engineering disciplines generally include:

• Mechanical Engineering
• Aeronautical Engineering
• Aerospace Engineering
• Industrial Engineering
• Production Engineering
• Manufacturing Engineering
• Automobile Engineering
• Mechatronics Engineering
• Metallurgical Engineering
• Industrial Production Engineering
• Materials Science Engineering
• Industrial Metallurgy
• Engineering Mechanics
• Robotics Engineering

Candidates should verify their exact engineering discipline with the approved branch list mentioned in the official notification before applying.

🏢 Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch Eligibility

Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches include Weapon Systems, Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education and Meteorology branches.

Branch	Minimum Qualification
Weapon Systems	Graduate Degree with prescribed percentage and Physics & Mathematics at 10+2 level
Administration	Graduate Degree from recognised university
Logistics	Graduate Degree from recognised university
Accounts	B.Com / Commerce Degree or equivalent qualification
Education	Post Graduate Degree in notified subjects
Meteorology	Post Graduate Degree in Science Streams such as Physics, Mathematics, Meteorology, Geophysics or related disciplines

Candidates should satisfy the minimum percentage criteria prescribed in the official notification for the respective branches.

🏅 NCC Special Entry Eligibility

• Applicable only for Flying Branch.
• Candidates must possess a valid NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate.
• Must satisfy Flying Branch age and educational qualification criteria.
• No AFCAT written examination is required for eligible NCC Special Entry candidates.
• Candidates are shortlisted directly for Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing subject to eligibility verification.

📊 GATE Score Entry Eligibility

GATE Score Entry is available for Ground Duty (Technical) Branches of the Indian Air Force.

• Candidates must possess a valid GATE score in the notified engineering discipline.
• Must satisfy all educational qualification requirements prescribed for AE(L) or AE(M).
• Must fulfill age criteria applicable to Ground Duty (Technical) Branch candidates.
• Selection will be based on GATE score and subsequent AFSB testing.
• Only candidates belonging to approved engineering disciplines are eligible.

⚠️ Important Eligibility Conditions

• Only the educational qualifications recognized by the Government of India will be accepted.
• Candidates must ensure that they meet all eligibility requirements before applying.
• Any discrepancy found during document verification may result in cancellation of candidature.
• Candidates convicted in criminal cases or facing criminal proceedings are not eligible.
• Eligibility is subject to verification at every stage of the recruitment process.

💰 Salary Structure

Candidates selected through AFCAT 02/2026 will be commissioned as Group ‘A’ Gazetted Officers in the Indian Air Force. Officers will receive pay as per the 7th Central Pay Commission along with various allowances and benefits admissible to defence personnel.

Particulars	Details
Pay Level	Level 10
Pay Scale	₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500
Military Service Pay (MSP)	₹15,500 Per Month
Commissioned Rank on Joining	Flying Officer

✈️ Flying Pay & Technical Benefits

Officers of Flying Branch and eligible technical appointments may receive additional pay and allowances as per Indian Air Force regulations applicable from time to time.

• Flying Allowance for Flying Branch Officers.
• Technical Allowance for eligible technical officers.
• Field Area and Special Area Allowances.
• High Altitude Allowance where applicable.
• Transport Allowance.
• Children Education Allowance.
• Leave Travel Concession (LTC).
• Dearness Allowance (DA).
• House Rent Allowance (where government accommodation is not provided).

🎁 Additional Benefits & Facilities

• Subsidized accommodation subject to entitlement.
• Canteen facilities under CSD.
• Comprehensive medical facilities.
• Leave and travel concessions.
• Adventure and sports activities.
• Professional training opportunities.
• Career progression through promotion channels.
• Prestigious service as a commissioned officer of the Indian Air Force.

🛡 Insurance Benefits

Indian Air Force officers are covered under the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) scheme during service and after retirement as applicable.

Insurance Benefit	Coverage
Death While in Service	₹1.25 Crore Insurance Cover
Air Veterans Insurance Cover (AVIC)	Applicable after retirement as per eligibility
PC Officers	Covered after completion of qualifying service
SSC Officers	Covered after completion of 14 years service

The insurance coverage and benefits are subject to the prevailing policies of the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS).

🎓 Training Details

Candidates recommended by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), found medically fit and placed in the final merit list will undergo training at Air Force training establishments for commissioning as officers.

