AFCAT Eligibility 2024: Education, Age, Height, Physical Standards for Male & Female

Air Force Common Admission Test 2025 ( AFCAT )

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Registration: 2 Dec '24 - 31 Dec '24

Anangsha
Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial
Updated on May 30, 2024 12:59 IST

AFCAT eligibility 2024 is released by the Indian Air Force. Aspirants who wish to fill the AFCAT application form 2024 need to satisfy the eligibility criteria in terms of age, educational qualification, nationality & medical standards.

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria in terms of Age Limit, Nationality, Educational Qualification & Physical Standards

AFCAT Eligibility 2024: Are you appearing in AFCAT 2024 exam? If yes, do not forget to check the eligibility before applying. AFCAT eligibility include age, educational qualification, nationality, and medical standard. To apply for the exam, candidates need to fulfil these conditions or else their applications will be rejected. According to AFCAT eligibility criteria, AFCAT age limit of candidates should be between 20 to 24 years and the educational qualification prescribed for this exam is graduation. In this article, we have discussed in detail AFCAT eligibility criteria 2023. AFCAT 2024 is conducted to select candidates as Commissioned Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. 

Also Read: AFCAT notification 2024

AFCAT 2 Eligibility 2024

The eligibility criteria for AFCAT 2 2024 exam is given below.

AFCAT 2 Age Limit

Branch Age Limit

Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry

20 to 24 years as on 01 July 2025 i.e. born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2005 (both dates inclusive). Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable upto 26 years i.e. born between 02 July 1999 to 01 July 2005 (both dates inclusive)

Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch

20 to 26 years as on 01 July 2025 i.e. born between 02 July 1999 to 01 July 2005 (both dates inclusive)

Educational Qualification

The educational qualification prescribed for the exam is graduation.

Q:   What are the career opportunities after the AFCAT?

A:
Candidates through their Force Common Admission Test exam are selected for the post of Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying branch and Ground Duty for Technical and Non-Technical branches. AFCAT Ground Duty Technical Job Profile: 1- Maintenance of all technical tools and equipment of aircraft. 2- Responsibility for managing the technicians who are already qualified. 3- Make sure the technicians are being provided with the required equipment and tools for the job consisting of Aircraft, RADAR, etc. 4- Technical officers must be able to perform aeronautical engineering, weapons, communication systems, avionics, etc. 5- Handling of the aircraft service. 6- Technical processes and management in the aircraft. AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical Job Profile: 1- Administration of Air Traffic Controller and Fighter Controller. 2- Accounts of the department. 3- Logistics of the department. 4- Education. In-hand Salary : 1- Flying Branch- INR 85,372 2- Ground Duty for Technical post- INR 74,872 3- Ground Duty for Non-Technical post- INR 71,872.

Q:   I am pursuing BA. Am I eligible for AFCAT? I don't have science background.

A:
Yes, you can apply for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) even if you are pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree without a Science background. The eligibility criteria for the AFCAT exam are as follows: Nationality: Indian Age: The minimum age should be 20 years and the maximum age should be 24 years as of the date of commencement of the course. Educational Qualification: The candidate must have a graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.

Q:   How many attempts are in AFCAT?

A:
There is no limit to the number of attempts the AFCAT exam. Candidates falling within the prescribed age limit can appear for the exam. As per AFCAT eligibility, applicants must be 20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course). The upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years (at the time of commencement of course).

AFCAT Full Form

AFCAT full form is Air Force Common Admission Test. The exam is conducted by the Indian Air Force. The test is held every year in February and August, to pick-up Class-I Officers in Flying and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical). Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for AFCAT.

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Q:   I am a physics honors graduate. Am I eligible for AFCAT flying branch?

A:
To be eligible for the Flying Branch in AFCAT you must have a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate and should have passed Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Additionally, you must have a Bachelor's degree in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent or BE/B Tech degree (4-year course) with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. Since you have a graduation degree in Physics Honours, you fulfill the minimum educational qualification criteria for the Flying Branch in AFCAT. However, you should also ensure that you meet the age, nationality, and physical fitness criteria specified by the Indian Air Force.

Q:   What is the eligibility criteria for the AFCAT exam?

