Indian Air Force Launches GATE-Based Entry For Technical Officers, Exempt From AFCAT | Education and Career News
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The Air Force Common Entrance Test will continue to serve as the standard entrance exam for admission to all branches of the Indian Air Force, including the Technical Branch.
The Indian Air Force has published a list of acceptable GATE courses for this purpose, which is available on the website, afcat.edcil.co.in. (Image Courtesy: Anoshito Banerjee)
The Indian Air Force has introduced a new scheme for entry into the Technical Branch (Officer Cadre), under which eligible candidates can apply on the basis of their Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) scores.
Under this initiative, candidates who secure the prescribed GATE score will be directly placed in the merit list for the examination conducted by the Air Force Selection Boards, thereby exempting them from the first-stage written examination, such as the Air Force Common Entrance Test (AFCAT).
This GATE-based scheme is applicable only for admission to the Technical Branch (Officer Cadre). The Air Force Common Entrance Test will continue to serve as the standard entrance examination for admission to all branches of the Indian Air Force, including the Technical Branch.
The Indian Air Force has published a list of acceptable GATE courses for this purpose, which is available on the website, afcat.edcil.co.in.
AFCAT 2 Applications Underway
Online applications for AFCAT 2 began on May 20, and candidates can apply on the official website, afcat.cdac.in, until June 19, 2026. This recruitment drive will fill over 300 posts, including 142 officer positions in the Indian Air Force’s Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Applicants for the Ground Duty branch must hold a degree in Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) with at least 60% marks, and must have passed Class 12 with Mathematics and Physics, securing at least 50% marks, or possess a three-year Graduation degree with 60% marks, or a BE/BTech degree with 60% marks. Candidates applying through NCC Special Entry and GATE are exempt from paying the application fee, while all other candidates must pay a fee of Rs 550.
The IAF AFCAT 2 Exam 2026 selection process comprises multiple stages: a Written Examination, followed by the SSB Interview. Candidates who clear these stages must undergo Document Verification to confirm their eligibility and credentials. Finally, shortlisted candidates must pass a Medical Examination to ensure they meet the medical standards prescribed by the Indian Air Force.
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