Particulars	Details
Course Commencement	July 2027
Training Authority	Indian Air Force
Officer Rank on Commissioning	Flying Officer
Training Type	Military & Professional Training

Candidates must successfully complete the prescribed training programme before being commissioned as officers in the Indian Air Force.

📜 Service Liability

Candidates selected for commissioning shall be governed by the service rules and regulations of the Indian Air Force.

• Flying Branch SSC Officers will serve for a period of 14 years.
• Ground Duty SSC Officers will initially serve for 10 years.
• Ground Duty SSC tenure may be extended by 4 additional years.
• Permanent Commission officers will serve until the prescribed age of retirement.
• Service conditions are subject to prevailing Government of India and Indian Air Force regulations.

🏃 Physical Fitness Standards

Candidates aspiring to join the Indian Air Force should maintain a high standard of physical fitness before reporting for AFSB and medical examination.

• Maintain appropriate body weight according to age and height.
• Regular physical exercise is strongly recommended.
• Good cardiovascular endurance is desirable.
• Candidates should be medically fit for military service.
• Any physical disability likely to interfere with military duties may lead to rejection.

📏 Minimum Height Standards

Branch	Minimum Height
Flying Duty Branches (Male & Female)	162 cm
Ground Duty Branches (Male)	157 cm
Ground Duty Branches (Female)	152 cm

Certain relaxations may be applicable for candidates belonging to specified categories as per the detailed medical standards contained in the official notification.

⚖️ Weight Standards

Weight should be proportionate to age and height. Candidates will be assessed according to the official height-weight standards prescribed by the Indian Air Force medical authorities.

• Underweight candidates may be declared medically unfit.
• Obesity beyond prescribed standards may lead to rejection.
• Assessment will be conducted during medical examination.
• Body Mass Index and overall fitness may be considered.

🩺 General Medical Standards

• Candidates must be physically and mentally fit.
• No active or chronic disease should be present.
• Good hearing ability is essential.
• Normal cardiovascular functioning is required.
• Candidates must satisfy prescribed visual standards.
• Candidates must be free from any condition affecting military efficiency.
• Medical examination will be conducted by authorised military medical authorities.

🚫 Tattoo Policy

Permanent body tattoos are generally not permitted except in cases specifically allowed under Indian Air Force regulations.

• Tattoos on the inner face of forearms may be considered under prescribed conditions.
• Tattoos representing tribal customs and traditions may be considered subject to verification.
• Any tattoo deemed objectionable may lead to disqualification.
• Final decision regarding tattoo acceptability rests with the competent military authority.

⚠️ Important Medical Advisory

The official AFCAT 02/2026 notification contains an extensive medical standards appendix covering vision standards, hearing standards, anthropometric measurements, dental standards, cardiovascular assessment, respiratory system standards and other detailed medical requirements. Candidates are strongly advised to read the complete medical standards section of the official notification before applying.

📝 AFCAT Examination Pattern

Candidates applying through AFCAT Entry must appear in the online AFCAT examination conducted by the Indian Air Force. The examination consists of objective-type questions and will be conducted entirely in English.

Particulars	Details
Mode of Examination	Online (Computer Based Test)
Type of Questions	Objective Type (MCQ)
Language	English Only
Duration	02 Hours
Total Questions	100
Maximum Marks	300

📚 AFCAT Syllabus

The AFCAT examination consists of questions from General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test.

🌍 General Awareness

• History
• Geography
• Sports
• National & International Current Affairs
• Politics
• Civics
• Environment & Ecology
• Defence Related Knowledge
• Art & Culture
• General Science

📖 Verbal Ability in English

• Comprehension
• Error Detection
• Sentence Completion
• Synonyms
• Antonyms
• Vocabulary
• Idioms & Phrases
• Testing of Basic English Skills

🔢 Numerical Ability

• Decimal Fractions
• Time and Work
• Average
• Percentage
• Profit and Loss
• Ratio and Proportion
• Simple Interest
• Compound Interest
• Time and Distance
• Boats and Streams
• Area and Perimeter
• Probability
• Number System
• Number Series
• Mixture and Allegation
• Square and Square Root
• Cube and Cube Root
• HCF and LCM
• Elementary Mensuration
• Heights and Distances
• Statistics (Mean, Median and Mode)
• Exponents and Powers

🧠 Reasoning & Military Aptitude Test

• Verbal Reasoning
• Non-Verbal Reasoning
• Logical Reasoning
• Analytical Ability
• Military Aptitude Assessment

The Numerical Ability section is generally of Matriculation level, while the standard of other sections is approximately Graduation level.

