AFCAT- 2021 Eligibility Criteria

Updated Tue, 15 Dec 2020 04:52 PM IST

AFCAT 2021 Eligibility Criteria

(a) Nationality- Candidate must be a citizen of India as per the Indian citizenship act, 1955. 

(b) Age-
(i) Flying Branch through AFCAT and NCC Special Entry: 20 to 24 years as on  01 January 2022 i.e. born between 02 January 1998 to 01 January 2002 (both dates inclusive). Upper age limit for candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot  License issued by DGCA (India) is relaxable up to 26 years i.e. born between  02 January 1996 to 01 January 2002 (both dates inclusive). 
(ii) Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical) Branch: 20 to 26 years as on  01 January 2022 i.e. born between 02 January 1996 to 01 January 2002 (both dates inclusive).  

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(iii) Marital Status: Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried at the time of commencement of course. Widows/ Widowers and divorcees (with or without encumbrances) below 25 years of age are also not eligible. A candidate who marries subsequent to the date of his application though successful at SSB or medical will not be eligible for training. A candidate who marries during the period of training shall be discharged and will be liable to refund all expenditure incurred on him by the  Government. Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply but during the training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live out with family. 
(iv) The date of birth accepted by the IAF is that entered in the Matriculation or  Secondary School Leaving Certificate or in a certificate recognised by an Indian University as equivalent to Matriculation or in an extract from a Register of Matriculates maintained by a University, the extract must be certified by the proper authority of the  University or in the Higher Secondary or an equivalent examination certificate. No other document related to age like horoscopes, affidavits, birth extracts from Municipal  Corporation, service records and likewise will be accepted.  
(v) Incase the Matriculation/ Higher Secondary Examination Certificate does not show the date of birth, or only shows the age by completed years or completed years and months. In such cases, a candidate must possess a self-attested/ certified copy of a  certificate from the Headmaster/ Principal of the Institution from where he/ she passed the Matriculation/ Higher Secondary Examination showing the date of his/ her birth or exact age as recorded in the Admission Register of the Institution. 
(vi) Candidates should note that only the Date of Birth as recorded in the Matriculation/ Higher Secondary Examination Certificate or an equivalent certificate on the date of submission of application will be accepted by the IAF and no subsequent request for its change will be considered or granted. 
(vii) The candidates should exercise due care while entering their Date of Birth.  If on verification at any subsequent stage, variation is found in their date of birth from the one entered in their Matriculation or equivalent examination certificate,  will render them disqualified. 
 

(c) Educational Qualifications

(i) Flying Branch- Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of  50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level and 

(a) Graduation with a minimum three years degree course in any discipline from a  recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.  

OR 

(b) BE/B Tech degree (Four years course) from a recognised 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. 

(ii) Ground Duty (Technical) Branch- 
Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) {AE (L)}. Candidates with a  minimum of 50% 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 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:- 

  1. Communication Engineering. 
  2. Computer Engineering/Technology. 
  3. Computer Engineering & Application. 
  4. Computer Science and Engineering/Technology. 
  5. Electrical and Computer Engineering. 
  6. Electrical and Electronics Engineering. 
  7. Electrical Engineering. 
  8. Electronics Engineering/ Technology.
  9. Electronics Science and Engineering. 
  10. Electronics. 
  11. Electronics and Communication Engineering. 
  12. Electronics and Computer Science. 
  13. Electronics and/or Telecommunication Engineering. 
  14. Electronics and/or Telecommunication Engineering (Microwave).
  15.  Electronics and Computer Engineering. 
  16. Electronics Communication and Instrumentation Engineering.
  17.  Electronics Instrument & Control. 
  18. Electronics Instrument & Control Engineering. 
  19. Instrumentation & Control Engineering. 
  20. Instrument & Control Engineering. 
  21. Information Technology. 
  22. Spacecraft Technology. 
  23. Engineering in Physics. 
  24. Electric Power and Machinery Engineering. 
  25. Infotech Engineering. 
  26. Cyber Security.

 Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) {AE (M)}. Candidates with a  minimum of 50% mark 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 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:- 

  1. Aerospace Engineering. 
  2. Aeronautical Engineering. 
  3. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering. 
  4. Mechanical Engineering. 
  5. Mechanical Engineering and Automation. 
  6. Mechanical Engineering (Production). 
  7. Mechanical Engineering (Repair and Maintenance). 
  8. Mechatronics. 
  9. Industrial Engineering. 
  10. Manufacturing Engineering. 
  11. Production and Industrial Engineering. 
  12. Materials Science and Engineering. 
  13. Metallurgical and Materials Engineering. 
  14. Aerospace and Applied Mechanics. 
  15. Automotive Engineering. 
  16. Robotics 
  17. Nanotechnology 
  18. Rubber Technology and Rubber Engineering. 
  19.  

(iii) Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches-

Administration & Logistics- Passed 10+2 and Graduate Degree (Minimum three years degree course) in any discipline from a recognised university with a  minimum of 60% marks or equivalent or 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.

 Accounts Branch- Passed 10+2 and did graduation in any of the following streams with 60 % marks or equivalent from a recognized university:-  B. Com Degree (Min three years course). 

Bachelor of Business Administration (with specialization in  Finance)/ Bachelor of Management Studies (with specialization in  Finance)/ Bachelor of Business Studies (with specialization in Finance)  Qualified CA/ CMA/ CS/ CFA. B.Sc. with specialization in Finance. 

Note-

  1. Only those candidates who have given 12th standard in the 10+2 pattern of the examination are eligible to apply for these courses. 

  2. Two seats are reserved for Law qualified candidates in Ground duty  (Non-Tech) branches and these candidates may be employed on legal duties of the IAF (after commissioning). 

  3. In case the candidates are awarded grades/ CGPA instead of marks, the conversion of grades/ CGPA to percentage of marks would be based on the procedure certified by the University from where they have obtained the degree.  In case the University does not have any scheme for converting CGPA to percentage conversion certificate, CGPA will be converted into 10 points scale and multiplied by 10 to get an equivalent percentage.  

  4. Candidates who are studying in the final year/ semester Degree course and are yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply provided candidate should not have any present backlog and should have secured a  minimum of 60% marks up to the last semester/ year for which results have been declared up to the time of submission of application. They are required to submit proof of passing the Degree Examination by 30 Nov 2021 and no request for extending this date will be entertained on the grounds of late conduct of basic qualifying University Examination, delay in declaration of results or any other ground whatsoever. 

  5. Candidates who have failed the Computerised Pilot Selection System  (CPSS) in an earlier attempt or a Flight Cadet suspended from flying training at  Air Force Academy will not be eligible to apply in the Flying Branch. 

 

(d) Candidates who were admitted to an earlier course at the National Defence Academy,  Indian Military Academy, Air Force Academy, Indian Naval Academy, Officers’ Training  Academy, Chennai and Officers Training Academy Gaya but were removed on grounds of indiscipline are ineligible to apply. 

(e) Candidates who are debarred by the Ministry of Defence from holding any type of commission in the Defence Services shall not be eligible for AFCAT and if admitted, their candidature will be cancelled. 

(f) Candidates who have been convicted on criminal charges and those who are still stuck in a criminal case are not eligible to apply.
 

AFCAT 2021 Physical & Medical Standards

The physical and medical standards of AFCAT 2021 are as follows -

  • All applicants must be mentally as well as physically fit.

  • An exam will be conducted to examine candidates’ mental and physical health. 

AFCAT Height and Weight Parameters:

The candidate may check the minimum and maximum acceptable height which is provided below. 

AFCAT Physical Requirement For Flying Branch

Job Designation

Leg Length

Height

Sitting Height

Thigh Length

Flying Branch

Min - 99 cms

162.5 cms

Min - 81.5 cms

Max - 64 cms

Max -120 cms

Max - 96 cms

Note: No concession is provided for age and region.

AFCAT Physical Requirement for Technical and Ground Duty Branch

Job Designation

Height 

Ground Duty (Technical/ Non-technical) Branch 

Women

Men

157.5 cms

152 cms

Note: 

  • Gorkhas belonging to hills of North-Eastern region of India, Kumaon and Garhwal will get a concession of 5 cms.

  • Men and women from Lakshadweep will get a concession of 2 cms in the minimum acceptable height. 

