Indian Air Force Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/) Notification 2026: Vacancies, Online Form, Dates & Gazette PDF
Official Gazette Verification: This dossier is verified against official gazette notification issued by Indian Air Force under Advt Ref: AFCAT/02/2026.
Recruitment Cadre: All India Cadre | Academic & Recruitment Cycle: 2026 | Authority Status: Active Official Recruitment
⚡ Executive Notification Fact Sheet
| Key Parameter | Official Verified Detail |
|---|---|
| Recruiting Authority | Indian Air Force |
| Recruitment Notice Title | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/) |
| Official Advertisement Ref | AFCAT/02/2026 |
| Total Sanctioned Vacancies | 317 Posts |
| Prescribed Educational Level | Graduate Degree in any discipline from a recognized University |
| Sanctioned Pay Structure | Pay Matrix Level 4 to Level 8 (₹25,500 - ₹1,51,100) |
| Online Application Start Date | 01 June 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply Online | 30 June 2026 |
| Tentative Examination Date | 22 August 2026 |
| Application Submission Mode | Exclusively Online |
| Official Direct Portal | Indian Air Force Official Apply Portal |
📌 1. Administrative Scope & Notification Mandate
The Indian Air Force has officially released notification AFCAT/02/2026 announcing 317 vacancies for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/). This competitive recruitment cycle is enacted under statutory civil service and cadre management rules to induct qualified personnel into national and regional departments.
The selection mechanism enforces a merit-driven, multi-tier evaluation comprising Computer-Based Examinations (CBT), departmental skill tests where mandated, and comprehensive biometric document verification. Given the competitive nature of Indian Air Force recruitments, candidates must adhere strictly to the published gazette guidelines to ensure their candidature remains valid throughout the recruitment cycle.
📊 2. Category-Wise Vacancy & Horizontal Reservation Matrix
Sanctioned vacancies are categorized according to constitutional reservation policies established by the Government of India. The tentative breakdown across administrative quotas is structured as follows:
| Category / Quota | Distribution Status | Reservation Percentage | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unreserved (General / UR) | Open Merit Allocation | ~40.5% | Open to all qualifying candidates across India |
| Other Backward Classes (OBC-NCL) | Non-Creamy Layer | 27.0% | Valid Central NCL certificate mandated |
| Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) | Income & Asset Criterion | 10.0% | Certificate issued for financial year 2025-2026 |
| Scheduled Castes (SC) | Statutory Quota | 15.0% | Central Government certificate format |
| Scheduled Tribes (ST) | Statutory Quota | 7.5% | Prescribed competent authority endorsement |
| PwD / Divyangjan | Horizontal Reservation | 4.0% | Minimum 40% benchmark disability required |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Horizontal Reservation | As per cadre rules | Army / Navy / Air Force discharge verification |
Note: Vacancy figures are provisional and subject to minor administrative revisions prior to the declaration of final merit lists.
📅 3. Comprehensive Timeline & Milestone Calendar
To prevent deadline defaults, aspirants should track the critical examination milestones:
- Official Gazette Publication Date: Available and cataloged on the Indian Air Force official server.
- Online Registration Commencement: 01 June 2026.
- Closing Date for Online Form Submission: 30 June 2026 (23:59 IST).
- Last Date for Online Fee Settlement: Typically 24 hours following the registration closure.
- Application Correction Window: Commission will provide a dedicated 3-day correction facility for demographic edits.
- City Intimation Slip & Admit Card Release: Scheduled 7 to 10 days before the preliminary test on HamariJobs Admit Cards Hub.
- Scheduled Examination Window: 22 August 2026.
- Provisional Answer Key Release: Expected within 5 to 7 days post-examination on HamariJobs Results Portal.
💳 4. Application Fee Schedule & Payment Modes
The fee structure established for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/) is outlined below:
| Candidate Category | Prescribed Fee | Processing Charges | Permissible Payment Modes |
|---|---|---|---|
| General / OBC / EWS (Male) | General / OBC / EWS: ₹100 | Nil (Included) | Net Banking, UPI (BHIM/GPay), Visa/Mastercard Debit/Credit |
| SC / ST / PwD Candidates | Exempted (₹0) | Nil | Direct exemption applied upon category selection |
| All Female Candidates | Exempted (₹0) | Nil | Direct gender exemption applicable |
| Ex-Servicemen (ESM) | Exempted / Nominal | Nil | As per Department of Personnel & Training (DoPT) rules |
Crucial Directive: Application fees paid via unauthorized offline bank challans without official transaction validation will result in the immediate cancellation of candidature.
📝 5. Step-by-Step Online Application Protocol
Candidates must follow this standardized sequence to avoid form rejection:
- One-Time Registration (OTR): Navigate to the official portal at https://afcat.cdac.in. Enter candidate legal name, father's name, matriculation roll number, active mobile number, and verified email address.
- Profile Creation & Credentials: Record your generated Registration ID and secure password sent via SMS and email.
- Application Form Population: Select Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/) 2026 from active notifications. Fill in educational credentials, state preferences, exam center choices, and demographic data.
- Scanned Asset Upload:
- Photograph: Color passport image taken against a white background, size 20 KB to 50 KB in JPG/JPEG format. Spectacles and caps are strictly prohibited.
- Signature: Running hand signature in black ink, size 10 KB to 20 KB.
- Form Preview & Error Verification: Cross-verify every field against original 10th/12th marksheets. Names must match identity proofs exactly.
- Fee Payment & Final Submission: Complete transaction through the secure payment gateway. Print the final acknowledgment receipt with the system-generated barcode.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is the official advertisement number for Indian Air Force Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/) 2026?
The official notification has been promulgated under advertisement reference AFCAT/02/2026 by Indian Air Force.
How many total vacancies are announced in Indian Air Force Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/)?
A total of 317 posts have been officially sanctioned. Category-wise vertical and horizontal quotas are detailed in the breakdown table above.
What is the closing date to apply online for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT 02/)?
The final deadline to complete online registration and submit applications is 30 June 2026. Candidates are advised to apply early to avoid server traffic.
Where can I find the direct official application portal?
Applications must be submitted exclusively via the official commission portal at https://afcat.cdac.in.
Can candidates edit their application form after submission?
Yes, Indian Air Force provides an official 2 to 3 day Application Correction Window following registration closure, allowing corrections for a designated administrative fee.