AFCAT Eligibility 2025: Age Limit & Qualification

The official notification for AFCAT by the Indian Air Force (IAF) outlines the specific requirements for candidates aspiring to join the IAF through AFCAT. It is important to note that the AFCAT eligibility criteria differ for males and females. The AFCAT exam is conducted twice a year to select Class-I Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical). For candidates who are eagerly waiting to join in Air Force, it's an opportunity to give wings to your dream and apply for AFCAT Exam 2025 if you fit well in the following AFCAT Eligibility criteria. Get a quick view of the AFCAT Eligibility in the below listed pointers.

•  AFCAT exam is conducted twice a year, providing an opportunity for candidates to join the prestigious Indian Air Force.
• The eligibility criteria for AFCAT differ for male and female candidates.
• Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.

Read this article to make sure you fulfill all the minimum requirements before applying and get detailed AFCAT Exam Eligibility 2025.

Attempt AFCAT Free Mock Test here!

AFCAT Eligibility 2025

The AFCAT, conducted by the Indian Air Force, is open to both male and female unmarried Indian citizens. For the Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 to 24 years old as of 1st July 2026, and have passed Maths and Physics with 50% marks, along with a minimum three-year university degree with 60% marks. For the Technical and Ground Duty Branch, the age limit is 20 to 26 years as of the same date. Technical Branch applicants need a four-year engineering/technology degree or equivalent with 60% marks, while Non-Technical Branch applicants require a three-year degree with 60% marks. Candidates must meet physical standards, including running 1.6 km in 10 minutes, doing 10 pushups, and 3 chin-ups. Special entry through NCC is available for those aged 20 to 24 years as of 1st July 2026. Scribes are not applicable for this exam.

Also, read AFCAT Syllabus for exam preparation.

AFCAT Age Limit

The AFCAT is very particular about Airforce age limit criteria and checks the candidate’s every document in the document verification round. Keep reading this article to know every detail of the AFCAT age limit criteria of the examination for AFCAT Eligibility. 

To get the detailed AFCAT Result, candidates can visit the linked article.

AFCAT Education Qualifications

Candidates must read the table very carefully to ensure that they are eligible for the concerned post. The AFCAT Eligibility 2025 for both the Flying Branch and Ground Duty Technical are mentioned in the following table.

AFCAT Education Qualifications Eligibility 2025

Branch	Educational Qualification
Flying Branch	Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and Graduation with a minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. OR BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. OR Candidates who have cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
Ground Duty (Technical)	Aeronautical Engineering Electronics: Minimum 50% marks in Physics and Maths at 10+2 level, along with a four-year degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university. Alternatively, clearing Sections A and B exams of: - Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or - Aeronautical Society of India or - Graduate membership exam of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in various related disciplines. Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}: Minimum 50% marks in Physics and Maths at 10+2 level, along with a 4-year degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university. Alternatively, clearing Sections A and B exams of the: - Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or - Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in various related disciplines. Note: Please refer to the AFCAT exam Eligibility for Technical Branch section for detailed eligibility criteria for the Technical Branch
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches	Weapon System Branch: Candidates must pass 10+2 with 50% marks in Maths & Physics, and have a minimum 3+2 degree with 60% marks. Administration: A minimum of a 10+2 and Graduate Degree in a recognized discipline with 60% marks or equivalent, or cleared Section A & B examinations. Accounts: 10+2 with 60% marks in B.Com, BBA, MBA, or a qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA. Education: 10+2 with 50% marks in all disciplines, including PG, and 60% marks in graduation. Note: Please refer to the AFCAT exam Eligibility for Non Technical Branch section for detailed eligibility criteria for the same.
Meteorology	Passed 10+2 and B.Sc. with Maths & Physics with 60% minimum marks or 4 year Graduation degree in Engg & Technology discipline with minimum 60% marks or equivalent in Communication Engg/ Computer Engg/ Electrical/ Electronics/ Mechanical Engg, etc.

