The Indian Air Force has released the detailed AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 for candidates applying to Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. Understanding the eligibility conditions, age limits, educational qualifications, vacancies, and type of commission is essential before applying. This article presents the complete AFCAT eligibility criteria in a clear and structured format for aspirants preparing for AFCAT 1 in 2026.
AFCAT Eligibility
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2025: AFCAT or Air Force Common Admission Test is a common entrance examination organized by Indian Airforce to select eligible cadets for multiple posts. AFCAT Exam is conducted twice every year and millions of students try their luck to ace this prestigious exam. For those dreaming of joining the Indian Air Force, AFCAT 1 2026 presents a golden opportunity to turn that dream into reality, provided they meet the necessary AFCAT eligibility criteria. Below are key highlights of the AFCAT eligibility Criteria.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2025
Indian Air Force has released the official notification for AFCAT 1 2026. This is a great opportunity for Indian citizens (men and women) to become a part of its elite force by appearing in the Group A Gazetted Officers exam in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches starting in Jan 2027. Eligibility criteria for AFCAT 1 has been given below.
Type of Commission under AFCAT 2025
Learn about the different Types of Commission offered under AFCAT 2025. This short overview explains Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission for both Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Permanent Commission (PC)
Applicable for men and women in Technical Branches (AE L and AE M). Officers serve until the age of superannuation as per their rank.
Short Service Commission (SSC)
- Flying Branch: Tenure of 14 years from the date of commissioning.
- Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical): Initial tenure: 10 years. Extension: Additional 4 years based on service requirement, vacancies, willingness, merit, and suitability.
- SSC officers are not eligible for pension.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty and Flying Branch
Get a clear understanding of the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for both the Flying Branch and Ground Duty branches. This brief overview explains age limits, educational requirements, and other key conditions needed to apply.
Flying Branch (AFCAT and NCC Special Entry)
-
Age: 20 to 24 years as on 1 January 2027
(Born between 2 January 2003 and 1 January 2007) -
Upper age limit for candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License is 26 years
(Born between 2 January 2001 and 1 January 2007)
Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical)
-
Age: 20 to 26 years as on 1 January 2027
(Born between 2 January 2001 and 1 January 2007)
Marital Status
- Candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement.
- Marriage during training is not permitted.
- Candidates who marry during training will be discharged and must refund the training cost.
Important Rules Related to Date of Birth
- Only the date of birth mentioned in the Matriculation or Higher Secondary Certificate will be accepted.
- No request for change in date of birth will be allowed later.
- If there is any mismatch between the certificate and the application form, candidature will be cancelled.
AFCAT Eligibility for Female
The eligibility criteria for female candidates applying to AFCAT remain consistent across both the Ground Duty and Flying Branch, with slight variations in physical requirements. For the Flying Branch, the minimum acceptable height is 162.5 cm, while for other branches, it is 152 cm.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty(Technical)Branch:
(i)Aeronautical engineering (Electronics)(AE(L)):
Minimum 50% marks each in physics and mathematics at 10+2 level and a degree in graduation/post-graduation in the field of engineering and technology from a recognized university.
OR
Those who have cleared examination of associate membership of the institution of engineers (India) in both A and B section, with a minimum of 60% in the following disciplines :
- Communication engineering
- Computer engineering/technology
- Computer engineering & application
- 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 and control
- Electronics instrument and control engineering
- Instrumentation and control engineering
- Instrument and control engineering
- Information technology
(ii)Aeronautical engineering(Mechanical)(AE(M)):
Minimum 50% marks each in physics and mathematics at 10+2 level and a four-year degree in graduation/integrated or post-graduation in the field of engineering and technology from a recognized university.
OR
Those who have cleared examination of associate membership of the institution of engineers (India) in both A and B section, with a minimum of 60% 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
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches
(i)Candidates should be medically fit as prescribed standards.
(ii)Non- reporting of candidates on the allotted date and venue may cancel their candidature.
(iii)Unfit candidates will be given a time period of 42 days to get fit as per the prescribed standard after that if they do not meet the requirements they will be permanently rejected for the post.
AFCAT 2026 Eligibility: Physical Standards, Height, and Weight
Candidates must meet the physical requirements for the Flying and Ground Duty branches in AFCAT. Below are the branch-wise details for height, weight, and other physical parameters:
AFCAT Physical Eligibility for Flying Branch:
- Height: Minimum 162.5 cm
- Sitting Height: Between 81.5 cm and 96.0 cm
- Leg Length: Between 99.0 cm and 120.0 cm
- Thigh Length: Maximum 64.0 cm
AFCAT Physical Eligibility for Ground Duty
- Height for Male Candidates: Minimum 157.5 cm
- Height for Female Candidates: Minimum 152 cm
For male candidates, the height requirement is relaxed by 5 cm for Gorkhas and individuals from the North-Eastern regions of India and the hilly areas of Uttarakhand. Aspirants from Lakshadweep can have a height reduced by 2 cm, i.e., a minimum of 155.5 cm.
For female candidates, those from the North-Eastern region or hilly areas of Uttarakhand are eligible with a height of 147 cm, while candidates from Lakshadweep need a minimum height of 150 cm.
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| AFCAT Eligibility | AFCAT Salary |
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