🎯 AFCAT Marking Scheme

Response Type	Marks Awarded
Correct Answer	+3 Marks
Incorrect Answer	-1 Mark
Unattempted Question	0 Marks

Candidates should attempt questions carefully as negative marking is applicable for incorrect responses.

📅 AFCAT Exam Schedule

Activity	Time
Candidate Reporting Time	08:00 AM
Gate Closing Time	09:30 AM
Verification of Admit Card, Aadhaar & Biometrics	08:00 AM – 09:45 AM
Reading of Instructions	09:45 AM – 10:00 AM
AFCAT Examination	10:00 AM – 12:00 Noon

Candidates will not be allowed to enter the examination centre after commencement of the pre-examination verification process.

🎫 Admit Card Details

• E-Admit Card will be issued approximately 9 days before the examination.
• Admit Cards will be available through the AFCAT portal.
• No admit card will be sent through post.
• Candidates must download the admit card using their login credentials.
• All personal details mentioned on the admit card should be checked carefully.
• Any discrepancy should be reported immediately to AFCAT authorities.

📍 Examination Cities

The AFCAT 02/2026 examination is expected to be conducted in various cities across India. Some important examination centres include:

• Guwahati
• Dibrugarh
• Jorhat
• Shillong
• Agartala
• Kolkata
• Patna
• Delhi NCR
• Jaipur
• Lucknow
• Mumbai
• Pune
• Hyderabad
• Bengaluru
• Chennai
• Visakhapatnam
• Bhopal
• Ahmedabad
• Jammu
• Srinagar

The complete list of examination centres is provided in the official notification. The list is tentative and may change depending upon administrative requirements.

📑 Documents Required at Examination Centre

• Printed Copy of AFCAT Admit Card.
• Original Aadhaar Card.
• Valid Government Issued Photo Identity Proof (if required).
• Other documents as specified in the admit card instructions.

📢 Important Examination Instructions

• Reach the examination centre well before reporting time.
• Biometric verification is mandatory.
• Candidates must follow all instructions issued by examination authorities.
• Question paper will be available only during the online examination.
• Candidates are not permitted to leave the examination hall before completion of the examination.
• No request for change of examination centre, date or slot will be entertained.
• Maintain proper discipline inside the examination centre.
• Misconduct may lead to cancellation of candidature.

🚫 Prohibited Items Inside Exam Centre

• Mobile Phones
• Smart Watches
• Bluetooth Devices
• Calculators
• Electronic Gadgets
• Books and Notes
• Written Materials
• Any Communication Device

Candidates found using unfair means, impersonation, forgery or any prohibited device may have their candidature cancelled and may be debarred from future AFCAT examinations.

⚠️ Unfair Means & Debarment Policy

• Use of unfair means during examination is strictly prohibited.
• Impersonation will lead to immediate cancellation of candidature.
• Submission of false information may result in permanent debarment.
• Use of electronic devices during examination is prohibited.
• Any malpractice may invite disciplinary and legal action.
• The Indian Air Force reserves the right to cancel candidature at any stage.

🧪 Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Selection Process

Candidates who qualify in the AFCAT written examination or are shortlisted through NCC Special Entry/GATE Score Entry will be called for Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing. The AFSB process is designed to evaluate officer-like qualities, leadership potential, intelligence, personality and suitability for service in the Indian Air Force.

The AFSB process is conducted in multiple stages and candidates must qualify each stage to proceed further in the selection process.

📋 Stages of Selection

Stage	Process
Stage-I	Screening Test
Stage-II	Psychological Tests, GTO Tasks & Interview
Special Test	CPSS (Flying Branch Candidates)
Final Stage	Medical Examination
Final Selection	Merit List

1️⃣ Stage-I Screening Test

Stage-I is the screening stage conducted on the first day of AFSB testing. Candidates who fail this stage are returned on the same day and are not permitted to continue further testing.

Officer Intelligence Rating Test (OIR)

• Verbal Intelligence Questions.
• Non-Verbal Intelligence Questions.
• Logical Reasoning Assessment.
• Problem Solving Ability.
• Mental Alertness Evaluation.

