AFCAT 01/2028 Medical Standards: Height, Weight & Eyesight

AFCAT 01/2028 Medical Standards: The Indian Air Force (IAF) has prescribed detailed medical standards for candidates applying through AFCAT 01/2026 for Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical) and NCC Special Entry. Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical and medical fitness requirements to be considered for commissioning into the Indian Air Force.

The AFCAT 01/2028 Medical Standards assess candidates’ overall physical and mental fitness, including height, weight, eyesight, hearing, cardiovascular health, the respiratory system, and other medical conditions.

The medical standards are broadly similar across branches; however, Flying Branch and other aircrew candidates have stricter requirements for eyesight, body measurements, and certain physical parameters.

AFCAT 01/2028 Medical Standards: Important Details

AFCAT 01/2028 Medical Standards Official Requirement:

1. AFCAT Medical Examination and Required Tests

Candidates appearing before the Special Medical Board (SMB) will undergo various laboratory, clinical and radiological investigations.

The following tests are prescribed:

• Blood tests: Complete haemogram, including haemoglobin, total leucocyte count, differential leucocyte count and platelet count.
• Hb Electrophoresis: To identify haemoglobin disorders.
• Biochemistry: Liver Function Test (LFT), Renal Function Test (RFT), fasting and post-glucose blood sugar tests and lipid profile.
• Urine examination: Routine and microscopic examination.
• ECG: Electrocardiogram to assess heart activity.
• Chest X-ray: PA view for all candidates.
• Spine X-ray: AP and lateral views of the lumbosacral spine for all candidates.
• Additional X-rays: Cervical and dorsal spine examinations for candidates assessed for flying duties.
• Ultrasound: USG of the abdomen and pelvis.

The Medical Board may also recommend additional investigations during the appeal stage.

2. AFCAT 2028 Height Requirements

The minimum height requirement differs according to the branch selected by the candidate.

Height relaxation:

• Lakshadweep candidates: 2 cm relaxation.
• Gorkhas and candidates belonging to specified North-Eastern and hilly regions of Uttarakhand: 5 cm relaxation.

The prescribed relaxation applies to the minimum height requirements specified in the AFCAT 01/2028 Medical Standards notification.

3. Sitting Height, Leg Length and Thigh Length

Candidates applying for aircrew duties must also meet the prescribed anthropometric measurements.

These measurements are important because candidates must be able to operate aircraft equipment safely and comfortably.

4. AFCAT 2026 Weight Requirements

Candidates must maintain weight according to their height and age. The prescribed weight range is different for male and female candidates.

The official notification provides separate weight-for-height charts:

• Annexure 1 (Page 31): Male candidates.
• Annexure 2 (Page 32): Female candidates.

For example:

The maximum permissible weight depends on the candidate’s age group: below 20 years, 20–25 years, and above 25 years. Candidates should check the relevant official chart rather than relying only on the minimum-weight figures.

5. AFCAT 2028 Eyesight Requirements

Eyesight is one of the most important medical requirements, particularly for candidates applying for Flying Branch positions.

Visual standards differ by medical category and branch.

Visual acuity requirements:

• Flying Branch: 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 in both eyes only for hypermetropia.
• Other specified Ground Duty categories: Corrected vision must meet the 6/6 requirement in each eye or both eyes, as applicable to the category.

Important eyesight conditions:

• Manifest squint is not acceptable.
• Keratoconus is considered unfit.
• Candidates with cataract surgery are unfit.
• Certain other invasive eye surgeries, including ICL and retinal surgery, are not acceptable.
• Night blindness is a cause for rejection.

Can candidates who have undergone LASIK surgery apply?

Yes, candidates who have undergone certain refractive surgeries such as LASIK, PRK, Femto LASIK, or SMILE may be considered fit if they satisfy the prescribed conditions.

The major conditions include:

1. Surgery must not have been performed before the age of 20 years.
2. At least 12 months must have passed after uncomplicated and stable surgery.
3. Residual refractive error must not exceed ±1.0 D for branches where correction is permitted.
4. Axial length of the eye must not exceed 26 mm.
5. Corneal thickness after surgery must be at least 450 microns.

Radial Keratotomy (RK) surgery and a pre-surgery refractive error exceeding 6 D are grounds for rejection.

6. Cardiovascular System Requirements

Candidates must have a healthy cardiovascular system. The following conditions are important:

Other important conditions:

• Organic cardiovascular disease is a ground for rejection.
• Congenital cardiac anomalies are considered unfit.
• Candidates with a history of cardiac surgery or intervention are considered unfit.
• ECG abnormalities may lead to rejection, subject to the specific evaluation provisions in the notification.

7. Respiratory System Requirements

Candidates must have a healthy respiratory system and should not suffer from chronic respiratory conditions.

The following conditions may lead to rejection:

• Bronchial asthma with repeated attacks.
• Recurrent bronchitis or wheezing.
• Pulmonary tuberculosis with residual lung or pleural scarring.
• Pleural thickening.
• Evidence of lung disease on chest X-ray.
• History of major thoracic surgery.

Old treated pulmonary tuberculosis cases may be accepted if treatment was completed more than two years earlier and there is no significant residual abnormality.

8. Gastrointestinal and Liver Requirements

The medical examination also checks the liver, gallbladder, spleen, pancreas, and other abdominal organs.

Some important disqualifying conditions include:

• Fatty liver (Grade 1 with abnormal LFT and Grade 2 or 3).
• Multiple liver cysts.
• Gallstones and biliary sludge.
• Pancreatic structural abnormalities.
• Enlarged spleen.
• Ascites.
• Current abdominal or inguinal hernia.

Surgery-related fitness: Certain candidates may be considered fit after completing the prescribed recovery period.

