IAF introduces GATE-based entry for Technical Branch officers

The Indian Air Force (IAF) has introduced a new recruitment pathway for induction into its Technical Branch in the officer cadre through Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) scores.

Under the new system, eligible candidates with valid GATE scores will be directly shortlisted for testing at the Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs) without appearing for the preliminary written examination conducted through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).

The newly introduced entry route will apply only to the Technical Branch. AFCAT will continue to remain the primary examination route for all other branches of the Indian Air Force.

The Air Force clarified that candidates can still apply for Technical Branch recruitment through AFCAT under the existing process, while the GATE-based pathway will serve as an additional mode of entry.

Under the revised recruitment mechanism, candidates applying through GATE scores will be shortlisted directly for AFSB testing on the basis of merit. This exempts them from appearing for the AFCAT written examination specifically for Technical Branch admissions.

“The educational qualifications required under the GATE Score scheme will remain the same as the existing eligibility criteria for Technical Branch recruitment through AFCAT,” the Air Force said in its notification.

Officials said the move is aimed at providing greater flexibility and expanding opportunities for engineering graduates seeking to join the Air Force officer cadre.

The Indian Air Force has also released the list of accepted GATE subjects under the AFCAT 02/2026 notification. Candidates can check detailed eligibility conditions and approved engineering disciplines through the official AFCAT website and the Career Indian Air Force portal.

According to the notification, only candidates whose engineering streams match the approved GATE subjects will be eligible to apply through the new entry route.

The Air Force said the GATE-based induction system is expected to create an additional opportunity for technically qualified engineering graduates while streamlining the recruitment process for the Technical Branch.

Despite the introduction of the new system, AFCAT will continue as the standard recruitment examination for officer entries across other branches, including Flying and Ground Duty roles.