Picture Perception and Discussion Test (PPDT)

• A picture is shown to candidates for a short duration.
• Candidates write a story based on their perception.
• Each candidate narrates the story individually.
• Group discussion follows.
• Communication, confidence and leadership qualities are assessed.

Only candidates recommended in Stage-I are allowed to continue to Stage-II testing.

2️⃣ Stage-II Testing

Stage-II testing is conducted over several days and evaluates the candidate's personality, leadership qualities, intelligence, communication skills and suitability for becoming an officer in the Indian Air Force.

🧠 Psychological Tests

Psychological tests are designed to assess the subconscious personality traits and officer-like qualities of candidates.

• Theme Apperception Test (TAT).
• Word Association Test (WAT).
• Situation Reaction Test (SRT).
• Self Description Test (SDT).

Theme Apperception Test (TAT)

Candidates are shown pictures and are required to write stories based on the situations depicted. The stories help assess imagination, leadership potential and personality traits.

Word Association Test (WAT)

A series of words are displayed and candidates must write the first thought or sentence that comes to mind within a limited time.

Situation Reaction Test (SRT)

Candidates are presented with various situations and must explain how they would react to each scenario.

Self Description Test (SDT)

Candidates describe themselves from different perspectives including family, friends, teachers and personal self-assessment.

👥 Group Testing Officer (GTO) Tasks

GTO tasks are conducted to evaluate leadership, teamwork, communication, planning ability, courage and decision-making skills.

• Group Discussion (GD).
• Group Planning Exercise (GPE).
• Progressive Group Task (PGT).
• Half Group Task (HGT).
• Individual Obstacles.
• Command Task.
• Lecturette.
• Final Group Task (FGT).
• Group Obstacle Race (Snake Race).

Group Discussion (GD)

Candidates discuss current issues and topics to assess communication skills, confidence and awareness.

Group Planning Exercise (GPE)

Candidates are required to solve practical problems collectively and present workable solutions.

Progressive Group Task (PGT)

A team-based outdoor obstacle task designed to assess cooperation, leadership and resource utilisation.

Individual Obstacles

Candidates individually attempt various physical obstacles within a specified time.

Command Task

Candidates act as commanders and are required to lead a small team in solving a practical task.

Lecturette

Candidates deliver a short speech on a given topic to assess confidence, communication and clarity of thought.

🎤 Personal Interview

A personal interview is conducted by an Interviewing Officer to evaluate the candidate's personality, educational background, family details, interests, career aspirations and suitability for military service.

• Educational Background.
• Family Background.
• Current Affairs Awareness.
• Leadership Experiences.
• Extra-Curricular Activities.
• Communication Skills.
• Motivation for Joining the Indian Air Force.

✈️ Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)

Candidates applying for the Flying Branch are required to undergo the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).

• Applicable only to Flying Branch candidates.
• Evaluates flying aptitude and psychomotor skills.
• Assesses hand-eye coordination.
• Measures pilot potential and flying suitability.
• CPSS is conducted only once in a lifetime.
• Candidates who fail CPSS are not eligible for Flying Branch in future.

🏥 Medical Examination

Candidates recommended by the AFSB will undergo a detailed medical examination conducted by authorised military medical authorities.

• General Physical Examination.
• Eye Examination.
• Hearing Assessment.
• Dental Examination.
• Cardiovascular Evaluation.
• Respiratory System Assessment.
• Laboratory Investigations.
• Height and Weight Verification.

Candidates must satisfy all prescribed medical standards to be considered for final selection.

🏆 Final Merit List

A final merit list is prepared based on the candidate's performance in AFCAT, AFSB testing and medical fitness status, subject to the availability of vacancies in the respective branch.

• Merit is prepared branch-wise.
• Candidates must be medically fit.
• Vacancies available in the respective branch are considered.
• Mere recommendation by AFSB does not guarantee final selection.
• Final joining instructions are issued only to candidates placed in the merit list.

⚠️ Important Notes Regarding AFSB

• AFSB dates and centres are allotted by the Indian Air Force.
• No request for change of AFSB centre is normally entertained.
• Candidates should carry all required original documents.
• Any false information may lead to cancellation of candidature.
• Failure to report on the allotted date may result in cancellation of candidature.
• The decision of the Indian Air Force regarding selection shall be final.

