AFCAT for Girls: Entry Schemes, Entry Levels, Career Opportunities
AFCAT exam holds significant importance for both male and female students. AFCAT 2025 presents a crucial opportunity for the girls who wants to make career in Aviation. Female students can find detailed information on eligibility criteria, career stages, and physical and medical standards in this article.
AFCAT for Girls: The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) twice a year to recruit officers. AFCAT 1 2025 exam will be conducted today, February 22, and on February 23, 2025 by Indian Air Force (IAF). Both men and women are eligible to apply, though AFCAT 2025 eligibility criteria vary slightly between male and female students. If you are considering a career in the Indian Air Force, the experience promises to be incredibly rewarding. This article focuses on AFCAT 2025 eligibility for female students, detailing aspects like age limits, marital status requirements, educational qualifications, physical standards, and other essential information relevant to aspiring female applicants.
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Indian Army Entry Schemes for Women
In 1992, an important landmark in the history of the Indian Army was the induction of women into the officer cadre and the onerous task of training them was undertaken by the Officers Training Academy. So far, more than 1200 Lady officers have already been commissioned into the various Arms and Services of the Indian Army. The Student should be a graduate to apply. Revised Terms and Conditions of Service of SSCOs have been revised (Men and Women both Technical and Non-Technical).
Prominent features of the revised policy are:
1. Extension of Tenure
- Tenure of Short Service Commission. Short Service Commission (SSC), in the Regular Army, will be granted for 14 years i.e. for an initial period of 10 years, extendable by four years.
- The duration of training will be 49 weeks.
2. Substantive Promotion
SSCOs will be eligible for substantive promotion.
- To the rank of Capt – on completion of two years reckonable commissioned service.
- To the rank of Maj – on completion of six years reckonable commissioned service.
- To the rank of Lt Col – on completion of 13 years reckonable commissioned service.
Combined Defence Services Exam
The Combined Defence Services (CDS) examination is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission for recruitment into the Indian Military Academy (IMA), Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Naval Academy (INA) and Indian Air Force Academy(AFA)
Eligibility Criteria: Girls are only eligible for the Officers Training Academy (OTA). The other three are the IMA-Indian Military Academy, AFA-Air Force Academy and the NA-Naval Academy, which are meant for boys.
NCC Special Entry
You can appear for the NCC Special Entry exam if you are an NCC Women Cadet the qualification needed is that the Student should be 19-25 years of age and the education qualification needed is that the Student must have completed a Degree with 50% aggregate.
JAG Entry Scheme
Judge Advocate General (JAG) entry is mainly for Law graduates, who have completed at least an LLB degree. Eligibility criteria involve at least 55% aggregate in LLB (three years professional after graduation or five years after 10 plus 2) examination. Also, CLAT PG scores are mandatory for all Students, including LLM-qualified and LLM-appearing Students. The age limit is between 21 and 27 years of age and all Students should be unmarried at the time of application/registration.
AFCAT Exam
There are two stages in AFCAT exam - the written test and the AFSB Interview. Unlike the NDA exam, both male, as well as female Students, can apply for it. Students who qualify in the written test of AFCAT are then called to appear in the AFSB which is a 5-day process. After the AFSB, students will have to qualify for the medical test, after which they will be commissioned into AFCAT course.
AFCAT Exam Pattern
Indian Air Force mentions the exam pattern in the official AFCAT notification. As per AFCAT exam pattern, the first stage is conducted in online mode for 100 questions which come from General Awareness, Verbal Ability, Numerical Ability and Reasoning and Aptitude Tests. There are 120 minutes to complete the test. There is also negative marking in the exam. The written test is followed by the AFSB.
AFCAT Technical and Non-Technical Level Entry
Female Students can AFCAT process for technical and non-technical level entry are given below:
AFCAT Ground Duty (Technical) Branch Entry
Officers who are involved in AFCAT Ground Duty (Technical) Branch, are not only driving and managing the team but also have the responsibility to ensure that the Indian Air Force remains airworthy on their shoulders. The Ground duty officer is in charge of the most sophisticated tools and equipment in the world by serving in one of the sub-branches based on their qualifications.
AFCAT Eligibility for Female Ground Duty Branches
The eligibility criteria for Ground Duty branches are based on three criteria stated below:
Nationality | Indian |
Age Range | 20 to 26 years (at the beginning of the course) |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
AFCAT Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branches)
The Non-technical branch of Ground duty is the ones of being human and material resources. These mechanisms also steer the Indian Air Force.
AFCAT Eligibility for Female Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches
Check out the eligibility for non-technic for branches of ground duty below:Nationality | Indian |
Age | 20 to 26 years for both graduates and post-graduates (during the beginning of the course) |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Gender | Men and Women |
Students whether Graduate or Post Graduate, can work as an officer in any of the following Ground Duty (Non-technical) Branches.
