AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024: Age, Educational Qualification

Hafsha Qureshi
Hafsha Qureshi

Updated on - May 27, 2024

AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 has been released by the Indian Air Force and is based on various parameters. Aspirants who intend to fill out the AFCAT application form 2024 must meet the age, educational qualification, nationality, and medical standards requirements. The AFCAT 2 2024 application form will be open to submit from May 30 - Jun 28, 2024.

Age, educational qualification, country, and medical standard are all factors in AFCAT exam eligibility criteria 2024. According to eligibility criteria, candidates' AFCAT age limit should be between 20 and 24 years old, and the educational qualification required for this exam is graduation.

The purpose of AFCAT 2024 is to select applicants for Commissioned Officer positions in the Flying and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. Candidates are advised to check their AFCAT 2024 eligibility before applying for the exam. All the AFCAT 2 2024 eligibility criteria set by the conducting authorities have been discussed on this page, in-depth.

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024

Candidates can read below to find out about the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024 for each branch [Technical, Non-technical and Flying branch] relevant to the exam. The eligibility criteria aspects include physical standards, AFCAT educational qualifications, and age limitations.

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024
AFCAT Educational Qualification

Candidates must have passed the 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects.

Candidates appearing for their final exams can also apply.

AFCAT Nationality Candidates must be a citizen of India

AFCAT Eligibility 2024: Nationality & Marital Status

The following nationalities and marital statuses are eligible for AFCAT 2024:

  • Candidates must be Indian citizens.
  • Candidates must be under the AFCAT age of 25 and unmarried.
  • Widows/widowers and divorcees (with or without encumbrances) under 25 are likewise ineligible.
  • Married applicants over 25 may apply. However, they will not be provided separate housing for their spouse during training. 

AFCAT Eligibility Age Limit 2024

Candidates must be Indian citizens to follow the AFCAT 2 2024 exam eligibility. The exam is open to both unmarried male and female candidates. 

AFCAT Branches 2024 AFCAT 2024 Age Limit
Flying Branch  20 to 24 years as of Jan 1, 2024
Commercial Pilot Licence granted by the DGCA (India) 26 years as of Jan 2, 1998, and Jan 1, 2004
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) 20 and 26 years as of Jan 1, 2024

AFCAT 2024 Flying Branch Eligibility (Graduate Qualification)

AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria of the flying branch for CDSE, NCC Special Entry and SSC are given below, as per the category of the examination. 

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 for CDSE (Combined Defence Service Examination)

The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for the Combined Defence Service Examination are stated below.

  • AFCAT Qualification: Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's Degree (Arts & Science and Engineering) in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics as a mandatory subject in 10+2 level
  • Age Limit: Candidates must be 20 to 24 years to fulfil the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 (at the time of commencement of course)
  • AFCAT Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen
  • AFCAT Marital Status: Single
  • AFCAT Gender: Male candidates only

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 for NCC Special Entry

The AFCAT exam eligibility criteria for NCC special entry candidates are mentioned below.

  • AFCAT Qualification
    • Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's Degree (Arts & Science and Engineering) in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks in graduation level with Physics and Mathematics as a mandatory subject in 10+2 level.
    • Cleared Section A & B Examination of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
  • AFCAT Age Limit: Candidates must be 20 to 24 years to fulfil the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 (at the time of commencement of the course). The upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years (at the time of commencement of the course).
  • AFCAT Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen
  • AFCAT Marital Status: Single
  • AFCAT Gender: Male and Female candidates who fulfil the other AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria 

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 for SSC (Short Service Commission)

The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for the Short Service Commission have been elaborated below.

  • AFCAT Qualification
    • The candidates must have passed a Bachelor's Degree (Arts & Science and Engineering) in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks in graduation level with Physics and Mathematics as mandatory subject at 10+2 level with a minimum of 60% marks.
    • Cleared Section A & B Examination of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
  • AFCAT Age Limit
    • The candidates must be 20 to 24 years old (at the time of commencement, of course) to fulfil the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024.
    • The upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years(at the time of commencement, of course.
  • AFCAT Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen
  • AFCAT Marital Status: Single
  • AFCAT Gender: Male and Female candidates who fulfil other AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024. 

AFCAT 2024 Ground Duty (Technical Branch) Eligibility

The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for the ground duty staff for the technical branch are as below.

