Branch Standards for Women
Female AFCAT candidates are assessed against the branch they apply for: Flying Branch A1G1, or Ground Duty A4G1. The Flying Branch standards are the same strict cockpit-fit and eyesight standards.
| Branch / entry | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch - pilots / FTE / WSO Su-30 MKI | 162.5 cm | 162.5 cm |
| Flying Branch - other aircrew | 157 cm | 157 cm |
| Ground Duty branches | 157.5 cm | 152 cm |
| Ground Duty relaxation: North-East / Uttarakhand hills / Gorkhas | 152.5 cm | 147 cm |
| Ground Duty relaxation: Lakshadweep | 155.5 cm | 150 cm |
| Branch / medical category | Refractive limit | Visual acuity | Colour perception |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch A1G1 | Hypermetropia +1.5 D Sph; manifest myopia NIL; retinoscopic myopia NIL; astigmatism +0.75 D Cyl within +1.5 D max | 6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other, correctable to 6/6 only for hypermetropia | CP-I |
| Admin / Weapon Systems ground A4G1 | +3.5 D hypermetropia; -3.50 D myopia; +/-2.50 D Cyl | Correctable to 6/6 each eye; glasses compulsory when VA below 6/6 | CP-II |
| AE(M) / AE(L) A4G1 | Same as A4G1 limits | Corrected VA 6/9 each eye | CP-II |
| Meteorology A4G1 | Same as A4G1 limits | 6/6 better eye, 6/18 worse eye | CP-II |
| Accounts / Logistics / Education A4G1 | Same as A4G1 limits | 6/6 better eye, 6/18 worse eye | CP-III |
Female Height-Weight Reference
| Height (cm) | Weight age 20-25 |
|---|---|
| 148 | 43 kg |
| 152 | 46 kg |
| 155 | 48 kg |
| 158 | 50 kg |
| 160 | 51 kg |
| 162 | 52 kg |
| 165 | 54 kg |
| 168 | 56 kg |
| 170 | 58 kg |
| 175 | 61 kg |
| 178 | 63 kg |
The female chart uses SD = 5 kg, and the project source says variations up to +/-1 SD are acceptable. Weight below minimum chart value is not acceptable.
Gynaecological Examination Rules
- Detailed menstrual and obstetric history is mandatory.
- Examination is conducted by Lady Medical Officer or Lady Gynaecologist only.
- Speculum / per vaginal examination is not carried out in unmarried candidates.
- USG lower abdomen and pelvis is mandatory for all female candidates at initial medical examination.
- Past menstrual abnormality or pelvic abnormality requires gynaecologist opinion.
Pregnancy and Post-Delivery Rules
- Pregnancy causes temporary rejection.
- Re-examination after uncomplicated vaginal delivery is 24 weeks later.
- After MTP / abortion, review is 4-12 weeks post-procedure.
- After Caesarean section, the candidate remains unfit for 52 weeks, then undergoes re-examination.
Female-Specific Fit / Unfit Examples
| Condition | AFCAT medical position |
|---|---|
| Single small fibroid uterus <= 3 cm, no symptoms | Fit |
| Unilocular clear ovarian cyst < 6 cm | Fit |
| Arcuate uterus | Fit |
| Single fibroid > 3 cm or cavity-distorting fibroid | Unfit |
| Complex ovarian cyst of any size | Unfit |
| Endometriosis / adenomyosis | Unfit |
| Stress urinary incontinence | Cause for rejection |
| Significant hirsutism with male-pattern hair growth + radiological PCOS | Cause for rejection |
Medical board decisions are made by Armed Forces medical specialists. This page is a structured preparation guide, not a substitute for an official medical board opinion.
FAQs
Can women apply for AFCAT Flying Branch?
Yes, subject to the Flying Branch A1G1 medical standard including 162.5 cm standing height and flying anthropometry.
Is pelvic ultrasound done in AFCAT female medical?
Yes. USG lower abdomen and pelvis is mandatory for female candidates.
Is pregnancy allowed during AFCAT medical?
Pregnancy causes temporary rejection and later re-examination as per the source timelines.
What is AFCAT Ground Duty female height?
152 cm, with limited regional relaxation for Ground Duty categories.
Is PCOS always unfit?
The source specifically flags significant hirsutism with male-pattern hair growth plus radiological PCOS as rejection. Borderline cases are medical-board decisions.