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How to Join Indian Air Force (Airmen, AFCAT, NDA, CDS)

Indian Air Force

How to Join Indian Air Force (Airmen, AFCAT, NDA, CDS): 2025 Career Guide

Indian Air Force

Introduction

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is a symbol of strength, precision, and national pride. Every year, thousands aspire to serve in the sky as air warriors. Whether you are a student, graduate, or professional, this guide covers how to join Indian Air Force through Airmen, AFCAT, NDA, and CDS routes in 2025.

Why Choose the Indian Air Force?

  • Prestigious Uniformed Service

  • Highly Disciplined and Rewarding Career

  • Attractive Salary and Perks

  • Free Medical, Housing, and Education Benefits

  • Chance to Serve the Nation in the Sky

Main Entry Routes into the Indian Air Force

  1. Airmen (Group X and Y – Technical & Non-Technical roles)

  2. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test – Graduate Entry)

  3. NDA (10+2 Entry for Flying Branch)

  4. CDS (Graduate Entry for Permanent Commission)

Eligibility Criteria for All Entries

Entry Type Age Limit Qualification Gender
Airmen 17.5–21 years 10+2 Male only
AFCAT 20–26 years Graduation/Engineering Male & Female
NDA 16.5–19.5 years 10+2 with Physics & Math Male only
CDS 20–24 years Graduation Male only

How to Join IAF as Airmen (Group X and Y)

Airmen are the backbone of the IAF’s technical and operational support.

Group X (Technical)

  • Eligibility: 10+2 with Math, Physics, and English with 50% marks OR Diploma in Engineering

  • Age: 17.5 to 21 years

  • Exam Pattern:

    • English

    • Physics

    • Mathematics

    • Duration: 60 mins

Group Y (Non-Technical)

  • Eligibility: 10+2 with any stream, 50% marks

  • Exam Pattern:

    • English

    • Reasoning and General Awareness

    • Duration: 45 mins

Selection Process:

  1. Online Registration → Written Exam

  2. Physical Fitness Test

  3. Adaptability Test I & II

  4. Medical Exam

  5. Final Merit

How to Join IAF through AFCAT (Graduate Entry)

AFCAT is held twice a year for Flying, Ground Duty (Tech/Non-Tech), and Meteorology branches.

Eligibility Criteria for AFCAT

  • Flying Branch: Graduation with Physics and Math at 10+2 level

  • Ground Duty (Tech): B.Tech/B.E.

  • Ground Duty (Non-Tech): Any Graduation

  • Age: 20 to 24 (Flying), up to 26 for other roles

AFCAT Selection Process

  1. Written Test: English, Reasoning, Numerical Ability, GK, Military Aptitude

  2. AFSB Interview: Intelligence, Group Tasks, Psychological tests

  3. Medical Fitness Test

  4. Final Merit

How to Join IAF via NDA (10+2 Entry)

NDA is the premier route to become a Commissioned Officer in the Flying Branch.

NDA Exam and SSB Process

  • Eligibility: 10+2 with PCM

  • Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years

  • Selection:

    • UPSC NDA Exam → SSB Interview

    • Medical Test → Final Merit

  • Training: NDA Khadakwasla → Air Force Academy, Dundigal

How to Join IAF through CDS (Graduate Entry)

CDS offers entry to Permanent Commission through the Air Force Academy.

CDS Exam and IMA/AFA Route

  • Eligibility: Graduate with Physics and Math at 10+2

  • Age: 20 to 24 years

  • Selection Process:

    • UPSC CDS Exam

    • AFSB Interview

    • Medical Fitness

  • Training: AFA, Hyderabad

Physical and Medical Standards in IAF

Criteria Minimum Standard
Height 152 cm for Men, 148 cm for Women
Vision 6/6 or 6/9 (correctable)
Weight As per BMI standards
Fitness Running, Push-ups, Sit-ups tests

Required Documents for IAF Applications

  • Class 10 and 12 mark sheets

  • Graduation certificates

  • Aadhaar card

  • Domicile certificate

  • Passport-size photographs

  • NCC/Sports certificate (if applicable)

Training Academies for IAF Cadets and Airmen

Academy Purpose
NDA, Khadakwasla Pre-commission training
AFA, Dundigal (Hyderabad) Flying and technical officer training
Basic Training Institute For Airmen Group X/Y

Salary, Perks, and Career Benefits in the IAF

Rank/Role Starting Pay Perks & Benefits
Airman ₹21,700 – ₹30,000 Uniform, housing, medical, travel, ration
Flying Officer ₹56,100 + MSP Transport, accommodation, servant, pension
Senior Ranks ₹1 lakh+ Special allowances, foreign postings

Promotion and Growth in the Indian Air Force

  • Airman → Sergeant → Warrant Officer → Master Warrant Officer

  • Officer → Flying Officer → Flight Lieutenant → Wing Commander → Air Marshal → Air Chief Marshal

Tips to Crack Air Force Exams

  1. Practice Maths and English daily

  2. Stay updated with current affairs

  3. Join mock test series for AFCAT and NDA/CDS

  4. Work on communication for SSB Interview

  5. Train daily for physical fitness

Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Submitting wrong or incomplete documents

  • Ignoring physical fitness training

  • Skipping SSB preparation

  • Choosing wrong exam center or entry branch

FAQs on How to Join Indian Air Force

1. Can girls join the Indian Air Force?

Yes, through AFCAT and CDS in Flying and Ground Duty branches.

2. Is NDA open to females?

Yes, females can apply for NDA since 2021.

3. How many times can I attempt AFCAT?

No official limit, as long as you meet age and qualification criteria.

4. Is SSB difficult?

SSB requires strong communication, decision-making, and leadership skills.

5. Can I join the IAF after Diploma?

Yes, in Group X Technical (Airmen) through Airmen recruitment.

6. What is the minimum eyesight for pilot roles?

6/6 without glasses or correctable to 6/6 for Flying Branch.

Conclusion

Joining the Indian Air Force is a dream that combines honor, adventure, discipline, and service. Whether you’re applying after 10+2, graduation, or diploma, the Air Force offers a defined and respected path. Prepare with dedication and soar high—because the sky is not the limit, it’s your starting line.


 UPSC NDA/CDS: https://www.upsc.gov.in