The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT 02/2026 Admit Card (hall ticket) on 5 August 2026. Candidates who successfully registered for the Air Force Common Admission Test can now download their e-admit cards from the official portal. The written examination is scheduled for Saturday, 8 August 2026, for recruitment to approximately 379 tentative vacancies in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Courses are expected to commence in July 2027.
The admit card is mandatory for entry into the examination centre. Candidates must download, print, and carry a hard copy along with original photo identity proof. Digital copies or soft copies on mobile devices are not accepted.
Key Highlights
| Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 |
| Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
| Admit Card Release Date | 5 August 2026 (from 11:00 AM) |
| Exam Date | 8 August 2026 (Saturday) |
| Vacancies | 379 (tentative) |
| Official Website | afcat.edcil.co.in |
| Mode of Exam | Online Computer-Based Test (CBT) |
| Login Credentials | Registered Email ID and Password |
| Selection Process | Written Exam → AFSB Interview → Medical |
Important Dates
- Notification released: 20 May 2026
- Online application window: 20 May 2026 to 21 June 2026 (extended)
- Exam City Intimation Slip: 29 July 2026 (sent via email/SMS and available on portal)
- Admit Card release: 5 August 2026 (11:00 AM onwards)
- Written Examination: 8 August 2026
- Course commencement: July 2027
The city intimation slip only indicated the allotted city to help with travel planning. The full centre address, reporting time, shift, and other instructions appear only on the admit card.
How to Download AFCAT 2 Admit Card 2026
Follow these steps carefully:
- Visit the official website: https://afcat.edcil.co.in/
- Click on the Candidate Login / AFCAT 02/2026 Admit Card download link on the homepage.
- Enter your registered Email ID (as username) and Password.
- Enter the security pin/captcha code displayed on the screen.
- Click Sign In / Login.
- Your admit card will appear on the dashboard. Download the PDF.
- Take at least 2–3 clear printouts on A4-size paper. Preserve a soft copy as well.
Note: No admit card will be sent by post or email. It is the candidate’s responsibility to download it in time. Keep your login credentials ready to avoid last-minute issues.
Details Mentioned on the Admit Card
Candidates must carefully verify the following particulars:
- Candidate’s full name, photograph, and signature
- Roll number / Registration number
- Date of birth, gender, and category
- Father’s/Mother’s name
- Exam date and day
- Shift and exact reporting time
- Complete examination centre address with centre code
- Important exam-day instructions and guidelines
Any discrepancy in personal details, photograph, or centre information should be reported immediately to the AFCAT helpdesk for correction before the examination day.
Exam Schedule and Shift Timings
The AFCAT 02/2026 examination will be conducted in two shifts across centres in India. Exact timings and reporting time for each candidate are printed on the individual admit card. Standard reported timings (subject to confirmation on the admit card) are:
Shift 1 (Morning)
- Reporting time: Around 7:30–8:00 AM
- Gate closing: Generally 9:30 AM
- Exam: 9:45 AM – 11:45 AM
Shift 2 (Afternoon)
- Reporting time: Around 12:30–1:00 PM
- Gate closing: Around 2:00–2:30 PM
- Exam: Approximately 2:45 PM – 4:45 PM
Candidates will not be permitted to enter the centre after the gate closing time under any circumstances. Arrive well in advance to complete biometric verification, photograph capturing, admit card and ID checks, and seating formalities.
Exam Pattern Overview
- Mode: Online (CBT)
- Duration: 2 hours (120 minutes)
- Total Questions: 100 (objective type, multiple choice)
- Total Marks: 300
- Marking Scheme: +3 for every correct answer; –1 for every incorrect answer; 0 for unattempted questions
- Medium: English only
Sections covered:
- General Awareness
- Verbal Ability in English
- Numerical Ability
- Reasoning and Military Aptitude Test
(There is no sectional time limit or sectional cut-off in the written exam. Normalisation may be applied if multiple shifts are conducted.)
Vacancies (Tentative)
The notification announced around 379 vacancies distributed across:
- Flying Branch (SSC)
- Ground Duty (Technical) – AE (L) and AE (M) (PC + SSC)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) – including Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education, Meteorology, Weapon Systems, etc.
- Additional entries through NCC Special Entry (Flying) and GATE Score Entry (Technical)
Exact branch-wise and gender-wise distribution is available in the official notification. Figures remain tentative and subject to change based on organisational requirements.
Selection Process
- Online Written Examination (AFCAT) – Screening stage.
- AFSB Interview – Shortlisted candidates appear at one of the Air Force Selection Boards (Dehradun, Mysuru, Gandhinagar, Varanasi, etc.) for Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Picture Perception & Discussion Test, psychological tests, group tests, and personal interview (typically 5–6 days). Flying branch candidates also undergo CPSS.
- Medical Examination – At designated military hospitals.
- Final Merit List – Based on written exam performance, AFSB recommendations, and medical fitness, subject to vacancies.
NCC Special Entry and GATE Score Entry candidates are generally exempted from the AFCAT written exam and are called directly for AFSB (subject to eligibility).
Exam Day Guidelines – What to Carry and What is Prohibited
Mandatory documents:
- Printed copy of the AFCAT 02/2026 e-Admit Card
- Original Aadhaar Card
- One additional original photo identity proof (PAN Card, Passport, Driving Licence, Voter ID, or any valid government-issued photo ID with clear photograph, name, father’s name, and date of birth)
Photocopies of identity proofs are not accepted.
Prohibited items (do not carry these):
- Mobile phones, smart watches, calculators, Bluetooth devices, electronic gadgets of any kind
- Books, notes, paper, bags, wallets (except permitted documents)
- Any metallic items or objects that could trigger metal detectors
Follow the dress code and instructions printed on the admit card. Maintain discipline at the centre. Biometric verification and photograph capturing will be done.
Contact for Queries / Discrepancies
AFCAT Cell
- Telephone: +91-9513252077
- Timing: Monday to Saturday, 0900 hrs to 1800 hrs (except closed holidays)
- Email: [email protected]
Report any issue with the admit card well before the exam date.
Advice for Aspirants
Download the admit card immediately and verify every detail. Plan travel and accommodation based on the exact centre address. Revise the syllabus thoroughly, practice previous years’ papers under timed conditions, and focus on accuracy given the negative marking. Reach the centre early, stay calm, and follow all instructions.
The release of the admit card marks the final stage of preparation for the written examination. Clear the AFCAT with a strong score, and the path opens to AFSB and a career as a commissioned officer in the Indian Air Force.
For the latest official updates, always refer to afcat.edcil.co.in. All the best to every AFCAT 02/2026 aspirant.
