About Indian Airforce
Indian Air Force is the air arm of Indian Armed Forces. Primary mission of Indian Air Force is to secure Indian Air Space and conduct aerial warfare. Indian Air Force complements the other two arms – Indian Army and Indian Navy to provide national security to country. Indian Air Force is ranked number fourth among the air forces of the world.
How to join Indian Airforce as an Officer
There are different entry points to join Indian Air Force as commissioned officers. Candidates short-listed after the initial selection procedure go through a rigorous training regimen at one of the Air Force training establishments. There are four main entry points depending upon your age and qualifications and the branch of air force you opt. The four main entry points are:
- National Defence Academy Exam (NDA)
- Combined Defence Services Exam (CDS)
- Air force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
- National Cadet Corps (NCC) entry
Branches in Indian Air Force
Indian Air Force is divided into three main branches with further sub divisions as given below:
- Flying Branch
- Fighters
- Transporters
- Helicopters
- Ground Duty (Technical) Branch
- Mechanical
- Electronics
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branch
- Administration
- Accounts
- Logistics
- Education
- Meteorology
Types of Commission
Indian Air Force offers both Permanent Commission(PC) as well as Short Service Commission (SSC).
Permanent Commission
Permanent Commission means you will serve in Indian Air Force till the age of superannuation. Presently women are considered for Permanent Commission for Education and Accounts Branch only.
Short Service Commission
In Short Service Commission is for both men and women. For flying branch the tenure is 14 years without any further extension. For Ground Duty branches the tenure is for 10 years with a possible extension of another 4 years subject to vacancies, suitability, merit and other service requirements.
Entry Schemes and Eligibility Criteria
| Entry Scheme | Age Limit | Educational Qualifications | Mode of Selection |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Branch | |||
| National Defence Academy (NDA) | 16½ – 19 years | 12th standard of 10+2 system of education or equivalent | Written Examination by UPSC and SSB Interview |
| For NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders | 19 – 22 years | B.A./ B.Sc. | Air Force Selection Board |
| Ground Duty (Technical) | |||
| Aeronautical | 20 – 27 years | Degree in Electronics / Telecommunication Engineers | Air Force Selection Board |
| A. E. (Mechanical) | 20-27 years | Degree in Aeronautical/ Mechanical Engineering or Degree in Science | Air Force Selection Board |
| Ground Duty (Non-technical) | |||
| Administrative | 20 – 23 years | Graduate with Honours | Air Force Selection Board |
| Logistics | 20 – 25 years | M.A. or M.Sc. | Air Force Selection Board |
| Education | 20 – 25 years | Degree with Hons. or Degree and Diploma in Teaching | Air Force Selection Board |
| Accounts | 20 – 28 years | B. Com / Chartered Accountancy | Air Force Selection Board |
| Meteorology | 20 – 27 years | M.Sc. | Air Force Selection Board |
