• Updated on 12 Aug, 2026 by Paulami Chandra
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The AFCAT 2 registration 2026 was conducted online from May 20 to June 21, 2026, through the official AFCAT portal. The Indian Air Force (IAF) initially scheduled the last date to apply as June 19, 2026, but later extended it by two days. To apply for AFCAT 02/2026, candidates were required to register with their personal and contact details, enter educational and other required information, select their preferred branch and AFSB centre, upload the required documents, and pay the application fee, wherever applicable. The AFCAT 2 application fee 2026 was INR 550 + 18% GST for AFCAT Entry, while candidates applying through NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry were exempted from the fee.
- The AFCAT 2 2026 application form was released on May 20, 2026, for recruitment to the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
- The AFCAT 2 2026 last date to apply was extended from June 19 to June 21, 2026, giving candidates two additional days to complete their applications.
- The Indian Air Force announced 379 vacancies under AFCAT 02/2026 for courses commencing in July 2027.
- Candidates had to upload a recent photograph, signature, and thumb impression in specified file format and size before submitting the application.
- The AFCAT 2 2026 application correction window was available from June 29 to June 30, 2026, allowing candidates to modify permitted details in their submitted forms.
- The AFCAT 2 written exam 2026 was held on August 8, 2026, for candidates who had successfully completed their AFCAT application 2026.
Table of Contents
- AFCAT Application Process 2026: Highlights
- AFCAT Application Process 2026: Eligibility Criteria
- AFCAT Application Process 2026: Important Dates
- How to Apply for the AFCAT Application Process 2026?
- AFCAT Application Process 2026: Application Fee
- What are the Documents Required for the AFCAT Application Process 2026?
- AFCAT Application Process 2026: Common Issues
- AFCAT Application Process 2026: Form Correction
- AFCAT Application Process 2026 FAQs
AFCAT Application Process 2026: Highlights
AFCAT Registration 2026 is being conducted online for candidates seeking admission into the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches under AFCAT 2 2026 recruitment. Candidates can check important details related to AFCAT 2026 in the table below:
| Particulars | Details |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 2 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Air Force |
| Application Mode | Online |
| AFCAT Registration Dates |
May 20 to June 21, 2026 (Closed) |
|
Application Form Date |
May 20, 2026 |
|
Last Date to Apply |
June 21, 2026 (Extended) |
| Application Fee | INR 550 + 18% GST (Free for NCC/GATE Entry) |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Exam Mode | Online |
| Branches Offered | Flying & Ground Duty |
AFCAT Application Process 2026: Eligibility Criteria
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 defines who can apply for different IAF branches. As per the latest update, the mandatory minimum 60% marks requirement in Class 12 and graduation has been removed for AFCAT 2 2026 eligibility. Additionally, candidates applying for Ground Duty Technical branches will now be shortlisted directly through GATE scores, and there will be no separate written exam or Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) for technical entries. Before applying, candidates must meet the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 listed below:
| Eligibility Criteria | Details |
| Nationality | Candidates must be citizens of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. |
| Age Limit – Flying Branch | Candidates should be between 20 and 24 years of age. The upper age limit is relaxed up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License. |
| Age Limit – Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | Candidates should be between 20 and 26 years of age. |
| Marital Status | Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried at the commencement of the course. Widows, widowers, and divorcees below 25 years are not eligible. Married candidates above 25 years can apply, but will not be provided family accommodation during training. |
| Educational Qualification | Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree with at least 60% marks. Applicants for the Flying and Technical branches must have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics. |
| Physical & Medical Standards | Candidates must meet the physical and medical fitness standards prescribed by the Indian Air Force for AFCAT 2026 recruitment. |
AFCAT Application Process 2026: Important Dates
The AFCAT 2 2026 application process was conducted online from May 20 to June 19, 2026, under the AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment cycle. The original last date to apply was June 19, 2026, which was later extended to June 21, 2026. Candidates could check the AFCAT form date 2026, extended last date to apply, admit card release date, exam date, and answer key date in the table below. The AFCAT 2 2026 exam was conducted on August 8, 2026, and the provisional AFCAT 2 answer key was released on August 11, 2026, along with the response sheet and facility to raise objections. Candidates appearing for the exam can check the important details related to the application process, registration dates, Fees, AFCAT Admit Card 2026, and exam mode in the table below for quick reference:
How to Apply Online for AFCAT 2 2026?
Candidates who wished to apply online for AFCAT 2 2026 were required to complete the AFCAT application through the official AFCAT portal. The registration process was held from May 20 to June 19, 2026, with the last date later extended to June 21, 2026. To complete the AFCAT application process, candidates had to register using their basic details, enter their personal and educational information, select their preferred branch and examination centre, upload the required documents, and pay the applicable fee. Candidates could follow the steps below to understand how to apply for the AFCAT exam and complete the online application form correctly: Below are the steps to fill out the AFCAT Application Form 2026:
Step 1: Visit the official AFCAT portal at afcat.edcil.co.in and click on "Candidate Login" followed by “New Registration”.
Step 2: Log in using the registered credentials and navigate to the application form section.
Step 3: Fill in personal details such as name, date of birth, nationality, and category carefully, ensuring all information matches the original documents.
Step 4: Enter academic qualification details, including Class 12 and graduation marks, and select branch preferences (Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, or Non-Technical).
