The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a crucial exam conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year to recruit officers in flying, ground duty (technical), and ground duty (non-technical) branches. Due to the competitive nature of the exam and strict eligibility criteria—including age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards—only a small percentage of applicants advance to the next selection stages.
Candidates must meet the AFCAT eligibility criteria such as age limits (20 to 24 years for flying roles), marital status, and academic qualifications, which vary by branch. Additionally, strict physical and visual standards are enforced to ensure candidates are fit for service. Failure to meet these standards at any stage can lead to disqualification. Check the cut-offs for AFCAT here.
Also Read: Defence Exams in India
Particulars | Details |
Examination | Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) |
Organizing Authority | Indian Air Force |
Nationality Requirement | Indian |
Gender | Male and Female |
Age Requirement | 20 to 24 years |
Marital Requirement | Unmarried |
Educational Requirement | 60% in both Maths and Physics in Class 12 An Undergraduate degree |
Official website | Click here |
The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) opens opportunities for female candidates to apply for various officer positions in the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the basic eligibility criteria are similar for both male and female candidates, there are some distinctions based on gender, particularly in terms of age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.
Meeting all these criteria is crucial for female candidates to progress through the AFCAT selection process and be considered for officer roles in the Indian Air Force.
To understand the age limit criteria for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), it’s important to consider the specific categories of entry:
The AFCAT does not have age eligibility criteria based on socioeconomic background. Age verification is done based on the candidate’s date of birth as recorded in their class 10th or 12th examination certificates.
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) eligibility also includes specific criteria regarding the marital status of candidates:
AFCAT educational requirements vary by branch. For the Flying Branch, candidates need a 3-year undergraduate degree with 60% marks and must have studied Physics and Mathematics at 10+2. Technical Branch applicants must have a degree in Aeronautical Engineering with 60% marks. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) requires a 60% mark in any graduate degree, while Ground Duty (Technical) needs a degree in Engineering or Technology with 60% marks. Check the AFCAT exam pattern for thorough preparation.
NCC Special Entry is for flying posts at AFCAT and is available to both men and women. Applicants must hold an NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate. The age limit for this entry is 20 to 24 years, with a relaxation of up to 26 years for those holding a DGCA Commercial Pilot License. Candidates must be unmarried.
Educational Criteria:
Applicants from all genders need to meet not only the education criteria but also the required physical standards. This is important as the job is not only demanding but also extremely tiring. There are separate eligibility criteria for male and female applicants.
Aspiring candidates must have a near-perfect vision. Especially for the flying branch posts, candidates must meet the AFCAT eligibility standards for eyesight. The criteria are the same for both genders and do not differ with various branches.
Branch | The maximum limit for refractive error | Visual Acuity error | Colour Vision |
Hypermetropia: + 2.0D SphManifest Myopia: NilRetinoscopic myopia: – 0.5 in any meridian permittedAstigmatism: + 0.75D Cyl (within + 2.0D Max) | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia | CP-I | |
Aircrew other than F(P) | Hypermetropia: +3.5D SphMyopia: -2.0D SphAstigmatism: + 0.75D Cyl | 6/24 in one eye and 6/36 in the other, correctable to 6/6 and 6/9 | CP-I |
Adm/ Adm (ATC)/Adm (FC) | Hypermetropia: + 3.5D SphMyopia: -3.5D SphAstigmatism: + 2.5D Cyl in any meridian | Corrected visual acuity must be 6/9 in each eye. | CP-II |
AE(M) AE(L) | Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D SphMyopia: -3.50 D SphAstigmatism: + 2.5D Cyl in any meridian | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye. Wearing g glasses is compulsory | CP-II |
Met | Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D SphMyopia: -3.50 D SphAstigmatism: + 2.50 D Cyl | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye. Wearing glasses will be compulsory | CP-II |
Accts/ Lgs/Edn | Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D SphMyopia: -3.50 D SphAstigmatism: + 2.50 D Cyl | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.Wearing glasses will be compulsory | CP-III |
Employed individuals working in Governmental organizations or Government-owned corporations can also take the AFCAT exam. However, there is a separate set of AFCAT eligibility standards for employed people. These individuals must present an NOC from their employer. Read about the details below:
Candidates who meet any of these criteria will have their applications disqualified.
Disability and Disqualification Criteria for AFCAT:
AFCAT is a highly competitive exam with strict eligibility criteria for all candidates, regardless of gender. Understanding AFCAT eligibility is essential, as it includes not only a written examination but also specific physical and visual standards. Candidates must ensure they meet these requirements to succeed in the application process. By conducting thorough research on AFCAT eligibility, candidates can better prepare for the challenges ahead. Dedication and preparation play a vital role in navigating the AFCAT process. With the right commitment and understanding of the eligibility criteria, candidates can improve their chances of success in this demanding exam. Overall, being well-informed about AFCAT eligibility is crucial for anyone looking to pursue a career in the Indian Air Force.
Read about the AFCAT Exam Pattern 2025, and update yourself with the latest news on this exam here.
No, all AFCAT applicants should have an undergraduate degree. At a minimum, all applicants should have a 3-year bachelor’s degree. However, students in their final year of studies with no backlogs also meet the AFCAT eligibility standards. The applicant’s class 10th and class 12th scores are considered as part of the AFCAT eligibility standards.
The accepted bachelor’s degree for AFCAT will depend on the branch to which one applies. However, for all branches except for ground duty non-technical posts, applicants must have a B.Tech or B.E. degree. Along with this, a minimum of 60% is also necessary as an aggregate score.
Yes, final-year students can apply to take the AFCAT. There must be no backlogs. The candidates must also meet the minimum aggregate score requirement of 60% up to the latest semester. Additionally, once the results for the final year are declared, the candidate must furnish the graduation certificate to the authorities by the given date.
Yes, female candidates are welcome to apply to AFCAT. However, they have a different set of AFCAT eligibility criteria that must be followed.
There are several edibility criteria for female candidates. These criteria differ from the male applicants. For starters, the age limit for female students is 20 to 24 years. For the flying branch, the maximum age is 26 years. A minimum of 60% is necessary for Maths and Physics each at class 12th level. The bachelor’s degree should be in a 4-year long course like B.Tech or B.E. with 60%. For non-technical posts, a 3-year degree with 60% is necessary. The lower limits for weight and height are 43 kg and 148 cm, respectively. On the higher end, it is 67 kg and 178 cm.
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