  • AFCAT Qualification
    • Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's Degree in Aeronautical Engineering or equivalent course with a minimum of 60% marks from any recognized university.
    • Final year students are eligible to apply provided they do not have any present backlog at the time of SSB testing and they produce provisional/ original degrees issued by the University as per the date
  • AFCAT Age Limit: Candidates must be 20 to 26 years old to fulfil the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 (at the time of commencement of the course).
  • AFCAT Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen
  • AFCAT Marital Status: Single
  • AFCAT Gender: Male and Female candidates who fulfil other AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024. 

AFCAT 2024 Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch) Eligibility

The AFCAT eligibility for non-technical branch ground duty staff has been written below.

  • AFCAT Age Limit: Candidates must be 20 to 26 years (at the time of commencement of the course) to fulfil the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024
  • AFCAT Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen
  • AFCAT Marital Status: Single
  • AFCAT Gender: Male and Female candidates who fulfil the other AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024.
  • AFCAT Educational Qualifications: Branch-wise education qualifications for AFCAT 2024 are given below.

Administration Branch

  • Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's Degree (Arts & Science and Engineering) in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks for clearing the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024. 
  • Cleared Section A & B Examination of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.

Accounts Branch

  • Candidates must have passed B.Com with a minimum of 60% marks from a recognized university.

Logistics Branch

  • Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's Degree (Arts & Science and Engineering) in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks.
  • Cleared Section A & B Examination of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent, to meet the AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria. 

Education Branch

  • Candidates must have passed MA/ M.Sc degree in English/ Physics/ Mathematics/ Chemistry/ Statistics/ International Relations/ International Studies/ Defence Studies/ Psychology/ Computer Science/ IT/ Management/ MBA/ MCA/ Mass Communication/ Journalism/ Public Relations with minimum 50% marks in all papers put together in Post-Graduation (minimum two years programme) and 60% marks in Graduation (both recognised by UGC/ Competent Accreditation Authority).

Meteorology Branch

  • Candidate must have passed a post- graduation Degree in any Science stream/ Mathematics/ Statistics/ Geography/ Computer Applications/ Environmental Science/ Applied Physics/ Oceanography/ Agricultural Meteorology/ Ecology & Environment/ Geophysics/ Environmental Biology. All candidates should have scored a minimum of 50% marks in all papers post-graduation put together (provided Maths & Physics were studied at the Graduation level with a minimum of 55% marks in both).

AFCAT 2024 Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch) Eligibility [Postgraduate Qualification]

The PG ground duty for the non-technical branch has the following AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria.

  • AFCAT Age Limit: Candidates must be 20 to 26 years old (at the time of commencement of the course) to fulfil the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024.
  • AFCAT Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen
  • AFCAT Marital Status: Single
  • AFCAT Gender: Male and Female candidates
  • AFCAT Educational Qualification
    • Educational Branch: Candidates must have passed a Master's Degree in MA/M.Sc degree in English/ Physics/ Mathematics/ Chemistry/ Statistics/ International Relations/ International Studies/ Defence Studies/ Psychology/ Computer Science/ IT/ Management/ MBA/ MCA/ Mass Communication/ Journalism/ Public Relations with minimum 50% marks in all papers put together in Postgraduation (minimum two years programme) and 60% marks in Graduation (both recognised by UGC/ Competent Accreditation Authority), to fulfil the AFCAT 2024 Eligibility. 
    • Meteorology Branch: Candidates must have passed a Master's Degree in any Science stream/ Mathematics/ Statistics/ Geography/ Computer Applications/ Environmental Science/ Applied Physics/ Oceanography/ Agricultural Meteorology/ Ecology & Environment/ Geophysics/ Environmental Biology. All candidates should have scored a minimum of 50% marks in all papers of post-graduation put together (provided Mathematics & Physics were studied at the Graduation level with a minimum of 55% marks in both).

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 for Medical and Physical Standards

Candidates are advised to be physically fit when arriving on the day of the SSB physical tests in the AFSB. They are required to be capable of running 1.6 km in 10 minutes and perform 10 pushups, along with 3 chin-ups. Physical fitness is important to endure and adapt to the various physical training in the Air Force Academy.

The training for fulfilling the AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria, as per the Physical Standards, comprises running, swimming, rope climbing and other physical tests that the candidates should undergo. 

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 for Height and Weight Standards for Men

The following table shows the height and weight standards in the AFCAT 2024 exam for men.

