AFCAT 2026 – Stage-wise Document Requirements

At the AFCAT application stage, candidates mainly upload scanned images (photo, signature, thumb impression) and enter ID and educational details, while original certificates are checked at AFSB and medical before final selection.

Always read the latest AFCAT notification, application instructions and AFSB call letter carefully, because they mention the exact formats, sizes and list of original documents to carry.

1
Online Application
  • Scanned Photograph

    JPG/JPEG, 10–50 KB, around 100 × 120 px, light background
    MANDATORY
    Used on AFCAT admit card and throughout selection to visually identify the candidate.
  • Scanned Signature

    JPG/JPEG, 10–50 KB, around 100 × 80 px
    MANDATORY
    Acts as specimen signature; must match signatures done on attendance sheets and AFSB forms.
  • Scanned Thumb Impression

    JPG/JPEG, 10–50 KB (left thumb for males, right thumb for females)
    MANDATORY
    Used for biometric verification and to strengthen identity proof during later stages.
  • Photo ID Details

    Aadhaar / PAN / Passport / Driving Licence / other valid ID details
    MANDATORY
    The same ID must be carried in original to the written exam, AFSB and medical for identity verification.
  • Class 10 & 12 Marks Details

    Roll number, year, board, marks/percentage
    MANDATORY
    Used to check basic eligibility, aggregate marks and subject requirements (like Physics & Maths for Flying branch).
  • Graduation / Degree Details

    Degree type, university, marks and passing year
    MANDATORY
    Determines eligibility for Flying and Ground Duty branches and whether minimum percentage is met.
2
AFCAT Written Examination
  • AFCAT E‑Admit Card

    A4 print of AFCAT admit card
    MANDATORY
    Shows roll number, exam city, date, shift and reporting time; required for entry to the exam centre.
  • Original Photo ID

    Same ID whose details were entered in the form
    MANDATORY
    Shown along with admit card to verify identity at entry and during attendance capture inside the hall.
  • Recent Passport-size Photographs

    2–3 colour photos, same as uploaded
    May be required to paste on attendance sheets or forms if instructed; must match the application photo.
3
AFSB Testing & Reporting
  • AFSB Call Letter & AFCAT Admit Card

    Printout of AFSB call letter + copy of AFCAT admit card
    MANDATORY
    Confirms shortlisting for AFSB and shows reporting date, time and selection board centre.
  • Matriculation (Class 10) Certificate & Marksheet

    Original + at least two self‑attested photocopies
    MANDATORY
    Final proof of date of birth and name; all educational records and ID proofs must match these details.
  • Class 12 Marksheet & Certificate

    Original + photocopies
    MANDATORY
    Used to check aggregate marks and subjects (especially Physics & Mathematics for Flying branch and some technical entries).
  • Graduation / Degree Certificates & Mark Sheets

    Original degree or provisional + all semester/year mark sheets with 2 copies
    MANDATORY
    Confirms that you meet the degree and percentage criteria for the selected branch (Flying or Ground Duty).
  • Original Photo ID & Address Proof

    Same ID as in application + address proof if different
    MANDATORY
    Used at AFSB for identity verification, record creation and movement during testing days.
  • Category Certificates (SC/ST/OBC/EWS) – If Applicable

    Original central‑format certificates + photocopies
    Required to support reservation and relaxation claims under central government and IAF rules.
  • PwBD / Disability Documents – If Applicable

    Original benchmark disability certificate + photocopies
    Required for candidates claiming disability status, subject to service and branch suitability rules.
  • NCC Air Wing ‘C’ Certificate – If Applicable

    Original NCC “C” certificate + photocopies
    Gives weightage/benefit for NCC special entries and is recorded during AFSB documentation.
  • Valid Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) – If Applicable

    Original CPL issued by DGCA + photocopies
    For Flying branch CPL holders; provides additional benefits as per AFCAT notification.
  • No Objection Certificate – If Serving

    Original NOC from current employer (Govt/PSU/Armed Forces)
    Confirms that serving personnel are permitted to appear for AFCAT and can be released if selected.
  • Passport-size Colour Photographs

    Around 20 recent colour photos
    Used on personal information forms, identification documents and other AFSB paperwork.
4
Final DV & Medical
  • Medical / Merit Call Instructions

    Issued by AFSB / Air Force medical authorities
    MANDATORY
    Mention hospital, reporting date/time and any extra documents/items required for medical examination.
  • Original Photo ID & Verified Certificates

    Same ID and main certificates used at AFSB
    MANDATORY
    Medical board and record offices reconfirm identity, age, qualification and category before declaring final fitness.
  • Previous Medical Records (If Any)

    Reports of surgeries, chronic illnesses, eye treatment, etc.
    Help the medical board understand existing conditions and decide on fitness/unfitness under IAF standards.

AFCAT Photo, Signature & Thumb – Key Upload Rules

Document Format Size / Dimensions Key Rules
Photograph JPG / JPEG 10–50 KB, around 100 × 120 px Recent colour passport photo with light background; full face visible; no caps or sunglasses; image should not be blurred, dark or over‑edited.
Signature JPG / JPEG 10–50 KB, around 100 × 80 px Sign in black ink on white paper; clear and inside the box; not in all capital letters; avoid smudged or double signatures.
Thumb Impression JPG / JPEG 10–50 KB Use left thumb for males and right thumb for females; take a clean impression with dark ink; thumb image should be central and clearly visible.

AFCAT Documents – Quick FAQs

Common document-related doubts for AFCAT aspirants.

Do I need to upload my 10th, 12th and degree certificates in the AFCAT application?
You mainly upload photo, signature and thumb impression and enter marks details; original certificates are checked later during AFSB testing and final documentation.
How many photocopies of certificates should I carry to AFSB?
Carry at least two self‑attested photocopies of each educational, ID and category certificate along with all originals and several recent photographs.
Is it compulsory to carry the same ID card that I used in the AFCAT form?
Yes, you should carry the same original ID whose details you entered in the online form for the written exam, AFSB and medical.