The Indian Air Force (IAF) has officially released the AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key for candidates who recently appeared in the Air Force Common Admission Test. Candidates who participated across the Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches can now access the official answer key to calculate their estimated scores. Verifying your responses against the official key allows you to assess your performance and gauge your chances of qualifying before the final results and merit lists are formally declared.
This comprehensive update covers all essential information regarding the AFCAT 02/2026 recruitment drive. Below, you will find the direct download links for the answer key, a detailed overview of the examination, important schedule dates, application fee structures, total vacancy distribution, the complete selection process, and step-by-step instructions on how to download and check your response sheet online.
Indian Air Force AFCAT 2026 Overview
| Organisation Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Exam Name | AFCAT 02/2026 (Air Force Common Admission Test) |
| Post Name | Commissioned Officer (Flying & Ground Duty) |
| Total Vacancies | 379 Posts |
| Answer Key Status | Officially Released |
| Registration Start Date | 20 May 2026 |
| Last Date to Apply | 19 June 2026 (11:30 PM) |
| Course Commencement | July 2027 |
Important Links
- Official Website: Indian Air Force Official Website
- Answer Key Release Update: AFCAT Answer Key has been officially released. Click Here to Check / Download Answer Key
Other Information
Important Dates Schedule
Keeping track of key dates is essential for candidates to stay updated on the recruitment timeline:
- Notification Release Date: 20 May 2026
- Online Registration Start Date: 20 May 2026
- Closing Date for Online Application: 19 June 2026 (until 11:30 PM)
- Answer Key Status: Officially Released
- Course Commencement Date: July 2027 at Air Force Academy (AFA) Dundigal
Application Fee Structure
The application fee required during the initial registration process was categorized as follows:
- AFCAT Entry (All Candidates): ₹550/- (plus applicable bank convenience charges)
- NCC Special Entry Candidates: ₹0/- (Fully Exempted)
- Meteorology Entry Candidates: ₹0/- (Fully Exempted)
Vacancy Details & Branch Distribution
The total count of 379 vacancies was distributed across various operational and technical branches for both male and female aspirants. Candidates must meet the strict physical, medical, and educational standards required for their respective branches:
- Flying Branch: Short Service Commission (SSC) openings for both Men and Women possessing required aviation or academic standards. Age limit: 20 to 24 years (upper age relaxation up to 26 years for valid CPL holders).
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch: Includes Aeronautical Engineer Electronics AE(L) and Aeronautical Engineer Mechanical AE(M) roles under Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission. Age limit: 20 to 26 years.
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch: Covers Administration (Adm), Logistics (Lgs), Accounts (Accts), Education (Edn), and Meteorology (Met) branches. Age limit: 20 to 26 years.
Selection Process Breakdown
The Indian Air Force follows a rigorous, multi-stage selection process to recruit Commissioned Officers:
- Written Examination (AFCAT): An online objective test designed to evaluate candidates on Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, Military Aptitude, and General Awareness.
- AFSB Testing / Interview: Candidates who pass the written exam are called for Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) testing. This includes Stage-I Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Stage-II Psychological tests, Group Tasks, and Personal Interviews.
- Document Verification: Strict verification of original educational certificates, mark sheets, birth certificates, and identity documents.
- Medical Examination: Comprehensive physical and medical fitness evaluations conducted at designated Military Hospitals to ensure candidates meet the IAF physical standards.
- Final All India Merit List: Final selection is strictly based on the cumulative marks obtained in the written exam and AFSB interview, subject to medical fitness and availability of vacancies.
How to Download AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key
Candidates can easily download their official answer key and response sheet by following these steps:
- Visit the official candidate portal using the direct link provided in the Important Links section above.
- Navigate to the Candidate Login section on the homepage.
- Enter your registered Email ID, Password, and the displayed captcha code to log in to your dashboard.
- Locate and click on the AFCAT 02/2026 Answer Key download link.
- Your answer key and response sheet will be displayed on the screen.
- Download the PDF file and carefully compare your responses to calculate your estimated score.