AFCAT Exam Guide 2026
AFCAT 2026 notification updates and complete exam guide. Check exam dates, vacancies, eligibility criteria, selection process, syllabus, and application details.
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📊 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
| Subjects |
|---|
| Most Asked General Knowledge Question in AFCAT Exam in Past Years - |
| Most Asked General Science Question in AFCAT Exam in Past Years - |
| Most Asked Quantitative Aptitude Question in AFCAT Exam in Past Years - |
| Most Asked Logical Reasoning Question in AFCAT Exam in Past Years - |
📊 Eligibility Criteria Details
| Entry | Age Limit | Born Between |
|---|---|---|
| AFCAT for Flying Branch | 20 to 24 years | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| NCC Special Entry | 20 to 24 years | 02 July 2003 to 01 July 2007 |
| AFCAT and NCC Special Entry for Flying Branch with valid Commercial Pilot License | Up to 26 years | 02 July 2001 to 01 July 2007 |
📊 Post Name & Classification Details
| Branch | Educational Qualification |
|---|---|
| Flying Branch | Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and Graduation with a minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. OR BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent. OR Candidates who have cleared Section A & B examination 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. |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Aeronautical Engineering Electronics: Minimum 50% marks in Physics and Maths at 10+2 level, along with a four-year degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university. Alternatively, clearing Sections A and B exams of: - Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or - Aeronautical Society of India or - Graduate membership exam of the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in various related disciplines. Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}: Minimum 50% marks in Physics and Maths at 10+2 level, along with a 4-year degree in Engineering/Technology from a recognized university. Alternatively, clearing Sections A and B exams of the: - Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or - Aeronautical Society of India with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in various related disciplines. Note: Please refer to the AFCAT exam Eligibility for Technical Branch section for detailed eligibility criteria for the Technical Branch |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches | Weapon System Branch: Candidates must pass 10+2 with 50% marks in Maths & Physics, and have a minimum 3+2 degree with 60% marks. Administration: A minimum of a 10+2 and Graduate Degree in a recognized discipline with 60% marks or equivalent, or cleared Section A & B examinations. Accounts: 10+2 with 60% marks in B.Com, BBA, MBA, or a qualified CA/CMA/CS/CFA. Education: 10+2 with 50% marks in all disciplines, including PG, and 60% marks in graduation. Note: Please refer to the AFCAT exam Eligibility for Non Technical Branch section for detailed eligibility criteria for the same. |
| Meteorology | Passed 10+2 and B.Sc. with Maths & Physics with 60% minimum marks or 4 year Graduation degree in Engg & Technology discipline with minimum 60% marks or equivalent in Communication Engg/ Computer Engg/ Electrical/ Electronics/ Mechanical Engg, etc. |
📊 Important Dates & Schedule
- Branch
- Educational Qualification
- Ground Duty (Technical) Aeronautical Engineering Electronics
- - Minimum 50% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level - Minimum four years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/ Technology from 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 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 years degree graduation/integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering/Technology from 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 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.