AFCAT For Girls: IAF Branches
Female Students who want to fly high in the sky or dream of being a fighter in the IAF, then they have to clear AFCAT exam. AFCAT path will lead you to three important branches in the IAF: Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty. Check out more details about the job roles in these branches below:
After a Student clears AFCAT examination, they get the opportunity to work across different branches such as the flying branch, ground duty branch and others. You can check below to know which age fits your interest:
Flying Branch
Women Students aged 19 to 23 years (as notified in the advertisement) can opt for the flying branch. Female Students have the opportunity to fly transport aircraft or helicopters but they are not eligible for fighter aircraft.
AFCAT Eligibility for Female Flying Branch: To apply for this entry, a Student should have a Graduate degree in any discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of 60% marks and have passed Maths and Physics at 10+2 level OR B.E/BTech degree from a recognized university with an aggregate of minimum 60% marks
Technical Branch
Female engineering Students aged 18 to 28 years can opt for the technical branch. There are two types of technical services whose educational qualification conditions are given below:
- Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical): Minimum four-year degree course from a recognized university with aggregate of minimum 60% marks and qualification in at least eight subjects out of eighteen as per notified in the advertisement OR the Student must have cleared Section A and B exam of Associate membership of Institution of engineers or Aeronautical Society of India in regular courses
- Aeronautical Engineer (Electrical): Minimum four-year degree course from a recognized university with aggregate of minimum 60% marks and qualification in at least eight subjects as per notified in the advertisement OR cleared Section A and B exam of Associate membership of Institution of Engineers or Aeronautical Society of India or Graduate membership exam of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers in regular courses
Ground Duty Branches
For the Students who want to opt for the ground duty branches, the age requirements are different:
- For graduates: 20 to 23 years
- Post Graduates: 20 to 25 years
- LLB: 20 to 26 years
- M.Ed/ PhD/ CA: 20 to 27 years
There are three types of services in Ground Duty Branches whose educational qualification conditions are given below:
- Administration and Logistics: Graduate in any discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of 60% marks OR a Post Graduate degree/ diploma in any discipline from a recognized university with an aggregate of a minimum of 60% marks
- Education: Post Graduate degree in any discipline with an aggregate of minimum 50% marks
- Accounts: Graduate degree in any commerce with an aggregate of minimum 60% marks OR a Post Graduate degree/ diploma in Commerce (M Com) / CA / ICWA with an aggregate of minimum 50% marks.
AFCAT for Girls Requirements: Physical Standards
According to the basic requirements, female applicants for AFCAT should be both physically and mentally healthy. Students need to undergo a health check to confirm they meet the physical eligibility standards for AFCAT for girls. Failing to meet these criteria later in AFCAT selection process could pose difficulties. Learn about the eligibility criteria for female Students in AFCAT through the table below:
AFCAT Height Eligibility for Female Students | Weight Based on Age Range: 20-25 Years | Weight Based on Age Range: 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 |
AFCAT for Girls Requirements: Visual Standards
The visual standards for girls applying to AFCAT are consistent across the Flying Branch, Ground Duties (Technical & Non-Technical), and NCC Special Entry. If Students do not currently meet the criteria, they need to ensure their visual standards align with the requirements before participating in AFCAT 2025.
Branch | Maximum Limits of Refractive Error | Visual Acuity Errors | Colour Vision |
---|---|---|---|
F(P) including WSOs |
|
| CP-I |
Aircrew other than F(P) |
|
| CP-I |
Adm/ Adm (ATC)/Adm (FC) |
|
| CP-II |
AE(M) AE(L) |
|
| CP-II |
Meteorology |
|
| CP-II |
Accounts/ Logistics/ Education |
|
| CP-III |
AFCAT Salary Structure
During training, an allowance of INR 52,600 will be paid to students of the Indian Air Force. The term of the training for AFCAT is 1 year.
The breakdown of AFCAT compensation for a charged official (per month) is given below:
- Pay Band for all Branches: INR 56,100 Monthly
- Level 10 within the Pay Matrix - VIIth CPC: INR 56,100-1,10,700
- Military Service Pay: INR 15,500 Per Month
- Flying Branch: INR 11,250 every month
- Technical Branch Officers: INR 2,500 every month
Moreover, officials are qualified for different recompenses and benefits. For example, Transport Allowance, Children's Education Allowance and so on. Career prospects and growth structures have also been mentioned.
AFCAT for Girls: Growth and Career Prospects
The profession in the Indian Air Force is loaded with opportunities for defence students as it incorporates both specialized and non-specialized branches. Trained in various zones and settings, you are set up to meet all the challenges you face in the quick-paced Force. You start your career as a Flying Officer and can ascend to the position of Air Marshal. The appointed one from the Flying Branch turns into the leader of the family, that is The Chief of the Air Staff. The IAF AFCAT Recruitment details are given on the official website. The Students are advised to keep a check on the exam updates and notifications.
