Updated By Aarushi Jain on 16 Feb, 2024 02:19
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AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: The Indian Air Force will be releasing the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 for the upcoming recruitment cycle in the official AFCAT 2024 notification. The AFCAT exam is held twice a year to recruit eligible candidates for Flying and Ground Duty in Technical and Non-Technical branches.
The required educational qualifications, nationality, marital status, AFCAT age limits, and physical and medical requirements are all part of the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024. These requirements apply to both male and female candidates for various positions and branches. Candidates between the ages of 20 and 26 who have a minimum of 60% in Mathematics and Physics at the Class 12 level are often able to apply for AFCAT.
Before beginning their application, candidates must completely understand the AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for the Flying branch and Ground Duty Staff, since differences may result in application refusal in the following stages. Here’s a comprehensive overview of the eligibility requirements for the AFCAT 2024 exam for your reference.
Candidates who fulfil the AFCAT Eligibility criteria get an opportunity to join AirForce to give wings to their dream. Candidates are advised to go through the eligibility criteria which include age and educational eligibility requirements prescribed by the authorities for different categories before applying. Candidates can check the major highlights of the Eligibility Criteria mentioned below:
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria | |
|---|---|
Exam | AFCAT 1 2024 |
Conducting Body | Indian Air Force |
Nationality | Indian |
Gender | Men and Women |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Age Limit |
|
Physical Eligibility | Height:
|
Educational Qualification |
|
Aspirants must be aware of both the AFCAT eligibility requirements and the AFCAT 2024 selection procedure, which consists of the following stages:
Note: Candidates have to properly prepare for the online exam and AFSB interview as part of the AFCAT selection process. Additionally, they must make sure that they are eligible and are in good enough physical and mental health to serve as Air Force officers.
Since the IAF wants to recruit the best candidates across all positions, the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 has many criteria. Aspirants need to fulfil every AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria to successfully become qualified for the exam. Refer below to find the eligibility factors for AFCAT 2024:
Nationality
Physical Standards
Academic Qualification
Age Limit
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Nationality
Here are the AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for nationality and marital status that every aspirant should adhere to:
Aspirants must be a citizen of India
AFCAT AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Marital Status
Provided below are the marital status criteria for AFCAT 2024.
Widows/ divorcees, and widowers below 25 years are considered ineligible
Married aspirants above 25 years can feel free to apply, however, during the training period candidates will not be provided separate accommodation for their better half/ spouse
Unmarried candidates are not allowed to get married during their training period, failure to comply will lead to disqualification and aspirants will have to refund all the expenses incurred on them by the official authorities of the IAF.
Marital Status | Age |
|---|---|
Unmarried Candidates | 20 -25 Years |
Married Candidates | Above 25 Years |
Widows/Widowers/divorcees | Above 25 Years |
The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for age vary from one post to another and from category to category. Aspirants can check all the rules about the age criteria of the AFCAT exam here.
The AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 of the flying branch for NCC Special Entry, CDSE, and SSC are given below, based on the category of the examination.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: NCC Special Entry
The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for NCC special entry aspirants are mentioned below:
The minimum age of the applicant should lie between 20 to 24 years during the time of commencement of the course
The upper age limit for aspirants holding current and valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) has been relaxed up to 26 years (during the time of commencement of the course)
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: CDSE (Combined Defence Service Examination)
The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for CDSE (Combined Defence Service Examination) aspirants are mentioned below:
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: CDSE: SSC (Short Service Commission)
The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for CDSE (Combined Defence Service Examination) aspirants are mentioned below:
The minimum age of the applicant should lie between 20 to 24 years during the time of commencement of the course
The upper age limit for aspirants holding current and valid Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) has been relaxed up to 26 years (during the time of commencement of the course)
The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for ground duty (non-technical) staff are mentioned below:
The minimum age of the candidate should lie between 20 to 26 years during the time of commencement of the course to fulfil the AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria
The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for ground duty (technical) staff are mentioned below:
The minimum age of the candidate should lie between 20 to 26 years during the time of commencement of the course to fulfil the AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria
Understanding the educational qualification for meeting the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 is of paramount importance. Refer to the table below to grasp the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 better:
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Job Designation | AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Educational Qualification and Percentage | |
|---|---|---|
Flying Branch | Minimum 60% aggregate each in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 OR Minimum 60% aggregate in B.Tech/B.E degree or equivalent OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India OR Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or equivalent. | |
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch | Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)}. | Minimum 60% aggregate each in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 OR Minimum 60% aggregate in 4-year graduation degree in Engineering and Technology OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India OR Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) OR Graduate membership Examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies or equivalent in the electronics-related disciplines such as
|
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}. | Minimum 60% aggregate in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 OR Minimum 60% aggregate in 4-year graduation degree in Engineering and Technology OR Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies or equivalent in the mechanical related disciplines such as:
| |
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches. | Administration & Logistics. | Minimum 60% aggregate in 3 year graduation degree in any equivalent OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India |
Accounts | Minimum 60% aggregate in 3 years B.Com degree or equivalent | |
NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch) | Minimum 60% aggregate each in Physics & Mathematics in 10+2 Minimum 60% aggregate in 3 year graduation degree in any equivalent NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate acquired on or after 01 Jan 17 is mandatory OR Minimum 60% aggregate in B.Tech/ B.E or any other equivalent OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India OR Minimum 60% aggregate in Section A & B examination of Aeronautical Society of India or Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) | |
This educational qualification for fulfilling the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 will give candidates the know-how on what to expect from different courses and where can they apply.
Candidates must pass the AFCAT General Physical Assessment to join the Air Force. Some of the factors that are mentioned below:
Meeting a requisite physical standard and fulfilling the AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria holds the utmost importance. As the candidates will be put through rigorous training and the on-job work profile will be extremely demanding, aspirants need to be completely fit for duty. Refer below to find out the physical standards that aspirants need to meet the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024:
All applicants must be mentally as well as physically fit.
An exam will be conducted to examine candidates’ mental and physical health.
The candidate may check the minimum and maximum acceptable height to fulfil the AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria that are provided below.
AFCAT Physical Requirement For Flying Branch
Job Designation | Leg Length | Height | Sitting Height | Thigh Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Flying Branch | Min - 99 cms | 162.5 cms | Min - 81.5 cms | Max - 64 cms |
Max -120 cms | Max - 96 cms |
Note: No concession is provided for age and region.
AFCAT Physical Requirement for Technical and Ground Duty Branch
Job Designation | Height | |
|---|---|---|
Ground Duty (Technical/ Non-technical) Branch | Women | Men |
157.5 cms | 152 cms | |
Note:
Applicants may check the table provided below to check the weight and height standards set by the Indian Air Force to fulfil the AFCAT 1 2024 Eligibility Criteria.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Weight Standards For Male Candidates
Height in cm | Weight (in kgs) according to Age range (years) | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
15-17 | 18-22 | 23-27 | 28-32 | 33-37 | |
152 | 46 | 47 | 50 | 54 | 54 |
153 | 47 | 47 | 51 | 55 | 55 |
154 | 47 | 48 | 51 | 56 | 56 |
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 | 82 |
193 | 68 | 73 | 79 | 81 | 83 |
SD | 6.0 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 6.6 | 6.9 |
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Weight Standards For Female Candidates
For female candidates, the requirements are as follows:
Height in cm | Weight (in kgs) according to Age range (years) | |
|---|---|---|
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 |
Aspirants need to fulfil these standards for AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 Weight Standards to qualify for the exams.
Candidates can refer below to find out the medical standards for AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for visual standards.
