An Opportunity to Become an Officer in the Indian Air Force: Here’s How to Apply

AFCAT 2026 Recruitment: The Indian Air Force has released a notification for recruitment into the Flying and Ground Duty branches. Applications for the AFCAT 2026 batch have commenced. The application process remains open until June 19, 2026.

AFCAT 2026 Recruitment: If you dream of serving in the Indian Air Force, there is good news for you. Through the AFCAT 2026 recruitment drive, the Indian Air Force is offering young aspirants the opportunity to become officers in the Air Force. Under this recruitment drive, candidates will be selected for various branches.

Through this examination, young aspirants get the opportunity to join both the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Candidates can apply by visiting the official AFCAT website: afcat.edcil.co.in. The application process began on May 20, 2026. The deadline to apply is June 19, 2026.

What is AFCAT 2026, and Which Branches Offer Entry?

AFCAT is a national-level examination conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year. Upon clearing this examination, you get the opportunity to become an officer in the Air Force under a Short Service Commission (SSC). Under the current recruitment drive, entry is primarily being offered into the following branches:

Flying Branch: Candidates selected for this branch get the opportunity to fly fighter aircraft, transport aircraft, or helicopters.

Ground Duty (Technical): This branch recruits young aspirants with an engineering background who handle the technical supervision and maintenance of aircraft.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical): This branch covers administrative functions such as Logistics, Administration, Accounts, Education, and Meteorology.

AFCAT 2026 Recruitment: How to Apply? First, visit the official AFCAT website at afcat.edcil.co.in.

Register by entering your details.

Click on the 'Indian Air Force AFCAT 2026 Recruitment' link on the homepage.

Once registered, you may proceed to fill out the application form.

Next, upload the required documents.

Now, pay the application fee online.

Finally, submit the form and take a printout for your records.

Who can apply?

For the Flying Branch: Candidates must hold a graduation degree (in any stream) with a minimum of 60% marks. Additionally, they must have secured at least 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. Students holding a B.E. or B.Tech degrees are also eligible to apply.

For Ground Duty (Technical): Candidates must possess a 4-year degree in Electronics or Mechanical Engineering, and securing 50% marks in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 is mandatory.

For Ground Duty (Non-Technical): For the Administration and Logistics branches, a graduation degree in any subject with 60% marks is required. Meanwhile, for the Accounts branch, a B.Com degree is required, and for the Education branch, a Post-Graduation (PG) degree is mandatory.