Do you want to join Indian Air Force as an officer? Well, you can apply for the Flying, Technical and Ground duties in the Indian Air Force now. The official site for applying for the Indian Air Force Common Admission test is www.careerairforce.nic.in. This article will describe you in detail about the qualifications required for Flying, Technical and Ground duties in the Air Force.
Article Overview and Contents
• Career in IAF: Branches available-
Talking about Commissioned Officers’ posts in Indian Air Force, there are three main Branches. The three main branches in IAF where one may build a career are-
- Flying Branch
- Technical Branch
- Ground Duty Branch
The working of these three branches is crucial to the smooth functioning of IAF. These three branches work in tandem. There is coordination between then all. These branches have further sub-branches. Let us take a look at the sub-branches one by one-
1 Flying Branch
Career available in Flying Branch is that of a Pilot! In IAF, the Flying branch houses Pilots who are trained to handle three types of Aircraft- Fighter Jets, Transport Aircraft and Helicopters. These three divisions makes up the sub-branches of Flying Branch.
2 Technical Branch
Technical branch houses Engineers, who have to work with machinery and equipments that the IAF makes use of. Their duty involves tasks like- maintenance, development and testing of equipment and machinery. The two sub-branches of Technical branch are- Mechanical and Electronics sections.
3 Ground Duty Branch
This is the third and last Branch. Ground Duty Branch consists of sub-branches like- Administration, Accounts, Logistics, Education and Meteorology. Flying Branch is all about action packed stuff and Technical Branch about equipment and machinery, Ground Duty Branch takes care of administrative and accounts related tasks.
It is evident from the above paragraphs that all the three Branches are crucial, when it comes to the smooth functioning of IAF. 10+2 Science stream students, Graduates and PG students may build careers in the above 3 branches of IAF. I’ll discuss about those details in the next section.
• Career in Indian Air Force: How to join Flying Branch
There are 2 main ways in which one can join IAF’s Flying Branch and build a career in that Branch-
- 10+2 Entry (NDA)
- As a Graduate
Let us check out both these entry modes one by one-
1 NDA (10+2) Flying Branch Entry
Check out the basic eligibility criteria and details in the tabs below-
The above tabs will give you idea about eligibility criteria details. If you are interested in knowing about NDA Flying Branch entry in detail, you may check out this article-
Read: How to join IAF as Flying Officer after 12th Science
2 As a Graduate
One may also have career as a Pilot in IAF after Graduation also! Entry modes available are- CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination), NCC (Special Entry) and SSC (Short Service Commission) entry. You may check out basic eligibility details in the tabs below-
To get detailed idea about the process of application and eligibility criteria, you may check out the following articles-
Read: How to join IAF after Engineering
Read: How to join IAF Flying Branch after B.Sc.
Read: How girls/females may join IAF Flying Branch
• Career in Indian Air Force: How to join Technical Branch
To join IAF as an Officer and build a career in the Technical Branch, there are two schemes- UES (University Entry Scheme) and Aeronautical Engineering course. Only Engineering students and Graduates are eligible to apply for this post (not all Engineering Branches’ students are eligible though). For more details regarding eligibility criteria, age limit, examinations etc, make use of this article-
Read: IAF Airmen Recruitment
• Career in Indian Air Force: How to join Ground Duty Branch
One may build a career in IAF’s Ground Duty Branch after completing Graduation course. Here are basic eligibility criteria details in the tab below-</p>
1 Administration Branch
2 Accounts Branch
3 Logistics Branch
4 Education Branch
5 Meteorology Branch
Please note that in case of female candidates applying for Ground Duty Branches, only SSC (Short Service Commission) entry is available for them. Male candidates have the option to choose between Permanent Commission and SSC. To get better idea about the process of application and eligibility details, do read the following articles-
Read: How to join IAF after B.Com.
Read: How to join IAF’s Ground Duty Branch after B.Sc.
• Physical and Medical Standards
During selection process in case of IAF, much importance is given to Physical and Medical standards. Irrespective of the Branch and entry, a candidate will have to satisfy Physical standards’ conditions set by IAF. Further, in case of Flying Branch applicants, additional set of Medical standards must also be met. Let us check those standards out-
Physical Standards (Basic)
To join IAF, candidates, irrespective of the entry mode and educational qualifications, must satisfy a basic set of Physical standards. The list is quite long. But the main things that are checked are-
- Weight and Height ratio
- Good Physical and Mental health
- Good hearing
- Well developed chests (expansion should be at least 5cm after full inspiration)
- Healthy Bones and Joints
For the entire list of Physical Standards’ criteria set by IAF, check out the charts provided below. You may click on the images to get an enlarged view. You may find the full set of Physical standards on the image. You may even save it for future use-
First set of IAF’s Physical Standards. Click on this image to read! Click on image to enlarge!
Second set of IAF’s Physical Standards. Click on image to enlarge it and read it!
