AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: The official notification for AFCAT 2, which outlines the eligibility requirements for those hoping to join the Indian Air Force through AFCAT, has been released by the IAF. It is crucial to remember that these requirements are different for candidates who are men and women. Twice a year, AFCAT is held with the goal of hiring Class-I Gazetted Officers for Ground and Flying Duties, including both Technical and Non-Technical Positions.
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The Indian Air Force uses the AFCAT as a major entrance exam to choose qualified applicants for a range of jobs. It attracts a great deal of interest from many candidates who want to succeed. The whole details of the AFCAT eligibility requirements are given in this page.
AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
For the 304 open positions, the Indian Air Force issued the AFCAT 2 2024 recruitment. Indian nationals, both male and female, have a fantastic opportunity to join its elite force as Group A Gazetted Officers in the flying and ground duty (technical and non-technical) branches. If you think you meet all the requirements to become an officer in the armed forces, check your eligibility with the AFCAT.
| 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
For courses starting in January 2024, the Indian Air Force is accepting online applications for the positions of Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch and Permanent Commission (PC), as well as Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) Branches. Applications for Meteorology Entry and PC/SSC grants are being accepted online under the NCC Special Entry Scheme (For Flying Branch).
| 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
It is recommended that interested applicants review the branch-specific AFCAT weight and height requirements in addition to the physical requirements that apply to both male and female candidates. The AFCAT Eligibility standards for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty provide the admissible measurements of leg length, thigh length, and sitting height. It is crucial to evaluate these measurements.
| 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
All body parts other than the inner forearms (from inside the elbow to the wrist) and the backs of the hands are prohibited from having permanent tattoos. Applicants who have these kinds of tattoos are required to sign a self-declaration form. Small, innocuous tattoos are allowed as long as they do not interfere with military discipline, such as names of loved ones or religious symbols.
On a case-by-case basis, tribes with traditional tattoos on their bodies or faces might be permitted.
It is forbidden to use or possess drugs. Throughout their training or service, as well as during medical checks, candidates may be subject to drug tests. Candidates who are detected using or in possession of drugs will not be allowed to enlist in the Indian Air Force and would have their service terminated.
