IAF Agniveer Vayu Intake 02/2027 applications close on 26 July 2026 at agnipathvayu.cdac.in. Before you fill the form, you need to know exactly which group to apply for (X or Y), whether your board marks qualify you, and whether your physical measurements are in range. Getting any of these wrong means rejection — sometimes weeks after you have already appeared for the exam. This article covers every eligibility criterion from the official notification.
Eligibility at a Glance
| Criterion | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Scheme | Agnipath — Agniveer Vayu |
| Intake | 02/2027 |
| Recruiting Body | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Application Portal | agnipathvayu.cdac.in |
| Application Deadline | 26 July 2026 |
| Nationality | Indian National |
| Gender | Both Male and Female candidates eligible |
| Marital Status | Must be unmarried at time of enrolment |
| Age (at enrolment) | 17.5 to 21 years |
| Groups Available | Group X (Science/Technical) and Group Y (Non-Technical) |
| Minimum Education | 10+2 with at least 50% aggregate |
| Experience Required | None — fresh 12th pass students are eligible |
Age Limit — Who Is Eligible?
The age window for IAF Agniveer Vayu is 17.5 to 21 years as on the date of enrolment. The exact enrolment date is announced after the selection process completes, typically 6–9 months after the application deadline. For Intake 02/2027, candidates born roughly between mid-2005 and early 2009 will fall in range — verify the exact birth date cut-off from the official notification.
| Group | Minimum Age | Maximum Age | Calculated As |
|---|---|---|---|
| Group X (Science/Technical) | 17 years 6 months | 21 years | Age on date of enrolment |
| Group Y (Non-Technical) | 17 years 6 months | 21 years | Age on date of enrolment |
| Group Y Medical Assistant | 17 years 6 months | 21 years | Age on date of enrolment |
Educational Qualification — Group-wise Requirements
This is the most critical eligibility filter. Your 12th standard subject combination and minimum marks determine which group you can apply for.
| Group | Stream / Subjects Required | Minimum Aggregate |
|---|---|---|
| Group X (Science / Technical) | 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and English | 50% aggregate in 10+2 |
| Group Y (Non-Technical) | 10+2 in any stream with English as a subject | 50% aggregate in 10+2 |
| Group Y — Medical Assistant | 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English | 50% aggregate in 10+2 |
Key points to note:
- The 50% minimum is on overall aggregate of all subjects — not individual subject marks
- English must appear as a subject in your 12th marksheet, not just as a medium of instruction
- Candidates appearing in their 12th board exams whose results are awaited may also apply — results must be submitted during Document Verification
- 3-year ITI diploma holders are eligible for Group X in some intakes — verify the current notification for ITI eligibility
- Students who passed 10+2 via Open School / NIOS from a board recognised by MHRD are also eligible
Physical Standards
Physical measurement is checked during the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) stage. Candidates who do not meet these standards are eliminated at that stage even if they have cleared the written exam.
| Measurement | Standard | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Height (Minimum) | 152.5 cm | Applies to all candidates — male and female |
| Chest (Unexpanded) | 77 cm minimum | For male candidates; minimum 5 cm expansion required |
| Chest Expansion | Minimum 5 cm | Expanded chest must be at least 82 cm (77 + 5) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height and age | BMI-based; no fixed number — assessed by medical board |
Vision Standards
Vision is tested during the medical examination. Requirements differ based on the group and trade you are being considered for.
| Eye | Standard (Distant Vision) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Better eye | 6/6 | Without spectacles or contact lenses |
| Worse eye | 6/9 | Without spectacles or contact lenses |
| Correctable to | 6/6 in both eyes | If vision is correctable, spectacles may be permitted in some trades |
| Colour vision | Normal — CP-I (no colour blindness) | Required for flying and technical trades (Group X); Group Y non-technical may have relaxed standards |
Candidates who wear spectacles with correction within the permissible range may still be eligible for certain Group Y trades. The exact permissible correction is specified in the official medical standards document. Flying-related trades in IAF uniformly require CP-I colour perception — no relaxation.
Marital Status Requirement
All Agniveer Vayu candidates must be unmarried at the time of enrolment. This is a hard requirement. Candidates who get married during the selection process (after applying but before enrolment) may be disqualified. Once enrolled, Agniveers are generally not permitted to marry for the duration of the 4-year engagement period, though this is governed by service regulations at the time of enrolment.
Nationality Requirement
Candidates must be Indian nationals. Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) and Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) are not eligible unless they have formally acquired Indian citizenship. Tibetan refugees who migrated to India before 1 January 1962 with intent to permanently settle in India may be eligible — verify with the recruiting authority.