Medical Standards (Flying Branch)
In case of Flying Branch recruitment, additional set of Medical standards are also present, which a candidate has to satisfy. Some important tests and things checked as part of this Medical test are-
- Anthropometric Measurements
- Spinal Conditions
- Vision (Eyesight requirements)
- Occular Muscle Balance
I’ve compiled detailed charts that deals with all the above mentioned Medical standards and tests. You may click on the images, enlarge them and read details with ease! You may even save these images for future use!
Also read: SSB Interview tips
IAF Medical standards chart (Anthropometric Measurements). Click on the image to enlarge it and read!
IAF Medical Standards chart (Spinal Conditions). Click on the image to enlarge and read it!
IAF Medical standards chart (Eyesight requirements). Click on the image to enlarge and read it!
IAF Medical Standards chart (Occular Muscle Balance). Click on the image to enlarge and read it!
How to join IAF (steps involved)
- Choose a specific branch
If you want to become an IAF officer, you have access to three main branches – Flying branch, Technical Branch and Ground Duty Branch. Based on your interest, academic qualifications and other factors, choose a specific branch. Each branch consists of multiple job profiles and roles. For example, if you are passionate about flying an aircraft, you may choose the flying branch of IAF!
- Check if you are eligible for that particular branch/job post
The next step is – checking whether you are eligible for the branch/job post or not. Each post demands applicants to have certain educational qualifications, age limit, physical and medical fitness standards. I’ve discussed these requirements in detail (in this post). For example – if you choose flying branch, you must meet the stringent physical and medical standards set by the IAF.
- Choose relevant examination
The third step is choosing an ideal entrance exam. The exam you are going to select depends upon factors such as – your academic qualifications, your age, the type of entry you are interested in etc. For example, candidates (male) who have just passed 12th standard (with PCM subjects) may use the NDA entry (through NDA exam). Graduates may use CDS or AFCAT examinations.
- Undergo the selection process
Most of the selection tests have two main stages – written test and SSB interview. Selection test format may vary from one mode of recruitment to another. If you clear relevant exams and interviews, you have a chance to make it to the merit list. Final selection of candidates depends upon his/her position in the merit list.
Hi sir i am sharath, i had completed my b.com degree with aggregate 65%.its my wish to join in airforce.Hiw can i join sir ?
You may use CDS, AFCAT and other entry modes to join IAF.
Mr.Arun, I have completed my mechanical engineering with 57% may I know am I eligible to get into IAF?? If yes may I know when is AFCAT exams?? And what about the training process?? Even the age bar please..
Sir, i’m recently completed my b-tech Civil engineering (4yrs) with 67.40 % so I can joining Indian air force..plz rply sir
Sir, I’m a female Bsc nurse who completed 12th in science stream. Can I join any of the jobs in Air Force. It’s my ambition to work in Air Force.
Yes, you may.
I have completed inter in 70%.i want to became a air men in air force..
But air men update.. I don’t know.
Please alert me when air men from update
sir,what is the salary of a jet pilot?and after passing H.S how i can join IAF?what is the relation with hight and weight?
I have completed 12 inter mediate with 81% how to apply sir plz give reply
Ty, sir!
Sir,
I’m Shruti, have appeared in fy BSc biotechnology, with expected aggregate marks 80%, but I’ve passed out 12th with physics, chemistry and biology. How can I join IAF?
You may join Ground Duty Branches. Appear for AFCAT examination.
Sir,
I am Vijay of class IX . I am studying in Shree Saraswathi Vidhya Mandheer in Mettupalayam.
My uncle is working in IAF as wing commander. He is my inspiration. He told me that , if I am joining IAF in future, it it better to opt to the flying branch as a pilot. If so what are the necessary qualifications. Is FITNESS important? How to join IAF? The main reason I like IAF is the respect we get , not only IAF , but even army and navy . Waiting for reply sir.
Vijay, you may use NDA entry to join IAF. Medical standards are give much importance. You may use the search bar of this blog to find IAF Physical and Medical standards article written by me.
Hello sir, i’m a third year B.tech ECE student. I would like to know if there is University Entrance Scheme for Air Force in the pre-final year? If yes, how can i apply?
Respected sir, i had completed +2 (computer commerce stream)with 78% Now i have completed my degree in BBA can i join in Ground duty branch,sir I have a disease called vericos vein and i had treated that dease now iam well,sir can I achieve my ambition….sir l have No other diseases I think you will give an adequate replay
Seban, you are eligible to join the Ground Duty Branches. Now that you are not having the problem, you may get selected. Do give it a try! All the best!
hello sir i want to get into IAF as pilot. I am in inter second year. so,please tell the way to get into it please help me sir..
First off thank u for dat wonderfull info passed throughout…
I am currently studyin in 3rd year (Mech engg.). I am actually 5.4 feet in height. So am i eligible for flying branch..??
Also,can i know about the procedures/stages in selecting a candidate successfully for IAF.
The marks mentioned 60% above should be in one subject or the total aggregate required.??
Please be helpfull, waiting for the reply.
thank u…..
I m pass 12th witb pcm …my BoD 15/12/1999 i can i apply sir….bcoz i love indian airforce
Sir,first of all i would like to thanks to you ,the information you have provided .