AFCAT Eligibility for Technical Branch

To be eligible for the Ground Duty (Technical) branch in the Indian Air Force through AFCAT, candidates must meet certain educational qualifications. Following are the eligibility criteria for AFCAT the Technical Branch:

AFCAT Eligibility for Technical Branch

Branch	Educational Qualification
Ground Duty (Technical) Aeronautical Engineering Electronics	- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level - Minimum four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/ Technology from recognized University OR - Cleared Sections A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India or Graduate membership examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in the following disciplines: Applied Electronics & Instrumentation. Communication Engineering. Computer Engineering/Technology. Computer Engineering & Application. Computer Science and Engineering/Technology. Electrical and Computer Engineering. Electrical and Electronics Engineering. Electrical Engineering. Electronics Engineering/ Technology. Electronics Science and Engineering. Electronics Electronics and Communication Engineering. Electronics and Computer Science. Electronics and/or Telecommunication Engineering. Electronics and/or Telecommunication Engineering (Microwave). Electronics and Computer Engineering. Electronics Communication and Instrumentation Engineering. Electronics Instrument & Control. Electronics Instrument & Control Engineering. Instrumentation & Control Engineering. Instrument & Control Engineering. Information Technology. Spacecraft Technology. Engineering Physics. Electric Power and Machinery Engineering. Infotech Engineering. Cyber Security.
Ground Duty (Technical) Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}	- Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level - Minimum four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from recognized University OR - Cleared Sections A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in the following disciplines: Aerospace Engineering. Aeronautical Engineering. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. Mechanical Engineering. Mechanical Engineering and Automation. Mechanical Engineering (Production). Mechanical Engineering (Repair and Maintenance). Mechatronics. Industrial Engineering. Manufacturing Engineering. Production and Industrial Engineering. Materials Science and Engineering. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. Aerospace and Applied Mechanics. Automotive Engineering. Robotics Nanotechnology Rubber Technology and Rubber Engineering.

AFCAT Eligibility for Non-Technical Branch

In order to qualify for the Ground Duty Non-Technical branch in the Indian Air Force through AFCAT, applicants must satisfy specific educational requirements. The following are the AFCAT Exam eligibility criteria for Non-Technical Branch:

AFCAT Eligibility for Non Technical Branch

Branch	Detailed Eligibility Criteria
Weapon System Branch	Passed 10+2 with minimum 50% marks each in Maths & Physics.
	Graduation with minimum 3-year degree course in any discipline with 60% marks OR BE/BTech (4-year degree course) with minimum 60% marks.
Administration	Passed 10+2 and Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.
	Alternatively, cleared section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks.
Accounts	Passed 10+2 and done graduation in any of the following streams with 60% marks or equivalent:
	B. Com Degree (Min three years course).
	Bachelor of Business Administration (with specialization in Finance).
	Qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA.
Education	Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation with 50% marks in any discipline.
	Integrated courses offering PG (Single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry) should have 60% marks in Graduation.

AFCAT Physical and Medical Requirements

Candidates are advised to be physically fit when you report for the SSB in order to be able to undergo the tests at AFSB. This section will describe AFCAT Exam Eligibility for male and female candidates.

• Candidates must aim to achieve an ability to run 01 miles (1.6 km) in 10 mins, do 10 pushups, and 03 chin-ups.
• Candidates are also advised to keep themselves in good physical condition to adapt to tough physical training at AFA which includes swimming, rope climbing, running, and other forms of physical training in which
• Candidates will go with other forms of physical training in which candidates will undergo mandatory tests during training.

To get the detailed AFCAT Salary and Job Profile, candidates can visit the linked article.

Height and Weight Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT Male Candidates

Read the table below to know about the height and weight required in AFCAT eligibility for male candidates for the AFCAT exam 2025. Height and weight range are set for candidates according to the age limit. These parameters will be checked in AFCAT eligibility for males during the later stages of the Exam.

