Careers in Indian Air Force

Are you fascinated by speed and adventure? Do you want to fly high, literally? Then joining the prestigious Indian Air Force is the answer for you. If you have the adrenaline pumped in you, if challenges excite you and if boredom frustrates you, then joining Indian Air Force is just the right decision for you.

Well if you thought, flying is the only option for joining the Indian Air Force, then you are mistaken. There are various opportunities, both technical and non-technical, flying branch and ground duty branch.
After rigorous selection process, the best is selected for the various branches in Indian Air Force. Proper training in all fields is provided to the selected candidates after which they are inducted in the respective divisions.

Branches in Indian Air Force

Flying Branch

Fighters
Transports
Helicopters

How to enter Flying Branch

Helicopter pilot, fighter pilot or transport pilot – you can specialize in any if you join the flying branch. You can join the Flying Branch after graduation or even after completing your 10 Plus 2. If you want to join as a Flying Officer immediately after your 10 Plus 2 you have to appear for the NDA exam. If you join after graduation, then you have to appear for CDS EXAM or AFCAT.

Technical Branch

Mechanical
Electronics

How to enter Technical Branch

You will be privileged to handle the most sophisticated equipments. Depending upon your stream of engineering whether electronics or mechanical, you can join any of the sub branches of the technical division of Indian Air Force.

Admission to technical branch is through AFCAT in June and December.

Students who have completed engineering in Electronics or Mechanical branches or in the final year are eligible to apply.

Both unmarried men and women below the age of 25 years can apply for the post

Ground Duty Branch

Administration
Accounts
Logistics
Education
Meteorology

How to enter Ground Duty Branch

Ground Duty Branch officers maintain Logistics, Education, administration and accounts and much more. You can work as air traffic controller, internal auditors and resource managers. Both men and women who have completed graduation and unmarried at the time of appointment can join in the Ground Duty Branch.

On the basis of educational qualification, you can join the IAF:

Opportunities after 10 Plus 2

Young boys who have completed 10 Plus 2 science qualification with Physics and Maths can join as an officer in the Indian Air Force by appearing for NDA and Naval Academy Examination. After 3 years of rigorous training at NDA, you will be commissioned as officers and pilots in various Air Force Stations.

After Graduation

For technical and ground duty branches, you need to complete your graduation in the respective branch. If you have opted for technical branch, you have to have an engineering degree in electronics or mechanical engineering. For Ground Duty Officer, click here for the qualifications required for various career opportunities as ground duty officers in IAF.

After Post Graduation

You can also join IAF after completing your post graduation as a Ground Duty Officer.

Physical Standards

The minimum range of expansion of the chest after full inspiration should b 5cm
No disease of bones and joints of the body
Normal hearing
Normal blood pressure
Good binocular vision
Sound Mental Health

Selection Process

Step1
Written test are conducted by UPSC after release of NDA advertisement twice a year in June and December
AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test

Test is conducted twice a year by the Indian Air Force – February and August

NCC Entry – Air Sqn NCC Senior division ‘C’ certificate holders can apply

Step 2
This step includes Services Selection Board Test (SSB) only after you have cleared the Step 1 written test.

Step 3
After completing the first two rounds, a medical examination is conducted either at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru.

Salary

Pay in Pay Band ( Common to all Branches ) - Rs 15,600 Per Month ( The officer will be placed in PB 3 - 15600-39100 )
Grade Pay :- Rs 5400 PM
Military Service Pay :- Rs 6000 PM
Dearness Allowance @ 113 percent :- Rs 30510 PM
Kit Maintenance Allowance :- Rs 600 PM
Transport Allowance :- Rs 3200 DA ( major cities) / 1600 DA ( Other cities)
Website: http://indianairforce.nic.in/