A career in the Indian Air Force (IAF) offers an exciting blend of honor, service to the nation, personal growth, and professional development. It provides various opportunities across technical and non-technical branches, allowing individuals to serve as officers, airmen, or civilians based on qualifications and interests.


Career Paths in Indian Air Force

Category Branch/Group Roles Eligibility Entry Mode
Officer Flying Pilot (fighter, transport, helicopter) 10+2 PCM / Graduate / Engineer NDA, CDS, AFCAT, NCC Special Entry
Technical Aircraft maintenance, radar, engineering B.E./B.Tech AFCAT (Technical Entry)
Ground Duty Admin, logistics, accounts, meteorology Graduate / Postgraduate AFCAT, Direct Entry
Airmen Group X (Technical) Electronic & mechanical trades 10+2 with PCM / Diploma in Engineering Online Test + Physical + Medical
Group Y (Non-Technical) Medical, logistics, etc. 10+2 in any stream Online Test + Physical + Medical
Civilian Staff Administrative Support Clerks, drivers, storekeepers, cooks Varies by post SSC/DSSSB/IAF Civil Recruitment

Benefits

Benefit Details
Job Security & Salary Competitive salary with military allowances
Training & Education World-class training and opportunities for higher studies
Medical Facilities Free medical for self and dependents
Adventure & Travel Pan-India postings and international exercises
Pension & Retirement Lifetime pension benefits (Permanent Commission)
National Respect Prestige of serving the Indian Air Force

Selection Exams

Exam Eligibility Applies To Age Limit
NDA 10+2 PCM Officer (Flying) 16.5 to 19.5 years
CDS Graduate/Engineer Officer (Non-tech) 20 to 24 years
AFCAT Graduate/Engineer Officer (All branches) 20 to 26 years
Airmen (X/Y) 10+2 / Diploma Airmen 17 to 21 years

FAQs

Question Answer
Minimum qualification to become officer? 10+2 with PCM (NDA), Graduate for AFCAT/CDS
Can females apply? Yes, via AFCAT, CDS (SSC), and NCC Special Entry
Is there a permanent commission for all? Only Technical & Ground branches; Flying is SSC only
What are the Airmen selection stages? Online test, Physical fitness, Adaptability tests, Medical exam
Benefits of joining Indian Air Force? Salary, prestige, training, travel, pension, and national service

Types of Careers in the Indian Air Force

1. Officer Entry

Officers in the Indian Air Force can join through three major branches:

Branch Key Roles Entry Mode
Flying Fighter pilot, transport pilot, helicopter pilot NDA, CDS, AFCAT, NCC Special Entry
Technical Aircraft maintenance, radar systems, engineering AFCAT (Technical Entry)
Ground Duty Administration, accounts, logistics, meteorology AFCAT, Direct Entry, NCC Special

2. Airmen Entry

Airmen are recruited in two main groups:

Group Description Qualification
Group X Technical trades (e.g., electronics, mechanical) 10+2 with PCM or Diploma in Engg.
Group Y Non-technical trades (e.g., medical assistant, logistics) 10+2 in any stream

Entry is through an online exam followed by physical and medical tests.


3. Civilian Entry

The Indian Air Force also recruits civilians for support roles such as clerks, storekeepers, cooks, and drivers through exams conducted by the Air Force or via DSSSB/SSC.


How to Join the Indian Air Force

Entry Route Qualification Mode of Selection
NDA (National Defence Academy) 10+2 with PCM Written + SSB + Medical
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Graduate/Engineer Written + AFSB Interview + Medical
CDS (Combined Defence Services) Graduate/Engineer Written + SSB + Medical
Airmen Selection 10+2 (X & Y Group) Online Test + Physical + Medical

Benefits of a Career in the Air Force

  • Job Security and Salary: Excellent pay with allowances like flying pay, technical pay, and risk allowances.

  • Prestige and Respect: A uniformed career carries national respect.

  • Free Medical Facilities: For self and dependents.

  • Education and Training: World-class training and chances for higher education.

  • Travel and Adventure: Transfers across the country and participation in exercises and missions.

  • Pension and Retirement: Secure post-retirement benefits.