Step 5: Upload a recent passport-size photograph, a scanned copy of the signature, and a left thumb impression meeting the prescribed specifications.
Step 6: Select a preferred payment method — credit card, debit card, net banking, or UPI — and complete the transaction on the official payment gateway.
AFCAT Application Process 2026: Application Fee
The AFCAT application fee 2026 for candidates applying through AFCAT Entry was INR 550 + 18% GST, making the fee applicable to the AFCAT 2 2026 application non-refundable. The AFCAT form fee had to be paid online after submitting the application form through the required payment gateway. Candidates could pay the fee using net banking, debit card, credit card, or UPI. No examination fee was required from candidates applying through NCC Special Entry or GATE Score Entry.
Check: AFCAT Syllabus 2026
What are the Documents Required for the AFCAT Application Process 2026?
Candidates applying for AFCAT 2 2026 were required to keep the necessary documents and scanned images ready before completing the online application. The AFCAT photo upload instructions 2026 specified that the recent passport-size colour photograph, signature, and thumb impression had to be uploaded in JPG / JPEG format within the given file-size limits. Candidates also needed their Aadhaar details, educational qualification details, valid email ID, and active mobile number while filling out the application form. Keeping the documents ready in advance helped candidates complete the AFCAT application process without delays or errors.
| Documents Required | Format | Size |
| Passport Size Photograph | JPG/JPEG | 10–50 KB |
| Signature | JPG/JPEG | 10–50 KB |
| Left Thumb Impression | JPG/JPEG | 10–50 KB |
| Valid Photo ID Proof | PDF/JPG | As prescribed |
| Educational Certificates | PDF/JPG | As prescribed |
AFCAT Application Process 2026: Common Issues
AFCAT Application Process 2026 may involve technical or document-related issues during registration, fee payment, or file upload stages. Candidates are advised to complete the AFCAT Apply Online 2026 process carefully by following the prescribed guidelines to avoid rejection or unsuccessful submission of the application form.
| Common Issues in AFCAT Registration 2026 | Solutions |
| Slow Website Response | Complete the AFCAT application form during non-peak hours to avoid server traffic. |
| Payment Failure | Retry the transaction after some time or use an alternative payment method such as UPI or net banking. |
| Incorrect Photograph or Signature Upload | Upload clear scanned copies in JPG/JPEG format as per the prescribed size guidelines. |
| Large File Size Error | Resize the image or document according to the official specifications before uploading. |
| Forgot Login Password | Use the “Forgot Password” option available on the AFCAT login portal to reset credentials. |
| Incomplete Application Submission | Verify all entered details and payment confirmation before final submission of the form. |
Check: AFCAT Exam Pattern 2026
AFCAT Application Process 2026: Form Correction
The AFCAT 2 application form correction 2026 window was opened from June 29, 2026 (11:00 AM) to June 30, 2026 (11:30 PM). Candidates who had submitted their applications could use the correction facility during this period to make changes to the details permitted by the Indian Air Force. The correction window has now closed, and no further changes can be made to the AFCAT 2 2026 application form. Candidates were advised to carefully verify their personal, educational, communication, and other application details before final submission to avoid discrepancies during the selection process.
Check: AFCAT 2026 Mock Test
AFCAT Application Process 2026 FAQs
When did the AFCAT Application Process 2026 start?
AFCAT 2 2026 Application Process was conducted from May 20 to June 21, 2026, on the official portal afcat.edcil.co.in. Candidates who successfully submitted their form and paid the fee are eligible to appear for the exam.
What is the eligibility for the AFCAT 2026 application?
Candidates must be Indian citizens with the required age limits and educational qualifications. Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches have different eligibility criteria as per the official notification.
When is the AFCAT 2 2026 Exam Date?
AFCAT 2 2026 written examination is scheduled for August 8, 2026, and will be conducted in online Computer-Based Test (CBT) mode across exam centres in India.
When will the AFCAT 2 2026 Admit Card be released?
AFCAT 2 2026 Admit Card is expected to be released in the first week of August 2026 on afcat.edcil.co.in. Candidates must log in using their registered email ID and password to download the hall ticket.
What documents are required for the AFCAT Apply Online 2026?
Candidates applying for AFCAT Apply Online 2026 must upload scanned copies of passport-size photographs, signatures, thumb impressions, educational certificates, and valid photo ID proof in the prescribed format and file size mentioned in the official notification guidelines.
Can candidates edit the AFCAT Application Form 2026 after submission?
Yes, candidates who submitted the AFCAT 2 application form 2026 can make changes during the application correction window held from June 29, 2026 (11:00 AM) to June 30, 2026 (11:30 PM). However, candidates could make only those changes that were permitted.
What is the application fee for the AFCAT 2026 Application Process?
The application fee varies by category; refer to the fee section for details.
How can candidates check their AFCAT 2026 Application Process status?
Candidates can track their application status via the official AFCAT website.
Was the AFCAT 2 2026 last date to apply extended?
Yes. The AFCAT 2 2026 last date to apply was extended from June 19 to June 21, 2026. Candidates were allowed to submit their applications online through the official AFCAT portal until 11:30 PM on June 21, 2026. The application window is now closed.
What is the required photo and signature size for the AFCAT 2026 application form?
The AFCAT 2026 application form requires candidates to upload a photograph, signature, and thumb impression in JPG/JPEG format. The prescribed file size for each document should generally remain between 10 KB and 50 KB as specified by the authorities.