• Many students want to join the Indian Air Force after 12^th but are unsure how to do so. There are several ways to join Air Force after 12^th and cherry on the top is the career in Air Force is not limited to fighter aircraft piloting alone. The fighter aircraft pilot is the most popular rank that we all know but you need to know that Indian Air Force has three branches: flying, technical and ground staff. Getting selected for the IAF is a dream for many but a few get through. Joining the IAF requires courage, dignity, leadership, loyalty, discipline, determination and of course respect for nation and a heart & soul that want to serve the nation.  Career as an Air Force Official is full of challenges, experiences, recognition and rewarding as well. Just add on the pay scale that one gets.

What are the options in Indian Air Force after 12th?

Candidates who are willing to apply must know that the Indian Air Force is classified into three main branches which are Flying branch, Technical branch and ground branch/staff. Flying branch is further classified into three parts i.e., Fighter pilots, Helicopter pilots and Transport pilots.

The selection for these officer line and dignified posts go through the NDA entrance examination followed by a personal interview. Those who get through this selection procedure are then called for training at the Air Force Academy.

What is the NDA Exam?

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) conducts the NDA Exam twice a year. NDA is a common entrance exam conducted for admission to the Navy, Air Force and Army.

The exam is conducted in two stages – written test and SSB interview.

The questions asked in written test covers mathematics and general ability tests.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility criteria for NDA exam and the minimum requirements for appearing in NDA exam is are decided by UPSC.

Nationality:

Indian

Note: could be a Tibetan refugee who came to India before January 1, 1962 to settle permanently (such applicants will have to get certificate of eligibility issued by government of India.

Educational Requirements:

Mathematics and Physics are supposed to be your main subjects in 12^th. Those who are appearing in the final year of examination may also apply.

Age Limit:

16 and ½  to 19 and  ½ years at the time of commencement of course.

Gender:

Only boys are eligible to join Indian Air Force after class 12^th, currently there is no provision for girls to join IAF after class 12^th. However, girls can join Air force after completing their graduation through AFCAT or CDS exam.

Marital Status:

According to the eligibility norms for NDA only unmarried males are eligible to appear in exam.

Note: Applicants must note that they cannot get married until they complete their full training.

Physical Requirements:

NDA has set some physical requirements for 12^th class graduates who wish to join Indian Air Force. All the candidates must fulfill the standards set by NDA.

The parameters are as follows:

1. Height Requirement: The minimum height required for the Air Force is 162.5 cms. There is a relaxation of 5 cms that is provided for Gorkhas and individuals belonging to hills of North-Eastern regions of India, Kumaon and Garhwal. While 2 cms relaxation is given to the candidates from Lakshadweep
2. Weight Requirement: Weight requirements vary with height which is mentioned in the table given below

3.Leg Length: 99 – 120 cms

1. Sitting height: 81.50 – 96 cms
2. Chest : Chest should be at least 81 cms

Visual Standards Required:

Hypermetropia not more than 3.5 D

Myopia should not be more than 2.5 D

Process of Joining Indian Air Force :

NDA exam is conducted twice a year by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates can visit the official website of UPSC and fill the application form for examination.

The exam is conducted in 2 steps- first round is written test which is  900 marks test and the questions are asked from mathematics and general ability. Applicants who clear the cut off marks in written test are then called for SSB interview.

Selected candidates then take a step further and appear for PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test) and CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection Test).

Candidates who clear these 3 steps of selection procedure are then called for medical examination.

A merit list is prepared by considering the performances of the candidates in written test, SSB interview and Medical test. Candidates who all have performed well and are selected in the mentioned three steps are provided training for 3 years along with Naval Cadets and Military. After completing this training, candidates will be sent to the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad where candidates have to go through further training for 1 year and then you will be an officer in IAF.

Article by Avantika Gurjar