AFCAT Physical and Medical Standards 2024

Abhinav Chamoli

Updated On: September 16, 2024 03:54 PM | AFCAT

The Indian Air Force has set rigorous criteria for AFCAT physical and medical standards for all applicants. These vary for ground duty and flying branches, covering height, weight, and vision. Both male and female candidates must meet these strict standards to be considered. Keep reading for more information!

AFCAT Physical and Medical Standards

AFCAT Physical and Medical Standards 2024: The AFCAT 2024 selection process includes three stages: a written test, an interview, and a medical examination. If you are thinking of applying for AFCAT recruitment, it is important to meet the Physical Test eligibility criteria. The AFCAT Physical Standard Test is a key part of the recruitment process, with both medical and physical assessments to check if you are eligible for the next stages. These tests ensure that you are physically fit for the job's demands. We have detailed the AFCAT medical test requirements for both female and male candidates, including height, weight, and vision standards, to help you understand what is expected.

The Indian Air Force holds the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) to recruit qualified individuals for the Ground Duty Staff, Flying Branch, and Technical Branch. This test is conducted twice a year, known as AFCAT 1 and AFCAT 2. The AFCAT 2 2024 was conducted on August 9, 10, and 11. A career in the Indian Air Force offers prestige, enriching experiences, and competitive salaries. Below, you will find the detailed AFCAT physical and medical standards.

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AFCAT Physical and Medical Standards 2024: Highlights

Check below the highlights of AFCAT physical and medical standards:

Particulars

Details

Exam

AFCAT

Conducting Body

Indian Air Force

Nationality

Indian

Gender

Men and Women

Age Limit

  • Ground Duty: 20 - 26 years
  • Flying Duty: 20 - 24 years

Educational Qualification

60% in Maths and Physics in Class 10

Physical Standards

Height

  • Ground Duty (both tech and non-tech)
    • Male - 157.5 cm
    • Female - 152 cm
  • Flying Duty - 162.5 cm

AFCAT 2024 Eligibility Criteria

Before applying for the positions, all candidates are advised to check their AFCAT 2 2024 eligibility . The Indian Air Force has established separate eligibility requirements for technical and non-technical positions. Candidates must ensure that they meet all eligibility criteria, such as age limit, nationality, marital status, and so on, or their candidature will be disqualified at any stage of the examination.

AFCAT Eligibility Criteria

Check out the AFCAT eligibility details below:

  • Nationality: According to the Indian Citizenship Act of 1955, the candidate who applies for the exam must be a citizen of India.
  • Marital Status: Candidates under the age of 25 must be unmarried at the start of the course. Widows/widowers, as well as divorcees (with or without encumbrances) under the age of 25, are also ineligible.
  • Educational Requirements: All candidates who want to take the AFCAT 2024 must have a bachelor's degree in their respective discipline. The AFCAT qualification criteria differ depending on the position. Take a look at the detailed IAF criteria for flying branch and ground duty listed below.

Category

AFCAT Qualification

Flying Branch

A graduation degree in any discipline from a recognised university and 50% in each of the math and physics classes from the 12th grade are both required.

OR

BTech degree with a 60% or comparable grade point average from an accredited university.

OR

Candidates who have passed Sections A and B of the Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India examination from a recognised university with at least 60% of the required marks or an equivalent.

Ground Duty (Technical) Branch

A minimum of four years of post-secondary education in engineering or technology from an accredited university, as well as 50% or above in both math and physics at the 10+2 level.

Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches

10+2 and a graduate degree (minimum 3-year degree programme) in any field from an accredited university with at least 60% of the required grades.

AFCAT 2024 Physical Standard for Ground Duty Staff and Technical Branch

For the Ground Duty Technical and Non-technical branches, specific height and weight criteria are essential. It's important to note that these requirements vary for male and female candidates.

Gender

Height

Weight

Male

157.5 cms

Bodyweight should be in proportion to your height and overall physical structure.

Female

152 cms

Bodyweight should be in proportion to your height and overall physical structure.

AFCAT 2024 Physical Standard for Flying Branch

Contrary to the Ground Duty Staff, the Flying Branch has distinct criteria for male and female candidates. Those who are preparing for the AFCAT Physical Standard Test should take note of the following specifics.

AFCAT Male Physical Standard for Flying Branch

Here are the standards for the Flying Branch of AFCAT Recruitment:

Particulars

Details

Height

162.5

Weight

In the case of weight, body weight should be in proper

Sitting Height

81.5 - 96 cms

Leg length

99 – 120 cms

Thigh-length

96 cms

AFCAT Female Physical Standard for Flying Branch

Here are the requirements for the Flying branch of AFCAT Recruitment:

Particulars

Details

Height

162.5 cms

Weight

In the case of weight, body weight, and should be proportionate

Sitting Height

81.5 – 96 cms

Leg length

99 – 120 cms

Thigh-length

64 cms

Also Read: AFCAT for Girls

AFCAT Height and Weight Requirements 2024

If a candidate exceeds the specified weight norms, a caution will be issued, and they must lose weight before reporting for medicals. The table below illustrates the AFCAT Physical Standard Test requirements for height.