I am currently studying in class 12 ,non medical..i want to join indian air force because its my dream…Sir i want to ask that after completing my three years do i will be able to join as an pilot or i there is some other institution like indian air force where i have to take training for being a jet fighter pilot…Sir , i will be very thankful to you for reading my questions and also will be very glad if you answer my question…
Akash, after NDA, there will be 1 year training at AFA (Air Force Academy), Hyderabad.
Sir, i complited my BBA in marketing , and with 50% marks , so can i eligiable for airforce, and for which group plzz , provide me proper guidence , becoz i want to be work as airforce department person.
Sarvesh, you may join IAF’s ground duty branches. Make use of AFCAT examination to join.
as a girl to join air force in flying branch what should i do i mean which collages should i join after 12 science.what qaulification are needed please tell me i need your advised.
Gebi, any Graduation Degree (3 or 4 years long), from a recognized University would be enough.
sir, I AM Gone trough operation,in my age of 6 yrs, now I’m fit and fine ,so can i join air force..please sir guide me please,
But sir I does’t have any math nd physics subject .
Hlo sir I’m in 12th class I want to join IAF but my subject is com
Harry, you may join Ground Duty Branches of IAF after completing Graduation. You may make use of AFCAT examination to join the IAF.
Hello sir. I have completed my12 std with 54%. can I eligible to join Indian air force. if i’m eligible than what can I do for it.
Adesh, you may make use of the NDA entry.
my name is manoj thakor i am final year student diploma electrical engg.my 5th sem result s 7.78 spi and CGPA 7.2 I request you job
I try to my best level
THANK YOU
Hello sir,my 12 complited i want to jon air force immadiatly plz tell what can i do ,i have complit crop science and 53%
Pravin, make use of the NDA entry. Set IAF as your first choice while filling up the application form online.
And Sir i have eligible for CDSE exam without NCC ‘c’ certificate??
Sir
I have complete graduate in mathematics
I love Indian Air Force but I have no NCC
How to join? Guide me please
Brijesh, you may appear for AFCAT examination and join the IAF.
I love airforce
Mai graduate kar ke airforce he join karoooo ga
All the best, Yash!
Sir I have done my PG (M.Tech) in Aug 2015, am very much interested in joining in joining defence… and My age is 25 years please tell me the opportunities for me and the notification schedules..
Kiran Kumar, you better keep an eye in sites like joinindianarmy.nic.in, UPSC official website etc. Notifications are put up there. You may make use of exams like AFCAT, CDSE etc.
Hello sir,
I am form west bengal. I have done 10+2(math,phy,che,bio) with 69% but 10 passed with 57.89%(wbsc). M… Can i apply for a iaf pilot exam?
Help me please
Sourav, you may try NDA entry and join IAF.
Hello Sir,
I am Diploma to Degree student and currently in 6th semester of BE but I haven’t studied maths and physics only in diploma … Am I elligible for Airforce or Navy?
hi
Sir – I am Gourav Sharma and I am students of class 12 science (pcm) . sir please aap mujhe bataye ki mujhe air force join karne ke liye aage kya karna he..??
Sir, I have done my 12th with pcb and now I am doing my Bsc in bio. Do I have any scope of getting into airforce???
sir, I AM Gone trough operation,in my age of 6 yrs,so can i join air force..please sir guide me please…
Sir i want to join Aif . how marks are required to maths phy che or english sub . Sir pleas tell to quikly and now ian in bsc1 YEAR ..
Arun,
I have completed my B.com graduation with about 70% and I havent participated in NCC programmes and all ! and am looking for a officer cader posts in Defence forces (Military, Navy, Air force) I dont have any support to guide me. Just tell me Is it possible to join with a B.com graduation for officer posts? What are all the needs I have to improve in myself? and tell me the posts and exams I can apply for?
Thanks,
Will be waiting for ur reply 🙂
Aravinth, you may use the NCC Entry or CDS entry to join the Armed Forces. Also, there are other exams like AFCAT and the ones held by Navy, using which you may join the Armed Forces.
Respected sir, I’m studying B.E., final year .
I am interest to work in Indian air force.
but, I am insert to optical class in my EYE.
so , I am select or reject in your department.
Sir i am currently studing in class 11th ,sir i want to ask you that ,what is the cut off marks to appear in NDA exams?and how many times can we appear in NDA exams?
i have cleared my afcat and ekt paper both . but in my form i had given technical as my third preference. will i get it? or will i be allotted only my first preference?
Sonia, preference are meant so that they can allot you your preferred branch. So, if you qualify for 1st preference, it is what you will get.
sir, i am Rahul Swami I have completed B.C.A and Appear in MBA. I interested in join airforce how can applying for that job. i am waiting for ur reply sir
Rahul, appear for AFCAT examination.
sir my subjects are physics,chemistry nd biology can i apply for air force please tell me as son as possible i m prsent in 12
Dear sir,
I have completed Diploma in tool and die making 2015 age i am 21.It is one of technical trade AICTE approved.So is there any chances to join IAF.