📊 Exam Pattern & Marking Scheme
| Branch | Detailed Eligibility Criteria |
|---|---|
| Weapon System Branch | Passed 10+2 with minimum 50% marks each in Maths & Physics. |
| Graduation with minimum 3-year degree course in any discipline with 60% marks OR BE/BTech (4-year degree course) with minimum 60% marks. | |
| Administration | Passed 10+2 and Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks. |
| Alternatively, 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 done graduation in any of the following streams with 60% marks or equivalent: |
| B. Com Degree (Min three 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. |
| Integrated courses offering PG (Single degree without permission to exit and lateral entry) should have 60% marks in Graduation. |
📊 Exam Information 6
| Height in cm | Weight Based on the Age Range | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 15-17 Yrs. | 18-22 Yrs. | 23- 27 Yrs. | 28- 32 Yrs. | 33-37 Yrs. | |
| 152 | 46 | 47 | 50 | 54 | 54 |
| 153 | 47 | 47 | 51 | 55 | 55 |
| 154 | 47 | 48 | 51 | 56 | 55 |
| 155 | 48 | 49 | 52 | 56 | 56 |
| 156 | 48 | 49 | 53 | 57 | 57 |
| 157 | 49 | 50 | 54 | 58 | 58 |
| 158 | 49 | 50 | 54 | 58 | 58 |
| 159 | 50 | 51 | 55 | 59 | 59 |
| 160 | 51 | 52 | 56 | 59 | 60 |
| 161 | 51 | 52 | 56 | 60 | 60 |
| 162 | 52 | 53 | 57 | 61 | 61 |
| 163 | 52 | 54 | 58 | 61 | 62 |
| 164 | 53 | 54 | 59 | 62 | 63 |
| 165 | 53 | 55 | 59 | 63 | 63 |
| 166 | 54 | 56 | 60 | 63 | 64 |
| 167 | 54 | 56 | 61 | 64 | 65 |
| 168 | 55 | 57 | 61 | 65 | 65 |
| 169 | 55 | 57 | 62 | 65 | 66 |
| 170 | 56 | 58 | 63 | 66 | 67 |
| 171 | 56 | 59 | 64 | 66 | 68 |
| 172 | 57 | 59 | 64 | 67 | 68 |
| 173 | 58 | 60 | 65 | 68 | 69 |
| 174 | 58 | 61 | 66 | 68 | 70 |
| 175 | 59 | 61 | 66 | 69 | 71 |
| 176 | 59 | 62 | 67 | 70 | 71 |
| 177 | 60 | 62 | 68 | 70 | 72 |
| 178 | 60 | 63 | 69 | 71 | 73 |
| 179 | 61 | 64 | 69 | 72 | 73 |
| 180 | 61 | 64 | 70 | 72 | 74 |
| 181 | 62 | 65 | 71 | 73 | 75 |
| 182 | 62 | 66 | 72 | 74 | 76 |
| 183 | 63 | 66 | 72 | 74 | 76 |
| 184 | 64 | 67 | 73 | 75 | 77 |
| 185 | 64 | 68 | 74 | 75 | 78 |
| 186 | 65 | 68 | 74 | 76 | 78 |
| 187 | 65 | 69 | 75 | 77 | 79 |
| 188 | 66 | 69 | 76 | 77 | 80 |
| 189 | 66 | 70 | 77 | 78 | 81 |
| 190 | 67 | 71 | 77 | 79 | 81 |
| 191 | 67 | 71 | 78 | 79 | 82 |
| 192 | 68 | 72 | 79 | 80 | 83 |
| 193 | 68 | 73 | 79 | 81 | 83 |
| SD | 6.0 | 6.3 | 7.1 | 6.6 | 6.9 |
📊 Exam Information 7
| Height in cm | Weight Based on Age Range | |
|---|---|---|
| 20-25 Years | 26-30 Years | |
| 148 | 43 | 46 |
| 149 | 44 | 47 |
| 150 | 45 | 48 |
| 151 | 45 | 48 |
| 152 | 46 | 49 |
| 153 | 47 | 50 |
| 154 | 47 | 50 |
| 155 | 48 | 51 |
| 156 | 49 | 52 |
| 157 | 49 | 53 |
| 158 | 50 | 53 |
| 159 | 51 | 54 |
| 160 | 51 | 55 |
| 161 | 52 | 55 |
| 162 | 52 | 56 |
| 163 | 53 | 57 |
| 164 | 54 | 57 |
| 165 | 54 | 58 |
| 166 | 55 | 59 |
| 167 | 56 | 60 |
| 168 | 56 | 60 |
| 169 | 57 | 61 |
| 170 | 58 | 62 |
| 171 | 58 | 62 |
| 172 | 59 | 63 |
| 173 | 59 | 64 |
| 174 | 60 | 64 |
| 175 | 61 | 65 |
| 176 | 61 | 66 |
| 177 | 62 | 67 |
| 178 | 63 | 67 |
| SD | 5 | 5 |
📊 Exam Information 8
| S.No | Branch | Maximum Limits of Refractive Error | Visual Acuity Errors | Colour Vision |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | F(P) including WSOs | Hypermetropia: + 2.0D Sph Manifest Myopia: Nil Retinoscopic myopia: - 0.5 in any meridian permitted Astigmatism: ± 0.75D Cyl (within + 2.0D Max) | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other, correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia | CP-I |
| 2 | .Aircrew other than F(P) | Hypermetropia: +3.5D Sph Myopia: -2.0D Sph Astigmatism: ± 0.75D Cyl | 6/24 in one eye and 6/36 in other, correctable to 6/6 and 6/9 | CP-I |
| 3 | Adm/ Adm (ATC)/ Adm (FC) | Hypermetropia: + 3.5D Sph Myopia: -3.5D Sph Astigmatism: ± 2.5D Cyl in any meridian | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye. | CP-II |
| 4 | Adm/ Adm (ATC)/ Adm (FC) | Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D Sph Myopia: -3.50 D Sph Astigmatism: ± 2.5D Cyl in any meridian | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye. Wearing of glasses will be compulsory when advised | CP-II |
| 5 | Met | Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D Sph Myopia: -3.50 D Sph Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye. Wearing of Glasses will be compulsory. | CP-II |
