The Indian Air Force (IAF), having finished the Platinum Jubilee of die-hard loyalty to the country, is an advanced, innovation-based force recognized by its pledge to greatness and courage. Being up to date with modern technology and with its brave personnel, the IAF is a power to be reckoned with. The IAF is the fourth largest Air Force in the world with a highly technical and specialized fighting force that safeguards our skies against enemy invasions.
Taking up a career in the Indian Air Force requires an attitude to excel and to serve the nation with courage & dignity. Many students post their high school aspire to serve their country, but are unsure about How to join Indian Air Force?
For a lucid and a broader view We’ve divided the categories in which a student can build a career in this niche and will have a more clear perspective on how to join Indian Air Force.
A career in Indian Air Force can be in either of the three branches with various subdivisions-
- Flying Branch
1. Fighters
2. Transports
3. Helicopters - Ground Duty (Technical Branch)
1. Mechanical
2. Electronics - Ground Duty (Non- Technical Branch)
1. Administration
2. Accounts
3. Logistics
4. Education
5. Meteorology
We’ve compiled a list of various designations and the steps to be followed and cleared, in order to achieve a position in The Indian Air Force.
How to join Indian Air Force after the 12th as an Officer?
Step 1- National Defense Academy
The notification for NDA is released twice a year in the months of June and December. The written tests are conducted by UPSC only.
Eligibility:
Age– 16 ½ to 19 ½ years
Nationality– Indian
Gender– Men
Education Qualification– Passed Intermediate / 10+2 / equivalent examination with Mathematics, Physics and English with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
OR
Passed 3 years Diploma Course in Engineering in any stream from a Government recognized Polytechnic Institute with 50% marks in aggregate, and 50% marks in English in Diploma or in Intermediate/Matriculation.
Syllabus- General Ability Test and Mathematics
Step 2- Air Force Selection Board
The Air Force Selection Board is located at Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar, and Mysore. The aim of AFSB is to ascertain one’s potential as an officer in the Indian Air Force
AFSB is divided into two stages:
- Stage 1– This is a screening test and those who qualify for stage 1 move to the next stage. It involves:
i) Officer Intelligence Rating Test
ii) Picture Perception and Discussion Test - Stage 2– All qualified candidates undergo Psychological tests, group tests (involving mental and physical work), interviews, and Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test (only for flying branch). These activities are spread across 5 days and are conducted by Psychologists, GTO, and Interviewing officers.
The entry through NDA is open for flying branch, Ground duty (tech), and Ground duty (non-tech). All cadets of the Flying branch and Ground duty (tech) would be offered B Tech in NDA and cadets of Ground Duty (Non-tech) would be offered B Sc degree.
Step 3- Medical Examination
If the Selection Board recommends, one will be sent for the medical examination at the Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi, or the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru.
An All India Merit List is compiled based on performance in the written test and AFSB interview, subject to being medically fit.
Candidates selected for Indian Air Force undergo a rigorous three-year training regimen at the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, followed by specialized training at one of the AF Training Establishments. On successful completion, they are Commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers and posted as officers at any Air Force Station
How to join Indian Airforce after Graduation as an Officer?
1. Flying Branch-
a) Route 1:
Step 1- Common Defense Services Examination
The notification for CDSE is released twice a year in the months of July and November by UPSC.
Eligibility:
Age– 20 to 24 years
Nationality– Indian
Marital Status– Single
Gender– Men
Educational Qualification– Graduate (Three Year Course) in any discipline from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level)/BE/B Tech (Four Year Courses).
Syllabus– English, General Knowledge, and Elementary Mathematics
Step 2- Air Force Selection Board
Step 3- Medical Examination
b) Route 2:
Step 1- NCC Special Entry
In addition to CDSE, one can join the Flying Branch in the Indian Air Force through NCC. One needs to be an Air Wing Senior Division ’C’ Certificate holder of the National Cadet Corps. Men & women can join the Air Force through this mode of entry. Permanent Commission offered for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.
Eligibility:
Age- 20 to 24 years
Nationality- Indian
Marital Status- Single
Gender- Men and Women
Educational Qualifications- Minimum 60% marks in each in Maths & Physics at 10 + 2 level. Graduate (Three Year Courses) in any discipline from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
OR
BE/B Tech (Four Year Course) from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent
Step 2- Air Force Selection Board
Step 3- Medical Examination
c) Route 3:
Step 1- Air Force Common Aptitude Test
AFCAT is conducted twice a year in February and August. Applications for the same are out in the months of June and December. The test is conducted across India by the Indian Air Force.