Height Standards for Flying Branch of IAF

The details are provided below:

Parameter For Flying Branch

Minimum Height(in cm)

Maximum Height (in cm)

Acceptable

162.5

_

Sitting

81.5

96

Thigh-length

_

64

Leg length

99

120

Height Standards for Ground Duty Branch of IAF

The details are provided below:

Parameter For Ground Duty

Minimum Height (in cms)

Height specification for Male candidate

157.5

Height specification for Female candidates

152

IAF provides a concession to the following special category of candidates in this branch. The minimum accepted heights for the following types of candidates can be 2 cm less than the specified standards.

  • Gorkhas
  • Individuals belonging to:
    • Hills of the North-Eastern Region
    • Garhwal Region
    • Kumaon Region

AFCAT Height vs Weight Standards for Male Candidates

The table below provides the height weight standard for candidates as measured against their heights and age range. Male candidates can refer to the table below to find what should be their weight for AFCAT for their height and age.

Height (in cms) Weight (in kg) for Age Range 15-17 Weight (in kg) for Age Range 18-22 Weight (in kg) for Age Range 23-27 Weight (in kg) for Age Range 28-32 Weight (in kg) for Age Range 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

63

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

70

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

98

73

79

81

83

Standard Deviation

6.0

6.3

7.1

6.6

6.9

AFCAT Height vs Weight Standards for Females

The standard prescribed weight of female candidates as per their heights and age range can be found in the table provided below.

Height (in cm)

Weight (in kg) for Age Range 20 - 25

Weight (in kg) for Age Range 26 - 30

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

Standard Deviation

5

5

AFCAT 2024 Visual Standards for Different Branches

IAF also checks the eyes of a candidate for any defects. Candidates applying for IAF are supposed to have a good vision as per the standards specified by AFCAT. The visual standard specified by the IAF for its different branches can be found in the table provided below.

Branch Maximum Limits of Refractive Error Visual Acuity Errors Colour Vision
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 the other
  • Correctable to 6/6 only for Hypermetropia
CP-I
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 the other
  • Correctable to 6/6 and 6/9
CP-I
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
AE(M)
AE(L)
  • Hypermetropia: + 3.5D Sph
  • Myopia: -3.50 D Sph
  • Astigmatism: + 2.5D Cyl in any meridian
  • Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye
  • Wearing glasses will be compulsory when advised
CP-II
Met
  • Hypermetropia: + 3.5 D Sph
  • Myopia: -3.50 D Sph
  • Astigmatism: + 2.50 D Cyl
  • Corrected visual acuity should be 6/9 in each eye.
  • Wearing glasses will be compulsory when advised
CP-II
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 Glasses will be compulsory.
CP-III

AFCAT 2024 Ocular Muscle Balance Standard for Flying Duties

The standard prescribed AFCAT Ocular Muscle Balance for Flying Duties can be found in the table provided below.

S.No.

Test

Fit

Temporary Unfit

Permanently Unfit

1

Maddox Rod Test at 6 meters

Exo- 6 Prism D Eso- 6 Prism D Hyper- 1 Prism D Hypo- 1 Prism D

Exo- Greater than 6 prism D Eso- Greater than 6 prism D Hyper- Greater than 1 prism D Hypo- Greater than 1 prism D

Uniocular suppression Hyper or Hypo more than 2 prism D

2

Maddox Rod Test at 33 cm

Exo-16 Prism D Eso- 6 Prism D Hyper- 1 Prism D Hypo- 1 Prism D

Exo- Greater than 16 prism D Eso- Greater than 6 prism D Hyper- Greater than 1 prism D Hypo- Greater than 1 prism D

Uniocular suppression Hyper or Hypo more than 2 prism D

3

Handheld Stereoscope

All of the BSV grades

Poor Fusional reserves

Absence of SMP, fusion Stereopsis

4

Convergence

Up to 10 cm

Up to 15 cm with effort

Greater than 15 cm with effort

5

Cover Test for Distance and Near

Latent divergence or convergence recovery rapid and complete

Compensated heterophoria or  trophic likely to improve with treatment or persist even after treatment

Compensated heterophoria

AFCAT Physical Medical Standards for Tattoos & Narcotics

Candidates aiming to join the Air Force must adhere to prescribed AFCAT physical medical standards regarding tattoos and narcotics. It's important to familiarize yourself with these rules before participating in the interview round.

Tattoo Standards

  • Candidates should not have any permanent body tattoos that are visible or invisible.
  • Exceptions are allowed for tattoos on the inner face of the forearms (inside of the elbow to the wrist) and the reverse side of the palms or back (dorsal side) of both hands.
  • For such tattoos, candidates need to sign a Self-Declaration Certificate.
  • Small, non-offensive, and non-prejudicial tattoos, including religious symbols or names of dear ones, are acceptable.
  • Tribes with tattoos as per their customs and traditions will be permitted on a case-by-case basis.

