The Indian Air Force (IAF) has introduced a new entry scheme for induction into its Technical Branch in the officer cadre through Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE) scores, opening an additional recruitment route for engineering graduates. Under the new scheme, candidates with valid GATE scores will be eligible for direct shortlisting to the Air Force Selection Boards (AFSBs) without appearing for the preliminary written examination conducted through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). The announcement was made by the IAF through a statement issued by the Press Information Bureau (PIB).
Direct shortlisting through GATE
According to the IAF, candidates applying through the GATE-based pathway will be shortlisted on merit for further testing at the AFSBs. “Selection will be based on merit, effectively exempting these candidates from the preliminary written examination, such as the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT),” the statement said. The Air Force said the move has been introduced to provide “maximum flexibility and opportunity” to engineering graduates seeking induction into the officer cadre. However, the IAF clarified that the new scheme would apply only to the Technical Branch. “The GATE Score scheme will be applicable exclusively for induction into the Technical Branch. The AFCAT will continue to serve as the standard admission test for induction into all branches of the IAF, including the Technical Branch,” the statement added.
Eligibility criteria remain unchanged
According to the notification, the educational qualifications required under the GATE-based scheme will remain the same as the existing eligibility criteria prescribed for Technical Branch recruitment through AFCAT. The list of accepted GATE subjects has been detailed in the AFCAT 02/2026 notification released by the Air Force. The IAF has also allowed candidates to apply for the Technical Branch through both AFCAT and GATE routes. “To provide maximum flexibility and opportunity to aspirants, eligible candidates may apply for the Technical Branch through both the AFCAT and the GATE Score schemes, as per their choice,” the statement said.
AFCAT remains primary entry route
The Air Force clarified that AFCAT will continue as the standard entry mechanism for recruitment into all branches, including Flying Branch, Ground Duty Branches and the Technical Branch. The newly introduced GATE pathway functions as an additional screening route specifically for engineering graduates seeking Technical Branch induction. The official notification and details regarding acceptable GATE subjects are available on the Indian Air Force AFCAT portal and Career Indian Air Force website.
