AFCAT Eligibility 2026 requires Indian citizens to meet specific age, educational, and physical criteria set by the Indian Air Force for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches. Male and female candidates aged 20-24 years (Flying) or 20-26 years (Ground Duty) with the required qualifications can apply.
Overview of AFCAT 2026 Eligibility
| Parameter | Flying Branch | Ground Duty (Technical) | Ground Duty (Non-Technical) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age Limit | 20-24 years | 20-26 years | 20-26 years |
| Nationality | Indian Citizen | Indian Citizen | Indian Citizen |
| Marital Status | Unmarried (below 25) | As per rules | As per rules |
| 10+2 Requirement | 50% in Physics & Maths | 50% in Physics & Maths | Not mandatory |
Nationality / Citizenship
Candidates must be a citizen of India as per the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
AFCAT Age Limit 2026 (as on 01 June 2027)
| Branch | Age Limit | Born Between | CPL Relaxation |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years | 02 Jan 2003 – 01 Jan 2007 | Up to 26 years |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) | 20 to 26 years | 02 Jan 2001 – 01 Jan 2007 | No relaxation |
AFCAT 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. Candidates who marry during training will be discharged and required to refund all government expenditure. Married candidates above 25 years can apply but will not receive married accommodation during training.
AFCAT Educational Qualification 2026
Flying Branch
| Post | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level AND Graduation (minimum 3-year degree) in any discipline with 60% marks OR BE/BTech (4-year) with 60% marks OR Qualified Aeronautical Society of India or Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers with 60% marks |
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics)
| Specialization | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) | Minimum 50% in Physics & Maths at 10+2 AND Graduation/Post Graduation in Engineering/Technology with 60% marks OR equivalent in disciplines: Applied Electronics & Instrumentation, Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, Electrical & Electronics, Electronics, IT, Cyber Security, etc. (Full list as per IAF) |
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)
| Specialization | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) | Minimum 50% in Physics & Maths at 10+2 AND Graduation/Post Graduation in Engineering with 60% marks OR equivalent in disciplines: Aerospace, Aeronautical, Mechanical, Production, Mechatronics, Industrial, Manufacturing, Metallurgical, etc. |
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Administration | Graduation in any discipline with minimum 60% marks |
| Education | Post Graduation with 50% marks + Graduation with 60% marks |
| Meteorology | Post Graduate Degree in Environmental Science / Applied Physics / Oceanography / Meteorology / Agricultural Meteorology / Ecology / Mathematics / Statistics / Geography / Geophysics / Environmental Biology etc. with minimum 50% marks in all papers |
AFCAT Physical Standards 2026
Height and Weight Standards (Minimum Height)
| Branch | Minimum Height (Male) | Minimum Height (Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 162.5 cm | 162.5 cm |
| Ground Duty Branch | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
Note: Weight must be proportionate to height and age. Leg length, sitting height, and thigh length are checked for Flying Branch candidates.
Physical Fitness Requirements
Candidates must maintain good physical condition. Recommended training routine:
- 4 km run in 15 minutes
- Skipping
- 20 Push-ups and 20 Sit-ups (one set)
- 8 Chin-ups
- 3-4 meters Rope Climbing
- 25m Swimming
At SSB Reporting: Candidates should be able to run 1.6 km, perform 10 push-ups, and 3 chin-ups.
Tattoos Policy
Permanent tattoos are not permitted except on the inner face of forearms and reverse side of the palm. Small religious tattoos or names are allowed if not against military discipline. Tribal candidates may get relaxation on a case-by-case basis.
How to Apply for AFCAT 2026
- Visit the official website → careerairforce.gov.in
- Register and fill the online application form
- Upload documents and pay the fee
- Submit and download the confirmation
