AFCAT Eligibility: 5 Key Steps to Unlock Your Dream Career!

Quick Summary:

• The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is an exam conducted by the Indian Air Force twice a year to recruit officers in flying, ground duty (technical), and ground duty (non-technical) branches.
• Candidates must meet the AFCAT eligibility criteria such as age limits, marital status, and academic qualifications, which vary by branch. Additionally, strict physical and visual standards are enforced to ensure candidates are fit for service.

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is an essential exam held biannually by the Indian Air Force to recruit officers for the flying, ground duty (technical), and ground duty (non-technical) branches. Given the competitive nature of the exam and its stringent eligibility requirements—including age limits, educational qualifications, and physical standards—only a small percentage of candidates successfully progress to the subsequent 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

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: Key Points

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

AFCAT Eligibility for Female Students

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) offers female candidates the opportunity to apply for various officer positions in the Indian Air Force (IAF). While the fundamental eligibility criteria are the same for both male and female candidates, there are certain gender-specific differences, particularly regarding age, educational qualifications, and physical standards.

Age Criteria:

• Flying Branch: Female candidates must be between 20 to 24 years old, which translates to being born between 2nd July 2000 and 1st July 2004. However, candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) can apply up to the age of 26 years.
• Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches: To qualify, candidates must be between 20 and 26 years old. This means that anyone born between July 2, 1998, and July 1, 2004, is eligible to apply. Applicants need to check their birth dates to ensure they meet this age requirement before submitting their applications.

Educational Qualifications:

• Flying Branch: Female candidates must have scored a minimum of 60% in both Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Additionally, they should possess a B.E./B. Tech degree (or equivalent) with at least 60% marks or have passed Section A & B of the Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Ground Duty (Technical Branches): Candidates must be Aeronautical Engineers in Electronics or Mechanical fields. The requirement includes having at least 60% in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12th and a minimum of 60% in their B.E./B.Tech degree.
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branches): For non-technical roles, a minimum of 60% in any 3-year graduate degree is required. For the Accounts branch, a B.Com degree with at least 60% marks is necessary, or candidates can possess a postgraduate degree like MBA, MCA, MA, or M.Sc. with a minimum of 50% marks.

Physical Standards:

• Height and Weight: Female candidates must meet specific physical standards. The minimum height is 148 cm, with a corresponding minimum weight of 43 kg. The upper limits for height and weight are 178 cm and 67 kg, respectively. Height and weight must be proportionate according to IAF standards.

Additional Criteria:

• Marital Status: Unmarried women are eligible. However, married women above the age of 25 can also apply but will not be provided with accommodation during the training period.

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.

AFCAT Eligibility: Age Limit 2025

To understand the age limit criteria for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), it’s important to consider the specific categories of entry:

• Flying Branch:
  • Age Limit: Minimum 20 years and Maximum 24 years.
  • Birth Date Range: Applicants must be born between 2nd January 1999 and 1st January 2003 as of 1st January 2023.
• Technical Branch (Aeronautical Engineer Electronics and Aeronautical Engineer Mechanical):
  • Age Limit: Minimum 20 years and Maximum 26 years.
  • Birth Date Range: Applicants must be born between 1st January 1997 and 1st January 2003.
• Non-Technical Ground Duty:
  • Age Limit: Minimum 20 years and Maximum 26 years.
  • Birth Date Range: Applicants must be born between 1st January 1997 and 1st January 2003.
• NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch):
  • Age Limit: Minimum 20 years and Maximum 24 years.
  • Birth Date Range: Applicants must be born between 2nd January 1999 and 1st January 2003 as of 1st January 2023.

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 Eligibility: Marital Status

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) eligibility also includes specific criteria regarding the marital status of candidates:

1. Marital Status Requirement for Applicants Under 25 Years:
   • All candidates below the age of 25 years must be unmarried at the time of application.
   • Widows, widowers, and candidates who are divorced and below 25 years are not eligible to apply.
2. Marital Status During Training:
   • Applicants who marry after submitting their applications but before completing the training will be disqualified from the course. They will also be required to repay any training expenses incurred.
   • Candidates who marry during the training period will be dismissed from the course and will need to repay all associated expenses.
3. Marital Status for Applicants Above 25 Years:
   • Candidates who are 25 years or older at the time of application may be married.
   • Married candidates above 25 years are eligible to undergo training, but they must make their own accommodation arrangements and cannot live with their families during the training period.

AFCAT Eligibility: Educational Qualifications

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.

