The Indian Air Force is the world’s fourth-largest air force. Becoming a fighter pilot is not just a career choice; it is a dream of flying above the clouds, protecting the nation, and living a life full of thrill, discipline, and honour.
If you dream of becoming a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, you will have to join the flying branch of the Indian Air Force.
Becoming a fighter pilot in the Air Force is not easy because the process of becoming a fighter pilot is quite tough. Let’s break down the complete step-by-step process so you know exactly how to become a fighter pilot after 12th.
Four various entries and eligibility criteria to become a fighter pilot
There are four entry modes to join the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force. You can join the Flying branch of the Indian Air Force through one of the following:
- NDA (National Defence Academy) entry, also called 10+2 (HSC) entry.
- AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) entry.
- CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination) entry.
- NCC Special Entry.
Let us review the eligibility criteria for each of the four entry types one by one.
1) NDA (National Defence Academy) Entry
You can join the NDA by taking the exam conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). This exam is conducted twice a year in all major cities throughout India (Tentatively during May & Dec).
Eligibility Criteria
Age – 161/2 to 191/2 years (at the time of commencement of course)
Educational Qualifications – 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics.
Gender – Men and Women
Nationality – Indian
To know the advertisement schedule, visit – https://upsc.gov.in/
2. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) entry.
AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) is another entry to join the flying branch. This examination provides opportunities for talented applicants to become fighter pilots.
Through the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) entry, both male and female candidates apply for Short Service Commission (SSC) and, in some cases, Permanent Commission (PC) for flying and ground duty branches.
The exact commission type can vary depending on the branch and vacancy. While many positions or posts are for SSC, some vacancies are reserved for Permanent Commission (PC) for certain branches or categories.
AFCAT written exam includes 4 tests
- Verbal Ability in English
- General Awareness,
- Numerical Ability, and
- Reasoning/Military Aptitude.
The time duration for this exam is 02 hours.
Aspirants applying for the Technical Branch must also appear for the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). Both the AFCAT and EKT are computer-based tests held in English.
After clearing the AFCAT written exam, the candidate will have to face the AFSB interview, which consists of physical fitness tests, psychological tests, group tests, and a personal interview.
The final merit list is prepared based on the candidate’s performance in the AFCAT written exam and AFSB interview.
Eligibility Criteria
Age – 20 to 24 years.
Upper age limit for candidates holding a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA India) is relaxable up to 26 years.
Educational Qualifications – Aspiring candidates must have completed their 10+2 with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics, and
a) Graduation with a 03- or 04-year degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks.
OR
(ab) BE/B Tech degree (4-year course) from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent grade.
OR
(ac) Aspiring candidates who have cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent.
Gender – Men and Women
Nationality – Indian
Marital Status – Candidates must be unmarried at the time of course commencement, and marriage is not permitted during the training period.
Advertisement released by – DISHA Cell/Indian Air Force (IAF)
Advertisement schedule – June and December at https://afcat.cdac.in
How to Apply – Flying Branch Aspiring candidates are required to apply online by using the link https://careerindianairforce.cdac.in or https://afcat.cdac.in
Aadhaar Card is mandatory for online registration.
3. CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination) entry.
CDSE entry to join the flying branch is available for candidates who have completed graduation from a recognized university.
Graduate with any 4-year degree course in any discipline or BE/B Tech degree holder having passed physics & math at the 10+2 (HSC) level.
College applicants appearing for their final year/semester can also apply, provided they have no arrears/backlogs in papers from previous semesters.
Through this entry method, only men are eligible to enter and get a permanent commission. There is no short service commission through the CDSE entry in the IAF flying branch.
To know the latest CDS entry IAF recruitment policy changes, please go through the latest notification released by UPSC
Eligibility criteria
Age – 20 to 24 years as on the date of commencement of the course/training.
An additional 2 years of relaxation is available for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders issued by DGCA (India)
Nationality – Indian
Marital Status – Single, and marriage is not permitted during training.
Gender – Men only. CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination) entry is not available for women candidates.
To know the latest changes in IAF (Flying branch) recruitment, please read the latest released notification of the CDSE entry released by the Union Public Service Commission.
Educational Qualifications
Graduate (03 Year Course) in any discipline from a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level)/BE/B Tech (Four Year Course).
Final Year/semester students are also eligible to apply, provided they produce a degree certificate issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement.No Percentage Bar for CDSE entry.
Advertisement schedule –
Advertisement for CDSE entry releases during May & Dec (or in the months of November and August) by Union Public Service Commission at UPSC official website – https://www.upsc.gov.in/
04 NCC (National Cadet Corps) Special Entry
The NCC Entry scheme is a special entry scheme available for male and female candidates who are graduates and hold a valid NCC Air Wing “C” certificate.
Note: Through NCC entry Permanent Commission (PC) for Men, Short Service Commission (SSC) for Men & Women.
Eligibility criteria
Age – 20 to 24 years as on the date of commencement of training. An additional 2 years of age relaxation (up to 26 Years) is available for Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders, which is issued by DGCA (India)
Nationality – Indian
Marital Status – Single, and marriage is not permitted during training.
Gender – Men & Women Permanent Commission (PC) for Men, Short Service Commission (SSC) for Men & Women, Permanent Commission (PC) is not available for women candidates.
Educational Qualifications –
Candidates should have mandatorily passed with a minimum of 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at the 10+2 (HSC) level
And
Graduation with a minimum of three years degree course in any discipline from a recognized University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent grade.
OR
BE/B Tech degree (04 years course) from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent grade.
OR
Candidates who have cleared the Section A & B examination of the Associate Membership of the Institution of Engineers (India) or the Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks or equivalent grade.
Advertisement
For NCC entry, advertisements are released by the Indian Air Force/DISHA Cell during June & December on www.afcat.cdac.in
Services Selection Board (SSB) Interview
Successfully clearing the written exam (NDA, CDS, AFCAT, or NCC), candidates proceed to the next phase, which is the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview.
This comprehensive assessment evaluates the candidates’ personality, leadership qualities, aptitude, and overall suitability for a distinguished career in the Indian Air Force.
Medical Examination
Candidates who clear the SSB interview must undergo a medical examination to meet the medical standards set by the Indian Air Force.
Physical fitness and mental health are critical for aspiring fighter pilots.
Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT)
The Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT), also known as the Computerized Pilot Selection System (CPSS), is a single-attempt, once-in-a-lifetime test designed to assess your aptitude for piloting.
This exam evaluates the candidates’ ability to manage the demands of aerial combat and their suitability for flying duties.
Failure in the Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT) means you are disqualified from joining any flying branch of the Indian Armed Forces. Please note that you will not get a second chance to appear for the PABT test.
Training at the Air Force Academy
You are transferred to one of the Air Force training facilities once you have passed the selection process. Here, you undergo academic and physical training that is scientifically designed to prepare you for life in the Indian Air Force (IAF).
The flying branch training encompasses developing the skills necessary for aerial excellence, as well as learning to fly a variety of aircraft, including fighter jets.
What is the salary of a fighter pilot?
Fighter pilot’s salary in the Indian Air Force (IAF) includes basic pay, Military Service Pay (MSP), and various allowances, resulting in a total monthly pay ranging from ₹1.36 Lakhs to over ₹3.41 Lakhs (approximately), depending on rank and other circumstances.
IAF pilot receives a basic pay in Pay Band 10 (₹56,100 to ₹1,77,500) plus Military Service Pay (MSP) (₹15,500), and additional allowances such as flying, transport, and risk/hardship (pay) allowances.
