The Indian Air Force (IAF) has introduced a new entry route for engineering graduates seeking officer roles in its Technical Branch, allowing eligible candidates to apply using their valid GATE scores.
Under the new scheme, candidates with valid Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) scores can be directly shortlisted for testing at Air Force Selection Boards.
This means such candidates will not have to appear for the preliminary written examination, such as the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), for this specific route.
The GATE score-based entry will apply only to induction into the Technical Branch officer cadre.
The AFCAT will continue as the standard admission test for all IAF branches, including the Technical Branch.
The Indian Air Force has also clarified that the entry-level educational qualifications for the GATE score route are consistent with the existing criteria followed for the Technical Branch via AFCAT.
A list of accepted GATE subjects has been issued in AFCAT Notification 02/2026.
Candidates can check the details through the AFCAT portal and the official career website of the Indian Air Force.
The move gives engineering aspirants another route to reach the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) stage, while also keeping the existing AFCAT pathway open.
Eligible candidates may apply through both AFCAT and the GATE score scheme, depending on their choice and eligibility.
The IAF has asked prospective candidates to follow the official DISHA Indian Air Force social media handles for regular updates on officer entry schemes.
