Want to Join the Indian Air Force? Here Is the Complete Recruitment Process
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is one of India’s most prestigious defence services, offering opportunities in flying, technical, and ground duty branches. Every year, lakhs of aspirants aim to join IAF for a challenging, respected, and rewarding career. If you are looking to join the Air Force, understanding the recruitment routes, eligibility, selection process, and exam pattern is crucial.
This guide explains everything you need to know — from entry schemes to medical tests — designed with SEO optimization to help your blog rank at the top of Google.
Ways to Join the Indian Air Force
Candidates can join the Indian Air Force through multiple entry routes depending on their educational background.
1. NDA Entry (After 12th)
For candidates who have passed Class 12 with Physics and Mathematics.
Conducted by UPSC
Only for male candidates
Entry into Flying Branch
2. AFCAT Entry (After Graduation)
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is the most popular route.
Available for:
Flying Branch
Ground Duty (Technical & Non-Technical)
3. CDS Entry (Degree Holders)
Graduates can apply through the Combined Defence Services Exam by UPSC.
4. NCC Special Entry
For candidates with NCC Air Wing C Certificate.
5. Agniveer Vayu Entry
A new entry scheme under the Agnipath program for short-term service.
Indian Air Force Selection Process
The selection process differs based on entry mode but includes common stages:
1. Written Examination
Depending on entry:
NDA
AFCAT
CDS
Agniveer Vayu
2. AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board)
Stages include:
Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) Test
Picture Perception & Discussion Test (PPDT)
Psychological Tests
Group Discussion & Group Tasks
Personal Interview
3. Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS)
For Flying Branch candidates only.
4. Medical Examination
Conducted at:
IAM Bengaluru
AFCME Delhi
MEC Chennai
Medical standards include:
Eye vision
Height/weight
Hearing
Cardiovascular fitness
5. Final Merit List
Final selection depends on:
Written score
AFSB performance
Medical fitness
Vacancies per branch
Indian Air Force Exam Pattern
AFCAT Exam Pattern
Total Marks: 300
Total Questions: 100
Sections:
General Awareness
Verbal Ability
Numerical Ability
Reasoning & Military Aptitude
Duration: 2 hours
NDA Exam Pattern
Mathematics (300 marks)
General Ability Test (600 marks)
SSB Interview (900 marks)
CDS Exam Pattern
For IMA/AFA:
English
General Knowledge
Mathematics
Each paper = 100 marks
Agniveer Vayu Exam Pattern
Phased online exam including:
Science subjects
General Awareness
Reasoning
Training After Selection
Selected candidates undergo training at:
Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
Specialized training centres for technical branches
Training includes:
Physical conditioning
Flight training (for flying branch)
Leadership and military discipline
Career Growth in the Indian Air Force
IAF offers promotions such as:
Flying Officer
Flight Lieutenant
Squadron Leader
Wing Commander
Group Captain
Air Vice Marshal
Air Marshal
Air Chief Marshal
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FAQ
1. What is the minimum height requirement for Indian Air Force?
For men: 152.5 cm
For women: 162.5 cm (Flying Branch)
2. Can girls join the Indian Air Force?
Yes. Girls can join through AFCAT, CDS (OTA for non-flying), NCC Special Entry, and Agniveer Vayu.
3. Is maths compulsory to join IAF Flying Branch?
Yes. Class 12 Physics and Maths are mandatory.
4. What is the age limit for AFCAT?
20 to 24 years for Flying Branch
20 to 26 years for Ground Duty
5. Is the CPSS test mandatory for pilots?
Yes, CPSS is compulsory for Flying Branch aspirants.
source credit : :Rahul Kumar
Published on : 25 th November
Published by : Reddy kumar
Credit: Written by Vizzve Finance News Desk
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