So, you’re dreaming about flying high and serving the nation with the Indian Air Force (IAF)? Or maybe you’re more interested in dealing with the more technical, ground related duties? No matter what your goal is, this is the perfect guide for you. In it, you will understand not only how to join the Air force at different stages of education, but also the various paths you can take to get there.
So buckle up and prepare for take-off!
How to Join the IAF After 12th?
If you’re thinking about joining the Air Force after graduating from school, there are two main routes:
1.National Defense Academy(NDA)
This is one of the most popular and prestigious ways for students who want to become Air Force Officers. The NDA exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year, and those who clear it undergo training before being inducted into the Air Force.
Selection Process:
- Written Exam
- Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
- Medical Examination
2. 10+2 Technical Entry Scheme (TES)
If you’re technically inclined and interested in engineering roles in the Air Force, TES is the perfect entry route for you. This pathway is specifically for those who wish to work in technical branches, handling advanced systems and machinery.
Selection Process:
- Written Exam
- Medical Assessment
Eligibility for NDA & TES
To apply through NDA or TES, you must have:
- Completed 12th with Physics, Chemistry and Maths.
- Minimum age of 16 years and maximum of 19 years at the time of commencement of training.
How to Join the IAF After Graduation
If you didn’t go through NDA but still want to get into the Air Force, don’t worry! There are multiple ways to join after graduation:
1.AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
One of the most common ways of joining the Air Force post graduation. It is conducted twice a year, typically in February and August/September, allowing you to give it at your own pace and comfort, and is open for all the fields.
2.Combined Defense Service Exam (CDS)
Like AFCAT, the CDS Exam is also conducted twice a year by UPSC, but unlike AFCAT, it only allows entry in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force.
Selection Process
- A Written Exam
- An SSB Interview
- A Medical Examination
3.National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry
If you were part of the NCC Air Wing in college and hold a C Certificate, this is a direct entry scheme - which means, you don’t have to take a written exam! However, you’ll still need to clear the SSB interview and medical tests.
4. University Entry Scheme (UES) for Engineers
If you’re one of the many students who want to get into the engineering side of the Air Force but are shocked at how many entry options are available for the flying branch, don’t worry, this one is specifically for you. This exam is THE exam for engineering graduates who want to work on making an advanced aircraft with a top notch radar system and the finest communication technology at your disposal.
Selection Process
- Shortlisting of Candidates
- Interview Rounds
- Medical Examination
Eligibility
- You must have studied Physics, Chemistry and Maths in Class 12th. The minimum percentage required for air force in 12th is 50%
- For the Flying and Non-Technical Branches, you’ll need a graduation degree with 60% marks in any discipline from a recognised university
- For the Technical Branch, a degree in Engineering or Technology is required.
IAF Age Limit
- If you’re applying for the Flying Branch, the age limit is 20 to 24 years, but if you hold a Commercial Pilot License, you get a 2-year relaxation (up to 26 years)
- For Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical), the age limit is 20 to 26 years.
Medical Qualifications for Air Force
- Good Eyesight: 6/6 vision for pilots, correctable vision for others.
- Minimum height of 152 cm(4 Ft 9 Inches) for Males and 148 cm for Females(4 ft 8 Inches).
- Physically and Mentally fit as per IAF medical standards.
How to Prepare for IAF Exams
Cracking the Air Force entrance exams requires intelligent preparation and relentless efforts. Here are some tips that will help you crack them!
- All the exams contain topics such as Mathematics, English, General Knowledge and Reasoning.
- If you are capable of self-discipline, books and online courses will suffice. But if you require guidance, you can seek the services of numerous coaching institutes that prepare you for exams.
- Practice previous years' question papers to know the pattern and practice mock tests on a regular basis to enhance speed and accuracy.
Key Tips for cracking the Interview
Once you clear the written exam, the next challenge is the Service Selection Board (SSB) interview, which tests your personality, leadership, and problem-solving skills.
- Improve communication skills. Speak clearly and confidently!
