AFCAT Eligibility 2025: Age Limit and Criteria for Applicants

Published on May 27, 2025
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4 Min read time

Table of Contents

AFCAT Eligibility 2025: The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is a significant exam for aspiring candidates to join India’s armed forces, conducted twice annually by the Indian Air Force. This article highlights the age limits, qualifications, and eligibility criteria for AFCAT. The short notification for AFCAT 1 2025 was released on November 22, 2024, with detailed notifications and application forms available from December 2, 2024. The exam is scheduled for February 22 and 23, 2025. Candidates ineligible at any stage will face disqualification, and their applications will be rejected.

The AFCAT Eligibility 2025 criteria encompass age limits, educational qualifications, and various other essential factors.

  • AFCAT Age Limit for Male & Female
  • AFCAT Educational Qualification
  • Nationality & Marital Status
  • Physical Standards
afcat age limit

AFCAT 1 and 2 2025 Important Dates

EventAFCAT 1 2025 DatesAFCAT 2 2025 Dates
Short Notification ReleaseNovember 22, 2024May 2025
Detailed Notification & Application Start DateDecember 2, 2024June 1, 2025
Last Date to ApplyDecember 31, 2024July 2025
Exam DatesFebruary 22 and 23, 2025August 2025

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria: Age Limit

The age limit for AFCAT differs for different posts. Refer to below for a detailed overview of the age limit –

The age limit for NCC Special Entry (Flying) is 20-24 years. Candidates must have 50% in Maths and Physics at the 10+2 level and hold a graduation degree with at least 60%. A four-year Engineering/Technology degree is required for Ground Duty (Technical). Candidates below 25 must be unmarried, and all applicants must be Indian citizens who meet the physical and medical standards set by the Indian Air Force.

Flying Branch

As per AFCAT Eligibility 2025, candidates must be aged between 20 to 24 years, with their date of birth falling between 02/01/2001 and 01/01/2005. However, candidates possessing a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA (India) are granted an upper age relaxation, making those born between 02/01/1999 and 01/01/2005 eligible to apply.

Ground Duty Branch

Candidates’ age eligibility is set at 20 to 26, with birth dates ranging from 02/01/1999 to 01/01/2005.

AFCAT Marital Status

As per AFCAT Eligibility 2025, candidates under 25 years of age must be unmarried at the commencement of training. Widows, widowers, and divorcees below the age of 25 are not eligible. Candidates who marry during the training period will be expelled from the service and required to reimburse all government-incurred expenses. Married candidates above 25 years are eligible to apply; however, they will not be provided with married accommodation or allowed to live with their families outside the campus during training.

Nationality/ Citizensihp

To be eligible for online application for AFCAT 1 2025, candidates must hold Indian citizenship in accordance with the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955.

AFCAT Eligibility: Educational Qualification

The educational qualifications required for each post are outlined below. Please ensure you verify your eligibility before submitting your application for AFCAT 1 2025.

Flying Branch

Review the educational qualification requirements for the Flying Branch in the Indian Air Force.

PostEducational Qualification
Flying Branch– Passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Mathematics and Physics at Class 12th.
– Graduation (minimum 3-year degree) in any discipline from a recognized university with at least 60% marks or equivalent.
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.

Ground Duty (Technical) Branch

SpecializationEducational Qualification
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics)– Passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at Class 12th.
– Graduation/Post-Graduation in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university.
OR
– Qualified in Sections A & B examinations of Aeronautical Society of India, Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India), or Graduate Membership of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in relevant disciplines.
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical)– Passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at Class 12th.
– Graduation/Post-Graduation in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university.
OR
– Qualified in Sections A & B examinations of Aeronautical Society of India or Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in relevant disciplines.

AFACT Eligibility: Physical Standards

As part of AFCAT Eligibility 2025, the Indian Air Force has specified the following physical standards that candidates must meet for selection:

Height

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:

BranchMinimum Height (Male)Minimum Height (Female)
Flying Branch162.5 cm162.5 cm
Ground Duty Branch157.5 cm152 cm

Physical Conditions

Candidates must maintain optimal physical fitness and should engage in regular training to prepare adequately. The recommended routine includes:

  • 4 km running within 15 minutes
  • Skipping exercises
  • Push-ups and sit-ups: One set of 20 repetitions each
  • 8 chin-ups
  • Rope climbing: Covering 3-4 meters
  • Swimming: Completing 25 meters

Physical Fitness

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.

Conclusion

As per AFCAT Eligibility 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.

Also Read: Highlights of AFCAT 1 and 2

Frequently Asked Questions: (FAQ’s)

Q1. What is the maximum age for AFCAT?

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.

Q2. Can a 25-year-old apply for AFCAT?

Ans. 25-year-old applicants can apply for technical and non-technical ground duty in the Indian Air Force.

Q3. What is the AFCAT age limit for girls?

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.

Q4. Does AFCAT have age relaxation?

Ans. AFCAT does not provide any age relation based on any conditions.

Q5. Who is eligible for AFCAT 2025?

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.

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