AIR FORCE

Introduction:
The Indian Air Force is the world's fourth largest, well-equipped and professionally trained, force
with five operational air commands. The major task of the Indian Air Force is that of defending the
Indian skies by flying combat aircraft and helicopters. Other activities involve technical work such
as aeronautical, electronics and computer engineering, as well as administrative, financial and
management duties.

Specialisations
The IAF has four main branches:
Flying branch
Technical branch
Ground Duties branch
Short Service Commission for Women
Flying Branch includes
Fighter pilots who fly combat or fighter planes
Transport pilots who fly planes with men and materials
Helicopter pilots who provide air support to a moving army, or are used for para-dropping men
and supplies
Navigators who fly along with the pilot and guide the aircraft using the latest avionic equipment
Technical Branch
The technical branch consists of all the engineering sections that are responsible for the
engineering equipment and weapon systems of the Air Force.
Ground Duties
The Administrative Officer is responsible for the personnel management and administration of
the Air Force throughout the country
Candidates must satisfy the prescribed physical standards i.e. physical fitness and freedom from
any disease or disability and excess fat.
A qualified technician or one equipped with a professional degree (in subjects like law, medicine,
engineering and the like) and between 21 to 25 years can directly appear for the Services
Selection Board (SSB) interview followed by a medical examination. Technical graduates in
specified disciplines are recruited in the Technical Graduates Commission and the Short Services
(Technical) Commission.

Future Prospects
Ex-Indian Air Force officers find jobs in commercial airlines. Most of Air India's senior
commanders have an Air Force background. Air Force pilots can take up teaching assignments
as instructors in flying clubs or invest in independent training academies.

Page 1 of 3
Great Care has been taken in the compilation of this information and the information contained therein has been compiled using
sources believed to be reliable and accurate. Students are however advised, in their own interest, to reconfirm the data before acting
upon the same. IMS does not accept any liability for error or redundancies of any nature whatsoever

After successful completion of training, the candidates pass out as Flying Officers and become
entitled to the pay and allowance due to the rank. The Air Force offers good career prospects
though it varies from branch to branch.

Study Route
NDA (Army)-10+2
NDA (Air force/Navy)-10+2 with Physics and Math
CDSE Graduation in any stream

Undergraduate Entry:
Type of

Age limit

Educational Qualification

Time of Notification

NDA

16 to 19 years

10+2 with Physics and Mathematics

October - November & April - May

Graduate Entry:
Type of Entry

Age limit

Educational Qualification

Time of
Notification

For Graduates - Flying Branch

Combined Defence
Services
Examination (CDSE
National Cadet
Corps

19 to 23 years

Graduate in any stream with Physics and Mathematics

in your 10+2.

August/September
and March/April

B. Tech. in Radio Physics and Electronics from

Calcutta University.

August/September
and March/April

For Graduates Technical Branch

Aeronautical
Engineering
(Electronics)
Permanent / Short
Service Commission

18 to 28 years

B.Sc. Physics with Electronics from Bombay University.

OR
B.Sc. with Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry. You
must also possess the following qualifications:
AMIE or equivalent qualification in Electronics/
Electrical/ Telecommunication/ Radio Engineering/
Avionics/ Associate Membership Examination of
Aeronautical Society of India with Avionics
Communication

Page 2 of 3
Great Care has been taken in the compilation of this information and the information contained therein has been compiled using
sources believed to be reliable and accurate. Students are however advised, in their own interest, to reconfirm the data before acting
upon the same. IMS does not accept any liability for error or redundancies of any nature whatsoever

.
A minimum of two years practical experience in the
discipline of Electronics in a recognised servicing or
manufacturing organisation.
Aeronautical
Engineering
(Mechanical)
Permanent / Short
Service Commission

18 to 28 years

B.Sc. with Physics, Mathematics and Chemistry. In

addition, you should also possess the following
qualifications:
AMIE or equivalent qualification or Associate
Membership Examination Part II and III of Aeronautical
Society of India with Group I (Design and Production) or
Group II (Maintenance, Repair and overhaul) subjects

August/September
and March/April

.
A minimum of two years practical experience in the
discipline of Electronics in a recognised servicing or
manufacturing organisation.

Ground Duty Branches

Administrative Air Traffic
Controller
Branch

20 to 23 years

Fighter
Controller
20 to 23 years
Branch

Accounts
Permanent/Short
Service
Commission
Meteorology

21-25 years

Education

21-25 years

Graduation with a minimum score of 60%.

October/November

A minimum score of 60% in any of the following

courses: B.Com./ B.Com. (Honours)

October/November

Post Gradate in Science, Geography or MCA

provided Math and Science were subjects studied at
Graduation Level.
Post Graduate in English/Defence
studies/Psychology/Math/Physics/Statistics/Compute
r Science/Management or M.Ed after PG as stated
above or Ph.D (in the above stated subjects)

October/November
October/November

Page 3 of 3
Great Care has been taken in the compilation of this information and the information contained therein has been compiled using
sources believed to be reliable and accurate. Students are however advised, in their own interest, to reconfirm the data before acting
upon the same. IMS does not accept any liability for error or redundancies of any nature whatsoever