- Stay up to date with current affairs and defense-related news
- Work on Physical Fitness - you’ll have group tasks and obstacle courses
- Most importantly - be yourself! The SSB is about testing your natural personality, so stay confident and don’t fake anything
What Jobs are in the Air Force?
We have been talking in length about the different exams you can take to get into the different branches of the Air Force, and naturally, you would have thought “wait, there’s more to the air force than being a pilot? What jobs are there in the Air Force?”. Well, yes, there are more jobs in the Indian Air Force than being a fighter pilot, these are:-
- The Flying Branch includes Fighter Pilots, Transport Pilots and Helicopter Pilots, who must clear rigorous medical and flying tests to qualify. The Technical Branch handles aircraft maintenance, radar operations and electronic systems, requiring an engineering background.
- The Ground Duty Branch encompasses administration, logistics, accounts and education roles, ensuring the smooth functioning of the Air Force.
Perks of joining the Indian Air Force
Joining the Indian Air Force isn’t just about serving the nation - it’s a career that comes with prestige, financial security, and an incredible lifestyle. Here’s what you can look forward to if you get in:1. Competitive Salary and Allowances
Let’s talk numbers! As an Air Air Force Officer, you won’t just be getting a job - you will be securing a well-paying career with incredible benefits.
- A pilot in the IAF earns an average salary of around ₹15 Lakhs.
- Ground Duty Engineers, both technical and non-technical, earn an average salary of ₹7 to ₹9 Lakhs per annum.
But that’s just the base pay! The IAF also offers a range of allowances that take your earnings even higher!
- Flying Allowance (for pilots)
- Technical Allowance (for engineers)
- Military Service Pay
- Hardship Allowance (for difficult postings)
- Housing and Ration Allowance (since your accommodation and food are covered)
2.Job Security and Prestige
Being an Air Force Officer is one of the most respected professions in India. Unlike private sector jobs, your career is secure, and you’ll always be looked up to with admiration.
3.Free Accommodation and High Quality Lifestyle
Think of living in a large, well-developed bungalow within an Air Force compound with sports facilities, gyms, clubs, and even cinema halls available at small or no cost! You and your family get to enjoy the best of facilities, courtesy of the IAF.
4. Free Medical Facilities
Healthcare is 100% free for IAF personnel and their families. You get access to world-class military hospitals, ensuring the best treatment at all times.
5.Travel and Leave Benefits
Love travelling? The IAF Makes it even better! It provides free air/rail travel for you and your family once a year, along with access to military guest houses across India. IAF Officers also get an annual leave of 60 days, with a Casual leave of 20 days.
6.Adventure and International Exposure
The IAF is perfect for thrill-seekers! You can get trained in skydiving, paragliding, mountaineering and even get opportunities to train in countries like the US, UK, France and Russia
7.Higher Education Opportunities
If you wish to study further after joining, the IAF supports its officers with:
- Master’s degrees at defense colleges
- Fully funded foreign courses
- Management programs at IIMs and IITs for senior officers
8.Post-Retirement Benefits
Even after retirement, life is comfortable with free healthcare for life, a handsome pension and opportunities for re-employment in government and private sectors.
The Indian Air Force isn’t just a job - it’s a way of life! and the benefits make it one of the most rewarding careers out there!
FAQs
Q1.Can girls join the Indian Air Force?
Yes! Women can apply through AFCAT, NCC Special Entry and CDS (for certain branches)
Q2: What are the Air Force courses after 12th?
Most officer training happens at the NDA and Air Force Flying College. You can also take up aviation-related courses before applying.
Q3: What is the IAF age limit?
For most entries, it’s 16.5 to 24 years. For ground duties, it may be a little higher.
Q4: Can commerce students join the Air Force?
Yes, but only for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) branches through AFCAT.
Q5: How much does Air Force training cost?
Absolutely Nothing! No, we are not joking. The Air Force Academy doesn’t charge a single rupee - all its expenses are covered by the government.
Q6: What is the minimum percentage required for air force in 12th?
You need to score at least 50% to join the IAF after 12th.