Narcotics Policy

  • Narcotics are strictly prohibited for aspirants.
  • Candidates may undergo drug tests during medical examinations, training, or service.
  • Positive drug test results during training or service will lead to disqualification from joining the Indian Air Force.
  • If a candidate has already joined, they will be removed from the service if found positive for narcotics.

As the Air Force is a renowned yet demanding profession, the branch takes forward candidates who are not only physically and medically fit but also strong mentally to ensure that they handle the honour as per norms. That was everything about AFCAT Physical and Medical Standards, hope you have gained insights from this article.

If a candidate has any doubts regarding the recruitment of IAF officers through AFCAT, please contact our experts on the CollegeDekho QnA Zone . For admission-related assistance fill out our Common Application Form or call our toll-free number 1800-572-9877.

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FAQs

Are spectacles allowed in AFCAT?

For the Flying branch of AFCAT, wearing spectacles is not permitted. However, you can still apply if your vision can be corrected to a certain standard without glasses. On the other hand, for other branches such as Ground Duty (both Technical and Non-Technical) and WS branch, spectacles are usually allowed. While there are no specific bans on wearing glasses, there are certain vision acuity standards you need to meet.

What are the physical fitness standards for AFCAT?

All applicants must adhere to rigid physical standards set by the Indian Air Force to be qualified to take the AFCAT exam. Height, weight, vision, chest, and hearing requirements are different for males and females according to these standards. Furthermore, candidates must pass a physical fitness test that includes a 1.6 km run, a sit-ups test, and a push-ups test.

Is physical fitness required for AFCAT 2024?

Physical fitness is essential for AFCAT 2024. Candidates must meet certain physical standards to qualify. These standards apply to both flying and ground duty branches, with slight variations. Typically, you will need to complete tasks such as a timed run, push-ups, and chin-ups.

What are the medical tests for AFCAT?

All applicants and cadets will have their USG abdomen checked at the medical test before commissioning. a comprehensive medical and surgical evaluation that includes a dental and gynaecological exam for women. an examination of the eyes. a throat, nose, and ear examination.

Is the physical eligibility for both males and females the same for AFCAT?

The physical requirements for AFCAT are the same for men and women. Candidates must be at least 157.5 cm in height for men and 152.5 cm in height for women. Body mass index (BMI) requirements for male candidates are 20 to 22.9 and for female candidates are 18 to 21.9. Candidates for male positions must have a chest size of at least 77 cm, while those for female positions must have a chest size of at least 76 cm. Candidates must have stereopsis and normal colour vision. Candidates must be hearing-normal.

What are the criteria for AFCAT eyesight?

The IAF has rigorous medical requirements for eye health. Candidates must fulfil the requirements listed below to be qualified to take the AFCAT test:
- With or without correction, the DVA in each eye must be 6/6 or better.
- The Near Visual Acuity in each eye, with or without correction, must be 6/9 or better.
- Candidates must be able to see colours normally.
- Candidates must have typical stereopsis.

Is swimming mandatory for AFCAT?

Swimming and climbing are not required in AFCAT for selection. Swimming is a useful skill for Air Force members, though, therefore it is frequently taught as part of the training. You might want to think about learning how to swim if you plan on taking the AFCAT exam. Swimming can help you get more physically active and can also help you learn valuable skills like cooperation and survival.

Can I give AFCAT medical test with eyeglasses?

You can take the AFCAT medical exam while wearing glasses. No rule in the Indian Air Force (IAF) forbids applicants from wearing eyeglasses while undergoing a medical examination. During the medical examination, sunglasses and designer eyewear are not permitted. If you wear glasses and are thinking about applying for the AFCAT exam, you should be informed of the IAF's standards. Additionally, make sure that your eyeglasses are secure and pleasant to use.

Is knock knees allowed in AFCAT?

No, knock knees are not permitted in the AFCAT, sorry. Due to a severe medical requirement, individuals with knock knees are not permitted to join the Indian Air Force. The intermalleolar distance, or the space between the inner borders of the ankles, must be less than 5 centimetres according to the IAF's medical guideline for knock knees. The candidate will not be considered for the AFCAT selection procedure if the intermalleolar distance is larger than 5 centimetres.

Is Lasik surgery allowed in AFCAT?

Yes, LASIK surgery is allowed in AFCAT. According to IAF regulation, those who have had LASIK surgery are eligible to join the Air Force. The procedure known as Lasik Surgery, commonly known as laser eye surgery or laser eye correction, is just for the eyes. If you have had LASIK surgery and are thinking about taking the AFCAT exam, you should be informed of the IAF's position. Additionally, you need to receive proof from your doctor that your eyesight complies with IAF criteria.

Are tattoos allowed in AFCAT?

No, the AFCAT does not permit tattoos. Tattoos are strictly prohibited by the Indian Air Force (IAF), and any applicant having obvious tattoos would be excluded from consideration. The IAF does allow some tattoos, such as those that are not visible when wearing the uniform. This includes having tattoos on your back, chest, or stomach.

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