Group X vs Group Y — Detailed Comparison
| Factor | Group X (Science/Technical) | Group Y (Non-Technical) |
|---|---|---|
| Qualification Required | Physics + Math + English in 12th | Any stream with English in 12th |
| Trade Examples | Aircraft Technician, Weapon System, Electronics, Mechanical | Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Education Instructor, Medical Asst. |
| Written Exam | Physics + Math + English + RAGA — 60 min | English + RAGA — 45 min |
| Written Exam (Questions) | ≈70 questions (varies) | 70 questions |
| Technical Nature of Work | Hands-on aircraft/weapon system maintenance | Administrative, logistics, support roles |
| Skill Development | Technical certifications, aerospace engineering exposure | Management, communication, administrative skills |
| Post-4-Year Prospects | Technical skill sets valued in private aerospace sector | Administrative skills applicable in government and corporate roles |
| Competition Level | Slightly lower (Physics + Math filter) | Higher (all streams compete) |
Common Disqualifications
- 12th aggregate below 50% — the most common rejection reason; calculate your exact aggregate before applying
- English not as a subject in 12th marksheet (only medium of instruction is not sufficient)
- Physics or Math missing for Group X applicants who completed Arts stream
- Height below 152.5 cm at the time of physical measurement
- Colour blindness — disqualifying for Group X trades; may disqualify from certain Group Y medical trades
- Married status at the time of enrolment
- Criminal record — any pending FIR, conviction, or chargesheet at the time of verification
- Tattoo on face, neck, or visible area — permanent tattoos on face/neck/hands (beyond wrist) are disqualifying; small tattoos on inner forearm may be permitted
- Age out of range — either above 21 or below 17.5 at enrolment date
How to Apply — Step-by-Step
| Step | Action | Where |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Visit the official Agniveer Vayu portal | agnipathvayu.cdac.in |
| 2 | Register with mobile number and email ID | Online registration form |
| 3 | Fill in personal details — name, DOB, address, category | Online application form |
| 4 | Enter 12th board marks and choose group (X / Y / both) | Educational details section |
| 5 | Upload scanned photo (10–50 KB) and signature (10–30 KB) in specified format | Document upload section |
| 6 | Pay application fee (if applicable — check official notification) | Online payment gateway |
| 7 | Submit and download the application acknowledgement / registration slip | Confirmation page |
| 8 | Note your Registration Number — needed for all future logins and admit card download | Save immediately |
Documents Required at Verification Stage
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Class 10 Certificate + Marksheet | Date of birth proof (as per official records) |
| Class 12 Certificate + Marksheet | Educational qualification — subjects and aggregate marks |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity and address proof |
| Domicile / Residence Certificate | State of residence (some states have state-specific recruiting rallies) |
| Caste Certificate (if applicable) | SC/ST/OBC — issued by competent authority |
| Registration Acknowledgement / Printout | Proof of application submission |
| Admit Card | Downloaded from official portal |
| Passport-size Photographs (4–6 copies) | As specified in the admit card / call letter |
| Character Certificate | From school Principal / Gazetted Officer |
| No Objection Certificate (if employed) | For candidates already in a government job |
Selection Process Overview
| Stage | Details | Nature |
|---|---|---|
| Online Written Exam | Group X: Physics + Math + English + RAGA (60 min); Group Y: English + RAGA (45 min) | Merit-based — shortlists for next stage |
| Phase 1 Selection Test | Conducted at designated Selection Test Centres | Written + initial documentation |
| Phase 2 Selection Test | Adaptability Test (AT-1, AT-2) — psychological tests; Physical Fitness Test (PFT) | Qualifying |
| Medical Examination | AFMS-standard medical — vision, hearing, physical, colour perception | Final gate |
| Document Verification | All original documents verified | Eliminating for document issues |
| Enrolment / Training | Basic training at Airmen Training Schools | Start of Agniveer service |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a female candidate apply for IAF Agniveer Vayu?
Yes — both male and female candidates are eligible for IAF Agniveer Vayu. All eligibility criteria (age 17.5–21, 50% in 12th, unmarried, Indian national) apply equally to both genders. The physical standards may have gender-specific variations — check the official notification for female candidate physical criteria.
I scored 48% in 12th — am I eligible if I got above 50% in Physics and Math individually?
No. The requirement is 50% aggregate in 10+2, not 50% in individual subjects. If your overall aggregate (all subjects combined) is below 50%, you do not meet the educational qualification regardless of your subject-wise marks. Calculate your aggregate precisely from your marksheet before applying.
Can I apply for both Group X and Group Y simultaneously?
Yes — if you have Physics and Math in your 12th with 50%+ aggregate, you can apply for both groups in the same intake. You will appear for the Group X exam (which covers Physics, Math, English, RAGA) and if selected for Group X criteria you may be placed there; Group Y selection runs in parallel. Apply for both to maximise your chances.
What is the Medical Assistant sub-trade under Group Y?
Group Y Medical Assistant is a specific trade within Group Y that requires Physics, Chemistry, Biology, and English in 12th (Science-PCB stream). These Agniveers are trained as paramedic support in IAF medical facilities. The written exam pattern follows Group Y (English + RAGA, 45 minutes), but the medical eligibility and trade training differs from other Group Y roles.
I have a small tattoo on my forearm — will I be disqualified?
Small tattoos on the inner forearm (below wrist) that are cultural or religious in nature and do not exceed a specific size (as defined in the notification) are generally permitted. However, tattoos on the face, neck, or visible areas of the hand (front/back of hand) are disqualifying. Check the specific tattoo policy in the official Intake 02/2027 notification, as IAF has evolved its policy over successive intakes.
My 12th result is yet to come — can I still apply?
Yes — candidates whose 12th board results are awaited at the time of application can apply for IAF Agniveer Vayu. Your provisional marksheet or result must be produced during document verification. You will need to meet the 50% aggregate requirement once your result is declared. Applying before your result lets you participate in the written exam and selection process early.