AFCAT 2024 Height and Weight Standards for Men
Height (cm) Weight Age Wise (Kg)
15-17 18-22 23-27
152 46 47 50
153 47 47 51
154 47 48 51
155 48 49 52
156 48 49 53
157 49 50 54
158 49 50 54
159 50 51 55
160 51 52 56
161 51 52 56
162 52 53 57
163 52 54 58
164 53 54 59
165 53 55 59
166 54 56 60
167 54 56 61
168 55 57 61
169 55 57 62
170 56 58 63
171 56 59 64
172 57 59 64
173 58 60 65
174 58 61 66
175 59 61 66
176 59 62 67
177 60 62 68
178 60 63 69
179 61 64 69
180 61 64 70
181 62 65 71
182 62 66 72
183 63 66 72
184 64 67 73
185 64 68 74
186 65 68 74
187 65 69 75
188 66 69 76
189 66 70 77
190 67 71 77
191 67 71 78
192 68 72 79
193 98 73 79
SD 6 6.3 7.1

Below, students can find the AFCAT height and weight standards for men for ages 28-37.

AFCAT 2024 Height and Weight Standards for Men
  Weight Age Wise (Kg)
Height (cm) 28-32 33-37
152 54 54
153 55 55
154 56 56
155 56 56
156 57 57
157 58 58
158 58 58
159 59 59
160 59 60
161 60 60
162 61 61
163 61 62
164 62 63
165 63 63
166 63 63
167 64 65
168 65 65
169 65 66
170 66 67
171 66 68
172 67 68
173 68 70
174 68 70
175 69 71
176 70 71
177 70 72
178 71 73
179 72 73
180 72 74
181 73 75
182 74 76
183 74 76
184 75 77
185 75 78
186 76 78
187 77 79
188 77 80
189 78 81
190 79 81
191 79 82
192 80 82
193 81 83
SD 6.6 6.9

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 for Height and Weight Standards for Women

The required height and weight standards for women as per the AFCAT height eligibility for females are elaborated in the form of a table:

AFCAT 2024 Height and Weight Standards for Women
Height (cm) Weight Age Wise (Kg)
20-25 years 26-30 years
148 43 46
149 44 47
150 45 48
151 45 48
152 46 49
153 47 50
154 47 50
155 48 51
156 49 52
157 49 53
158 50 53
159 51 54
160 51 55
161 52 55
162 52 56
163 53 57
164 54 57
165 54 58
166 55 59
167 56 60
168 56 60
169 57 61
170 58 62
171 58 62
172 59 63
173 59 64
174 60 64
175 61 65
176 61 66
177 62 67
178 63 67
SD 5 5

AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria for Visual Standards

AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria also consists of visual standards which are mainly for the flying branch candidates. The details of the AFCAT 2024 visual standards are stated below.

Visual Standards for Flying Branch

  • Candidates who habitually wear spectacles do not fulfil the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 for Flying Branch. In case they report for testing, they will be tested for other branches (if applied for).

Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia

  • Colour vision CP-1
  • Hypermetropia: +2.0 d Sph
  • Manifest Myopia: Nil
  • Retinoscopic Myopia:–0.5 in any meridian permitted
  • Astigmatism: +0.75 D Cyl (with + 2.0 DMax)

Maddox Rod Test

  • At 6 meters — Exo-6 prism D
  • Eso-6 prism D
  • Hyper-1 prism D
  • Hypo-1prism D

At 33 cms — Exo-16 prism D

  • Eso-6 prism D
  • Hyper-1 prism D
  • 1Hypo-1 prism D

Handheld Stereoscope: All of BSV Grades

Convergence: up to 10 cm

Cover test for distant and near: Lateral divergence/convergence recovery rapid and complete.

Binocular Vision: Must possess good binocular vision (fusion and stereopsis with good amplitude and depth).

Candidates should fulfil the above-mentioned Visual Standards for the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024. 

AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria for Visual Standard Ground Duty (Technical Branch)

The visual standards necessary for one to be eligible for the AFCAT 2024 exam are given below.

AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria: Visual Standard Ground Duty (Technical Branch)
Maximum Limits of Refractive Error Visual Acuity Errors Colour Vision

Hypermetropia: +3.5 D SphMyopia: -3.50 D SphAstigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl

Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye.

Wearing glasses will be compulsory when advised.

CP-II

Candidates should fulfil the above-mentioned Visual Standards for the AFCAT Ground Duty (Technical) eligibility criteria 2024. 