A:
Eligibility criteria for the Air Force Common Admission Test AFCAT exam: Educational Qualification: Pass 10+2 with 60 percent in Maths and Physics. Physical Eligibility: For Flying Branch - 162.5 cm (for both men and female) For Ground duty (Tech-NON tech): Male -157.5 cm and Female -152cm. AFCAT Age Limit 2023: Minimum 20 years to Maximum 26 years. Marital Status: Unmarried. I hope this will help you.

Q:   Is EKT compulsory for AFCAT?

A:
No, EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) is not mandatory for all applicants appearing for Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). Students who aspire to join technical posts have to appear for Engineering Knowledge Test. Exam pattern for AFCAT: Mode of Exam: Online No. Of Questions: 100 Duration of Exam: 2 hours (120 minutes) Maximum Marks: 300 Sections in Paper: General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, Verbal Ability in English, and Military Aptitude Test. Negative Marking: 1 mark Exam pattern for EKT: Mode of Exam: Online No. Of Questions: 50 Duration of Exam: 45 minutes Maximum Marks: 150 Sections in Paper: Mechanical, Computer Science, and Electrical & Electronics (according to your Branch). Negative Marking: 1 mark The Air Force Common Admission Test exam is conducted by the (IAF twice a year to recruit Class-A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duties for both Technical and Non-Technical Branches.

Q:   Can a final-year student apply for the AFCAT?

A:
Yes, final Year students are also eligible to apply, provided they do not have any backlog at the time of Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) Testing and produce Degree certificates issued by the University/College as per the date stipulated in the advertisement. Educational Qualification: Pass 10+2 with 60 percent in Maths and Physics. Physical Eligibility: For Flying Branch - 162.5 cm (for both men and female) For Ground duty (Tech-NON tech): Male -157.5 cm and Female -152cm. Age Limit: Minimum 20 years to Maximum 26 years. Marital Status: Unmarried. I hope this will help you.

Q:   I did my intermediate education with Biology, Physics and Chemistry. Am I eligible to apply for AFCAT?

A:
Yes, you may be eligible to apply for the Air Force Common Admission Test AFCAT if you have completed your intermediate education with Biology Physics and Chemistry. The eligibility criteria for AFCAT may vary depending on the branch and type of commission for which you are applying. However, in general, the educational qualification required for AFCAT is a Bachelor's degree in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks. In addition, you should have studied Mathematics and Physics at the intermediate level, or have a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Technology, or equivalent. As you have studied Physics and Chemistry at the intermediate level, you meet the minimum educational qualification required for AFCAT. However, you will also need to meet other eligibility criteria, such as age limit, physical standards, and nationality, among others. It is recommended that you carefully review the eligibility criteria for AFCAT on the official website of the Indian Air Force and ensure that you meet all the requirements before applying for the exam.

AFCAT Eligibility 2024: Nationality & Marital Status

The eligibility of AFCAT in terms of nationality and marital status are given below:

  • Candidates must be a citizen of India
  • Candidates must be below 25 years and should be unmarried
  • Widows/Widowers and divorcees (with or without encumbrances) below 25 years are also not eligible
  • Married candidates above 25 years can apply, but during the training period they will not be provided separate accommodation for the spouse 

AFCAT Age Limit 2024

The branch-wise age limit for AFCAT exam is given below:

AFCAT Eligibility for Flying Branch through AFCAT/ NCC Entry

The age of candidates should be between 20 and 24 years. The upper age limit of candidates having a valid and current commercial pilot license issued by DGCA is relaxed upto 26 years, i.e., candidates must have born between January 2, 1997, to January 1, 2003. 

AFCAT Exam Eligibility for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch

Candidates must be aged between 20 and 26 years. 

AFCAT Qualification

The branch-wise educational qualification for AFCAT is given below:

AFCAT Qualification for Flying Branch 

Candidates must have passed Class 12 with 60 per cent in Maths and Physics and graduated in any discipline/BE/BTech/Cleared section A and B exam of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with 60 per cent.

AFCAT Qualification for Ground Duty (Technical)

AFCAT qualification prescribed for Ground Duty (Technical) branch is given below:

AFCAT Criteria for Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) (AE (L))

Candidates must have completed Class 12 with 60 per cent in Physics and Mathematics and a minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/ Technology from recognised 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 60 per cent in the following disciplines.

