AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026 – Age Limit, Qualification, Physical Standards & More
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026: Dreaming of serving the nation as an Air Force officer? 🇮🇳
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has released the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026, outlining essential requirements like age limit, educational qualification, marital status, and physical fitness standards for both Flying and Ground Duty branches.
Whether you’re aiming for a cockpit or a command post, knowing these criteria before applying is crucial.
NaukriBee explains the AFCAT 2026 eligibility details in simple, verified terms — so you can plan your application confidently. (Join WhatsApp Channel)
AFCAT 2026 – Key Highlights
| Particular | Details |
|---|---|
| Exam Name | AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) 2026 |
| Conducting Authority | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Eligibility Criteria | Nationality, Age, Qualification, Marital Status, Physical Standards |
| Applicable Branches | Flying & Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) |
| AFCAT 2026 Application Date (Expected) | December 2025 – January 2026 |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
🇮🇳 Nationality
Candidates must be citizens of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
AFCAT 2026 Age Limit
| Branch | Age Limit (as on 1 Jan 2026) | Date of Birth Range |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years | Born between 02 Jan 2002 and 01 Jan 2006 (both dates inclusive) |
| Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech) | 20 to 26 years | Born between 02 Jan 2000 and 01 Jan 2006 (both dates inclusive) |
📌 Upper age relaxation of 2 years (up to 26 years) is applicable for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India).
Educational Qualification
| Branch | Qualification Requirement |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 12th Pass with Physics and Mathematics + Graduation (minimum 60%) in any discipline OR BE/BTech (minimum 60%). |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | 12th with Physics & Mathematics + Four-year degree in Engineering/Technology (minimum 60%) in relevant streams. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Graduation in any discipline (minimum 60%) from a recognized university OR Postgraduate degree (minimum 50%). |
💡 Note: Final-year students can also apply, provided they produce proof of passing by the date of commencement of training.
Marital Status: AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
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Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried at the time of commencement of the course.
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Widows/widowers below 25 years are not eligible.
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Candidates above 25 years may be married but cannot be provided married accommodation during training.
Physical & Medical Standards
| Criteria | Standards (Male / Female) |
|---|---|
| Height (Flying Branch) | Minimum 162.5 cm (Male & Female) |
| Height (Ground Duty) | Male: 157.5 cm Female: 152 cm |
| Leg Length (Flying) | 99 – 120 cm (Male & Female) |
| Thigh Length (Flying) | Maximum 64 cm (Male & Female) |
| Sitting Height (Flying) | 81.5 – 96 cm (Male & Female) |
🩺 Vision Standards (Flying Branch):
Distant Vision: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6.
✈️ Note: Candidates must be physically fit as per IAF standards — including normal hearing, balanced BMI, and absence of color blindness.
The Flying Branch eligibility is stricter in both medical and educational criteria — focus on fitness and vision early if you plan to apply. Engineering graduates and science stream students hold an advantage for technical branches.
❓ FAQs – AFCAT Eligibility 2026
Q1. What is the minimum age for AFCAT Flying Branch 2026?
👉 20 years as of January 1, 2026.
Q2. Can final-year students apply for AFCAT 2026?
👉 Yes, if they meet eligibility and can present their degree by training commencement.
Q3. What are the height requirements for AFCAT 2026 Flying Branch?
👉 Minimum height: 162.5 cm for both men and women.
Q4. Can married candidates apply for AFCAT?
👉 Yes, if above 25 years old. Candidates below 25 must be unmarried.
Q5. What is the official AFCAT website?
👉 afcat.cdac.in
Important Links: AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Action | Link |
|---|---|
| AFCAT 2026 Official Notification | Download Here |
| Official Website | afcat.cdac.in |
| Join WhatsApp Channel | Click Here |
