Can candidates with less than 60% marks in graduation apply for AFCAT?


AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is conducted by the Indian Air Force to select candidates for various officer posts in the Indian Air Force. It is a highly competitive examination that assesses the aptitude, reasoning, and general awareness of candidates.


To be eligible for AFCAT, candidates must fulfill certain criteria, including educational qualifications. The eligibility criteria for AFCAT are as follows:

1. Graduation: Candidates must have a minimum of 60% marks in graduation. This requirement is applicable to both technical and non-technical branches. However, for candidates with a postgraduate degree or those applying for a Ph.D. program, the minimum percentage requirement is relaxed to 50%.

2. Age Limit: The age limit for AFCAT varies depending on the branch and post applied for. For Flying Branch, candidates must be between 20 and 24 years of age. For Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) branches, the age limit is between 20 and 26 years.


While the general eligibility criteria state that candidates must have a minimum of 60% marks in graduation, there are certain exceptions for candidates with less than 60% marks. These exceptions are as follows:

1. NCC Special Entry: Candidates who have obtained an 'C' certificate in the NCC Air Wing with a minimum of 60% marks in graduation or equivalent can apply for AFCAT even if they have scored less than 60% marks.

2. SSC Entry (Technical Branch): For candidates applying for the Technical Branch through the Short Service Commission (SSC) entry, the minimum percentage requirement is relaxed to 55%. However, this relaxation is only applicable to the Technical Branch.

3. Wards of Air Force Personnel: Candidates who are children of Air Force personnel and have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in graduation can also apply for AFCAT. This relaxation is applicable to all branches.


Candidates with less than 60% marks in graduation can apply for AFCAT under certain circumstances, such as having an 'C' certificate in the NCC Air Wing or applying for the Technical Branch through the SSC entry. Additionally, children of Air Force personnel who have obtained a minimum of 50% marks in graduation are also eligible to apply. However, it is important to note that meeting the minimum eligibility criteria does not guarantee selection, as the selection process is highly competitive and includes written examinations, interviews, and medical tests.