How to Join Indian Air Force as a Pilot

There are multiple paths to join Indian Air Force as a Pilot. In this article, we will know all the entries, eligibility criteria, etc. required to join Indian Air Force as a Pilot.

There are various exams through which a candidate can join Indian Air Force as a pilot after graduation. 

Combined Defence Service Exam

CDS exam is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission twice a year. Those candidates who qualified for this examination for Air Force Academy (AFA) undergo the training process and with completion of their training, they are posted as the Permanent Commissioned Officers at any IAF’s Station.

• Only Unmarried  Male candidates can apply
• Age must be between 20 to 24 years
• Candidate should have a degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering
• Candidates who are studying in the final year/semester Degree course and have yet to pass the final year degree examination can also apply for the CDS exam. They must not have any present backlog up to the last semester/year for which results have been announced up to the time of submission of application, and they will be required to submit proof of passing the degree examination at the time of commencement of course.

National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry

Now talking about NCC Special Entry is only for candidates who have Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate. The joining in this entry is done through the Directorate General National Cadet Corps or through your respective NCC Air Squadrons. 

• Both Unmarried  Male and Female Candidates can apply.
• Permanent Commission is for men candidates and Short Service Commission for both men and women candidates.
• Candidates should be aged between 20 - 24 years. 
• Candidates should have passed 10+2 level with minimum of 50% marks in each subject – Physics and Mathematics.
• Candidates should be graduated with three years degree course in any discipline from any recognized university with a minimum of 60% marks each in Physics and Mathematics at BE/B. Tech degree (4 years course) or 
• Candidate must have cleared section A & B Exam of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India)/ Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with 60% or equivalent marks.

Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)

Both male and female candidates are allowed in the AFCAT examination. This test is conducted by IAF twice a year for the Short Service Commissioned Officer for a term of 14 years. The candidates are hired for the Technical and Ground Duty branches.

• Age must be 20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course).
• The upper age limit for the candidate having Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years (at the time of commencement of course).
• Candidate must have 60% marks each in Maths & Physics at 10+2 level.
• Candidate must be graduates (Three Year Course) in any discipline from a recognized University who have attained minimum of 60% marks or equivalent OR 
• Candidate must have BE/B Tech (Four Year Course) from a recognized university with minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.

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