Updated on Feb 19, 2025
Amisha Yadav
AFCAT Eligibility 2025 is an important consideration for applicants seeking to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) via the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT). This national-level entrance exam selects candidates for the Flying Branch and Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches. To be eligible, individuals must meet age, educational requirements, nationality, and physical standards. Failure to meet these standards can result in application rejection. Understanding AFCAT Eligibility 2025 is critical for a smooth application process and increasing the likelihood of selection. Also read AFCAT 2025 Application Process
AFCAT General Eligibility 2025
Candidates must meet particular criteria to apply for the AFCAT 2025, including:
- Age limitations
- Nationality requirements
- Educational Qualifications
Candidates should verify their eligibility before applying to avoid being disqualified during the selection process.
AFCAT 2025 Detailed criteria
AFCAT 2025 Eligibility Criteria: Nationality
Candidates must be a citizen of India under the Indian Citizenship Act, 1955.
AFCAT 2025 Age Limit
The age limitations specified for the AFCAT exam vary by branch. The age limits for several branches are shown in the table below.
| Branches | Age Limit |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Candidates should be between 20 and 24 years old. The upper age limit for candidates having a Commercial Pilot License is relaxed up to 26 years |
| Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch | The age of candidates should be between 20 and 26 years |
AFCAT 2025 Marital Status
- Candidates under 25 years of age must be unmarried at the start of the course.
- Widows, widowers, and divorcees under the age of 25 are also not eligible.
- Married applicants over the age of 25 are entitled to apply; but, throughout their training period, they are neither supplied with married accommodation nor allowed to live with family.
AFCAT 2025 Eligibility: Educational Qualifications
The educational qualifications required for various branches are listed below.
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Candidates must have passed Class 12 with 60 per cent in Maths and Physics. They must also hold a graduation degree in any discipline/BE/BTech/cleared section A and B exam of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised University with 60 per cent |
| Ground Duty Technical Branch | Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) Passed Class 12 with 60 per cent each in Physics and Mathematics and four years degree in Engineering/Technology Or, Cleared Sections A and B 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 60 per cent in disciplines specified by the examination authority Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) Candidates must have passed Class 12 with 60 per cent in Physics and Mathematics and degree/integrated post-graduation in Engineering/Technology Or, Cleared sections A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies with minimum 60 per cent or equivalent in certain disciplines specified by IAF |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches | Administration & Logistics Graduation in any discipline with a minimum of 60 per cent Or, Cleared section A&B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with 60 per cent Weapon Systems (WS) Branch Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50 per cent each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and 1) Graduation with a minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60 per cent or equivalent. Or 2) BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognised University with a minimum of 60 per cent or equivalent. Accounts Branch Candidates must have passed Class 12 and completed graduation in any of the following streams with 60 per cent or equivalent from a recognized university: 1) B Com Degree (Min three years course). 2) Bachelor of Business Administration (with specialization in Finance)/Bachelor of Management Studies (with specialization in Finance)/ Bachelor of Business Studies (with specialization in Finance) 3) Qualified CA/ CMA/ CS/ CFA 4) B Sc with specialization in Finance Education Passed Class 12 and Post-Graduation with 50 per cent in any discipline including integrated courses offering PG (Single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry) and with 60 per cent in Graduation in any discipline Meteorology Passed Class 12 and B Sc with Physics and Mathematics with a minimum of 60 per cent or equivalent or four-year Graduation in Engineering/Technology discipline with a minimum of 60 per cent marks or equivalent in the following streams: Communication Engineering Computer Engineering/Technology Computer Engineering and Application Computer Science and Engineering/Technology Electrical and Computer Engineering Electrical and Electronics 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 Communication and Instrumentation Engineering. Information Technology Mechanical Engineering |
AFCAT's Physical and Medical Standards
Candidates must be medically and physically fit to carry out their jobs and obligations effectively.
AFCAT Eligibility 2025 Special Reservation Criteria:
- SC/ST/OBC Candidates There is no specific relaxation in age or marks.
- Female candidates are eligible for all branches under the same requirements as male candidates.
- NCC Special Entry: Candidates having an NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate can apply for Flying Branch without taking the AFCAT.
- Physically Disabled Candidates: Because physical fitness is a prerequisite, there are no special accommodations for PwD candidates in the AFCAT.
AFCAT Eligibility 2025 Application Limitations:
- There is no limit to the number of attempts, but candidates must meet the age requirements.
- Candidates who have already been barred by the Ministry of Defence are ineligible to apply.
AFCAT Eligibility 2025 Country-Specific Criteria
- Candidates with dual citizenship must forfeit their foreign citizenship before applying.
- Candidates who have permanently settled overseas may be asked to present confirmation of Indian residency.
AFCAT Eligibility 2025 FAQs
What is the AFCAT 2025 Eligibility for the Flying Branch?
Candidates must be between 20 to 24 years old, have Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, and a graduation degree with at least 60% marks.
What is the AFCAT 2025 Eligibility for the Technical Branch?
Candidates must be between 20 to 26 years old, have studied Physics and Mathematics in 10+2, and have an engineering degree with at least 60% marks.
Can final-year students apply under AFCAT 2025 Eligibility?
Yes, final-year students can apply, but they must provide proof of passing with minimum marks before a specified deadline.
Is there any reservation for SC/ST/OBC candidates in AFCAT 2025 Eligibility?
No, the eligibility criteria remain the same for all categories.
What is the AFCAT 2025 Eligibility for female candidates?
Female candidates can apply for all branches with the same eligibility criteria as male candidates.
Can candidates with foreign degrees apply under AFCAT 2025 Eligibility?
Candidates with foreign degrees must obtain an equivalence certificate from AIU (Association of Indian Universities).
Is there an age relaxation for candidates with a Commercial Pilot License under AFCAT 2025 Eligibility?
Yes, CPL holders get an upper age relaxation of 2 years, making the limit 26 years for the Flying Branch.
Can candidates with permanent tattoos apply under AFCAT 2025 Eligibility?
Tattoos are only allowed on the inner side of the forearm and the back of the palm. Other tattoos are not permitted.
What documents are required to prove AFCAT 2025 Eligibility?
Candidates must provide academic certificates, identity proof, and category certificates (if applicable).
What happens if a candidate does not meet the AFCAT 2025 Eligibility criteria?
The application will be rejected, and the candidate will not be allowed to appear for the exam.
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