AFCAT Eligibility 2026: Age Limit & Qualification

To meet the AFCAT eligibility crietria in 2026, candidates must be Indian citizens between the ages of 20 and 24 for Flying Branch and 20 and 26 for Ground Duty. To be eligible, you need to have at least 50% in Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level and a college degree with at least 60% marks.

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is the first step for thousands of young people who want to become Commissioned Officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF). However, before you start your preparation, understanding the AFCAT eligibility criteria 2026 is the most critical step. The IAF maintains very strict standards regarding age, educational qualifications, and physical fitness. Whether you are applying for the Flying Branch or Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical), even a minor mismatch in your AFCAT exam eligibility can lead to disqualification. In this guide, we break down the requirements for both men and women to ensure your application journey starts on the right track.

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AFCAT 1 2026 Age Limit

Depending on the branch you choose, there are certain age requirements. The AFCAT 1 2026 age limit for the 2026 cycle is dependent on the start date of the course, which is usually January 2027.

• Flying Branch: Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years. (Upper age limit is relaxable up to 26 years for candidates holding a valid Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA).

• Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical): Candidates must be between 20 to 26 years.

Note: Candidates must be single at the time of commencement of the course. Marriage is not permitted during the training period.

AFCAT Eligibility 2026: Educational Qualification Requirements

The AFCAT eligibility criteria for education vary based on the branch. A common requirement for all branches is a minimum of 60% marks in your graduation.

Flying Branch

• Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level.

• Graduation with a minimum three-year degree in any discipline from a recognised university with at least 60% marks.

• OR B.E./B.Tech degree (four-year course) with a minimum of 60% marks.

Ground Duty (Technical)

• Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics/Mechanical): Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2.

• A minimum four-year degree in Engineering/Technology with 60% marks in specific disciplines (like Communication, Computer Science, Mechanical, etc.).

Ground Duty (Non-Technical)

• Administration & Logistics: Graduate Degree (Min 3 years) in any discipline with 60% marks.

• Accounts: B.Com Degree (Min 3 years) with a minimum of 60% marks.

• Education: Post Graduation with 50% and Graduation with 60% marks.

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AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for Male vs. Female

The age and educational qualifications are the same for both men and women, but there are some differences in the AFCAT eligibility requirements for men and women when it comes to physical standards and job openings.

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria: Physical and Medical Standards 

Meeting the AFCAT exam eligibility also involves passing a rigorous medical examination.

• Weight: Must be proportionate to height and age.

• Tattoos: Permanent body tattoos are only permitted on the inner face of forearms. Tattoos on any other part of the body are generally not acceptable.

• Leg Length: For the Flying Branch, specific measurements for leg length (Min 99 cm), thigh length (Max 64 cm), and sitting height (81.5 cm to 96 cm) are mandatory.

Check Out: 30 AFCAT Previous Year Papers

Summary Table: Quick AFCAT Eligibility 2026 Check

Let’s take a quick recap for the Eligibility criteria for AFCAT 2026.

Read More: AFCAT Previous Year Question Paper with Solution

AFCAT Eligibility 2026 FAQs

1. Can final-year students apply for the AFCAT 1 2026 exam?

Yes, students in their last year of school can apply as long as they don't have any backlogs at the time of the AFSB testing and can show proof of their degree by the date given in the official notice.

2. Is there any relaxation in the AFCAT 1 2026 age limit for reserved categories?

No, the Indian Air Force does not let people of certain castes or categories (SC/ST/OBC) get older. The only people who can get a break are those who have a Commercial Pilot License in the Flying Branch.

3. What is the minimum height required under the AFCAT eligibility criteria for female candidates?

The minimum height for Ground Duty branches is 152 cm. But for the Flying Branch, both men and women must be at least 162.5 cm tall.

4. Can I apply if I had a compartment in Class 12 but cleared it later?

Yes, as long as you get at least 50% in both Maths and Physics and meet the overall graduation percentage, you can apply.

5. What is the AFCAT eligibility criteria for the Meteorology branch?

To study Meteorology, you need to have a master's degree in a science field, math, statistics, geography, computer applications, environmental science, or applied physics with at least 50% of the marks.