Height and Weight Requirements for Male

Height in cm	Weight Based on the Age Range
	15-17 Yrs.	18-22 Yrs.	23- 27 Yrs.	28- 32 Yrs.	33-37 Yrs.
152	46	47	50	54	54
153	47	47	51	55	55
154	47	48	51	56	55
155	48	49	52	56	56
156	48	49	53	57	57
157	49	50	54	58	58
158	49	50	54	58	58
159	50	51	55	59	59
160	51	52	56	59	60
161	51	52	56	60	60
162	52	53	57	61	61
163	52	54	58	61	62
164	53	54	59	62	63
165	53	55	59	63	63
166	54	56	60	63	64
167	54	56	61	64	65
168	55	57	61	65	65
169	55	57	62	65	66
170	56	58	63	66	67
171	56	59	64	66	68
172	57	59	64	67	68
173	58	60	65	68	69
174	58	61	66	68	70
175	59	61	66	69	71
176	59	62	67	70	71
177	60	62	68	70	72
178	60	63	69	71	73
179	61	64	69	72	73
180	61	64	70	72	74
181	62	65	71	73	75
182	62	66	72	74	76
183	63	66	72	74	76
184	64	67	73	75	77
185	64	68	74	75	78
186	65	68	74	76	78
187	65	69	75	77	79
188	66	69	76	77	80
189	66	70	77	78	81
190	67	71	77	79	81
191	67	71	78	79	82
192	68	72	79	80	83
193	68	73	79	81	83
SD	6.0	6.3	7.1	6.6	6.9

For details on the AFCAT Apply Online Process, refer to the linked article.

Height and Weight Criteria for Female Candidates

Read the table below to know about the height and weight required for female candidates for the AFCAT exam 2025. We have framed the Height and weight range for AFCAT for girls candidates according to the age limit in the table below. These minimum standards mentioned below will be checked during the later stages of the Exam

Height and Weight Requirements for Female

Height in cm	Weight Based on Age Range
	20-25 Years	26-30 Years
148	43	46
149	44	47
150	45	48
151	45	48
152	46	49
153	47	50
154	47	50
155	48	51
156	49	52
157	49	53
158	50	53
159	51	54
160	51	55
161	52	55
162	52	56
163	53	57
164	54	57
165	54	58
166	55	59
167	56	60
168	56	60
169	57	61
170	58	62
171	58	62
172	59	63
173	59	64
174	60	64
175	61	65
176	61	66
177	62	67
178	63	67
SD	5	5

We hope you got a clear idea about the AFCAT physical eligibility for female candidates.

For details on the AFCAT Exam Dates, refer to the linked article.

AFCAT Visual Standards

Another important parameter in the physical measurement is Visual Standards. Visual Standard should be absolutely perfect if you want to serve the Airforce. The visual standard set by the authority is different for Fly Branch and Ground Duty. Below table states the minimum eyesight required for the fly branch and ground duty candidates. Any candidate who is unable to fit the standard will not be allowed to continue with the selection process

AFCAT Visual Standards

S.No	Branch	Maximum Limits of Refractive Error	Visual Acuity Errors	Colour Vision
1	F(P) including WSOs	Hypermetropia: + 2.0D Sph Manifest Myopia: Nil Retinoscopic myopia: - 0.5 in any meridian permitted Astigmatism: ± 0.75D Cyl (within + 2.0D Max)	6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia	CP-I
2	.Aircrew other than F(P)	Hypermetropia: +3.5D Sph Myopia: -2.0D Sph Astigmatism: ± 0.75D Cyl	6/24 in one eye and 6/36 in other, correctable to 6/6 and 6/9	CP-I
3	Adm/ Adm (ATC)/ Adm (FC)	Hypermetropia: + 3.5D Sph Myopia: -3.5D Sph Astigmatism: ± 2.5D Cyl in any meridian	Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye.	CP-II
4	Adm/ Adm (ATC)/ Adm (FC)	Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D Sph Myopia: -3.50 D Sph Astigmatism: ± 2.5D Cyl in any meridian	Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye. Wearing of glasses will be compulsory when advised	CP-II
5	Met	Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D Sph Myopia: -3.50 D Sph Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl	Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye. Wearing of Glasses will be compulsory.	CP-II
6	Accts/ Lgs/Edn	Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D Sph Myopia: -3.50 D Sph Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl	Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye. Wearing of Glasses will be compulsory.	CP-II

To get the detailed AFCAT Previous Year Paper, candidates can visit the linked article.