Flying Branch

• Applicants must have at least 60% in Class 10th and 60% in Physics and Mathematics at Class 12th.
• They should hold a 4-year Bachelor of Engineering (B.E.) or Bachelor of Technology (B.Tech) degree with a minimum of 60% from a recognized university.
• Additionally, they must have passed the A&B exams of the Association Membership of the Institution of Engineers or the Aeronautical Society of India, with at least 60% aggregate marks.

Ground Duty Technical

• Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics): Candidates need 60% in Physics and Mathematics at Class 12th and a 4-year undergraduate or integrated postgraduate degree in Engineering or Technology. They must also clear sections A & B of the Association Membership exams from institutions like the Aeronautical Society of India or the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers, with a minimum of 60% in relevant disciplines.
• Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical): Similar to the Electronics category, candidates must have 60% in Physics and Mathematics in Class 12th and their undergraduate degree. They should pass the Associate Membership exams of the Institution of Engineers or the Aeronautical Society of India with at least 60% marks in relevant disciplines.

Ground Duty Non-Technical

• Candidates must have a minimum of 60% aggregate in their bachelor’s degree. Specific requirements vary by department:
• Accounts: B.Com, MBA, MCA, MA, or MSc.
• Education: Degrees in relevant fields.
• Meteorology: A postgraduate degree in disciplines like Geography, Oceanography, or Physics.

AFCAT Eligibility: NCC Special Entry

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:

• Class 12th: Minimum 60% in Physics and Mathematics.
• Undergraduate Degree: A 3-year graduate degree (B.Tech or B.E.) with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Additional Requirements: Final-year students may apply if they have no backlogs. Candidates must have cleared sections A & B of the Associate Membership exams from the Institution of Engineers or the Aeronautical Society of India, with at least 60% aggregate marks.

AFCAT Eligibility: Physical Standards

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.

Male

• For the flying posts, the minimum height accepted is 162.5 cm. The leg length must be 99 cm, while the sitting height should be 81.5 cm.
• Ground duty applicants must be at least 157.5 cm in height.
• For candidates between the ages of 15 to 17 years, the weight must be between 46 kg to 68 kg. After that, for 18 to 22 years, it is 47 kg to 73 kg, and for 23 to 27 years, it is 50 kg to 79 kg. For 28 to 32 years, candidates must be between 54 to 82 kg. Finally, for 33 to 27 years, the weight limit is 54 to 83 kg. For these weight limits, the height limits are 152 to 163 cm.
• There are concessions in physical standards for candidates who are Gorkhas from north-eastern states, the Garhwal region and the Kumaon region.

Female

• Female candidates must have a minimum of 162.5 cm height for the flying branch. On the other hand, for all other branches, the minimum height requirement is 152 cm for female applicants.
• Applicants from the Northeast region and hilly areas of Uttarakhand must meet the minimum height requirement of 147 cm. However, for Lakshwadeep, the same is 150 cm.
• Ground duty branch applicants must be at least 152 cm in height.
• Between the heights of 148 cm to 178 cm, AFACT eligibility has weight criteria for female candidates. The acceptable weight range from 20 to 25 years is 43 kg to 63 kg. Similarly, for 26 to 30 years, it is 46 kg to 67 kg.

AFCAT Eligibility: Vision Requirements

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

AFCAT Eligibility: Employed Applicants

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:

• Regardless of the nature of employment, whether contractual, permanent, or temporary, all applicants in this category must have an NOC. The NOC must be presented during the test.
• If the employer does not issue an NOC to the candidate, the applicant could be disqualified from taking the test. Additionally, if the employer gives a withheld grant on behalf of the candidate, the candidate cannot take the test.
• However, the application will be considered if the reason for the same is given in writing to the AFCAT authorities.

AFCAT Eligibility: Disqualification Criteria

Candidates who meet any of these criteria will have their applications disqualified.

Disability and Disqualification Criteria for AFCAT:

• Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS) and Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT): Candidates must pass CPSS or PABT on their first attempt. Failure to qualify on the first attempt disqualifies them from applying.
• Suspension from Air Force Academy: Candidates who have been suspended from Air Force Academy training and subsequently enroll in specified courses (e.g., Indian Naval Academy, National Defence Academy, Air Force Academy, Indian Military Academy, Officer’s Training Academy) are ineligible for AFCAT.
• Defence Ministry Ban: Candidates who have been banned by the Defence Ministry due to holding a commission are not eligible to take the AFCAT.
• Criminal Conviction: Candidates convicted of any crime are disqualified from taking the AFCAT.

AFCAT Eligibility: Conclusion

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.

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