🩺

Candidates recommended by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) must undergo a detailed medical examination conducted by authorised military medical authorities. The purpose of the medical examination is to ensure that candidates are physically and mentally fit to perform duties as officers in the Indian Air Force.

Medical fitness is mandatory for commissioning. Candidates declared medically unfit are not eligible for final selection unless found fit by the competent review medical authorities as per applicable rules.

🏃 General Physical Standards

• Candidate must be physically and mentally fit.
• No chronic disease or disability should be present.
• Body weight must be proportionate to age and height.
• Cardiovascular system should be normal.
• Respiratory system should be free from disease.
• No condition affecting military efficiency should be present.
• Candidates should possess adequate physical stamina for military training.

👁 Vision Standards

Vision standards vary according to branch and type of commission. Candidates are advised to carefully verify branch-specific visual standards before applying.

Particulars	Requirement
Distant Vision	As prescribed for the respective branch
Near Vision	As prescribed by IAF Medical Standards
Colour Vision	CP Standards Applicable
Binocular Vision	Required
Visual Defects	Subject to branch-specific limits

Candidates who have undergone LASIK or other corrective eye procedures should verify eligibility conditions mentioned in the official notification before applying.

👂 Hearing Standards

• Normal hearing capability is essential.
• Candidates should be able to hear a forced whisper from the prescribed distance.
• No active ear disease should be present.
• Chronic ear disorders may result in medical rejection.
• Any hearing impairment affecting military duties may render a candidate unfit.

📏 Anthropometric Standards for Flying Branch

Flying Branch candidates are required to satisfy specific anthropometric standards to ensure compatibility with aircraft cockpits and flying equipment.

Parameter	Requirement
Minimum Height	162 cm
Sitting Height	81.5 cm to 96.0 cm
Leg Length	99 cm to 120 cm
Thigh Length	Maximum 64 cm

Candidates not meeting the prescribed anthropometric standards may be declared unfit for Flying Branch duties.

📐 Height Standards for Ground Duty Branches

Branch	Minimum Height
Ground Duty (Technical)	157.5 cm
Ground Duty (Non-Technical)	157.5 cm
Flying Branch	162.5 cm

Height relaxations may be applicable in specific cases as per Indian Air Force medical regulations.

⚖️ Weight Standards

Weight should be proportionate to height and age as per Indian Air Force medical guidelines.

• Severe obesity may lead to rejection.
• Underweight candidates may be declared unfit.
• Assessment is conducted during the medical examination.
• Overall body composition is considered.

🦷 Dental Standards

Candidates must maintain good dental health and oral hygiene.

• Sufficient natural healthy teeth should be present.
• Major untreated dental conditions may result in rejection.
• Severe dental malocclusion may require evaluation.
• Dental fitness is assessed during the medical examination.

🦴 Musculoskeletal & Orthopaedic Standards

• No significant deformity of spine.
• No disabling musculoskeletal disorder.
• Normal functioning of joints is required.
• Fractures causing functional disability may lead to rejection.
• Chronic orthopedic conditions may affect fitness status.
• Normal gait and posture are required.

❤️ Cardiovascular Standards

• No significant cardiovascular disease.
• Normal blood pressure within acceptable limits.
• No major congenital or acquired heart disease.
• Cardiac evaluation may be conducted where necessary.
• Any condition affecting operational efficiency may lead to rejection.

🫁 Respiratory System Standards

• Normal respiratory function is required.
• Chronic respiratory diseases may cause rejection.
• No active pulmonary infection should be present.
• Candidates should possess adequate respiratory capacity for military duties.

🧠 Mental Health Standards

• Candidates must be mentally fit.
• No psychiatric disorder should be present.
• No history of severe mental illness.
• Psychological stability is essential for military service.
• Medical authorities may evaluate mental health where required.

🖋 Tattoo Policy

Permanent body tattoos are generally not permitted except in cases specifically allowed under Indian Air Force regulations.

• Tattoos on the inner face of forearms may be considered.
• Tribal tattoos following customary traditions may be permitted subject to verification.
• Objectionable or inappropriate tattoos are not acceptable.
• The final decision rests with the competent military authority.

🚫 Common Causes of Medical Rejection

• Failure to meet vision standards.
• Hearing impairment.
• Obesity or severe underweight.
• Cardiovascular disorders.
• Chronic respiratory diseases.
• Orthopaedic deformities.
• Psychiatric illness.
• Serious dental conditions.
• Disqualifying medical disorders identified during examination.

