Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
The Air Force Common Admission Test abbreviated as AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force, the world’s 4th largest Air Force. The exam is held twice a year in the month of February and August to select Class I Gazetted officers in Flying and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical).
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
The Air Force Common Admission Test abbreviated as AFCAT is conducted by the Indian Air Force, the world’s 4th largest Air Force. The exam is held twice a year in the month of February and August to select Class I Gazetted officers in Flying and Ground Duties (Technical and Non-Technical).
AFCAT is a gateway for candidates, both male and female, to join the Indian Air Force as officers for both Short Service Commission in Flying Branch and Permanent Commission/Short Service Commission in Ground Duties for both Technical and Non-Technical roles.
When selected for the training process through AFCAT, candidates have to undergo a 74 weeks training session if selected for Flying and Ground Duties.
In case of Ground Duties for Non-Technical role, the training is of 52 weeks held at Air Force Training Establishments.
AFCAT 2019 Eligibility
An AFCAT aspirant is evaluated on the basis of 3 set criteria prescribed as the minimum eligibility of the candidate to appear for the exam. It is mandatory for the candidate to first check all the eligibility criteria and make sure that all the pointers are met before actually applying to sit for the exam.
On the basis of Age Limit
Branch | Age Limit |
Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry | Minimum Age: 20 years Maximum Age: 24 years |
Commercial Pilot License Holder | Maximum Age: 26 years |
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical Branch ) | Minimum Age: 20 years Maximum Age: 26 years |
Note: Candidates below the age of 25 years must be unmarried at the time of commencement of course. Widowers and Divorced candidates below the age of 25 are also ineligible.
On the basis of Educational Qualification
Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry
You must be a Graduate in any discipline (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level)/BE/BTech from a recognized University
If you are a Final Year/Semester students, you are also eligible to apply, provided you produce Degree Certificate issued by the University as per the date fixed by AFSB.
There will be no minimum percentage bar for Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE) entry.
Commercial Pilot License Holder
(a) Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)}.
You should have a minimum of 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated Post-Graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from recognised University
(b) Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}.
You should have a minimum of 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and a minimum of four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from recognised University.
You should have cleared Sections A and B exam of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks.
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical Branch )
(a) Administration & Logistics
You should have a Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent
You should have cleared section A & B exam of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
(b) Accounts
You should have B.Com. Degree (Minimum three years degree course) from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
NCC Special Entry Flying Branch
You should have NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ certificate acquired on or after 1 January 2017.
You should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 60% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2.
(b) Accounts
You should be a Graduate with minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
Meteorology
You should have a Post-Graduate Degree in any Science stream / Mathematics / Statistics / Geography / Computer Applications / Environmental Science / Applied Physics / Oceanography / Meteorology / Agricultural Meteorology / Ecology & Environment / Geo-Physics/Environmental Biology with minimum of 50% marks in aggregate of all papers put together (Provided Maths and Physics were studied at Graduation Level with a minimum of 55% marks in each).
General guidelines: The guidelines with regard to Physical and Medical standards for candidates are given below:
You must be physically fit according to the prescribed physical standards.
The Height and Weight Parameters is as follows:
You will be screened for your height and weight at AFSB. In case you do not meet the height criterion when you report to AFSB, you may not be tested. Overweight/obese candidate would be issued with a letter of caution and advised to reduce weight within the specified limits before reporting for medicals.
On the basis of Physical and Medical Standards
Flying Branch
The minimum acceptable height for men and women candidates in Flying Branch is 162.5 cms.
- Leg Length: Min – 99 cms, Max -120 cms,
- Thigh Length : Max – 64 cms,
- Sitting Height : Min – 81.5 cms, Max – 96 cms
- There is no concession for age/sex/region.
Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branch
The minimum acceptable height for male candidates in Ground Duty (Technical/Non-Technical) Branch is 157.5 cms.
- For women candidates, the minimum acceptable height is 152 cms.
- (For Gorkhas and individuals belonging to hills of North Eastern region of India, Garhwal and Kumaon, the minimum acceptable height will be 5 cms less.
- In case of candidates from Lakshadweep, the minimum acceptable height will be 2 cms less than what is applicable to men and women respectively).
You also need to satisfy the Visual Standards for the branch you have applied for.
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