Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar
Joining IAF (Indian Air Force) is a dream that many young Indians nurture. Many dream of becoming Flying Officers (Pilots) in IAF. Others dream about becoming a Technical Branch Officer in the Organization. Some others have ambitions of becoming Ground Duty Officers. But the reality is that making it to the IAF is not an easy task. There are written exams and SSB Interview standing in between aspirants and their goal! In case of Flying Branch aspirants, a hurdle in the form of PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test) is also present! Talking about tough selection procedure, Medical and Physical standards play an important role in it. To become a Commissioned Officer in IAF (to get selected into the training program that will help one become one), one must satisfy a set of Physical Standards that they have set. In case of Flying Branch candidates, an additional set of Medical standards must also be met. In this article, I will cover those medical and physical standards in detail.
IAF Physical standards (for all branches)
In case of Ground Duty Branches, Technical Branch and Flying Branch, a set of basic Physical Standards exists, which a candidate must meet. In addition to these Physical Standards, Flying Branch applicants also have to satisfy additional Medical Standards too! Here are details about Physical and Medical standards-
To join IAF, candidates, irrespective of the entry mode and educational qualifications, must satisfy a basic set of Physical standards. The list is quite long. But the main things that are checked are-
- Weight and Height ratio
- Good Physical and Mental health
- Good hearing
- Well developed chests (expansion should be at least 5cm after full inspiration)
- Healthy Bones and Joints
For the entire list of Physical Standards’ criteria set by IAF, check out the charts provided below. You may click on the images to get an enlarged view. You may find the full set of Physical standards on the image. You may even save it for future use-
Apart from the above mentioned standards, height weight ratio is also given much importance. Height and weight standards is different in case of male and female candidates. I’ve made two charts regarding height weight standards set by IAF. They’ve been clearly marked with ‘for men’ and ‘for women’ tags.
Medical Standards (Additional ones, in case of Flying Branch)
In case of Flying Branch , additional set of Medical standards are also present, which a candidate has to satisfy. Some important tests and things checked as part of this Medical test are-
- Anthropometric Measurements
- Spinal Conditions
- Vision (Eyesight requirements)
- Occular Muscle Balance
I’ve compiled detailed charts that deals with all the above mentioned Medical standards and tests. You may click on the images, enlarge them and read details with ease! You may even save these images for future use!
This additional set of Medical standards indicates how particular IAF is about the aptitude and fitness of their Pilots! As evident from the charts, much emphasis of laid on eyesight (vision) and Anthropometric measurements. Some spinal conditions may result in rejection while some other conditions are acceptable (mentioned in chart above).
Useful articles-
Career Air Force: How to join IAF
How to join IAF after 12th Science
How to join IAF after Engineering
How girls/female aspirants may join IAF Flying Branch
How to become Commercial Pilot after 12th Science
How Commercial Pilots may join IAF
PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery test) tips and details
Candidates who manage to get recommended after SSB Interview (all stages and conference) and PABT (in case of Flying Branch candidates) are subjected to Medical tests. Medical examination is held at two centres- AFCME (Air Force Central Medical Establishment), New Delhi and Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru. Candidates recommended by the Selection Board will be sent for Medical Examination to any one of the above mentioned centres.
I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.
I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.
Sir I have six fingers on my both legs and a joining of two fingers in the left hand,am I eligible for the air force of our country .
I have eye no. of -1.0 to both eyes. Can I apply to airmen post.
Sir I Am Sudipa presently persuing Mcom in 1st year and have 62.25% in Bcom .sir can I apply for ground staff non technical in Accounts branch?
sir , meri height 167 cm hai , male hu ,mujhe koi problem nhi hai bs kv kv head me pain ho jat hai ,,is se kya koi mere medical result pr effect padega
Sir I can’t read distant words without lenses my lenses are 1.5 and 1.0 . Can I clear IAF medical test
Sorry to say but contact lenses are not allowed in IAF.
sir my height is 149 cm female am i eligible for indian air force ground duty non technical ?
Sir, i am 16 year old, i have knock knee problem, can i fit for the post of pilot in indian air force or navy..?
sir mujhe cavaties hai isse koi problem to nhi hogi plz sir bata dena plz
i am not able to see far distant object but i still want to join flying branch.Can i fill form for flying branch??
sir i have one defective tooth can it lead to rejection?
Left eye small and right eye big but I don’t have any in my vision no disease myopia and all no colour vision can I join iaf any branch sir
Sir please tell me that flatfoot is a medical point or not in IAF
and my knee also touches please tell me that these are medical point or not
sir for iaf post how many running should recquired
Sir I Clear all that things in IAF like paper and physical test and Interview… My interview is on 26 July 2016… give some tips to got fit in medical ….
Sir I have some chickenpox mark on my body will this affect my result while medical examination. Please suggest me something.
Sonu, it won’t cause you any harm. All the best.
Please send me all medical standard for Indian air force to become as airmen
I am suffering from Myopia but I still want to join the flying branch…What can I do?
sir I want to make a best fightet jet in IAF. please give a contact so i make our dream successful. plz give a contact no. of engineer who helped me in this precious project.
thankyou sir
future flying officer in IAF
Ashwani, if you want to work on fighter jets, you will have to join the Technical Branch of IAF.
Hello sir. My question is:1) Can i give AFCAT AND CDSE exam in 3rd year of enginnering ?
2)Sir i have four defective teeths but they don`t cause me any problem so can it lead to my rejection in medical ? I want to join IAF.