The Indian Air Force (IAF) has issued the official notification for AFCAT 2, mentioning specific eligibility criteria for candidates aspiring to join the IAF through AFCAT. It’s important to note that these criteria differ for male and female candidates. AFCAT, conducted twice annually, aims to recruit Class-I Gazetted Officers for Flying and Ground Duties, including both Technical and Non-Technical roles.
AFCAT serves as a significant entrance exam organized by the Indian Air Force to select suitable candidates for various positions. It garners immense interest from numerous candidates aspiring for success. This article provides all the information about the AFCAT eligibility criteria in detail.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
The Indian Airforce released the AFCAT 2 2024 recruitment for the 304 vacancies. This is a great opportunity for Indian citizens (Men and Women) to be part of its elite force as Group A Gazetted Officers in Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Check out the AFCAT Eligibility to know if you also meet all the parameters to become an officer in Armed Forces.
| AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 | |
| Exam Name | AFCAT |
| Conducting Organization | Indian Air Force |
| Nationality | Indian |
| Marital Status | Unmarried |
| Gender | Men and Women |
| Age Limit | Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years, Ground Duty: 20 to 26 years |
| Educational Qualification | 50% in Maths and Physics in 10+2, Graduate |
| Physical Eligibility | Flying Branch – 162.5 cm, Ground Duty (Tech-Non Tech) – Male: 157.5 cm, Female: 152 cm |
AFCAT 2 2024 Important Dates
Check all the important dates related to AFCAT 2 2024 here –
| AFCAT 2024 | Important Dates |
| AFCAT 2 2024 Notification | 20th May 2024 |
| Online Application Starts | 30th May 2024 |
| Admit Card | to be updated |
| AFCAT Written Examination | to be updated |
| Result of Online Examination | to be updated |
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty and Flying Branch
To give you more insight into AFCAT 2024, here is the detailed article describing AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024.
| Criteria | Requirements |
| (A) Nationality | The candidate must be a citizen of India as per the Indian citizenship act, 1955. |
| (B) Age Limit | Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as of 01 July 2025 (born between 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2005, inclusive). Upper age limit for candidates with a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years (born between 02 July 1999 to 01 July 2005, inclusive). Ground Duty (Technical/ Non-Technical) Branches: 20 to 26 years as of 01 July 2025 (born between 02 July 1999 to 01 July 2005, inclusive). Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried. Widows/Widowers and divorcees below 25 years are not eligible. |
| (C) Educational Qualification | Flying Branch: Minimum 50% marks in physics and mathematics at 10+2 level and a three-year graduation degree OR a BE/BTECH degree with a minimum of 60% from a recognized university. OR Qualified Aeronautical Society of India or section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. OR BE/B Tech degree from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. |
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
The AFCAT eligibility for the technical branch for Ground duty is given below:
(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 the 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 the 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
Indian Air Force invites Online applications for the courses commencing in January 2024 for grant of Short Service Commission (SSC) in Flying Branch and Permanent Commission (PC) and Short Service Commission (SSC) in Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Online applications are invited for grant of PC/ SSC for the NCC Special Entry Scheme (For flying branch) and for Meteorology Entry.
| Branch | Minimum Education Qualification |
| Administration Branch | Graduate Degree (3 years degree course) in any discipline with 60% marks from a recognized university or equivalent, OR |
| Cleared section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. | |
| Logistic Branch | Graduate Degree (3 years degree course) in any discipline with 60% marks from a recognized university or equivalent, OR |
| Cleared section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. | |
| Accounts Branch | B.Com degree (3 years degree course) with a minimum of 60% marks from a recognized university or equivalent. |
| Education Branch | Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation with 50% in any discipline including integrated courses offering PG (Single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry) and with 60% marks in Graduation in any discipline. |
| For integrated courses (single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry), the minimum duration must be as per prevailing UGC guidelines with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate of all papers put together. | |
| Meteorology Branch | Post Graduation Degree in any science stream/ Mathematics/ Statistics/ Geography/ Computer Applications/ Environmental Science/ Applied Physics/ Oceanography/ Agricultural Meteorology/ Ecology & Environment/ Geo-physics/ Environmental Biology. |
| All candidates should have scored a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate in all papers of Post Graduation put together (provided Maths & Physics were studied at Graduation level with a minimum of 55% marks in both). |
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 Nationality and Marital Status
The candidates preparing for the AFCAT Exam must be aware of the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 regarding the nationality and the marital status. Given below is the details regarding the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024.
| Eligibility Criteria | AFCAT 2024 |
|---|---|
| Nationality | The candidate should be a citizen of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955. |
| Marital Status | Candidates must be unmarried during the course commencement, and marriage is prohibited during training. Anyone who marries during the training period shall be discharged and liable to refund all expenses incurred by the Government. |
AFCAT Physical Standards
Interested candidates are advised to thoroughly examine the branch-specific AFCAT height and weight standards, along with the prescribed physical requirements for both male and female aspirants. It is important to assess the acceptable measurements of leg length, thigh length, and sitting height as mentioned in the AFCAT Eligibility criteria for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty.
| Parameters | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Acceptable Height | 162.5 cm | – |
| Sitting height | 81.5 cm | 96.0 cm |
| Leg Length | 99.0 cm | 120.0 cm |
| Thigh Length | – | 64.0 cm |
| Parameters | Minimum Height |
|---|---|
| For Male Candidates | 157.5 cm |
| For Female Candidates | 152 cm |
The basic physical fitness standards are consistent across all branches of the IAF, except for the Aircrew branch, which imposes stricter criteria for visual acuity, anthropometry, and certain other physical parameters.
- Physical Training: Candidates should actively engage in physical training, including running, skipping, push-ups, and sit-ups, to maintain optimal physical fitness. A suggested training schedule is provided:
- Skipping: One set
- Push-ups and Sit-ups: One set of each, with 20 repetitions for each exercise
- Chin-ups: 8 repetitions
- Running: 4 kilometers within 15 minutes
- Rope Climbing: 3-4 meters
- Swimming: 25 meters
- Physical Fitness Standards: Upon reporting for the SSB interview, candidates must demonstrate the ability to run 1.6 kilometers, perform 10 push-ups, and execute 3 chin-ups.
- Prior Physical Preparation: It is highly recommended that candidates ensure they achieve the required physical fitness level before reporting for the SSB interview to effectively participate in the Air Force Selection Board’s various tests.
- Candidates should be medically fit as prescribed standards.
- Non-reporting of candidates on the allotted date and venue may cancel their candidature.
- 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 Eligibility Criteria 2024 Tattoos
Permanent tattoos are not allowed on any part of the body except the inner forearms (from inside the elbow to the wrist) and the back of the hands. Candidates with tattoos in these areas must sign a self-declaration certificate. Small, harmless tattoos, such as religious symbols or names of loved ones, are permitted if they do not disrupt military discipline.
Tribes with traditional tattoos on the face or body may be allowed on a case-by-case basis.
The use or possession of narcotics is banned. Candidates may be tested for drugs during medical exams and throughout their training or service. If found using or possessing narcotics, candidates will be barred from joining or removed from service in the Indian Air Force.
| AFCAT 2 Useful Links | |
| AFCAT 2024 | AFCAT Syllabus 2024 |
| AFCAT Admit Card 2024 | AFCAT Expected Cut Off |
| AFCAT Previous Year Papers | AFCAT Salary 2024 |
| AFCAT SSB | |
