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

If you are planning to apply for the AFCAT 2026 exam to join the Indian Air Force, then understanding the eligibility criteria is your first step. Many candidates make the mistake of applying without checking the rules — and get rejected later. To help you avoid this, we have explained the complete AFCAT eligibility criteria 2026 including age limit, educational qualification, physical standards, and nationality in a simple and clear format.

Overview of AFCAT 2026 Eligibility

The Indian Air Force has set different eligibility standards for each branch — Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical). Below is a quick overview:

Criteria	Details
Nationality	Indian citizen as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
Age Limit	20–24 years for Flying Branch; 20–26 years for Ground Duty branches.
Marital Status	Unmarried candidates below 25 years are eligible.
Educational Qualification	Minimum 60% marks in Graduation and 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics for Flying/Technical branches.
Physical Standards	Height, weight, and vision as per IAF medical standards.

AFCAT Nationality & Marital Status

Only Indian citizens can apply as per the Citizenship Act, 1955.
Below 25 years – only unmarried candidates can apply.
Above 25 years – married candidates can apply for Ground Duty branches but will not receive family accommodation during training.

AFCAT Age Limit 2026

The age criteria vary according to the branch:

Branch	Age Limit (as on 1 Jan 2026)	Date of Birth Range
Flying Branch	20–24 years	Born between 2 January 2002 and 1 January 2006
Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical)	20–26 years	Born between 2 January 2000 and 1 January 2006

Note: Candidates with a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence can apply for Flying Branch up to 26 years of age.

AFCAT Educational Qualification 2026

Flying Branch

10+2 with Physics and Mathematics with 60% marks each.
Graduation (any discipline) with 60% marks OR B.E/B.Tech with 60% marks.

Ground Duty (Technical Branch)

10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
4-year degree in Engineering/Technology (Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Computer Science, Aeronautical, or related).

Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch)

Graduation with 60% marks in any stream (for Administration and Logistics).
B.Com with 60% marks (for Accounts).
Post Graduation in any subject for Education branch.

AFCAT Physical Standards 2026

Indian Air Force follows strict medical standards. Every shortlisted candidate must pass tests conducted at AFCME, New Delhi or IAM, Bengaluru.

Height & Weight Standards

Branch	Minimum Height	Leg Length	Sitting Height
Flying Branch	162.5 cm	99–120 cm	81.5–96 cm
Ground Duty	157.5 cm (Male), 152 cm (Female)	As per BMI chart	Normal range

Vision Standards

Flying Branch: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in the other (correctable to 6/6 both eyes).
Ground Duty: Correctable myopia up to -3.5D, hypermetropia up to +3.5D.

General Medical Conditions

Candidate should be free from any disease or disability.
No past history of mental illness or surgery affecting performance.
Hearing and speech should be normal.

AFCAT Physical Fitness Tips for 2026

Start running 3–5 km daily at least 2 months before AFSB.
Include push-ups, sit-ups, and squats in your daily workout.
Maintain your BMI within the recommended range.
Avoid junk food and stay hydrated.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

Not having Physics & Maths in 10+2 for Flying or Technical Branch.
Overweight or underweight candidates failing medical test.
Incorrect DOB in application form.
Uncorrected vision problems or color blindness.

Quick Summary of AFCAT Eligibility 2026

Age: 20–24 (Flying), 20–26 (Ground Duty)
Qualification: Graduation with 60% + PCM in 10+2
Height: Min 157.5 cm (Male), 152 cm (Female)
Nationality: Indian
Status: Unmarried under 25

Conclusion

The AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 defines who can become an officer in the Indian Air Force. Check your age, educational qualification, and physical fitness before applying. If you meet all the conditions, start preparing early and maintain your fitness level — because the real test begins after the written exam. Stay consistent, stay disciplined, and you can achieve your dream of wearing the Air Force uniform.

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