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 for Visual Standard Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch)

AFCAT visual standards required to appear for the exam for the Non-technical branch are given in the table below.

AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria: Visual Standard Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch)
Sub Branch Maximum Limits of Refractive Error Visual Acuity Errors Colour Vision
Administration

Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D

SphMyopia: - 3.5

SphAstigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl in any meridian

Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in each eye CP-II
Logistics

Hypermetropia: +3.5 D

SphMyopia: -3.50 D

SphAstigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl

Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.

Wearing glasses will be compulsory.

CP-III
Accounts & Education

Hypermetropia: +3.5 D

SphMyopia: -3.50 D

SphAstigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl

Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.

Wearing glasses will be compulsory.

CP-III
Meteorology

Hypermetropia: +3.5 D

SphMyopia: -3.50 D

SphAstigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl

Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye.

Wearing glasses will be compulsory.

CP-II

AFCAT Application Form 2024

IAF will make the AFCAT 2-year application form available online. The AFCAT 2 application form 2024 will be available at afcat.cdac.in. Candidates who match the minimum eligibility criteria for the AFCAT 2 2024 can apply. The application form link for AFCAT 2 2024 will be active from May 30 - Jun 28, 2024.

AFCAT admit cards will be issued to candidates who complete the AFCAT 2024 application form. According to the most recent announcement, the AFCAT 2 application form 2024 will be released to fill 304 open posts in various Indian Air Force job profiles. 

Candidates applying for AFCAT 2 2024 should have academic, contact, and financial information ready to quickly complete the application form. Candidates will be able to make changes to their AFCAT 2 2024 application form for a limited time.

FAQs on AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

Q: What is the minimum AFCAT eligibility criteria 2024?

A: Candidates must have passed 10+2 examination with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects. Candidates appearing for their final exams can also apply. Candidates must be a citizen of India.

Q: What are the minimum and maximum AFCAT age limit required to appear for the exam?

A: The minimum age to take the AFCAT exam is 20 years old, however the upper age limit varies by branch. The maximum age limit for the Flying Branch is 24 years, while candidates in the Ground Duty technical and non-technical branches can take the exam until they are 26 years old.

Q: What is AFCAT age limit for Ground Duty?

A: The minimum age to take the AFCAT exam is 20, however the highest age limit varies by branch. The maximum age for the Flying Branch is 24 years, whereas applicants in the Ground Duty technical and non-technical branches can take the exam until they are 26 years old.

Q: What is AFCAT eligibility age limit 2024?

A: AFCAT 2024 Age Limit: Flying Branch: 20 to 24 years as of Jan 1, 2024. Commercial Pilot Licence granted by the DGCA (India): 26 years as of Jan 2, 1998, and Jan 1, 2004. Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): 20 and 26 years as of Jan 1, 2024.

Q: What is AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for Nationality & Marital Status?

A: The following nationalities and marital statuses are eligible for AFCAT 2024: Candidates must be Indian citizens. Candidates must be under the AFCAT age of 25 and unmarried. Widows/widowers and divorcees (with or without encumbrances) under 25 are likewise ineligible. Married applicants over 25 may apply. However, they will not be provided separate housing for their spouse during training.

Q: What is AFCAT exam eligibility criteria 2024 for CDSE (Combined Defence Service Examination)?

A: The AFCAT 2024 eligibility criteria for the Combined Defence Service Examination is stated below. AFCAT Qualification: Candidates must have passed a Bachelor's Degree (Arts & Science and Engineering) in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics as a mandatory subject in 10+2 level Age Limit: Candidates must be 20 to 24 years in order to fulfil the AFCAT Eligibility Criteria 2024 (at the time of commencement of course) AFCAT Nationality: Must be an Indian Citizen AFCAT Marital Status: Single AFCAT Gender: Male candidates only.

Q: What is AFCAT eligibility 2024 for SSC (Short Service Commission)?

A: The candidates must have passed a Bachelor's Degree (Arts & Science and Engineering) in any discipline with a minimum of 60% marks in graduation level with Physics and Mathematics as a mandatory subject in 10+2 level with a minimum of 60% marks. Cleared Section A & B Examination of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.

Q: What are the AFCAT educational requirements for Administration and Logistics?

A: Candidates must have passed Class 12 and a Graduate degree (minimum three-year degree course) in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent, or cleared section A & B of Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.

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