AFCAT Marital Status

• Candidates must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.
• Candidates must note that during the training period, marriage is not permitted.
• Those who marry during the period of training will be debarred from the board and will be liable to refund all expenditures incurred on them by the government.

For details on the AFCAT Exam Pattern, refer to the linked article.

AFCAT Nationality

A candidate who is applying for AFCAT posts released by the Indian Air Force must be a citizen of India. A candidate with a foreign nationality will not be eligible to apply for the Class-I Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical) Posts. Also note that Indian Citizenship Act, of 1955 will be considered for evaluation.

AFCAT Number of Attempts

Candidates can make all the attempts if he/she is in the age group of 20 – 26 years. AFCAT is held twice a year. So one can have a maximum of 16 attempts – 2 attempts per year for AFCAT (total 8 attempts) and 2 attempts per year. Candidates can attempt the exam if they fulfill the AFCAT Eligibility conditions mentioned above along with the age limit criteria as mentioned above in this article.

For details on the AFCAT Physical Test, refer to the linked article.

AFCAT Eligibility for NCC Flying Branch Special Entry

NCC (National Cadet Corps) special entry is a unique opportunity for candidates who hold a valid NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate to join the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force through AFCAT. Here are the specific eligibility criteria for NCC special entry in the Flying Branch:

It is important to note that the NCC special entry scheme in the Flying Branch is subject to the availability of vacancies and other eligibility crietria.

NCC Flying Branch Special Entry Eligibility Criteria in AFCAT 2025

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for NCC Special Entry
Criteria	Requirements
Educational Qualifications	Minimum of three years of graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA. Passed Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level.
Age Limit	Usually between 20 and 24 years at the time of commencement of the course. This age limit may vary slightly based on the official notification.
NCC 'C' Certificate	Possess a valid NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate. The certificate should have been issued on or after the date specified in the official notification.
Selection Process	Shortlisted based on performance in the AFCAT written exam. Shortlisted candidates will then undergo further testing, including the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, medical examination, and document verification.

AFCAT Eligibility for Government Employee

AFCAT eligibility criteria for government employees vary depending on their current employment status and the branch they wish to join in the Indian Air Force. Here are some general guidelines regarding AFCAT Exam Eligibility for government employees:

AFCAT Eligibility for Government Employee 2025

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for Govt. Employees
Criteria	Requirements
Nationality	Candidates must be Indian citizens or citizens of Nepal or Bhutan, as specified in the official notification.
Age Limit	The age limit for AFCAT varies depending on the branch and entry type. Generally, candidates should fall within the prescribed age limit, which is usually between 20 and 24 years for the Flying Branch and between 20 and 26 years for the Ground Duty Branches. Age relaxations may be applicable for certain categories as per the official guidelines.
Educational Qualifications	Candidates must have completed their graduation or post-graduation from a recognized university with the required minimum percentage of marks. The specific educational requirements for each branch and entry type are outlined in the official AFCAT notification.
Employment Status	If you are a government employee and wish to join the Indian Air Force through AFCAT, you may need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer.
Selection Process	Government employees who meet the eligibility criteria for AFCAT will undergo the same selection process as other candidates. This includes the AFCAT written exam, Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, medical examination, and document verification.

We hope this article was informative and helpful to you. For any query or suggestion related to the AFCAT Eligibility, you can contact us directly or post your suggestions in the comment section below. Get the most comprehensive study material for the AFCAT 2025 exam preparation from Testbook App.