How to Join the Indian Air Force: A Complete Guide for Aspiring Candidates

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Essential Eligibility, Exam Details, Medical Standards, and Step-by-Step Process to Join the Indian Air Force

Joining the Indian Air Force (IAF) is a dream for many young Indians who aspire to serve their nation with pride and honor. This elite branch of the Armed Forces offers thrilling opportunities, discipline, and a life full of purpose. But the process to become an IAF officer is rigorous and requires thorough preparation. This guide covers all essential aspects that candidates must know before joining the Indian Air Force.

1. Entry Pathways to Join Indian Air Force

There are multiple entry routes into the IAF, depending on your educational background and aspirations:

A. NDA (National Defence Academy)

For 10+2 pass candidates
Entry through UPSC-conducted exam
Only male candidates eligible

B. CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination)

For graduates (any discipline)
Conducted by UPSC

C. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

For graduates in both technical and non-technical fields
Conducted by IAF twice a year

D. NCC Special Entry

For candidates with NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing)
Entry into Flying Branch

2. Eligibility Criteria

A. Nationality

Must be a citizen of India

B. Age Limit

Flying Branch (AFCAT & NCC Entry): 20 to 24 years (relaxable up to 26 for CPL holders)
Ground Duty (Tech & Non-Tech): 20 to 26 years

C. Marital Status

Must be unmarried at the time of training commencement

D. Educational Qualifications

Flying Branch: 10+2 with Physics & Math + Graduation (60% marks) or B.E./B.Tech
Ground Duty (Technical): Engineering degree in relevant discipline with 60% marks
Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Graduation in any discipline (Admin/Logistics), B.Com (Accounts), Post-Graduation (Education)

3. Selection Process

Step 1: Written Exam

NDA & CDSE: Conducted by UPSC
AFCAT: Conducted by IAF (Feb & Aug)

Step 2: AFSB Interview (Air Force Selection Board)

Stage I: Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Picture Perception & Discussion Test
Stage II: Psychological Test, Group Task, Interview, and CPSS (for Flying Branch)

Step 3: Medical Examination

Conducted at AFCME (Delhi) or IAM (Bengaluru)

Step 4: Final Merit List

Based on written test + AFSB + medical fitness

4. AFCAT Exam Pattern and Syllabus

Duration: 2 Hours

Total Questions: 100 | Total Marks: 300

Subjects:

English: Comprehension, Grammar, Vocabulary, Idioms
General Awareness: History, Geography, Current Affairs
Numerical Ability: Arithmetic, Percentages, Time-Speed-Distance
Reasoning & Military Aptitude: Verbal and Non-Verbal Reasoning

Marking Scheme:

+3 for correct answer
-1 for wrong answer

5. Medical and Physical Standards

A. Height & Weight

Flying Branch: Min. 162 cm
Ground Duty: Min. 157 cm (male), 152 cm (female)
Relaxation for NE & hill region candidates

B. Chest Expansion

Min. 5 cm

C. Vision

Stringent for Flying Branch (6/6 corrected)

D. Medical Tests Include:

ECG, X-rays (Chest & Spine), Blood Tests, Urine Test, USG Abdomen

E. Common Disqualifiers

Asthma, Color Blindness, Major surgeries, Spine deformities

6. Life in the Indian Air Force

Training: Conducted at AFA Hyderabad
Duration: 1 to 1.5 years based on branch
Benefits: Free accommodation, allowances, insurance, travel benefits
Career Growth: Promotions, Foreign postings, Advanced courses

7. How to Apply

Apply online at https://afcat.cdac.in
Register, fill the form, upload documents, and pay fee (INR 550+GST for AFCAT)
Admit cards and result updates via email and official portal

8. Tips for Aspiring Candidates

Start early with academics and physical fitness
Read newspapers daily for current affairs
Practice AFCAT previous year papers
Focus on personality development and communication skills

Conclusion

Joining the Indian Air Force is more than a career; it’s a commitment to serve the nation. With structured preparation, meeting all medical and academic criteria, and clearing the competitive selection process, your dream of soaring high can become a reality.

Aim high. Fly higher. Join the Indian Air Force.

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