AFCAT Height and Weight Standards 

Applicants may check the table provided below to check the weight and height standards set by the Indian Air Force. 

For Male Candidates:

Height in cm

Weight acc to Age range (years)                                                  

15-17

18-22

23-27

28-32

33-37

152

46

47

50

54

54

153

47

47

51

55

55

154

47

48

51

56

56

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

82

193

68

73

79

81

83

SD

6.0

6.3

7.1

6.6 

6.9

For Female Candidates

Height in cm

Weight in cm                                               

20-25 cm

26-30 cm

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

AFCAT 2021 Visual Standards 

For Flying Branch

Visual Standards for Flying Branch

Minimum distant vision 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in other correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia

Colour vision CP-1

Hypermetropia : +2.0 d Sph

Manifest Myopia: Nil

RetinoscopicMyopia: – 0.5 in any meridian permitted

Astigmatism : +0.75 D Cyl (with + 2.0 DMax)

Maddox Rod Test

At 6 meters

Exo -6 prism D

Eso- 6 prism D

Hyper -1 prism D

Hypo -1 prism D

At 33 cms

Exo -16 prism D

Eso - 6 prism D

Hyper -1 prism D

1 Hypo -1 prism D

Handheld Stereoscope

All of BSV Grades

Convergence 

up to 10 cm

Cover test for distant and near

Latent divergence/convergence recovery rapid and complete.

Binocular Vision

Applicants must have a good binocular vision (fusion and stereopsis with good amplitude and depth).

Note: Applicants who wear spectacles regularly are not eligible for flying branch.

Visual Standards for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch

Maximum Limits of Refractive Error

Visual Acuity Errors

Colour Vision

Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph 

Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye. Applicants will have to wear glasses when advised. 

CP-II

Myopia: -3.50 D Sph

Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl

Visual Standards for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch:

Sub Branch

Maximum Limits of Refractive Error

Visual Acuity Errors

Colour Vision

Administration

Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph

Corrected visual acuity should be 6/6 in each eye

CP-II

Myopia: -3.5 Sph

Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl in any meridian

 

Logistics

Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph

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-III

Myopia: -3.50 D Sph

Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl

Accounts and Education

Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph

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-III

Myopia: -3.50 D Sph

Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl

Meteorology

Hypermetropia: +3.5 D Sph

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

Myopia: -3.5 D Sph

Astigmatism: ± 2.50 D Cyl in any meridian

Criteria for post LASIK surgery for all branches (Flying/Ground Duty (Tech)/ Ground Duty (Non-tech)

Applicants who go through the LASIK (Laser in Situ Keratomileusis)/ PRK (Photo Refractive Keratotomy) are treated as eligible for all the branches in the Air Force. Candidates have to meet the criteria mentioned below:

  • At least twelve months should have lapsed post uncomplicate stable LASIK. No history or evidence of any complication.

  • The post LASIK corneal thickness as measured by a corneal pachymeter should be at least 450 microns.

An Inguinal Hernia

Applicants who have gone through the Hernia operation will only be considered if he/ she satisfies the conditions mentioned below.

  • The candidate will only be allowed to appear if there is a gap of 12 months after the operation else he/she will be considered ineligible.

  • The scar must have healed well. 

Medical Standards for the Flying Branch

The applicants applying for the AFCAT should not have gone through any operation or injury from the past few years and he must not have any disease. Some of the reasons which can reject him/her are mentioned below:

  • Non-articular rheumUnilateral/bilateralism ( e.g lesions of the rotator cuff, tennis elbow, recurrent lumbago etc).

  • Compression fracture of vertebra

  • Granulomatous Disease of the spine

  • Ankylosing Spondylitis

  • Misc disorders including SLE, Polymyositis and Vasculitis.

  • Loss of cervical lordosis when associated with clinically restricted movements of the cervical spine.

  • Scheuerman’s Disease (Adolescent Kyphosis)

  • Rheumatoid arthritis and allied disorders

  • Unilateral/bilateral cervical ribs with a demonstrable neurological or circulatory deficit.

  • Osteoarthrosis, Spondylosis and Degenerative joint disease.

  • Any other abnormality as so considered by the specialist.

  • Spondylolisthesis / Spondylolysis.

  • Arthritis / Spondylosis

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