Minimum Height by Branch
| 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 |
Flying Branch Anthropometry
| Flying anthropometry | Minimum | Maximum |
|---|---|---|
| Sitting height | 81.5 cm | 96.0 cm |
| Leg length | 99.0 cm | 120.0 cm |
| Thigh length | Not specified | 64.0 cm |
These measurements are used for cockpit and ejection-seat compatibility. A candidate who meets standing height can still fail flying anthropometry if sitting height, leg length or thigh length falls outside range.
Chest Requirement
- Minimum chest circumference: 77 cm.
- Minimum chest expansion: 5 cm.
- Chest deformity likely to interfere with physical exertion or military bearing is unfit.
- Decimals are recorded according to the AFCAT measurement rule: below 0.5 cm ignored; 0.5 recorded as such; 0.6 or more recorded as 1 cm.
Weight Chart Logic
The AFCAT source uses height-weight appendices for male and female candidates. It does not use a single universal BMI cutoff as the primary test.
- Ideal weight is relative to age and height.
- Maximum permissible variation is +/-1 SD from ideal body weight.
- Weights below the minimum chart value are not acceptable in any case.
- Female candidates: variations up to +/-1 SD acceptable.
Selected Weight Chart Entries
| Height | Male age 18-22 ideal | Female age 20-25 ideal |
|---|---|---|
| 152 cm | 47 kg | 46 kg |
| 157 cm | 50 kg | 48-50 kg range by chart height |
| 162 cm | 53 kg | 52 kg |
| 168 cm | 57 kg | 56 kg |
| 175 cm | 61 kg | 61 kg |
| 178 cm | 63 kg | 63 kg |
The complete chart in the project source covers more heights and age bands. This page shows selected entries for orientation.
Overweight Exceptional Cases
- Accepted only in exceptional documented body-building, wrestling or boxing cases at National level.
- BMI must be below 27.
- Waist-hip ratio must be below 0.9 for males and below 0.8 for females.
- Waist circumference must be below 94 cm for males and below 89 cm for females.
- Biochemical parameters must be normal.
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
What is AFCAT Flying Branch minimum height?
162.5 cm for the pilot / FTE / WSO Su-30 standard, for both male and female candidates.
What is AFCAT Ground Duty height for female?
152 cm, with limited regional relaxation for Ground Duty only.
Does AFCAT Flying have regional height relaxation?
The project source lists regional relaxations for Ground Duty, not for the Flying Branch pilot standard.
What is minimum chest for AFCAT?
Minimum chest circumference is 77 cm, with minimum expansion of 5 cm.
Can overweight candidates clear AFCAT medical?
Only in exceptional national-level sport/body-building cases and only if BMI, waist, waist-hip ratio and biochemistry are within limits.