CAREER IN INDIAN AIR FORCEAS AN OFFICER
An officer is a member of an armed force or uniformed service who holds a position of authority. To be able to lead and control, requires the ability to motivate yourself, inspire others and make tough decisions efficiently. When you join to become an Air Force Officer, we’ll help you develop your leadership and management skills, preparing you fully to take on the challenge of leading in real life situations. Lessons in team work, developing communication skills and confidence, honing strategic and dynamic thinking and preparing you to face pressures with ease are grilled into an Officer during his training. The Air Force teaches you all, not only making men and women of young boys and girls but making them leaders in life. An officer’s strength of character and strong moral compass make him/her stand out from the crowd at all times.
Flying Branch
- Fighters
- Transports
- Helicopters
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
- Mechanical
- Electronics
Ground Duty ( (Non-technical) Branch
- Administration
- Accounts
- Logistics
- Education
- Meteorology
Flying Branch
National Defence Academy
You can join (National Defence Academy) NDA by appearing the exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam is conducted twice a year in all major cities throughout India. The valiant boys could be part of the Indian Air Force family by applying for NDA. Candidates, short-listed for Indian Air Force after the initial selection procedure, go through a rigorous three-year training regimen at the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, followed by specialised training at one of the training establishment. Thereafter, they are Commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers and posted as pilots at any of the Air Force Stations. We AACHARYA ACADEMY start the preparation immediately after 10th exam is over, as students can appear for NDA Entrance Test at the beginning of 12 th and join NDA after 12th certification. This give maximum chances of early joining at NDA.
Eligibility
- Age - 16 ½ to 19 ½ years (at the time of commencement of course)
- Nationality – Indian
- Marital Status –Single
- Gender - Men only
- Educational Qualifications - 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. students appearing for final year are also eligible to apply.
- Advertisement Schedule - Advertisements are released by UPSC in the months of January and June
- Commission: Permanent Commission
COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION (CDSE) (FOR MEN ONLY)
As a Graduate/Engineer, you can enter the Flying branch through the Air Force Academy.Men can enter through this mode of entry and will get a Permanent Commission. We AACHARYA ACADEMY start the preparation from second year of students as per their requirements and considering the basic qualification of students. Students have choice of Long Term or Short Term courses as per their requirements and availability of time for the scheduled Exam.
Eligibility
- Age - 20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course)
- Nationality – Indian
- Marital Status –Single
- Gender - Men only
- Educational Qualifications
- Final Year/semester students are also eligible to apply, provided they produce Degree certificate issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement.
- No Percentage Bar for CDSE entry.
- Advertisement Schedule: Advertisements are released by UPSC in the months of November and August.
- Commission: Permanent Commission
National Cadet Corps (NCC) SPECIAL ENTRY (Through NCC Air Squadrons / DG NCC)
- Age –20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course). Upper age limit for Candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years(at the time of commencement of course).
- Nationality – Indian
- Marital Status –Single
- Gender – PC for Men only and SSC for men and women
- Educational Qualifications
- Graduate (Three Year Course) in any discipline from a recognised University with minimum 60% marks or equivalent and have passed Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level
- ORBE/B Tech (Four Year Course) from a recognised University with minimum 60% marks or equivalent
- ORCleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India)
- OR Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Final Year/semester students are also eligible to apply, provided they do not have any present backlogs at the time of AFSB Testing and produce Degree certificate issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement.
- NCC Air Wing Senior Division ’C’ certificate and validity of the certificate would be two years before the date of commencement of the course.
- Advertisement Schedule: Advertisement for NCC Special Entry is released by the IAF in the months of June and December
- Commission: Permanent Commission offered for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.
Short Service Commission (SSC) Entry (For Men and Women)
- Age - 20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course).Upper age limit for Candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years(at the time of commencement of course).
- 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 Course) in any discipline from a recognised University who have attained minimum 60% marks or equivalent
- OR BE/B Tech (Four Year Course) from a recognised university with minimum 60% marks or equivalent.
- OR Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India)
- OR Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
- Final Year students are also eligible to apply, provided they do not have any backlog at the time of AFSB Testing and produce Degree certificate issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement.
- Advertisement Schedule: Advertisements for AFCAT are released by the IAF in the months of June and December.
- Commission: Short Service Commission
Ground Duty (Technical) Branch Aeronautical Engineering Branches
As an officer in the Ground Duty (Technical) Branch, you propel and manage your team to ensure that the Indian Air Force remains airworthy. You would be incharge of some of the most sophisticated equipment in the world by joining one of the sub branches based on your qualification
Eligibility for Aeronautical Engineering Branch is (applicable for men and women):
- Age - 20 to 26 years (at the time of commencement of course)
- Nationality - Indian
- Marital Status - Candidates below the age of 25 years should be unmarried.
- Advertisement Schedule - Advertisements for AFCAT are released by the IAF in the months of June and December.
- Commission: Permanent Commission offered for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.
Selection Procedure for AERONAUTICAL ENGINEERING COURSE
After completion of Engineering degree or while in your final year/semester of Engineering one can apply for this course. For both Men and Women this entry is available. Permanent Commission is for men and Short Service Commission is for men and women both.Candidate must have scored a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in any one of the qualifications listed.
Final year students are eligible to apply provided they do not have any present backlog at the time of AFSB testing and they produce provisional/ original degree issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement.
