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Trishul Defence Academy 
Every year, many young Indians dream of serving the nation by joining the IAF. For students of Class 12, the most common question among them is: “How to join Air Force after 12th?” At Trishul Defence Academy (TDA), we focus exclusively on training and mentoring aspirants who want to become an Air Force officer or airmen, regardless of whether they are looking at NDA entry or Agniveer Vayu entry under Agnipath Scheme, we will guide you and prepare you fully. This guide will cover eligibility for Indian Air Force after 12th, methods to enter the air force, duration for training, and career opportunities for boys and girls respectively.
Indian Air Force: An Overview
The Indian Air Force is the 4th largest Air Force in the World and is responsible for; securing the sky, aiding ground and naval forces, and carrying out humanitarian mission.
Branches of IAF include:
- Flying Branch – Fighter Pilots, Transport Pilots, Helicopter Pilots
- Technical Branch – Engineers handling aircraft and weapon systems
- Ground Duty Branch – Administration, Logistics, Accounts, Meteorology, Education
For Class 12 students, the two major entry routes are:
- NDA Entry
- Agniveer Vayu Entry
NDA Entry After 12th
NDA is the most prestigious way to become an officer in the IAF.
| Criteria | Details |
| NDA Entry Eligibility | 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics |
| Age Limit | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
| Gender | Male & Female (unmarried) |
| Exam Conducted By | UPSC (twice a year) |
| Selection Process | Written Exam (Maths + GAT), SSB Interview, Medical Tests |
| Training | 3 years at NDA + 1 year at Air Force Academy |
At Trishul Defence Academy we provide NDA coaching with written exam preparation, as mock SSB interviews, physical conditioning, and personality development.
Agniveer Vayu Entry Under Agnipath Scheme
The second pathway after Class 12 is the Agniveer Vayu entry under the Agnipath Scheme.
| Criteria | Details |
| Agniveer Vayu Eligibility | 10+2 with 50% overall and 50% in English (General). Physics & Maths mandatory for technical trades |
| Age Limit | 17 to 21 years |
| Gender | Male & Female (unmarried) |
| Selection Process | STAR Online Test → Physical Fitness → Medical |
| Service Duration | 4 years, with chance for permanent enlistment |
| Training | 10 weeks Basic + 12-24 weeks Trade Training |
Trishul Defence Academy’s Agniveer Vayu coaching provides candidates with the ability to pass the written exam, Physical tests and medical fitness tests.
Eligibility for Indian Air Force After 12th: Standards & Protocols
Along with academics, candidates have to meet physical and medical standards too.
| Activity | Male Requirement | Female Requirement |
| 1.6 km Run | Within 7 minutes | Within 8 minutes |
| Push-ups | 10 in 1 minute | Not Required |
| Sit-ups | 10 in 1 minute | 10 in 1.5 minutes |
| Squats | 20 in 1 minute | 15 in 1 minute |
At Trishul Defence Academy, aspirants undergo structured fitness training sessions to meet these benchmarks.
Air Force Courses After 12th
Many aspirants ask: “Which course is best for Air Force?”
- For Flying Branch: NDA entry is the best course after 12th.
- For Airmen roles: Agniveer Vayu entry under the Agnipath Scheme.
Students require strong academics in Subjects like Physics, Maths and English.
Much like NDA coaching, Trishul Defence Academy’s faculty will guide and coach you based on air forces education qualification and syllabus.
Career Options in the Air Force After 12th
Once selected, aspirants have a range of exciting career paths:
| Branch | Career Options | Entry Required |
| Flying Branch | Fighter Pilot, Transport Pilot, Helicopter Pilot | NDA, AFCAT (later) |
| Technical Branch | Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical/Electronics) | Engineering Degree + AFCAT |
| Ground Duty | Admin, Logistics, Accounts, Meteorology | Graduation + AFCAT |
TDA supports students in recognizing their strengths and strategizing their careers, from becoming a pilot, engineer, or officer.
How Long is the Air Force Training?
- NDA Entry: 3 years at NDA + 1 year at Air Force Academy
- Agniveer Vayu Entry: 6-12 months depending on specialization
Therefore aspirants will ask “how to become Air Force officer after 12th?” – The answer is choosing and learning from one of the best online/offline coaching institutes like Trishul Defence Academy.
Why Trishul Defence Academy?
- Demonstrated Results – Hundreds of selections in NDA, AFCAT, and Agniveer
- Expert Guidance – our mentors include ex-IAF officers and SSB specialists
- Holistic Training – writing exams, SSB interview, fitness, and medical readiness
- Facilities and Infrastructure – smart classrooms as well as the hostel comfort
Final Thoughts
The path to the skies is difficult but fulfilling. With proper preparation, guidance, and discipline, you can make your dream of joining the IAF a reality.
At Trishul Defence Academy, we don’t only train you for exams, we train you to lead the life of an officer. The simple answer to “who can join Indian Air Force” is, any determined young Indian person who chooses Trishul as their guide to joining the IAF.
FAQs
Q1: How to get into Indian Air Force?
You can join through NDA entry, or Agniveer Vayu entry under the Agnipath Scheme. Depending on your qualifications and age.
Q2: What are the qualifications for Air Force?
For NDA you need to have completed 10+2 with Physics & Maths. For Agniveer Vayu, you will require 50% marks overall and, 50% in English, with Physics/Maths for technical trades.
Q3: How many marks required for Air Force after 12th?
For Agniveer Vayu, you need 50% marks in 12th and 50% in English. NDA entry, doesn’t have a fixed marks. The cutoff will depend on the written exam you will be given.
Q4: How long is the Air Force training?
NDA training is 3+1 years, Agniveer Vayu training is 6 months to 1 year depending on trade.
Q5: Who can join Indian Air Force after 12th?
Any unmarried Indian male or female candidate that meets NDA entry eligibility or Agniveer Vayu eligibility is entitled to apply.
Q6. Which course is best for Air Force?
After the 12th (Physics & Maths), the NDA (National Defence Academy) Flying Branch is the best option to become an Air Force pilot.
