New Delhi: In a major reform aimed at attracting top engineering talent into the armed forces, the Indian Air Force (IAF) has announced a new entry scheme for induction into its Technical Branch (Officer Cadre) through Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) scores.
Under the newly introduced system, candidates with valid GATE scores will be directly shortlisted for the Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs), eliminating the need to appear for the preliminary written examination conducted under the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
The move is expected to simplify the recruitment process for engineering graduates aspiring to join the IAF’s Technical Branch while aligning military recruitment with national-level technical assessment standards.
According to the official announcement released by the Ministry of Defence, the GATE-based scheme will be applicable exclusively for Technical Branch entries. AFCAT will continue to remain the primary examination route for recruitment into all other branches of the Indian Air Force, including Technical Branch entries through the existing process.
The educational qualification requirements under the GATE entry route will remain identical to the current AFCAT Technical Branch eligibility criteria. The Indian Air Force has already published the list of eligible GATE disciplines in AFCAT Notification 02/2026.
Importantly, candidates will have the flexibility to apply through both AFCAT and the GATE-based entry scheme simultaneously, depending on their eligibility and preference.
Officials said the initiative is intended to provide greater opportunities to engineering graduates while ensuring merit-based selection for technically demanding officer roles in the Air Force. Candidates can access detailed eligibility criteria, acceptable GATE subjects and application guidelines through the official websites:
The IAF has also urged aspirants to follow official DISHA Indian Air Force social media platforms for recruitment updates and officer entry notifications.