FAQs on Career in Indian Air Force

Q1: What is the minimum qualification to join the Air Force as an officer?
A1: For NDA, 10+2 with Physics and Math; for AFCAT and CDS, a graduate degree is required.

Q2: Can girls apply for the Indian Air Force?
A2: Yes, girls can apply through AFCAT, CDS (Short Service Commission), and NCC Special Entry.

Q3: What is the age limit to join the Indian Air Force?
A3: Varies by entry—typically 16.5–19.5 years for NDA and 20–24 years for AFCAT/CDS Flying Branch.

Q4: Is there a permanent commission for all officers?
A4: No, Flying Branch offers only Short Service Commission (SSC) for men and women. Ground and Technical branches offer both SSC and Permanent Commission based on merit and vacancies.

Q5: What is the selection process for Airmen in the Y Group?
A5: It includes an online test, physical fitness test, adaptability test, and medical examination.

Indian Air Force Jobs List with Salary, Age Limit, Education & Career Growth

Post Branch/Group Education Qualification Age Limit Initial Salary (Approx.) Career Growth
Flying Officer Flying Branch (Officer) Graduate + AFCAT/CDS/NDA 20 – 24 years ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 Flight Lt → Sqn Ldr → Wing Cdr → Gp Capt → Air Marshal
Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical/Electrical) Technical Branch (Officer) B.E. / B.Tech in relevant discipline 20 – 26 years ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 Same as above (officer ranks)
Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Ground Duty Branch (Officer) Graduate/Postgraduate 20 – 26 years ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 Admin, Logistics, Education officer rank promotions
Airman Group X (Technical) Group X (Airmen) 10+2 with PCM or 3-yr Diploma in Engineering 17 – 21 years ₹33,100 + allowances Promotion to Warrant Officer → Master Warrant Officer
Airman Group Y (Non-Technical) Group Y (Airmen) 10+2 in any stream 17 – 21 years ₹26,900 + allowances Promotion up to Master Warrant Officer
Airman (Medical Assistant) Group Y Trade 10+2 with Biology 17 – 21 years ₹26,900 + allowances Specialized medical roles with promotional growth
NCC Special Entry (Flying) Flying Branch Graduate + NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing) 20 – 24 years ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 Direct entry to Flying Officer → Promotion hierarchy
Store Keeper / Clerk Civilian Post 10+2 / Graduate (varies by post) 18 – 25 years ₹19,900 – ₹63,200 Promotion within Civilian Cadre (Govt. rules)
Cook / MTS / Driver Civilian Post 10th Pass / ITI (varies by post) 18 – 25 years ₹18,000 – ₹56,900 Grade-based promotion under Central Govt. rules

Notes on Career Growth:

  • Officers get promoted based on service period, exams, and performance. Permanent Commission officers enjoy a full-length career with retirement benefits.

  • Airmen can become Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs) and later Senior Warrant Officers, with chances to become Commissioned Officers through departmental exams.

  • Civilians follow central government promotion schemes (as per 7th CPC).

 

IAF Group C Civilian for 10th passed Candidates (18-25 years age)

Multi Tasking Staff
Housekeeping Staff
Mess Staff
LDC
Clerk Hindi Typist
Stenographer Gr II
Store (Superintendent)
Store Keeper
Laundryman
Ayah/ Ward Sahayika
Carpenter
Painter
Vulcaniser
Civilian Mechanical Transport Driver
Cook (Ordinary Grade)
Fireman
#IAF Group C Notification 2023

career in indian air force

Flying Branch i) Fighters
ii) Transports
iii) Helicopters
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch  i) Mechanical
ii) Electronics
Ground Duty (Non-technical) Branch  i) Administration
ii) Accounts
iii) Logistics
iv) Education
v) Meteorology

how to join indian air force after 10th for male

IAF Group ‘C’ Civilian, Fireman, Housekeeping Staff (HKS), Cook (OG)

how to join indian air force after 10th for girl

Girls are not eligible to join Indian Air Force after passing 10th or 12th. – alternate way upsc cds entry.

how to join indian air force after 12th upsc nda

elgi bilbilit: men only

Age – 16 ½ to 19 ½ years(at the time of commencement of course)

EducATION: 12th pass with maths & Physics

Notification schedule:  January and June  (UPSC NDA notifcation)

 

how to join indian air force after 12th science for girl

how to join indian air force after 12th without nda

Steno Grade II

how to join indian air force after graduate

  • Flying Branch
  • Technical Branch – incharge of equipment for b.tech 20-26 years afcat
  • Ground Duty Branches (accounts, clerk, education, meteorology) for graduates / post gradates

Fighter pilot or a Helicopter pilot or a Transport pilot and are part of various peace and wartime missions.

