AFCAT Age Limit 2026 – Eligibility Age, Air Force Officer Age Criteria & Requirements

The AFCAT Age Limit 2026 is one of the most critical eligibility parameters for the Air Force Common Admission Test. The Indian Air Force (IAF) sets different age limits for different branches — Flying Branch candidates must be younger (20–24 years), while Ground Duty candidates have more time (20–26 years). Unlike many government exams, age for AFCAT is calculated with reference to the date of course commencement, not the exam date.

For AFCAT 2 2026, age is calculated as on 1 July 2027 (course commencement).

AFCAT 2026 Age Limit – Branch-Wise

AFCAT 2 2026 Birth Date Eligibility

For AFCAT 2 2026 (age calculated as on 1 July 2027):

AFCAT 1 2026 Age Reference (Already Conducted – 31 Jan 2026)

For AFCAT 1 2026, age was calculated as on 1 January 2027:

Age Relaxation for AFCAT 2026

Why AFCAT Age Limit Matters

The age for AFCAT is tied to the course commencement date, not the exam date. This has an important implication: if a candidate is 23 years and 11 months on the exam date but turns 24 before the course begins on 1 July 2027, they will be over the age limit for the Flying Branch.

AFCAT Age Limit vs Other Defence Exam Age Limits

Age Calculation Example for AFCAT 2 2026

Example 1: Candidate born on 15 September 2003

• Age as on 1 July 2027 = 23 years and ~9.5 months

• Flying Branch max age: 24 years → Eligible ✓

• Ground Duty max age: 26 years → Eligible ✓

Example 2: Candidate born on 30 June 2003

• Age as on 1 July 2027 = 24 years and 1 day

• Flying Branch max age: 24 years → Not eligible ✗ (exceeded by 1 day)

• Ground Duty max age: 26 years → Eligible ✓

Example 3: Candidate born on 5 August 2007

• Age as on 1 July 2027 = 19 years and ~11 months

• Minimum age: 20 years → Not eligible ✗ (under minimum age)

Physical and Educational Eligibility Alongside Age

Meeting the age limit is necessary but not sufficient. Candidates must also satisfy:

AFCAT 2026 Application Fee

Key Points on AFCAT Age Limit 2026

• There is no upper age relaxation for SC/ST/OBC candidates in AFCAT.

• Candidates holding a valid DGCA Commercial Pilot Licence get an upper age relaxation of up to 26 years for the Flying Branch.

• NCC Special Entry candidates may get limited relaxation as per IAF regulations — check the official notification.

• Age eligibility must be checked against the course commencement date, not the AFCAT exam date.

• Official notifications are published on afcat.cdac.in — always verify dates there.