The Indian Air Force has introduced a new recruitment pathway that allows engineering graduates to join its Technical Branch as officers through GATE scores, eliminating the need to appear for the written AFCAT examination in certain cases, according to an official release shared by the Press Information Bureau. The move is aimed at streamlining recruitment for technically qualified candidates and widening opportunities for engineering aspirants.
Under the new system, candidates applying for the Ground Duty (Technical) Branch can now seek induction through their Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) scores. Eligible applicants shortlisted on the basis of GATE performance will directly proceed to the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview stage, bypassing the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) written examination.
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The announcement comes alongside the AFCAT 02/2026 notification released by the Indian Air Force for courses commencing in July 2027. The recruitment drive includes vacancies in the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches.
According to the official recruitment portal, candidates eligible for the Technical Branch can apply through AFCAT, GATE Score Entry, or both, provided they satisfy the eligibility conditions mentioned in the notification.
The new entry scheme is expected to benefit engineering graduates who already possess competitive GATE scores, reducing the burden of appearing for another written examination. Reports suggest the initiative is part of the IAF’s broader effort to modernise recruitment and attract technically skilled officers.
For Ground Duty (Technical) roles, applicants must have studied Physics and Mathematics at the Class 12 level with at least 50 per cent marks each and should hold an engineering degree with the required percentage criteria.
The AFCAT 02/2026 application process began on May 20 and will continue till June 19 through the official IAF recruitment portal. Candidates applying through GATE Score Entry and NCC Special Entry are exempted from paying the AFCAT examination fee.
The Indian Air Force has advised aspirants to regularly check its official recruitment websites for detailed eligibility conditions, branch-wise vacancies, and selection procedures.