Airforce X group is the name aspirants use for the Science Subjects stream of Agniveervayu, and Y group for the Other than Science Subjects stream. The Air Force’s own advertisement uses the stream names. For Intake 02/2027, the science stream needs Class 12 with Mathematics, Physics and English at 50% aggregate and 50% in English, the other stream needs Class 12 in any subjects with the same marks, and candidates born between 1 July 2005 and 1 January 2010 could apply.
What do X group and Y group mean?
Most websites and many students say X group and Y group. The Air Force’s Agniveervayu advertisement and portal do not use those letters. They name the two streams Science Subjects and Other than Science Subjects, and abbreviate them SS and OS, with BS for candidates who sit both. In the way aspirants use the terms, X group matches the science stream and Y group the other stream.
| Popular name | Official stream | Education | Online test (Phase I) |
|---|---|---|---|
| X group | Science Subjects (SS) | Class 12 with Mathematics, Physics and English, 50% aggregate and 50% in English; or a three-year diploma in listed Engineering streams, or a two-year vocational course with Physics and Mathematics, with the same marks | Physics, Mathematics and English, 60 minutes |
| Y group | Other than Science Subjects (OS) | Class 12 or equivalent in any stream or subjects, 50% aggregate and 50% in English; or a two-year vocational course | English and Reasoning and General Awareness, 45 minutes |
| Both | Science and Other than Science (BS) | Candidates eligible for science are also eligible for the other stream and can choose to sit both papers in one sitting | All four, 85 minutes |
Note that marks are counted before the decimal: the Air Force’s example is that 49.99% is taken as 49%, not rounded to 50%. Its FAQ says a candidate with 49.9% in Class 12 and 49.8% in English is not eligible. Candidates who passed Class 12 as private candidates or from an open university are eligible if the board is recognised on the date of registration.
How do the dates and age rules change between intakes?
Every fact on an Air Force page belongs to an intake. Dates and age rules move from one intake to the next, so never quote a rule without its intake number.
| Intake 01/2027 | Intake 02/2027 | |
|---|---|---|
| Registration | 12 January to 1 February 2026, later extended; reopened from 3 to 10 March 2026 after the age extension | 6 July to 26 July 2026 |
| Online exam | 30 and 31 March 2026 | 22 and 23 September 2026 |
| Date of birth block | 1 January 2006 to 1 July 2009; extended by a corrigendum to 1 January 2005 to 1 July 2009 for candidates up to 22 years | 1 July 2005 to 1 January 2010 |
| Upper age at enrolment | 21 years in the advertisement; 22 years after the corrigendum | 22 years |
| Objection window after the exam | 3 to 5 April 2026 | 26 to 28 September 2026 |
The minimum age is 17½ years and the maximum 22 years on the date of enrolment, but the date-of-birth block in the advertisement decides who may apply. There is no age relaxation for graduates or postgraduates. For Intake 02/2027 the advertisement says the state-wise Provisional Select List will be displayed in the last week of May 2027 and the enrolment list published after 1 June 2027.
What are the selection stages?
| Phase | What happens |
|---|---|
| Phase I | Online test: objective, bilingual except English. Marks are normalised across shifts, and shortlisting for Phase II is state-wise. |
| Phase II | Physical Fitness Test at the designated Airmen Selection Centre: a 1.6 km run within 7 minutes for men and 8 minutes for women, then push-ups, sit-ups and squats; then Adaptability Test I (written) and Adaptability Test II. |
| Phase III | Medical examination by an Air Force medical team, with an Appeal Medical Board for candidates declared unfit. |
Call or WhatsApp +91 70170 31757 for free counselling if you are unsure whether the science or the other stream suits you, or if you want your date of birth checked against an intake.
What are the physical and medical standards?
| Parameter | Standard in the advertisement |
|---|---|
| Height | Men: 152 cm. Women: 152 cm, and 147 cm for candidates from North East or hilly regions of Uttarakhand (with an endorsement of hilly region on the domicile certificate), and 150 cm for Lakshadweep. |
| Chest | Men: at least 77 cm with expansion of at least 5 cm. Women: expansion of at least 5 cm. |
| Vision | 6/12 in each eye, correctable to 6/6 in each eye; hypermetropia up to +2.0 D and myopia up to -1 D including 0.50 D astigmatism; colour vision CP-II. History of LASIK or PRK is not accepted. |
| Hearing | Able to hear a forced whisper from 6 metres with each ear. |
| Dental | Healthy gums, a good set of teeth and at least 14 dental points. Fixed or removable orthodontic appliances make a candidate unfit. |
| Other | Permanent body tattoos are not permitted, except in the areas and cases the advertisement lists. |
Medical standards are broad guidelines, and the medical board decides fitness conclusively.
What are the terms of service?
Agniveervayu are enrolled under the Air Force Act 1950 for four years. Up to 25% of each batch can be enrolled in the regular cadre as Airmen, and only unmarried Agniveervayu are eligible for that. Agniveervayu must not marry during the four years. The package is ₹30,000 a month with a yearly increment, with the Seva Nidhi described in our Agniveer salary guide. Annual leave is 30 days. The application fee for Intake 02/2027 was ₹550 plus 18% GST. The selection test is not for commissioned officers, pilots, navigators or airmen.
Separate recruitment exists for Agniveervayu non-combatants (applications for Intake 01/2027 ran from 1 to 17 August 2026), for musicians and for sportspersons. This page covers the STAR science and other-than-science test.
Airforce X and Y group: common questions
FAQs
Questions parents ask us.
Can't find yours? Ask on WhatsApp; a counsellor usually replies within working hours.
Ask on WhatsAppWhat is the Air Force X group eligibility?
Class 12 with Mathematics, Physics and English at 50% aggregate and 50% in English, or an equivalent diploma or vocational route. This is the Science Subjects stream.
What is the Air Force Y group eligibility?
Class 12 in any stream with 50% aggregate and 50% in English, or a two-year vocational course. This is the Other than Science Subjects stream.
What is the Agniveervayu age limit?
17½ years minimum and 22 years maximum on the date of enrolment, with the date-of-birth block in the advertisement deciding who can apply. For Intake 02/2027 it was 1 July 2005 to 1 January 2010.
Can a science student also sit the other stream?
Yes. Science-eligible candidates are also eligible for the other stream and can opt to appear in both in one sitting.
Is there a height relaxation for hill candidates?
For women, 147 cm is accepted from the hilly regions of Uttarakhand and North East, against 152 cm. The men's minimum is 152 cm.
Is LASIK accepted in the Air Force?
No. The advertisement says candidates with a history of LASIK or PRK will not be accepted.
Sources
- IAF CASB: Advertisement for Agniveervayu Intake 02/2027
- IAF CASB: Advertisement for Agniveervayu Intake 01/2027
- IAF CASB: Corrigendum for Agniveervayu Intake 01/2027
- IAF CASB: Eligibility criteria
- IAF CASB: Frequently asked questions
- IAF CASB: Agniveervayu page and announcements
- IAF CASB: Physical Fitness Test
Our Agniveer, Navy, Air Force and Coast Guard coaching in Dehradun page describes the batch. For the papers, read our Air Force X and Y group syllabus and pattern guide.
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