Fitness is subject to proper healing, absence of recurrence, and other conditions specified in the medical standards.

11. Urogenital System Requirements

Candidates will also be examined for kidney, urinary tract and reproductive system conditions.

The following conditions are considered unfit:

• Current hydrocele.
• Current varicocele.
• Renal stones, irrespective of size.
• Kidney transplant.
• Nephrectomy.
• Chronic glomerulonephritis.
• Renal structural abnormalities specified in the notification.
• HIV-positive status or evidence of sexually transmitted diseases.
• Persistent urinary infections.

Some surgically corrected conditions may be considered fit after the specified recovery period and satisfactory medical evaluation.

12. Endocrine and Diabetes Requirements

Candidates with clinical evidence of endocrine disorders will be considered unfit.

Important conditions include:

• Diabetes mellitus.
• Thyroid swelling, subject to appeal medical evaluation.
• Other clinically established endocrine disorders.

Candidates having a family history of diabetes may undergo additional blood sugar and HbA1c investigations.

11. Skin and Dermatological Conditions

The Indian Air Force also evaluates candidates for skin diseases that may affect their ability to perform military duties.

Some important conditions are:

Certain temporary skin conditions may not result in rejection if they are completely treated and do not affect general health.

12. Musculoskeletal System and Physical Fitness

The medical board examines the spine, hands, fingers, shoulders, legs, knees, and feet.

The following conditions may result in rejection:

• Spinal fractures and certain spinal deformities.
• Intervertebral disc prolapse.
• Spondylolysis and spondylolisthesis.
• Amputation of fingers, toes, or limbs.
• Recurrent shoulder dislocation.
• Ligament laxity of the knee.
• ACL reconstruction surgery.
• Rigid or fixed flat feet.
• Club foot.
• Significant knock knees or bow legs.
• Functional limitations in joints.

Flat feet: Candidates with flexible flat feet may be accepted if their arches reappear while standing on their toes and they can run and skip normally. Rigid or painful flat feet are considered unfit.

13. Nervous System and Mental Health Requirements

The medical examination also assesses the candidate’s neurological and mental health.

Some conditions that may lead to rejection include:

• Neurological deficits.
• Persistent tremors.
• Stammering.
• History of nervous breakdown.
• Mental disorders and relevant clinical symptoms.
• Intellectual, emotional, or conduct disorders requiring further evaluation.

Candidates may be referred for detailed psychiatric or neurological assessment where necessary.

14. ENT and Hearing Requirements

The Air Force has prescribed hearing and ENT standards to ensure that candidates can perform their duties effectively.

Important disqualifying conditions include:

• Tinnitus.
• Ménière’s disease.
• Vestibular dysfunction.
• Chronic otitis externa.
• Nasal polyposis.
• Certain forms of allergic rhinitis.
• Current middle-ear infections.
• Tympanic membrane perforation.
• Hearing loss beyond the prescribed limits.

The notification specifies that:

• Hearing acuity should not be below 600 cm in conversational voice (CV) or forced whisper (FW).
• Audiometric hearing loss should not exceed 20 dB at frequencies between 250 and 8000 Hz on Pure Tone Audiometry (PTA).

15. AFCAT 2026 Tattoo Policy

Candidates having permanent body tattoos must follow the prescribed Air Force tattoo guidelines. The notification also provides separate self-certification and community certificates for candidates belonging to tribal communities who have permanent tattoos as part of their customs and traditions.

Such candidates must provide the prescribed documentation and photographs of tattoos. Candidates should check the detailed tattoo provisions in the official notification before appearing for the medical examination.

16. Medical Appeal and Review

Candidates who are declared medically unfit should carefully follow the medical appeal provisions mentioned in the AFCAT notification.

The medical standards include provisions for further examination and specific investigations during the Appeal Medical Board and Review Medical Board stages.

However, acceptance at the appeal stage depends on the particular medical condition, specialist opinion, and prescribed fitness criteria. An appeal does not automatically guarantee medical fitness.

17. Important Advice for AFCAT 01/2026 Candidates

Candidates should take the following precautions before appearing for the AFCAT 01/2028 Medical Standards:

1. Check their height and weight according to the official charts.
2. Get their eyesight examined by an ophthalmologist.
3. Maintain proper physical fitness.
4. Carry relevant medical and surgical history documents.
5. Inform the medical authorities about previous operations and treatments.
6. Avoid hiding any medical condition or providing incorrect information.
7. Read the official medical standards carefully, particularly if applying for Flying Branch.

Important Note: The above information is summarised from Appendix A, Medical Standards for AFCAT 01/2026, covering pages 28–64 of the supplied notification. The document contains additional condition-specific medical provisions, exceptions, and specialist evaluation criteria. Candidates should refer to the complete official notification for the final decision on medical eligibility.

Source: AFCAT 01/2026 official notification, Appendix A – Medical Standards.

FAQs

Q1. What is the minimum height for AFCAT Ground Duty candidates?

Male candidates need a minimum height of 157 cm, while female candidates need 152 cm, subject to applicable relaxation.

Q2. What is the minimum height for AFCAT Flying Branch?

The minimum height for pilots, Flight Test Engineers, and WSOs of Su-30 MKI is 162 cm. For other specified aircrew duties, it is 157 cm.

Q3. Is LASIK surgery allowed in AFCAT 2026?

Yes, certain refractive surgeries, including LASIK, may be accepted if candidates meet the prescribed age, recovery, corneal thickness, axial length, and visual standards.

Q4. Is wearing spectacles allowed in AFCAT?

It depends on the branch and medical category. Flying Branch has stricter eyesight requirements than most Ground Duty categories.

Q5. Is asthma allowed in AFCAT?

A history of repeated bronchial asthma or wheezing attacks is a cause for rejection under the prescribed medical standards.