The AFCAT Age Limit & Eligibility 2025 criteria are essential for candidates to meet before applying. For Flying Branch, the age requirement is 20 to 24 years as of 1st January 2026, meaning candidates must be born between 2nd January 2002 and 1st January 2006. However, those holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License (CPL) issued by DGCA (India) can apply up to 26 years of age, born between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006. For Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years, with birth dates between 2nd January 2000 and 1st January 2006.
| Event | AFCAT 1 2025 Dates | AFCAT 2 2025 Dates |
|---|---|---|
| Short Notification Release | November 22, 2024 | May 27, 2025 |
| Detailed Notification & Application Start Date | December 2, 2024 | June 2, 2025 |
| Last Date to Apply | December 31, 2024 | July 1, 2025 |
| Exam Dates | February 22 and 23, 2025 | August 9th, 10th and 11th, 2025 |
The AFCAT follows strict guidelines regarding the Air Force age limit and thoroughly verifies each candidate’s documents during the document verification stage. Continue reading to learn the complete details of the AFCAT age limit as part of the eligibility requirements.
| Entry | Age Limit | Born Between |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT for Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years | 02 July 2002 to 01 July 2006 |
| NCC Special Entry | 20 to 24 years | 02 July 2000 to 01 July 2006 |
| AFCAT & NCC Special Entry for Flying Branch with valid Commercial Pilot License | Up to 26 years | 02 July 2000 to 01 July 2006 |
As per the AFCAT Age Limit and Eligibility 2025, candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried at the commencement of training. Widows, widowers, and divorcees under the age of 25 are not eligible to apply. Additionally, candidates who marry during the training period will be disqualified from service and required to reimburse all expenses incurred by the government. Married candidates above 25 years of age are permitted to apply; however, they will not be allotted married accommodation nor allowed to reside with their families outside the campus during the training period.
To be eligible for online application for AFCAT 1 2025, candidates must hold Indian citizenship in accordance with the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955.
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Candidates should carefully review the table to confirm their eligibility as per the AFCAT Age Limit and Eligibility 2025. The details for both the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical) are outlined below.
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | – Minimum 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level, and – Graduation with a 3-year degree in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 60% marks or – BE/B.Tech (4-year degree) from a recognized university with at least 60% marks or – Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with at least 60% marks. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Aeronautical Engineering Electronics (AE(L)): – Minimum 50% marks in Physics & Maths at 10+2 level, and a 4-year degree in Engineering/Technology or – Cleared Sections A & B of: • Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) • Aeronautical Society of India • Graduate Membership Exam of Institution of Electronics & Telecommunication Engineers with at least 60% marks. Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical (AE(M)): – Minimum 50% marks in Physics & Maths at 10+2 level, and a 4-year degree in Engineering/Technology or – Cleared Sections A & B of: • Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) • Aeronautical Society of India with at least 60% marks. |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Weapon System Branch: 10+2 with 50% marks in Maths & Physics, and a minimum 3+2 degree with 60% marks. Administration: 10+2 and Graduate Degree in any recognized discipline with 60% marks or cleared Section A & B examinations. Accounts: 10+2 with B.Com, BBA, MBA, or qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA with at least 60% marks. Education: 10+2 with 50% marks in all disciplines, PG degree, and 60% marks in graduation. |
| Meteorology | 10+2 and B.Sc. with Maths & Physics with at least 60% marks or a 4-year Graduation degree in Engineering & Technology with at least 60% marks in relevant disciplines (Communication, Computer, Electrical, Electronics, Mechanical, etc.). |
To qualify for the Ground Duty (Technical) branch in the Indian Air Force through AFCAT, candidates are required to fulfill specific educational criteria. The eligibility requirements for the Technical Branch are as follows:
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Ground Duty (Technical) – Aeronautical Engineering (Electronics) | – Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. – Minimum four-year degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university. OR – Cleared Sections A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India or Graduate membership examination of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in one of the following disciplines: Applied Electronics & Instrumentation, Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering/Technology, Computer Engineering & Application, Computer Science and Engineering/Technology, 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 & Control, Electronics Instrument & Control Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Engineering, Instrument & Control Engineering, Information Technology, Spacecraft Technology, Engineering Physics, Electric Power and Machinery Engineering, Infotech Engineering, Cyber Security. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) – Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)} | – Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level. – Minimum four-year degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university. OR – Cleared Sections A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in one of 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, Manufacturing Engineering, Production and Industrial Engineering, Materials Science and Engineering, Metallurgical and Materials Engineering, Aerospace and Applied Mechanics, Automotive Engineering, Robotics, Nanotechnology, Rubber Technology and Rubber Engineering. |
You can also check out: Highlights of AFCAT 1 and 2
To be eligible for the Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branch in the Indian Air Force through AFCAT, candidates must meet specific educational qualifications. The eligibility criteria for the Non-Technical Branch are outlined below.
