Are you passionate about flying and serving your country? If your dream is to soar through the skies in a fighter jet or transport aircraft, a career as a pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF) could be your perfect calling. This guide will take you through how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force, eligibility, exams, training, salary, and career growth.
Contents
- 1 Why Choose a Career in Indian Air Force?
- 2 Indian Air Force Career Options
- 3 Eligibility to Become a Pilot in Indian Air Force
- 4 Pilot Selection Process in Indian Air Force
- 5 Indian Air Force Pilot Training Duration
- 6 Indian Air Force Pilot Salary and Perks
- 7 Career Growth of an Indian Air Force Pilot
- 8 Can Women Become Pilots in Indian Air Force?
- 9 Final Words – Is it Worth It?
- 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Why Choose a Career in Indian Air Force?
Indian Air Force offers one of the most prestigious and adventurous career opportunities. As a pilot in the Air Force, you don’t just fly aircraft – you fly with a purpose. With cutting-edge technology, top-class training, and unmatched respect, this career is for the best of the best.
Indian Air Force Career Options
Before we get into pilot selection, let’s understand the three major branches in the Indian Air Force where aspirants can build a career:
1. Flying Branch (Pilot Jobs in Indian Air Force)
This is where you can become a fighter pilot, transport pilot, or helicopter pilot.
Entry through:
- NDA (after 10+2 with Physics & Maths)
- AFCAT (after graduation)
- CDSE (after graduation)
- NCC Special Entry
2. Technical Branch
Work on aircraft systems, radars, missiles, and maintenance.
Entry through:
- AFCAT (Engineering graduates)
- University Entry Scheme (UES)
3. Ground Duty Branch
Non-technical roles such as Administration, Logistics, Accounts, and Education.
Eligibility to Become a Pilot in Indian Air Force
To join the Flying Branch and become a pilot, you need to fulfill certain criteria depending on the entry route:
1. NDA Entry (National Defence Academy)
For 10+2 Passed Candidates
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Education: 10+2 with Physics & Maths
- Gender: Male only
- Nationality: Indian
- Selection: NDA exam conducted by UPSC + SSB Interview + Medicals
✅ NDA is the most popular entry point for young aspirants dreaming of becoming a fighter pilot.
2. CDSE Entry (Combined Defence Services Exam)
For Graduates
- Age: 19 to 23 years
- Education: Graduation (any stream) + 10+2 with Physics & Maths
- Gender: Male only
- Selection: CDSE exam + SSB Interview + PABT + Medicals
3. AFCAT Entry (Air Force Common Admission Test)
For Graduates (Male & Female)
- Age: 20 to 24 years
- Education: Graduation with 60% marks + 10+2 with Physics & Maths
- Selection: AFCAT Exam + SSB Interview + CPSS Test + Medical
📌 AFCAT is the most accessible route for both males and females who want to become a pilot in Indian Air Force.
4. NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch)
- NCC Air Wing ‘C’ Certificate with ‘A’ or ‘B’ Grade
- Age: 20 to 24 years
- Education: Graduation + 10+2 with Physics & Maths
- No written exam required – direct SSB call
Pilot Selection Process in Indian Air Force
✅ Step 1 – Written Exam / Application
Depending on the entry scheme (NDA, CDSE, AFCAT, NCC), apply online and clear the written exam (except NCC).
✅ Step 2 – SSB Interview
You’ll be tested on OLQs (Officer Like Qualities) through psychology tests, group tasks, and interviews.
✅ Step 3 – PABT / CPSS Test
For Flying Branch only. This is a one-time test to check your aptitude for flying.
- Includes: Instrument Battery Test, Sensory Motor Coordination, and Control Velocity Test.
✅ Step 4 – Medical Examination
Conducted at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), Delhi or IAM Bangalore.
- Vision, height, hearing, chest expansion, dental health – everything is checked.
✅ Step 5 – Final Merit List
If found medically fit and you rank high on the All India Merit List, you’ll be selected for training.
Indian Air Force Pilot Training Duration
- NDA Entry: 3 years NDA + 1.5 years Air Force Training
- AFCAT/CDSE Entry: 1 year of training at Air Force Academy (AFA), Hyderabad
You’ll earn the prestigious rank of Flying Officer after successful training completion.
Indian Air Force Pilot Salary and Perks
- During Training: ₹21,000 (stipend)
- After Training: ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 per month (as per 7th CPC Pay Matrix)
- Flying Allowance: ₹11,250 per month
- Other Perks: Free accommodation, medical, ration, uniforms, 60 days annual leave + 20 casual leave
Career Growth of an Indian Air Force Pilot
| Rank | Description |
|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Entry-level |
| Flight Lieutenant | 2 years’ service |
| Squadron Leader | 6 years’ service |
| Wing Commander | 13 years’ service |
| Group Captain | 26+ years |
| Air Commodore | Top senior rank |
| Air Vice Marshal | High command |
| Air Marshal | Strategic level |
| Air Chief Marshal | Topmost rank in IAF |
Can Women Become Pilots in Indian Air Force?
Yes, absolutely!
Indian Air Force allows Short Service Commission (SSC) entries for women in the Flying Branch via AFCAT. Trailblazers like Avani Chaturvedi, Bhawana Kanth, and Mohana Singh have already proven it’s possible.
✅ Equal opportunity
✅ Equal respect
✅ Equal training
Final Words – Is it Worth It?
Becoming a pilot in Indian Air Force is not easy. It demands discipline, mental strength, passion, and commitment to the nation. But the respect, thrill, honor, and lifetime of pride make it one of the most rewarding careers in the world.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is the age limit to become an Air Force pilot in India?
Ans: 16.5 – 24 years depending on the entry route.
Q2. Do I need to be a science student to become a pilot in IAF?
Ans: Yes, Physics and Maths in 10+2 are mandatory.
Q3. Is there any height requirement?
Ans: Yes. Minimum height is 152.5 cm. Leg length, sitting height, and thigh length are also considered.
Q4. Can girls apply for pilot posts in Air Force?
Ans: Yes, via AFCAT under SSC Flying Branch.
Q5. What is the salary of a pilot in Indian Air Force?
Ans: ₹56,100+ per month after training, with multiple allowances.
Read More Details : Air-force Career Official Website