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

AFCAT Eligibility for Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)

Candidates must have passed Class 12 with 60 per cent in Physics and Maths and four-year graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from recognised university or cleared sections A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institute of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies with minimum 60 per cent in following subjects:

AFCAT Eligibility for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) 

AFCAT eligibility for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch is given below:

Weapon Systems (WS) Branch

Candidates should have passed with a minimum of 50 per cent marks each in Maths and Physics at 10 2 level and Graduation with minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60 per cent marks or equivalent

Or,
Passed BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognised University with a minimum of 60 per cent marks or equivalent

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for Administration & Logistics: Graduation in any discipline/cleared sections A and B of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with 60 per cent.

Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT for Accounts: Graduation in Commerce with 60 per cent or equivalent marks.

Important points to note:

  • LLB qualified and integrated/dual degree candidates may be employed on the legal duties of the IAF (After commissioning)
  • Candidates who are studying in the final year/semester and are yet to pass the exam can apply, provided they do not have any backlog and should have secured 60 per cent. They are required to submit proof of passing Graduation
  • Candidates who have failed the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)/ Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) in an earlier attempt or a Flight Cadet suspended from flying training at Air Force Academy will not be eligible to apply in Flying Branch
  • Candidates who were admitted earlier at the NDA, Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Officers’ Training Academy, Chennai, and Officer’s Training Academy Gaya but have been removed on grounds of indiscipline are ineligible to apply
  • Candidates who are debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any commission in the Defence Services are not eligible for AFCAT
  • Candidates who hold criminal charges are not eligible

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Medical Standards

The basic requirements of medical fitness are the same for all branches except for aircrew, in which the parameters for visual acuity, anthropometry, and certain other physical standards are more stringent. 

Check here the medical standards

AFCAT Eligibility for Female Flying Branch

Women candidates can apply through AFCAT for Short Service Commission in the Flying Branch. AFCAT age limit for women is 20 to 24 years. Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years(at the time of commencement of course). Candidates must have passed with a minimum of 50 per cent each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and graduation/BE/ B Tech with 60 per cent or equivalent. Candidates who have cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with a minimum of 60 per cent marks or equivalent can also apply. Final year students are eligible to apply provided candidate should not have any present backlog and should have secured a minimum of 60 per cent marks up to the last semester/ year at the time of AFSB testing and they produce provisional/ original degree issued by the University.

AFCAT Eligibility for Female Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch

The Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch manages human and material resources. AFCAT age limit for women for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) is 20 to 26 years. The minimum educational qualification required for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch is graduation/postgraduation. However, the educational qualification is different for different branches.

AFCAT Eligibility for Women Ground Duty (Technical) Branch

AFCAT eligibility for female for Ground Duty (Technical) branch is given below:

AFCAT age limit for women for Groun Duty (Technical) branch is 20 to 26 years. Unmarried female candidates can apply for the exam. Final year students are eligible to apply provided candidates should not have any present backlog and should have secured a minimum of 60 per cent up to the last semester/ year at the time of AFSB testing and they produce provisional/ original degree issued by the University.

Educational Qualification for Aeronautical Engineering Branch: Depending upon the stream of Engineering and subjects studied, candidates can join one of the sub branches of the Ground Duty (Technical) branch. 

Read More:

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 FAQs

Q. What is the AFCAT Eligibility 2024?

A. To apply for AFCAT exam, candidates must be a Graduate. The educational qualification is different for different branches. Candidates must have secured 60 per cent in graduation.

Q. What is the AFCAT age limit?

A. AFCAT age limit for Flying Branch is between 20 and 24 years. The age limit of candidates having Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA is relaxable upto 26 years. The age limit for Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch is between 20 and 26 years. 

Q. What is AFCAT educational qualification for Flying Branch?

A. Candidates should have passed with a minimum of 50 per cent in Maths and Physics in Class 12 level and Graduation with minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60 per cent marks or equivalent
Or,
BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognised University with a minimum of 60 per cent 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 recognized University with a minimum of 60 per cent marks or equivalent

Q. What is AFCAT educational qualification for Administration and Logistics?

A. Candidates must have passed Class 12 and Graduate degree (minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a
minimum of 60 per cent marks or equivalent or 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 per cent marks or equivalent.

Q. What is AFCAT educational qualification for Ground Duty (Technical Branch)?

A. AFCAT educational qualification for Ground Duty (Technical Branch) is that candidates must have passed with minimum 50 per cent in Physics and Mathematics at Class 12 level and a minimum of 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 per cent or equivalent in various engineering disciplines.

