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AFCAT Medical Standards

AFCAT LASIK and PABT Rules 2026

LASIK can solve one part of the AFCAT eyesight problem, but it does not automatically make a candidate a pilot. The medical standard and PABT are separate filters.

Updated 2026-05-24 · Source-grounded in AFCAT 02/2023 Appendix A-D · Defence Road medical standards library

Indian Air Force aircraft and AFCAT preparation
12 monthsMinimum uncomplicated post-surgery period.
Age 20Surgery must not be before age 20.
NILResidual standard for Pilot / Observer duties.
PABTSeparate aptitude filter, not a medical waiver.

LASIK / PRK / SMILE / Femto-LASIK Conditions

The AFCAT project source permits refractive surgery in all Air Force branches if every condition is satisfied.

  1. Pre-operative refractive error must be within +/-6.0 D.
  2. Surgery must not have been done before age 20 years.
  3. At least 12 months must have passed after uncomplicated surgery.
  4. Residual refraction must be within +/-1.0 D Sph or Cyl where correction is allowed; for Pilot / Observer duties the residual standard is NIL.
  5. Axial length by IOL Master must be 26 mm or less.
  6. Central corneal thickness must be at least 450 microns.
  7. Retina must be normal and healthy.
Not permitted

Radial Keratotomy (RK) is not permitted for any Air Force duty. Cataract surgery with or without IOL implant is unfit.

Flying Branch After LASIK

Flying Branch is strict because its base standard is NIL myopia. Even after surgery, Pilot / Observer duties require NIL residual standard. This is why candidates should not treat LASIK as a guaranteed Air Force pilot fix.

Ground Duty After LASIK

Ground Duty branches allow refractive correction within A4G1 standards, so LASIK assessment is usually less severe than Flying Branch residual requirements. However, the surgery timing, corneal thickness, axial length, retina and certificate requirements still apply.

PABT Is Separate from Medical

The project AFCAT hub states that candidates opting for Flying Branch or Weapon Systems Branch additionally take the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT), a one-time test of psychomotor coordination and instrument-flying aptitude. PABT cannot be re-attempted.

Clean distinction

LASIK eligibility is a medical issue. PABT is an aptitude issue. Passing one does not waive the other.

Planning Advice from the Source

  • Plan refractive surgery well before the medical board so the post-surgery period and certificate requirement are satisfied.
  • Keep the operating-centre certificate and pre-operative data.
  • Flying candidates should verify residual refraction, corneal thickness, axial length and retina status before assuming eligibility.
  • If you already failed PABT earlier, medical correction does not reset PABT.

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

Is LASIK allowed in AFCAT?

Yes, if all Air Force refractive surgery conditions are met.

Can I clear PABT after LASIK?

LASIK does not decide PABT. PABT is a separate aptitude test. You must satisfy both the medical standard and the PABT requirement where applicable.

Is RK allowed in AFCAT?

No. Radial Keratotomy is not permitted for any Air Force duty.

How long after LASIK can I appear for AFCAT medical?

The source requires at least 12 months after uncomplicated surgery, and surgery must not have been done before age 20.

Can LASIK allow Flying Branch if I had myopia?

Only if every Air Force condition is met and the final residual standard for Pilot / Observer duties is NIL.