This marks the start of one of India’s most prestigious defense recruitment processes. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a vital step that opens paths to both flying branch and ground duty positions in technical and non-technical posts.
The expected timeline shows candidates can submit their AFCAT apply online applications June–July 2026. The AFCAT 2 2026 exam will likely take place in August 2026. Each branch comes with specific AFCAT age limit requirements—flying branch: 20–24 years, while ground duty: 20–26 years (for AFCAT-2, age is typically reckoned as on 01 July 2027). The AFCAT syllabus covers General Awareness, Verbal Ability in English, Numerical Ability, and Reasoning and Military Aptitude. Flying officers can expect an AFCAT salary 2026 range between Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500.
This piece covers qualification requirements, application process, detailed AFCAT syllabus 2026, and examination pattern to help you prepare well for this career-shaping chance.
AFCAT 2 2026 Notification and Key Dates
The Indian Air Force releases the AFCAT notification twice a year. You’ll see the first notification (AFCAT 1) around Nov/Dec, and the second, known as AFCAT 2, around May/June. This document will guide you through the AFCAT selection process.
Expected release date of notification
The AFCAT 2 2026 notification is expected in late May–early June 2026. You’ll find all the details about the exam process, vacancies, eligibility, and how to apply. The AFCAT short notification and detailed notification are usually released together.
Important dates: application, exam, result
| Milestone | Date / Window | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Short & Detailed Notification | Late May–Early June 2026 | Start checking from late May; full PDF likely by early June |
| Application Start | June 2026 | Apply online on official portals |
| Application Deadline | July 2026 | Window usually ~30 days |
| Application Correction | July 2026 (Expected) | Tentative |
| Admit Card | July/Aug 2026 | Download from portal |
| AFCAT Exam | August 2026 | CBT |
| Result | ~3–4 weeks after exam | Tentative September 2026 |
| AFSB Interview | Sep/Oct–Nov 2026 (Tentative) | Schedule allotted post result |
Add these dates to your calendar right away. The AFCAT apply online window stays open for about a month. Make sure you have all your documents ready before it begins.
Where to find the official notification
You can download the official AFCAT 2 2026 notification from these Indian Air Force websites:
afcat.cdac.in (click here)
careerindianairforce.cdac.in (click here)
Start checking these websites from late May 2026 for early announcements. The complete notification PDF contains everything about exam qualifications, AFCAT age limit, and registration fees.
This notification will be your guide through the AFCAT selection process. It explains educational qualifications and lists vacancies in different branches clearly.
Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT 2 2026
Your first step to an Indian Air Force career through AFCAT 2 2026 starts with meeting the eligibility criteria. Make sure you meet these basic requirements before you start preparing.
Nationality and marital status
Candidates must be Indian citizens under the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. All applicants must be single when their course begins. This rule is non-negotiable. The IAF may discharge candidates who marry during training and ask them to repay training expenses. Getting married is not allowed throughout the training period.
AFCAT age limit for different branches
For AFCAT-2, age is typically calculated as of 01 July 2027:
| Branch | Age Range | Birth Window* |
|---|---|---|
| Flying | 20–24 years | 02 Jul 2003 – 01 Jul 2007 |
| Flying (with valid CPL) | 20–26 years | Upper age extends to 26 (birth window shifts accordingly) |
| Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech) | 20–26 years | 02 Jul 2001 – 01 Jul 2007 |
Both dates generally inclusive; final cut-offs will be per the official notification.
Educational qualifications required
| Branch | Minimum Education |
|---|---|
| Flying | 10+2 Maths & Physics 50%+ AND Graduation (any discipline) 60%+ OR BE/B.Tech 60%+ |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 10+2 Maths & Physics 50%+ AND 4-year Engg degree 60%+ |
| Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | Graduation 60%+ (specific streams like Accounts have special requirements) |
Final year students eligibility
Final-year students can apply for AFCAT 2 2026. They need to complete their graduation before training starts and show all required documents at the AFSB stage. They should have no backlog and must score at least 60%.