📋 Appeal Medical Board (AMB)

Candidates declared medically unfit may be eligible to apply for an Appeal Medical Board (AMB) as per the rules and timelines prescribed by the Indian Air Force.

• Appeal Medical Board is conducted only for eligible candidates.
• Applications must be submitted within the prescribed period.
• The decision of the Appeal Medical Board is based on detailed re-examination.
• Candidates should follow the official instructions carefully.

🔄 Review Medical Board (RMB)

In specific cases and under prescribed conditions, candidates may be considered for Review Medical Board (RMB) proceedings as per the prevailing Indian Air Force medical regulations.

The findings of the competent medical authorities shall be final and binding.

⚠️ Important Medical Advisory

The official AFCAT 02/2026 notification contains detailed medical standards running across multiple pages. Candidates are strongly advised to carefully read the complete Medical Standards Appendix before applying to ensure that they satisfy all prescribed conditions related to vision, hearing, anthropometry, physical fitness and overall health.

💵 Application Fee

Category	Application Fee
AFCAT Entry Candidates	₹550 + GST (Non-Refundable)
NCC Special Entry	No Fee
GATE Score Entry	No Fee

The examination fee can be paid online through the available payment modes provided during the application process.

📝 How to Apply

Eligible candidates must submit their application online through the AFCAT portal before the last date.

• Visit the official AFCAT website.
• Complete registration using a valid email ID and mobile number.
• Login using the generated credentials.
• Fill in personal details carefully.
• Enter educational qualification details.
• Select the desired branch and entry scheme.
• Upload photograph, signature and thumb impression in the prescribed format.
• Verify all details carefully before submission.
• Pay the application fee (if applicable).
• Submit the application form.
• Download and print the final submitted application form for future reference.

📑 Required Documents

• Recent Passport Size Colour Photograph.
• Scanned Signature.
• Thumb Impression.
• Aadhaar Card.
• Class 10 Certificate.
• Class 12 Marksheet and Certificate.
• Graduation Degree/Mark Sheets.
• Engineering Degree Documents (where applicable).
• NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate (for NCC Entry).
• Valid GATE Score Card (for GATE Entry).
• Category/Other Supporting Certificates, if applicable.

📢 Important Instructions

• Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
• Only online applications will be accepted.
• Details once submitted cannot be modified after final submission.
• Candidates must use the same photograph throughout the recruitment process.
• Only the latest submitted application against a particular Aadhaar number will be considered.
• Providing incorrect information may lead to cancellation of candidature.
• Multiple applications may result in unnecessary fee loss.
• All eligibility conditions must be satisfied before applying.
• Candidates facing criminal proceedings are not eligible.
• The Indian Air Force reserves the right to modify selection conditions if required.

☎️ AFCAT Helpdesk & Facilitation Counter

Purpose	Contact Details
AFCAT Examination Queries	+91-9513252077
Email Support	afcathelpdesk@edcil.co.in
Eligibility Related Queries	011-23010231 Extn. 7245
AFSB/Selection Process Queries	011-23010231 Extn. 7610
Toll Free Number	1800-11-2448

Telephonic assistance is generally available from Monday to Saturday during official working hours except closed holidays.

🔗 Important Links

Link Name	Action
Apply Online	Apply Online
Official Notification	Official Notification
Official Website	Official Website

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. What is the last date to apply for AFCAT 02/2026?

The last date to submit the online application is 19 June 2026.

2. How many vacancies are available under AFCAT 02/2026?

A total of 403 AFCAT vacancies have been notified across Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches.

3. What is the age limit for Flying Branch?

Candidates must be between 20 and 24 years as on 01 July 2027. Certain CPL holders are eligible for age relaxation up to 26 years.

4. What is the salary of an AFCAT Officer?

Selected candidates will receive pay at Level 10 with a starting basic pay of ₹56,100 plus Military Service Pay and other allowances.

5. Is there negative marking in AFCAT?

Yes. Three marks are awarded for each correct answer and one mark is deducted for each incorrect answer.

6. Is Aadhaar Card mandatory for AFCAT registration?

Yes. Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration under AFCAT 02/2026.

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Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Candidates must verify details from the official notification before applying.