How To Join Indian Air Force?

If you’re curious to know about how to join the Indian Air Force, then you’re at the right place. Joining the Indian Air Force (IAF) as an officer is a prestigious and exciting career path that many young Indians aspire to. It’s not just a position but an honor to serve the nation. Every year, many aspirants choose to become IAF officers, but only those with the right preparation succeed. 

This guide will walk you through the five main routes to join Indian Air Force. We’ll help you explain the eligibility criteria, selection processes, and key details for each method. Whether you’re preparing for the NDA or CDSE, this comprehensive guide is designed for both men and women between the ages of 14 and 35.

How To Join Indian Air Force?

Here are the 5 exams to join Indian Air Force and serve the nation: 

1. National Defence Academy (NDA) Exam

The National Defence Academy Exam is a premier training institute that serves as the entry point to the Indian Armed Forces.

Take a look at the Air Force eligibility criteria, selection process, and training details. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Gender: Both male and female aspirants are eligible to appear in the NDA exam.  
• Age: The age limit to join the Indian Air Force is up to 19.5 years.
• Educational Qualification: You must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics, which is mandatory for the Air Force qualification.

Selection Process:

• Written Examination: The NDA exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year.
• SSB Interview: You must qualify for intelligence, psychological tests, group tasks, and a personal interview.
• Medical Examination: Candidates go through rigorous physical and medical tests to ensure their overall physical competence.

Training Details:

If you’re selected, you will undergo three years of training at NDA, followed by specialized training at the Air Force Academy.

2. Combined Defence Services (CDSE) Exam

The Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) is another key route to joining the IAF as an officer.

Discover the eligibility for Air Force in India, along with the selection process and training requirements. 

Eligibility Criteria:

• Gender: Male candidates are eligible to appear in the CDSE exam. 
• Age: The age limit must be up to 24 years.
• Educational Qualification: Graduation from a recognized university is mandatory.

Selection Process:

• Written Examination: The CDSE is conducted by UPSC twice a year for aspirants willing to be part of the Indian Air Force.
• SSB Interview: Similar to the NDA entry, you will have to crack psychological tests, group tasks, and interviews.
• Medical Examination: You’ll have to pass the comprehensive physical and medical tests.

Training Details:

Candidates selected through CDSE undergo training at the Indian Military Academy (IMA) or Air Force Academy, depending on their chosen branch.

3. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is essential for all entries into the IAF, excluding NDA and CDSE.

Let’s find out the eligibility criteria, the Air Force joining process, and the training details you need to know before appearing for AFCAT. 

Eligibility Criteria :

• Gender: Open to both men and women.
• Age: Varies by branch (Flying Branch: 20-24 years, Ground Duty Branches: 20-26 years).

Educational Qualification :

• Flying Branch: Candidates must have a graduation in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level to crack the Indian Air Force qualification.   
• Ground Duty (Technical): Engineering degree.
• Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation in any discipline.

Selection Process :

• AFCAT Examination: Conducted online twice a year by the IAF.
• SSB Interview: Post AFCAT, candidates undergo an SSB interview similar to the NDA and CDSE processes.
• Medical Examination: Strict medical and physical tests.

Training Details:

Selected candidates receive training at the Air Force Academy.

4. NCC Special Entry (For Air Wing Cadets)

The NCC Special Entry is available to candidates who hold a ‘C’ certificate from the National Cadet Corps (NCC) Air Wing Senior Division.

Check out the Indian Air Force education qualification, the selection process, and training details. 

Check out the eligibility for Air Force officer in India:

• Gender: Open to both men and women.
• Age: Up to 24 years.
• Educational Qualification: Graduate with at least 60% marks and a ‘C’ certificate in NCC Air Wing Senior Division.

Selection Process:

• Direct SSB Interview: No written exam required. Selection is based on the NCC ‘C’ certificate performance.
• Medical Examination: Standard medical and physical tests.

Training Details:

Successful candidates join the Air Force Academy for training.

5. Meteorology Entry

The Meteorology Entry is tailored for candidates with a postgraduate degree in science streams.

Find out all the Indian Air Force requirements, important to qualify for this entry. From age limits to medical requirements, know all the details. 

Eligibility Criteria :

• Gender: Men and women are eligible for meteorology entry. 
• Age: The set age limit is up to 26 years.
• Educational Qualification: You must hold a postgraduate degree in any science stream with at least 50% marks.

Selection Process :

• Direct SSB Interview: You are qualified for the interview based on your postgraduate degree marks.
• Medical Examination: After clearing the interview, you’ll go through a comprehensive physical and medical examination.

Training Details:

Once selected, you will undergo training at the Air Force Academy.

Conclusion :

Now you know how to join the Indian Air Force and begin your rewarding career. Joining the Indian Air Force as an officer is a prestigious and challenging journey. Each entry route has its specific Indian Air Force physical requirements and selection processes, but all demand dedication, discipline, and a strong desire to serve the nation. Whether through the NDA, CDSE, AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, or Meteorology Entry, you’ve got ample opportunities to achieve your dreams.

Select a route, check the eligibility criteria, and start preparing for exams. Plus, practice for the interview and maintain your overall health to crack the selection process. 

Join Trishul Defence Academy to Become Officers in the Indian Air Force:

For more detailed guidance and assistance, visit Trishul Defence Academy, Ranchi. You can also call us on 8400083030, follow us on our [Facebook page] (https://www.facebook.com/trishuldefenceacademy/), and stay updated on Instagram @trishuidefenceacademyranchi.

FAQs

1. Can I join Air Force after graduation?

Yes! You can join Air Force after graduation. The AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) and CDS (Combined Defence Services Exam) are the most common routes that aspirants choose. The education qualification for Ground Duty is graduation from any stream, and for the Flying Branch, Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level are mandatory. 

2. How to prepare for Indian Air Force?

To join Indian Air Force, you need to build strong knowledge mainly in Physics, English, & Mathematics. Prepare for NDA, CDS, or AFCAT and practice for SSB Interviews. Moreover, maintain overall health and stay updated with current news. Trishul Defence Academy offers complete programmes, preparing you for the written exam, SSB Interviews, stamina building, and expert guidance in achieving your dream. 

3. How to join Air Force after 12th?

UPSC conducts the National Defence Academy Exam for aspirants aspiring to join Air Force after 12th. You can appear in the written exam, crack the SSB Interview, and pass the medical test to qualify for the Air Force.  

4. How to join Air Force after 12th without nda?

You can join Air Force without NDA through the Agniveervayu scheme. However, you can’t become an officer without appearing in the NDA exam. Trishul Defence Academy helps aspirant in their career path through comprehensive programmes. You not only receive the expert guidance, but we also help you build stamina and prepare you for rigorous training.   

5. What is the age limit to join the Air Force through NDA?

The age limit to join Air Force in India is 16.5 to 19.5 years. Aspirants with a graduation degree are eligible for the Air Force wing.

6. Is AFCAT tougher than the NDA exam?

Both exams are competitive, require discipline, and the right preparation. However, AFCAT is considered easier than the NDA exam.   

7. What is the salary of a Flying Officer in the Indian Air Force?

The Indian flying officer receives ₹56,100 per month without allowance.