Note: You can be disqualified at any stage if eligibility conditions are not met, regardless of exam performance.
AFCAT Syllabus and Exam Pattern (AFCAT 2 2026)
The AFCAT 2 2026 exam requires a complete understanding of its syllabus and pattern. Prepare systematically according to the AFCAT syllabus 2026 to secure your place in the Indian Air Force.
Subjects covered in the AFCAT exam
General Awareness: History, geography, sports, national organizations, defence, current affairs, simple science
Verbal Ability in English: Comprehension, error detection, vocabulary, sentence completion
Numerical Ability: Decimals/fractions, time & work, percentages, profit & loss, etc.
Reasoning and Military Aptitude: Verbal & non-verbal reasoning, spatial ability, logical patterns
Indicative Topic Split
English (Verbal Ability): Comprehension, Error detection, Sentence completion, Synonyms/Antonyms, Cloze test, Idioms & Phrases, Analogy, Para-jumbles
General Awareness: History, Geography, Sports, Art & Culture, Personalities, Environment, Indian Polity, Economy, Sci & Tech, Defence, National/International Orgs, Current Affairs
Numerical Ability: Decimal/Fractions, Ratio & Proportion, Percentages, Profit/Loss, SI/CI, Time & Work, Time & Distance, Mixtures, Probability, Number Systems, Clocks
Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Verbal & non-verbal reasoning, Spatial ability, Logical patterns
AFCAT exam pattern and marking scheme
| Paper | Qs | Marks | Duration | Marking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AFCAT (All branches) | 100 | 300 | 2 hours | +3 correct, −1 incorrect |
Total duration: 2 hours
Number of questions: 100
Maximum marks: 300
Marking scheme: +3/-1
Candidates can manage time flexibly across sections
EKT exam for technical candidates
| Paper | Qs | Marks | Duration | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| EKT | 50 | 150 | 45 min | −1 for wrong answers |
EKT Syllabus (indicative & discipline-wise):
Mechanical Engineering: Thermodynamics, Fluid Mechanics, Engineering Mechanics, Materials Science
Computer Science: IT, Computer Networks, Digital Electronics, Data Structures
Electrical & Electronics: Microwave Engineering, Electronic Devices, Telecommunication Systems, Control Engineering
AFCAT Selection Process and AFSB Interview Details
The AFCAT exam is just the beginning. Candidates go through a multi-stage process that reviews officer-like qualities and IAF suitability.
| Stage | What Happens | Key Components |
|---|---|---|
| Written | CBT + EKT (if Tech) | Score must clear cutoff |
| AFSB Stage 1 | Screening | OIR (verbal/non-verbal), PPDT; centres like Dehradun/Mysore/Gandhinagar/Varanasi/Guwahati |
| AFSB Stage 2 | Psych + GTO + Interview | TAT, WAT, SRT, SDT; GD/Planning, PGT, Command Tasks, IO; PI & Conference |
| Medical | Comprehensive medicals | By designated boards |
| Final Merit | Combined merit | Written + AFSB performance |
Written exam and EKT (if applicable)
The selection starts with an online Computer Based Test (CBT). Tech candidates take EKT right after. Clearing the cutoff is essential to move ahead.
AFSB Stage 1: OIR and PPDT
Screening happens at designated centres. Only those who clear Stage 1 proceed further.
AFSB Stage 2: Psychology, GTO, Interview (about 5 days)
Day-wise psych tests, group tasks, personal interview, and final conference.
Medical exam and final merit list
Shortlisted candidates undergo medicals. The final merit list combines written and AFSB performance.
AFCAT Preparation Tips
Solve previous years’ papers to understand pattern and difficulty.
Make a balanced study plan covering all sections.
Take timed mock tests to master time management.
Stay updated with current affairs, especially defence.
Improve English via reading & vocab drills.
Tech candidates: focus on your engineering discipline for EKT.
Practice aptitude & reasoning daily.
Prepare for AFSB: communication, awareness about IAF, OLQs.
Maintain physical fitness.
Join study groups/forums for peer learning.