Visual Standards for Flying Branch | ||
|---|---|---|
Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia | Colour vision CP-1 | |
Hypermetropia : +2.0 d Sph | ||
Manifest Myopia: Nil | ||
RetinoscopicMyopia: – 0.5 in any meridian permitted | ||
Astigmatism : +0.75 D Cyl (with + 2.0 DMax) | ||
Maddox Rod Test | At 6 meters | Exo -6 prism D |
Eso- 6 prism D | ||
Hyper -1 prism D | ||
Hypo -1 prism D | ||
At 33 cms | Exo -16 prism D | |
Eso - 6 prism D | ||
Hyper -1 prism D | ||
1 Hypo -1 prism D | ||
Handheld Stereoscope | All of BSV Grades | |
Convergence | up to 10 cm | |
Cover test for distant and near | Latent divergence/convergence recovery rapid and complete. | |
Binocular Vision | Applicant must have a good binocular vision (fusion and stereopsis with good amplitude and depth). | |
Note: Applicants who wear spectacles regularly are not eligible for flying branch.
Maximum Limits of Refractive Error | Visual Acuity Errors | Colour Vision |
|---|---|---|
Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye. Applicants will have to wear glasses when advised. | CP-II |
Myopia: -3.50 D Sph | ||
Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl |
Sub Branch | Maximum Limits of Refractive Error | Visual Acuity Errors | Colour Vision |
|---|---|---|---|
Administration | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in each eye | CP-II |
Myopia: -3.5 Sph | |||
Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl in any meridian | |||
Logistics | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph | 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-III |
Myopia: -3.50 D Sph | |||
Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl | |||
Accounts and Education | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph | 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-III |
Myopia: -3.50 D Sph | |||
Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl | |||
Meteorology | Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph | 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 |
Myopia: -3.5 D Sph | |||
Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl in any meridian |
Knowing these medical standards and fulfilling the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 will automatically make aspirants strong candidates for different roles.
Applicants who go through the LASIK (Laser in Situ Keratomileusis)/ PRK (Photo Refractive Keratotomy) are treated as eligible for all the branches in the Air Force. Candidates have to meet the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 mentioned below:
An Inguinal Hernia
An applicant who has gone through the Hernia operation will only be considered if he/ she satisfies the conditions mentioned below.
The candidate will only be allowed to appear if there is a gap of 12 months after the operation else he/she will be considered ineligible.
The scar must have healed well.
Medical Standards for the Flying Branch
The applicants applying for the AFCAT should not have gone through any operation or injury from the past few years and he must not have any disease. Some of the reasons which can reject him/her are mentioned below:
Non-articular rheumUnilateral/bilateralism ( e.g lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago etc).
Compression fracture of vertebra
Granulomatous Disease of the spine
Ankylosing Spondylitis
Misc disorders include SLE, Polymyositis, and Vasculitis.
Loss of cervical lordosis when associated with clinically restricted movements of the cervical spine.
Scheuerman’s Disease (Adolescent Kyphosis)
Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders
Unilateral/bilateral cervical ribs with a demonstrable neurological or circulatory deficit.
Osteoarthrosis, Spondylosis, and Degenerative joint disease.
Any other abnormality as so considered by the specialist.
Spondylolisthesis / Spondylolysis.
Arthritis / Spondylosis
Those aspirants who are working under government organisations or government-owned concerns, there are certain rules and regulations that they must follow when applying for the AFCAT 2024 exam. Following terms and conditions are applicable and are considered as no-objection certificates for AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria.
At the time of AFSB testing, candidates from government and government-owned industrial sectors are required to produce an NOC. Irrespective of their nature of employment being permanent, temporary or contractual.
Candidature of applicants stand the chance of being cancelled even after applying for AFCAT in case the authorities receive a withhold grant notice from the respective employer.
In case the employer refuses or is not ready to submit the NOC for whatever reason, then the same refusal must be communicated to the authorities by submitting it in written format to the AFSB.
Some candidates might face rejection of application for the following reasons:
After the commissioning, aspirants with integrated or dual certification and LLB qualifications are eligible to apply for legal duties of the IAF.