Aeronautical Engineering Electronics
Eligibility for Aeronautical Engineering Electronics Branch is
- Eligible only when a candidate should have minimum of 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and have undergone any one of the following educational qualifications:- A minimum of four year graduation / integrated post-graduation qualification in Engineering / Technology from recognised university
OR Cleared Section A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India)
OR Cleared Section A and B examination of Aeronautical Society of India
Aeronautical Engineering Mechanical
- Eligible only when a candidate should have minimum of 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level and have undergone any one of the following educational qualifications
OR Cleared Section A and B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) OR Cleared Section A and B examination of Aeronautical Society of India OR Graduate membership examination of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies
- With a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent in the different disciplines like Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering and Automation, Mechatronics, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering and other related steams
Ground Duty (Non-technical) Branch
- Age – 20 to 26 Years for Graduates and Post Graduates (at the time of commencement of course).
- Marital Status – Candidates below the age of 25 years must be Unmarried.
- Nationality – Indian.
- Gender – Both men and women.
- Advertisement Schedule – Advertisements for AFCAT are released by the IAF in the months of June and December.
- Commission: Permanent Commission offered for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.
ADMINISTRATION BRANCH
Permanent Commission offered for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.Administration Branch is responsible for the efficient management of both human and material resources. Some of the officers of the Administration Branch are selected and trained to carry out the following duties also: Air Traffic Controller – Involves maintaining an orderly flow of traffic and airspace management.
Fighter Controller – Involves close contact and supervision between the air and radar for effective airspace management.
Educational Qualifications
Graduate Degree (Minimum three-year degree course) in any discipline from a recognised university with 60% marks or equivalent or cleared section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
ACCOUNTS BRANCH
Educational Qualifications
B.Com degree (minimum three year degree course) from a recognised university with a minimum 60% marks or equivalent.
LOGISTICS BRANCH
Permanent Commission offered for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.Logistics Branch is responsible for materials management of all Air Force resources. You would ensure efficient supervision of inventories, and involve in procurement processes of various ranges of equipment.
Educational Qualifications
Graduate Degree (Minimum three year degree course) in any discipline from a recognised university with 60% marks or equivalent or cleared section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised university with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
EDUCATION BRANCH
Permanent Commission offered for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.Education branch officer is in charge if Station Education Section which mainly involved in academic training of Unit Personnel.
Educational Qualifications
MA/M.Sc. degree in English/Physics/Mathematics/Chemistry/Statistics/International Relations/International Studies/Defence Studies/Psychology/Computer Science/IT/Management/MBA/MCA/ Mass Communication/Journalism/Public Relations with minimum 50 % marks in aggregate in all papers put together in Post-Graduation (minimum two years programme) and 60% marks in Graduation (both recognised by UGC/Competent Accreditation Authority).
METEOROLOGY BRANCH
Permanent Commission offered for men and Short Service Commission for men and women.
As a Meteorology Branch Officer you would be involved handling the latest satellite imagery and state-of-the-art monitoring equipment, you would render specific advice to the operators on all aspects of weather.
Educational Qualifications
Post Graduation Degree in any science stream/Mathematics/Statistics/Geography/Computer Applications/Environmental Science/Applied Physics/Oceanography/Agricultural Meteorology/Ecology & Environment/Geo-physics/Environmental Biology. All candidates should have scored a minimum 50% marks in aggregate in all papers of Post-Graduation put together (provided Maths & Physics were studied at Graduation level with a minimum of 55% marks in both).
General Terms and Conditions in Brief
Types of commission: There are two types of commission:-
Permanent Commission: A Permanent Commission means a career in the Air Force till you retire. Permanent Commission Officers continue to serve till the age of superannuation. For a Permanent Commission, you could join as follows:
MEN
- After 10+2 – Join NDA
- After Graduation – Join through CDSE
- For Technical and Ground Duty Branches – Opt for Permanent Commission (PC) course through AFCAT and
join Air Force Academy
WOMEN
- Presently Women Officers of Education and Accounts Branch only are being considered for Permanent Commission. Option for PC will be considered/offered on successful completion of Short Service Commission (SSC) tenure, subject to Vacancies, suitability, merit, willingness and service requirements.
Short Service Commission
For Men and Women
Available to graduate and post graduate entries only
Tenure
Flying Branch – The engagement period is 14 years from date of commissioning (not extendable) Ground Duty (Technical) and Ground Duty (Non-technical) branches – The engagement period would be for a period of 10 years. An extension of 4 years may be granted subject to vacancies, suitability, merit, willingness and service requirement.
Marital Status: Candidates below 25 years of age must be unmarried (term unmarried excludes widower and divorcee even though without encumbrances). Marriage is not permitted during training. Married candidates above 25 years of age are eligible to apply but during training period they will neither be provided married accommodation nor can they live out with family.
Candidate should not have been arrested, convicted or prosecuted on criminal charges.
Candidates who have been withdrawn / suspended from Defence Training Establishments on grounds of discipline are not eligible to apply.
Selection Process
STEP 1 – RESPOND TO ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOWED BY WRITTEN TEST
- For NDA and CDSE
The advertisement for NDA is released twice a year in the months of June and December and for CDSE in the months of July and November by UPSC. Candidates are to apply as per the advertisement. The written tests are conducted by UPSC
- AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test.
For all entries 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. Candidates are to apply as per the advertisement. The test is conducted by the Indian Air Force
- NCC entry
Air Sqn NCC Senior division ‘C’ certificate holders are to apply through DG NCC/ respective NCC Air Squadron
