To join the Indian Air Force (IAF), candidates must meet strict physical fitness standards in addition to clearing written and SSB stages. These requirements vary according to the post, such as Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical/Non-Technical, and Agniveer Vayu. This article covers the Air Force physical requirement post wise including height, weight, chest expansion, eyesight, and more.
📋 Overview – Air Force Physical Requirement (Post-wise)
| Post/Branch | Gender | Height (Min.) | Weight (Approx.) | Chest Expansion | Eye Vision |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch (AFCAT/NDA) | Male/Female | 162.5 cm | As per height chart | 5 cm | 6/6 (one eye), 6/9 (corrected) |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | Male/Female | 157.5 cm (M) / 152 cm (F) | As per BMI | 5 cm | 6/6 with or without glasses |
| Ground Duty (Non-Technical) | Male/Female | 157.5 cm (M) / 152 cm (F) | Based on height | 5 cm | 6/6 (corrected allowed) |
| Agniveer Vayu (Non-Officer) | Male/Female | 152.5 cm (M) / 152 cm (F) | Proportional | 5 cm | 6/6 and 6/9 (correctable) |
| Medical Branch (AMC) | Male/Female | 157 cm (M) / 152 cm (F) | Medical standard | NA | Must meet medical visual norms |
📊 Detailed Physical Standards – Air Force Physical Requirement Post Wise
1. 🚁 Flying Branch (Fighter/Transport/Helicopter Pilot)
Min Height: 162.5 cm
Leg Length: 99 – 120 cm
Thigh Length: Max 64 cm
Sitting Height: 81.5 – 96 cm
Chest: Min 5 cm expansion
Eyesight:
Uncorrected: 6/6
Corrected: 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 in other
Weight: As per IAF height-weight chart
Note: Lasik surgery allowed only after 1 year of operation for certain cases
2. 🛠️ Ground Duty (Technical Branch)
Min Height:
Male: 157.5 cm
Female: 152 cm
Chest: 5 cm expansion (Male)
Weight: According to height & BMI standards
Eyesight:
6/6 or 6/9 with glasses
Color Vision: CP-I (correct perception)
Hearing: Normal
Note: Candidates must be free from deformities like flat feet, knock knees
3. 🖥️ Ground Duty (Non-Technical Branch)
Height:
Male: 157.5 cm
Female: 152 cm
Chest Expansion: Minimum 5 cm
Eyesight: 6/6 (corrected), no color blindness
Weight: Proportional to height
Fitness Test (at AFSB):
1.6 km run in 10 mins
10 push-ups, 3 chin-ups
4. 🔥 Agniveer Vayu (Under Agnipath Scheme)
Applicable for Airmen-level posts (non-officer role)
| Parameter | Male | Female |
|---|---|---|
| Height | Min 152.5 cm | Min 152 cm |
| Chest Expansion | Min 5 cm | Min 5 cm |
| Weight | Proportional | Proportional |
| Run | 1.6 km in 6 min 30 sec | 1.6 km in 8 min |
| Push-Ups | 10 | NA |
| Sit-Ups | 10 | 10 |
| Squats | 20 | 15 |
| Vision | 6/6 or 6/9 (correctable) | 6/6 or 6/9 |
🔬 Eye Vision Standards – Post Wise
| Post | Uncorrected Vision | Corrected Vision | Color Vision |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | 6/6 | 6/6 in one eye, 6/9 | CP-I |
| Technical Branch | 6/6 | 6/6 or 6/9 with specs | CP-I or CP-II |
| Non-Technical Branch | 6/6 or 6/9 | Allowed with glasses | CP-II |
| Agniveer Vayu | 6/6 or 6/9 | Allowed | CP-II |
🔁 Can Candidates with Flat Foot or Knock Knees Join Air Force?
No. Candidates with physical deformities like:
Flat foot
Knock knees
Squint eyes
Herniated disc
…are generally considered unfit for IAF roles.
🏃 Physical Fitness Test at AFSB (for Officers)
Every officer candidate must undergo a Physical Test at AFSB after clearing written exams:
1.6 Km run in 10 minutes
10 Push-ups
3 Chin-ups
Medical check-ups including ENT, eyesight, hearing, BP, etc.
🎓 Tips to Meet Air Force Physical Standards
Maintain BMI as per age and height.
Start training early – running, flexibility, and bodyweight exercises.
Get eyes checked and wear specs if required (some posts allow it).
Practice for AFSB fitness test – running and upper-body strength.
Avoid drugs/steroids, and be free from chronic illnesses.
❓FAQs – Air Force Physical Requirement Post Wise
Q1. What is the minimum height for a female in Air Force?
A: 152 cm for most branches; 162.5 cm for Flying Branch.
Q2. Can specs wearers join Indian Air Force?
A: Yes, for most branches except Fighter Flying roles.
Q3. What is the chest expansion requirement in Air Force?
A: Minimum 5 cm expansion for both males and females.
Q4. Is color blindness allowed in the Air Force?
A: No. Color perception must meet CP-I or CP-II standards.
Q5. What if I fail the Air Force medical test?
A: You may appeal or undergo a re-medical board depending on the case.