Students who are appearing for the final year or semester examination are also eligible for applying for the AFCAT exam. However, they should not have any backlogs and they need to score at least 60% marks in all the past semesters.
Candidates who were admitted previously in the NDA, Indian Naval Academy, Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy Chennai and Officers Training Academy but were removed on the grounds of indiscipline are not eligible to apply for the AFCAT exam.
Refer to this information to understand the AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria in-depth.
Want to know more about AFCAT
The minimum age of the candidate should lie between 20 to 26 years at the time of commencement of application.
If you are applying for the Flying Branch, you can take the AFCAT exam up to 6 times, and up to 10 times if you are applying for the Ground Duty (Technical) or Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches. However, depending on your age, there are various limitations on how many times you may take the AFCAT exam.
The AFCAT exam does not have a reservation system. The Indian Air Force chooses applicants for its various branches only based on merit. This implies that the applicants who do the best on the AFCAT exam and satisfy all of the other qualifying conditions, regardless of caste, religion, or gender, will be chosen.
Any students who are appearing for the final year of an undergraduate course or any equivalent course are eligible for applying for the AFCAT exam.
Yes, candidates who are married and are above 25 years of age can apply for the AFCAT exam.
Students who are Indian Nationals are only eligible for the application for the AFCAT exam.
No, you cannot move to the next stage if you do not pass the flying exam in AFCAT. The flying test is a requirement for all applicants applying to the Indian Air Force's Flying Branch. If you do not pass the flying exam, you will still be able to apply for the Indian Air Force's Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches. However, you must complete the eligibility requirements for each branch independently.
Candidates who have completed their class 12 exam with a minimum of 60% aggregate marks and hold an undergraduate degree or B.E./BTech degrees are eligible for applying for the AFCAT flying branch. The candidates also need to fulfil AFCAT medical and physical standards.
Government employees are eligible to take the AFCAT. They may, however, require approval from their employer before applying. According to the Indian Air Force's website, "government servants are also eligible to apply for AFCAT upon obtaining NOC from their employer."
Yes, even if you are enrolled in the Indian Naval Academy, you can apply for AFCAT. However, you must first obtain approval from your superior officer. Once you receive authorization, you may apply for AFCAT on the Indian Air Force's official website. If you are chosen for AFCAT, you must resign from the Indian Naval Academy to join the Indian Air Force.
Candidates who have completed graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% or those who have completed 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% are eligible for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches of AFCAT.
Yes, married candidates above 25 years of age will be allowed to appear for AFCAT. However, they will not be provided with any accommodation during the training period and they cannot live with their family.
Men and Women from Lakshadweep will get a relaxation of 2 cms in the minimum height requirement. They can check the official website of AFCAT to know more about the eligibility criteria.
Candidates who wear spectacles are not qualified for the AFCAT Flying Branch. The Indian Air Force requires its pilots to meet high physical and medical criteria, one of which is that they have perfect eyesight without the use of corrective glasses. This is because pilots must be able to see clearly and correctly in all conditions, including low light and heavy stress.
Yes, Gorkhas and candidates belonging to the North-Eastern region of India, Garhwal and Kumaon will get a concession of 5 cms as far as the height parameter is concerned.
The minimum Leg Length for Flying Branch of AFCAT is 99 cms and the maximum requirement is 120 cms.
Yes, women candidates who fulfil all the eligibility criteria are also eligible for AFCAT. It should be noted that women candidates will only be selected for Short Service Commission and not for the Permanent Commission.
Yes, candidates who are in the final year or those who have appeared for the final year examination can also apply for AFCAT. However, the candidate should have secured more than 60% marks in final year.
Unfortunately, no. Only Indian nationals are eligible to take the AFCAT test. The Indian Air Force wishes to guarantee that all of its pilots and ground staff are Indian nationals capable of serving and protecting their country.
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