AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Age Limit, Qualification & Physical Standards

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 Overview

The Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year to recruit Commissioned Officers in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. To be eligible for the 2026 cycle, candidates must fulfill strict criteria regarding nationality, age, education, and physical fitness.

Nationality and Marital Status

• Nationality: Candidates must be citizens of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
• Marital Status: Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried at the time of commencement of training. Widows, widowers, and divorcees below 25 years are not eligible.

AFCAT Age Limit 2026

The age limit is calculated as of June 1, 2027. Below are the branch-wise requirements:

Note: Candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) are eligible for an upper age relaxation up to 26 years for the Flying Branch.

Educational Qualifications

1. Flying Branch

Candidates must have a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level. Additionally, they must meet one of the following:

• Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks.
• BE/B.Tech degree (four-year course) with a minimum of 60% marks.
• Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with 60% marks.

2. Ground Duty (Technical)

• Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics): 10+2 with 50% in Physics/Maths + Engineering degree in Electronics, Communication, Computer Science, IT, or related fields with 60% marks.
• Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical): 10+2 with 50% in Physics/Maths + Engineering degree in Mechanical, Industrial, Aerospace, or related fields with 60% marks.

3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

• Administration: Graduate degree in any discipline with minimum 60% marks.
• Education: Post-Graduation with 50% marks + Graduation with 60% marks.
• Meteorology: Post Graduate Degree in Sciences (Meteorology/Oceanography/Physics/Maths etc.) with 50% marks.

Physical Standards and Fitness

Candidates must be physically fit and meet the following minimum height requirements:

• Flying Branch: 162.5 cm (Both Male and Female).
• Ground Duty Branch: 157.5 cm (Male) | 152 cm (Female).

Candidates are advised to maintain physical fitness by practicing a 4 km run in 15 minutes, 20 push-ups, and 20 sit-ups daily.

How to Apply for AFCAT 2026

1. Visit the official IAF recruitment portal at careerairforce.gov.in.
2. Complete the online registration to generate a login ID and password.
3. Fill out the application form with personal, educational, and contact details.
4. Upload scanned copies of your photograph, signature, and thumb impression.
5. Pay the application fee online and submit the form.
6. Download and print the confirmation page for future reference.