| Branch | Detailed Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Weapon System Branch | – Passed 10+2 anda Graduate Degree (minimum 3-year degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.- OR Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks. |
| Administration | – Passed 10+2 anda Graduate Degree (minimum 3-year degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks.- OR Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks. |
| Accounts | – Passed 10+2 and completed graduation in any of the following streams with 60% marks or equivalent: – B.Com Degree (minimum 3 years course) – Bachelor of Business Administration (with specialization in Finance) – Qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA |
| Education | – Passed 10+2 and Post-Graduation with 50% marks in any discipline.- For integrated courses offering PG (single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry), 60% marks in Graduation are required. |
As part of AFCAT Eligibility 2025, the Indian Air Force has specified the following physical standards that candidates must meet for selection:
The table below outlines the minimum height requirements for both male and female candidates applying for the Flying and Ground Duty branches:
Here’s the information in tabular form:
| Branch | Minimum Height (Male) | Minimum Height (Female) |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 162.5 cm | 162.5 cm |
| Ground Duty Branch | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
Candidates must maintain optimal physical fitness and regularly train to prepare adequately. The recommended routine includes:
As part of AFCAT Eligibility 2025, candidates must ensure they are in excellent physical condition before attending the SSB interview. They will undergo several assessments at the Air Force Selection Board. At the time of reporting, candidates should be prepared to complete a 1.6 km run, perform 10 push-ups, and execute 3 chin-ups efficiently.
As per AFCAT Age Limit 2025, understanding the age criteria is vital for both male and female candidates. For the Flying Branch, candidates must be aged between 20 and 24 years as of January 1, 2025. However, those holding a valid Commercial Pilot License can apply up to the age of 26 years. For the Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, the age limit is 20 to 26 years for both genders. For NCC Special Entry (Flying), the age requirement is 20 to 24 years for male and female candidates.
Candidates must ensure their date of birth is correctly recorded on their school certificate, as this will be verified by the Indian Air Force. Meeting the prescribed age limit is mandatory for eligibility, and any discrepancies may result in disqualification.
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Ans. The maximum age for AFCAT is 26 years. This age limit applies to both male and female candidates. The candidate should be 26 years old at the time of commencement of the course.
Ans. 25-year-old applicants can apply for technical and non-technical ground duty in the Indian Air Force.
Ans. The age limit for girls applying for AFCAT exams is 20 to 24 for flying duty and 20 to 26 for other ground duty.
Ans. AFCAT does not provide any age relation based on any conditions.
Ans. For the Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch, the AFCAT age limit is 20 to 26 years as of 01 January 2025. Candidates born between 02 July 1999 and 01 July 2005 are eligible.
Authored by, Nidhi Kukreja
Exam Prep Advisor
Nidhi is a passionate writer who specializes in long-form, research-backed content that delivers real value. Whether she’s writing blog articles or creating educational modules, she focuses on making complex topics clear, detailed, and easy to understand. Her content is designed to build knowledge and credibility, helping readers gain deeper insights with every piece.
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