Doon Defense Dreamers’ Success in AFCAT 2025
Doon Defense Dreamers celebrates our exceptional success in AFCAT 2025—proof of a focused training approach for the AFCAT exam.
Our selection record in AFCAT 2025
We reached a major milestone when 24 students qualified for the next selection stage—adding to our legacy of shaping future Air Force officers.
How we prepare students for AFSB
Our afcat exam qualification preparation extends beyond written tests. Ex-officers lead specialized AFSB coaching sessions. We stand out as India’s Best NDA Coaching Institute in Dehradun that creates individual-specific learning modules based on student’s strengths and weaknesses.
Mock tests, study material, and mentorship
A complete AFCAT test series covers Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and General Awareness. Full-length mocks with detailed analysis help improve both speed and accuracy.
Why students trust Doon Defense Dreamers
Expert guidance, comprehensive coverage of AFCAT age eligibility & syllabus, and a structured environment make us a top choice for aspirants awaiting the AFCAT 2 2026 notification.
Conclusion
Success in AFCAT 2 2026 starts with a solid grasp of this prestigious examination’s details. The notification is expected in late May–early June 2026, applications in June–July 2026, and the exam in August 2026. This timeline gives you room to build a strong preparation strategy. Check your branch’s AFCAT age limit (as on 01 July 2027) and eligibility carefully to avoid issues during selection.
Focus on the four core subjects—General Awareness, English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude—and, if you’re a technical aspirant, prepare thoroughly for EKT. Beyond academics, the AFSB process evaluates your officer-like qualities. Balance written prep with personality development to boost your selection chances.
With discipline and determination—and a clear understanding of requirements—you can steer this challenging process toward success and move closer to wearing the Indian Air Force’s prestigious blue uniform.
Key Takeaways (AFCAT 2 2026)
Mark May/June 2026: Notification likely in late May–early June 2026; applications June–July 2026; exam August 2026.
Age matters by branch (as on 01 July 2027): Flying 20–24, Ground Duty 20–26; CPL holders in Flying up to 26.
Master four core subjects: GA, English, Numerical Ability, Reasoning—100 questions, 300 marks.
Technical candidates need EKT: 50 questions, 45 minutes, −1 negative marking.
AFSB tests beyond academics: 5-day psych, GTO, interview—focus on OLQs and leadership.
FAQs (AFCAT 2 2026)
Q1. What is the expected timeline for AFCAT 2 2026?
Notification late May–early June 2026; applications June–July 2026; exam August 2026.
Q2. What are the AFCAT age limit requirements for different branches in AFCAT 2 2026?
Flying: 20–24; Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech): 20–26; as on 01 July 2027. CPL holders for Flying up to 26.
Q3. What subjects are covered in the AFCAT syllabus?
General Awareness, Verbal Ability (English), Numerical Ability, Reasoning & Military Aptitude.
Q4. Is there an additional test for technical candidates?
Yes, EKT: 50 Qs, 45 min, −1 negative marking.
Q5. What does the AFSB interview process involve?
A multi-day process: psychological tests, group tasks (GTO), personal interview, and conference—evaluating OLQs.
Q6. How can I access previous AFCAT question papers?
Check the official AFCAT portal and reputed preparation platforms for past papers and sample tests.
Q7. When will the AFCAT 2 2026 result be announced?
Typically 3–4 weeks after the exam (tentatively September 2026).
Q8. What is the difference between AFCAT 1 2026 and AFCAT 2 2026?
AFCAT-1 runs in the first half (Feb-Mar exam), while AFCAT-2 runs in the second half (Aug exam). Pattern/syllabus are the same; schedules differ.
Q9. How can I prepare for the AFCAT exam?
Follow the AFCAT 2 2026 syllabus, practise PYQs/mocks, stay updated with current affairs, improve English & reasoning, and—if Tech—prepare specifically for EKT. Work on communication & leadership for AFSB.
Q10. What is the expected AFCAT salary 2026 for selected candidates?
For Flying Officers: Rs. 56,100 – Rs. 1,77,500 (plus allowances/benefits as per IAF norms).