Eligibility:
Age- 20 to 24 years
Nationality- Indian
Marital Status- Single
Gender- Men and Women
Educational Qualifications- Minimum of 60% marks each in Maths & Physics at 10+2 level. Graduates (Three Year Courses) in any discipline from a recognized University who have attained a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent/
OR
BE/B Tech (Four Year Courses) from a recognized university with minimum 60% marks or equivalent
Syllabus – Verbal Ability, General Awareness, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, and Military Aptitude Test
Step 2- Air Force Selection Board
Step 3- Medical Examination
2. Ground Duty (Technical) Branches-
Step 1- Air Force Common Aptitude Test
Eligibility:
Age- 20 to 26 years
Nationality- Indian
Marital Status- Candidates below the age of 25 years should be unmarried
Gender- Men and Women. Permanent Commission (for men) / Short Service Commission (For men and women)
Educational Qualifications- Minimum of 60% marks each in Maths & Physics at 10+2 level. Graduates (Three Year Courses) in any discipline from a recognized University who have attained a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
OR
BE/B Tech (Four Year Course) from a recognized university with minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
Step 2- Air Force Selection Board
Step 3- Medical Examination
3. Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches-
Step 1- Common Defense Services Examination
The advertisement for CDSE is released twice a year in the months of July and November by UPSC
Eligibility:
Age- 20 to 26 Years
Marital Status- Candidates below the age of 25 years must be Unmarried
Nationality- Indian
Gender- Men and Women
Educational Qualifications- Graduation in any discipline with minimum 50% marks in aggregate in all papers put together (subjects specific to branch).
Step 2- Air Force Selection Board
Step 3- Medical Examination
Women Recruitment in IAF
The IAF started an experimental scheme to induct women pilots in combat roles in 2015. Under this, women were allowed to serve as fighter pilots in the IAF. This scheme has become permanent and facilitates gender-neutral employment in combat roles. Currently, women pilots fly a range of fighter and transport aircraft and are deployed for operational missions. Around 13.69 percent of the workforce in the Indian Air Force (IAF), excluding its medical branch, are women. The IAF has actively worked to create opportunities for women in technical roles by inducting them into branches like engineering and electronics. Women now serve as engineers, technicians, and scientists in these branches. Several non-technical branches like logistics, human resources, education, law, translations, and meteorology employ women officers. They handle duties related to supply chain, personnel, finance and administration, legal affairs, information dissemination, and weather monitoring.
Eligibility
-
- Age: Between 20 to 25 years of age. The upper age limit is relaxable by 3 years for OBC and 5 years for SC/ST candidates.
- Marital Status: Candidates must be unmarried at the time of joining. Widows and divorcees are not eligible.
- Nationality: Indian citizen.
- Education:
- For Flying Branch:
Graduate degree (3-year course) with minimum 60% marks in Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level.
- For Technical Branch:
Graduate degree (3-year course) with minimum 50% marks in aggregate.
- For Non-Technical Branch:
Graduate degree (3-year course) with minimum 50% marks in aggregate.
- Physical and Medical Standards: Candidates must meet the physical and medical fitness standards as per IAF.
- Application Route:
- Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is conducted by IAF twice a year.
- University Entry Scheme through Common Defence Services Exam (CDSE) conducted by UPSC twice a year.
- NCC Special Entry for those with NCC ‘C’ Certificates.
- Selection Process:
- Written exam
- Officer Intelligence Rating Test
- Picture Perception and Discussion Test
- Psychological assessment
- Group tests
- Interview
- ComputerizedComputerised Pilot Selection System (for flying branch only)
- Medical examination
Conclusion
Depending on the qualification and route, one can join any of the branches in IAF.
In addition to developing leadership and management skills, Indian Air Force Personnel are involved in rigorous adventurous training like- skydiving, paragliding, mountaineering, skiing, rafting, sailing, scuba diving, etc. The above-mentioned categories and steps clearly give an answer to one who doesn’t know how to join Indian Air Force. Following the steps above one can easily build a career in this niche.
The brave hearts, who are determined to take this path are the ones who successfully cultivate a career in The Indian Air Force. In case, you have further queries regarding how to join the IAF, reach out to Mindler! Our skilled career coaches will help you to plan your career path the right way. You can avail of our services in the comfort of your home and get career counseling online.