All Air Force officers, along with their families and dependent people have free of charge access to medical rooms and hospitals that have the best of facilities. Apart from that, there are also tie-ups with other hospitals for treatments, if required. Patients are also provided with grants for acquiring essential medical equipment and mechanical aid. Scholarships are also offered large scale.
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AFCAT for Girls: Important Points
Girl students who want to make a career in the Indian Air Force must remember these important points. These may also help them make better choices in the future. Check significant pointers below: Cadets students with an LLB degree, who have also been commissioned can apply for legal duties in the Indian Air Force or IAF.- Students who have been denied admission from training academics in either the Navy or Air Force or Military because of indiscipline behaviour are not eligible to apply for AFCAT exams.
- Girl Students who intend to work in the flying branch cannot join the same if they have failed previously in the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) or Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS).
- They will also be not accepted for AFCAT if they have been suspended from joining as Flight Cadets in the training period of any Air Force Academy.
- Students who are in their last semester or final year are also eligible to apply for AFCAT but they must have secured at least 60% till their final year exam. They should also not have any backlogs to be eligible for this exam.
We have provided a detailed analysis of AFCAT Exam, Details, and Patterns both for the Technical and Non-Technical spheres of the Indian Army for Women. To get more insights and details about AFCAT exam, stay tuned to CollegeDekho!
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FAQs
How many seats are there in the AFCAT 1 2025 exam for females?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) unveiled AFCAT 1 job openings for 2025, totaling 304 positions. Among these, 237 positions are designated for male students, while 67 are allocated for female students.
What is the salary and career progression like for women officers in the IAF?
The Indian Air Force provides attractive salaries and benefits to its officers. Women officers have opportunities to advance in their careers and achieve leadership roles within the IAF.
What is the selection process after the AFCAT exam?
Candidates who pass the AFCAT exam will receive an invitation for the AFSB interview (Air Force Selection Board). This interview spans several days and evaluates candidates' suitability for the Indian Air Force through a series of tests and interviews.
What are the different branches I can apply for as a female candidate?
Women have the opportunity to join various non-technical branches of the Indian Air Force through AFCAT. These branches cover Logistics, Administration, Accounts, Meteorology, Education & Training, and Legal roles.
Are girls eligible for the AFCAT exam in India?
Yes, girls in India are permitted to take the AFCAT test. For both men and women, the AFCAT exam eligibility requirements are the same. Age, educational level, marital status, height, weight, and medical fitness are all requirements to take the AFCAT for girls in India. If you pass the AFCAT exam, the AFSB will call you for an interview to assess your leadership and personality traits, as well as your physical and mental fitness.
What is the salary of girls after the AFCAT?
Girls in the Indian Air Force receive the same pay as all other officers after passing the AFCAT. Everybody receives a beginning pay of about INR 56,100 per month as an AFCAT officer. The starting rank for all officers in the IAF is Flying Officer, and this is the pay scale for that position. Your pay will rise along with your status and responsibilities as your career progresses.
What is the eligibility age for the AFCAT exam for females?
The minimum age requirement for the AFCAT for girls in India is 18 years old on the test day, while the maximum age requirement is 24 years old on the exam date. Regardless of gender, the age restriction is applied to all candidates. The age restriction is determined as of the AFCAT exam date.
What is the minimum height for girls for the AFCAT exam?
The minimum height requirement for the AFCAT for girls must be at least 152 centimetres (5 feet) in India. All applicants must meet this minimum height requirement, regardless of gender. Additionally, the body mass index, or BMI, chart is used to determine the height requirement. A measurement of body fat based on height and weight is provided by the BMI chart. To verify that applicants are physically healthy and capable of meeting Air Force requirements, the minimum height requirement is set.
How girls are selected for Air Force?
The AFCAT exam in India is the initial stage in the hiring process. It is a written examination that evaluates your General Aptitude, Maths, and English skills. If you perform well on the AFCAT, AFSB will contact you to schedule an interview. You will need to get a medical check after the AFSB to make sure you are healthy enough to serve in the Air Force. A panel of officers will also conduct a personal interview with you. You will be commissioned as a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force if you pass all of these stages.
What is the dress code for girls in the AFCAT exam in India?
The dress code for the AFCAT for girls in India comprises them wearing a formal full-sleeved shirt with a collar (ideally white), a navy blue skirt or pair of formal trousers, black shoes, their hair must be pulled up in a bun, no jewellery and only a little makeup. The attire should be simple and relaxed while still showing respect for the event. It is important to note that, depending on where the exam centre is located, the dress code may change somewhat.