| 6 | Accts/ Lgs/Edn | Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D Sph Myopia: -3.50 D Sph Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl | Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in the better eye and 6/18 in the worse eye. Wearing of Glasses will be compulsory. | CP-II |
📊 AFCAT Eligibility Criteria for NCC Special Entry
| Criteria | Requirements |
|---|---|
| Educational Qualifications | Minimum of three years of graduation degree in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent CGPA. Passed Mathematics and Physics at the 10+2 level. |
| Age Limit | Usually between 20 and 24 years at the time of commencement of the course. This age limit may vary slightly based on the official notification. |
| NCC 'C' Certificate | Possess a valid NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate. The certificate should have been issued on or after the date specified in the official notification. |
| Selection Process | Shortlisted based on performance in the AFCAT written exam. Shortlisted candidates will then undergo further testing, including the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, medical examination, and document verification. |
📊 Important Dates & Schedule
- Criteria
- Requirements
- Age Limit
- The age limit for AFCAT varies depending on the branch and entry type. Generally, candidates should fall within the prescribed age limit, which is usually between 20 and 24 years for the Flying Branch and between 20 and 26 years for the Ground Duty Branches. Age relaxations may be applicable for certain categories as per the official guidelines.
- Nationality
- Candidates must be Indian citizens or citizens of Nepal or Bhutan, as specified in the official notification.
- Employment Status
- If you are a government employee and wish to join the Indian Air Force through AFCAT, you may need to obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from your current employer.
- Selection Process
- Government employees who meet the eligibility criteria for AFCAT will undergo the same selection process as other candidates. This includes the AFCAT written exam, Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) interview, medical examination, and document verification.
- Educational Qualifications
- Candidates must have completed their graduation or post-graduation from a recognized university with the required minimum percentage of marks. The specific educational requirements for each branch and entry type are outlined in the official AFCAT notification.
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❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1.What are the AFCAT 2 Eligibility criteria for 2026?
The AFCAT Eligibility 2026 includes nationality, educational qualification, physical standards and age requirements. The eligibility conditions differ for Flying Branch & Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) branches.
Q2.What is the AFCAT age limit for the exam?
As per the AFCAT age limit candidates applying for the Flying Branch must be between 20 to 24 years while candidates for Ground Duty branches must be between 20 to 26 years as on 1st July 2027.
Q3.Can NRIs apply under the AFCAT Eligibility criteria 2026?
No according to the AFCAT Eligibility 2026 only Indian citizens are eligible to apply for AFCAT 2 2026.
Q4.Is there any age relaxation under the AFCAT age limit criteria?
No, the Indian Air Force does not provide any age relaxation under the AFCAT age limit criteria for this recruitment.
Q5.Is the AFCAT physical eligibility different for male & female candidates?
Yes, under the AFCAT Eligibility criteria for male & female candidates have different height and weight standards. However, the visual & medical standards remain similar for both.
Q6.Can final year students apply for AFCAT 2 2026?
Yes, final year students can apply for the exam if they fulfill the AFCAT Eligibility conditions & do not have any backlog at the time of AFSB testing.
Q7.What is the AFCAT eligibility for male candidates for the AGE limit?
The age limit for male candidates in AFCAT varies depending on the branch. For the Flying Branch the age limit is between 20 & 24 years. For the Ground Duty Branches the age limit is between 20 and 26 years. Age relaxations may be applicable for certain categories as per the official guidelines.
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