 

how to join indian air force after graduate female

IAF Jobs for Post Graduates

both male & female

Meteorology officer  –  Post Graduation Degree in any science (maths & physics 55% at graduation level)

Teacher: 50% in pg, 60% in degree.

 

indian air force for engineers – AFCAT

Age – 20 to 26 years

Marital Status – Candidates below the age of 25 years should be unmarried.

USE University entry Scheme: – AFCAT

Only for Men

engineering final year can candidates can apply,

No backlogs & 60% marks while SSB Testing

selection Process: SSB interview

notification: December every year (through AFCAT)

indian air force aeronautical engineer – afcat

both Men and Women. (women ssc- short service (10+4 years)commission)

notification schedule: June and December. – AFCAT

sub branches of the Technical branch.

 

Indian airforce recruitment age limit 2023

Age Relaxation: 3 years for OBC, 05 years for SC / ST, 10 years for Physically Handicapped.  as per central govt norms.

Group C _ civilian – 18 -25

 

 

IAF Recruitment 2024 Selection Process for Officers :

Officers entry

  1. through upsc nda NA,

NDA is released twice a year in the months of June and December, for CDSE in the months of July and November by UPSC.

Afcat entry Exam Schedule

other than NDA and CDSE and for all branches, candidates have to undergo the AFCAT.
The test is conducted twice a year in February and August.
Advertisements inviting applications for AFCAT are out in June and December

NCC Entry for C Certificate Holders.

Selection

STAGE I exam

Officer Intelligence rating Test.
Picture perception and Discussion Test.

Stage 2

Psychological Tests written exam
Group Tests
Interview
flying branch (Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test )

Stage 3
MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS

Stage 4
preparation of all All India Merit List based on performance in exams & AFSB interview

 

IAF Airmen Selection Process:

Phase-I Online Written Test (At an allotted Centre)
Phase-II Physical Fitness Test, AT-I and AT-II Test (At Airmen Selection Centre of IAF)
Phase-III Medical Fitness Test (At a Medical Centre of IAF)

 

Exam Name Month
Combined Defence Service Exam – CDSE (UPSC) November and August
NCC Special Entry (IAF) June and December
Short Service Commission – SSC (AFCAT) June and December
NDA (UPSC) January and June
Aeronautical Engineer Recruitment (AFCAT – IAF) June and December

Flying Branch

Graduate
National Defence Academy – NDA
NCC SPECIAL ENTRY (FOR MEN ONLY)
SSC Entry a candidate must apply through AFCAT
Flying Branch only men

Ground Duty Technical Branch
only men
20-26 years
Aeronautical Engineer Electronics / Mechanical

 

Administration Officer
Air Traffic Controller
Fighter Controller
Accounts Officer
Logistics Officer
Educational Officer
Meteorology Branch Officer

 

IAF Recruitment Rally Airmen Notification

Posts airmen
Vacancies
Education 12th
Last Date 23rd /9 to 10th october
More Details # IAF Recruitment Rally airmen

IAF 2024 Airmen Group X Y Trades Recruitment

 

Post Name Airmen Group X & Y Trades Age limit: 21 years
Qualification: 12th
Selection process: Written test. pay scale: refer notification
Official Website https://airmenselection.cdac.in/CASB/
More details #IAF Airmen in Group X& Y
#sometimes recruits through rally for unmarried Male

Indian Air Force IAF Exam Notification

Notification Details
No of the Posts AFCAT/NCC/Mothadalory Entry
Qualification Degree/B.Tech/PG
No of Vacancies 182 posts
Pay Scale Rs. 56100 – 110700
More

Airforce recruitment rally

 

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