AFCAT Medical Test 2026 – Standards, Requirements & Common Rejections

The AFCAT Medical Test is the final and one of the most important stages of the AFCAT Selection Process 2026. It determines whether you are physically and mentally fit to serve as a Commissioned Officer in the Indian Air Force. Many aspirants clear the written exam and AFSB interview but fail in medicals due to lack of awareness about the standards. This guide covers the complete AFCAT Medical Test 2026 standards, required measurements, eyesight limits, and common causes of rejection — explained in simple terms.

Overview of AFCAT Medical Examination

After clearing the AFSB Interview, candidates must undergo a comprehensive medical test conducted by the Indian Air Force’s authorised medical boards:

AFCME – Air Force Central Medical Establishment, New Delhi
IAM – Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru

The examination generally lasts for 4–5 days and includes multiple physical and mental assessments.

Types of Medical Boards

Type	Purpose	Conducted At
Initial Medical Board (IMB)	First stage of medical testing for recommended candidates.	AFCME / IAM
Appeal Medical Board (AMB)	For candidates declared ‘Unfit’ in IMB and who wish to appeal.	AFCME / IAM
Review Medical Board (RMB)	Final review in case of dispute or further clarification needed.	Approved Military Hospitals

Medical Tests Conducted During AFCAT 2026

The medical examination is extensive and includes all aspects of physical and internal health. Below are the main components:

Height and Weight Measurement
Eye Vision & Color Perception Tests
Hearing Test (Audiometry)
Dental and ENT Check-up
Blood and Urine Analysis
Chest X-ray and ECG
Ultrasound Abdomen (if required)
Spinal Deformity Check

AFCAT Height and Weight Standards 2026

The Air Force maintains specific height and weight standards depending on the branch and gender. Candidates falling below the minimum height are not eligible.

Branch	Minimum Height	Weight Range (as per height)
Flying Branch	162.5 cm	According to IAF height-weight chart (BMI 18.5–25)
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) – Male	157.5 cm	Based on proportionate BMI
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) – Female	152 cm	As per height-weight chart

Eye Sight Requirements for AFCAT 2026

The eyesight standards vary slightly for different branches. Candidates with glasses can be eligible if their vision meets specific limits.

Branch	Visual Standards (Distant Vision)	Color Vision
Flying Branch	6/6 (one eye) and 6/9 (other) correctable to 6/6	CP-I (perfect)
Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Tech)	6/9 and 6/12 correctable to 6/6	CP-II

Note: Candidates with LASIK surgery are eligible only if:

Surgery is done after the age of 20.
Corneal thickness ≥ 450 microns.
No complications or color vision defects.

Hearing Standards

Normal hearing threshold at all frequencies (500 to 4000 Hz).
Use of hearing aids is not permitted.

Dental & ENT Examination

No severe dental caries, missing front teeth, or gum disease.
No chronic sinusitis, nasal blockage, or tonsillitis.
Normal eardrum condition with no perforation.

Common Reasons for AFCAT Medical Rejection

Category	Common Cause
Vision	Color blindness, squint, LASIK below 20 years, poor distant vision.
ENT	Perforated eardrum, hearing loss, chronic sinus.
Dental	Multiple missing teeth, jaw deformities, untreated caries.
Cardiac	Abnormal ECG, congenital heart defects.
Skeletal	Scoliosis, knock knees, flat feet, limb deformities.
BMI	Obesity or underweight beyond standard limits.

Fitness Tips Before AFCAT Medicals

Maintain proper BMI (between 18.5 and 25) at least 2 months before medicals.
Eat clean, sleep well, and exercise regularly.
Avoid unnecessary medications and smoking before tests.
Keep dental hygiene excellent — fix cavities before the medical board.
Get your eyesight checked early and correct with doctor’s guidance.

Medical Appeal & Review Options

If you are declared medically unfit, you can apply for a re-examination:

Appeal Medical Board (AMB): Apply within 7 days of the unfit declaration.
Review Medical Board (RMB): Can be requested within 42 days if AMB result is disputed.

Important Documents to Carry

Aadhar Card and Admit Card
AFSB Call Letter
10th & 12th Marksheet (for DOB & proof of qualification)
All previous medical records or prescription (if any)

FAQs on AFCAT Medical Test 2026

Q1. Can candidates with glasses apply for AFCAT?

Yes, if the vision is correctable within the prescribed limits (6/6 to 6/9). Color blindness is not allowed.

Q2. What is the minimum height required for AFCAT?

Flying Branch – 162.5 cm; Ground Duty – 157.5 cm (Male), 152 cm (Female).

Q3. Can LASIK candidates apply for Flying Branch?

Yes, provided the surgery was done after 20 years of age and corneal thickness is ≥ 450 microns.

Q4. What are common reasons for rejection?

Color blindness, flat feet, knock knees, obesity, and poor eyesight are common rejection causes.

Q5. How long does the AFCAT medical test take?

The medical examination usually takes 4–5 days depending on the number of tests and reports required.

Conclusion

The AFCAT Medical Test 2026 is a crucial stage where your physical fitness and medical stability are evaluated thoroughly. With proper preparation, awareness, and healthy habits, you can easily clear this phase. Start early — maintain your weight, keep your eyes healthy, and stay active. Remember, fitness isn’t built in a week; it’s a daily discipline. Prepare well, stay confident, and soon you’ll be one step closer to wearing the proud uniform of the Indian Air Force.

Keywords used: AFCAT Medical Test 2026, AFCAT Medical Standards, AFCAT Eye Sight Requirement, AFCAT Height Weight Chart, AFCAT Common Rejection, AFCAT Physical Fitness.

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