About the Author
author-image
Anangsha Patra
Deputy Manager – Editorial

A mass communication and journalism post-graduate, Anangsha has worked as a reporter and sub-editor and enjoys working in the education domain.

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Student Forum

chatAnything you would want to ask experts?
Write here...

Answered a week ago

To be eligible for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test), you need to meet specific academic criteria based on the branch you are applying for:

For Flying Branch:

  1. You must have scored at least 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics in 10+2.
  2. You should also have a bachelor's degree (minimum 3 y

...more

R

Rupesh Katariya

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a week ago

Candidates can calculate the probable scores using the AFCAT answer key in the following way:

  • For correct answers, candidates score three marks
  • One mark is deducted for every incorrect answer
  • No marks are allotted to unattempted questions

R

Raushan Pradhan

Beginner-Level 3

Answered a week ago

Candidates can choose the best books for AFCAT exam in the following way:

  • Check the publishing year of the AFCAT books. Students must select the latest edition of books.
  • Choose books that are easy to read.
  • Select AFCAT books that are written in a simple language where students can understand the concep

...more

B

Bhumika Lama

Beginner-Level 3

Answered 3 weeks ago

The minimum visual acuity required for the AFCAT exam is 6/9 each eye which can be corrected to 6/6 in each eye if the usual acuity below6/ 6 classic must be worn the corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the letter I and 6/18 in the worse side

K

Khushi Jaiswal

Contributor-Level 9

Answered 4 weeks ago

AFCAT 1 2024 vacancy break-up is given below.

Entry TypePost CodeMaleFemaleTotal

AFCAT

Flying

28

10

38

AFCAT Ground Duty Technical

AE (L)

104

11

125

AE (M)

45

05

50

AFCAT Ground Duty Non Technical

Admin

44

06

50

LGS

11

02

13

Accounts

11

02

13

Ground Duty Non Technical

Education

08

02

10

Ground Duty Non Technical

Weapon Systems WS Branch

15

02

17

Meteorology Entry

Meteorology

09

02

11

NCC Special Entry

Flying

10%  seats  out  of  CDSE vacancies  for  PC  and  10% seats   out   of   AFCAT vacancies for SSC.

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

AFCAT 2 2024 vacancy break-up is given below.

Entry TypePost CodeMaleFemale

AFCAT

Flying

18

12

AFCAT Ground Duty Technical

AE (L)

88

23

AE (M)

36

09

AFCAT Ground Duty Non Technical

Admin

43

03

LGS

13

14

Accounts

10

11

Ground Duty Non Technical

Education

07

02

Ground Duty Non Technical

Weapon Systems WS Branch

14

02

Meteorology Entry

Meteorology

08

02

NCC Special Entry

Flying

  • 10%  seats  out  of  CDSE vacancies  for  PC  and  10% seats   out   of   AFCAT vacancies for SSC.

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

AFCAT 1 vacancy break-up is given below:

Entry TypePost CodeMaleFemale

AFCAT

Flying

21

9

AFCAT Ground Duty Technical

AE (L)

95

27

AE (M)

53

14

AFCAT Ground Duty Non Technical

Admin

42

11

LGS

13

3

Accounts

11

2

Ground Duty Non Technical

Education

07

02

Ground Duty Non Technical

Weapon Systems WS Branch

14

03

Meteorology Entry

Meteorology

07

02

NCC Special Entry

Flying

  • 10%  seats  out  of  CDSE vacancies  for  PC  and  10% seats   out   of   AFCAT vacancies for SSC.

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered 4 weeks ago

Few important points related to AFCAT vacancies are given below:

  • AFCAT vacancies announced by IAF are tentative and subject to change without notice
  • Candidates are selected based on requirements, various cadre control mechanisms, availability of training slots, and the actual number of vacancies

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

AFCAT admit  ard can be downloaded by logging with email ID, password, and captcha code. The admit card is released online only. There is no facility to download the admit card offline. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging with the required credentials.

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10

Answered a month ago

AFCAT admit card download link is made available on the official website. However, the direct link to download the admit card is provided on this page. Candidates can download their admit cards by logging with the required credentials. The hard copy of the admit card is not sent to candidates by pos

...more

A

Anangsha Patra

Contributor-Level 10