How To Become A Pilot In Indian Air Force?

One of the most esteemed and sought-after careers in the Indian Air Force is a pilot. Out of all eligible candidates, the Indian Air Force only accepts the best ones through its selection procedure. An applicant who has an excellent academic record, a strong work ethic, and is in good physical and mental health is more likely to be chosen as a pilot. 

A potential pilot candidate must possess many qualities, including excellent leadership and teamwork skills. There are several ways to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force. The requirements, qualifying standards, and other information needed to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force will all be covered in this article.

Candidates willing to appear for other Government exams can go through the link for information on upcoming exams.

Career In Indian Air Force As a Pilot

The Flying Branch is responsible for flying and operating the various aircraft of the Indian Air Force. The following duties are part of an officer’s job profile in the Indian Air Force’s Flying Branch:

• Air support and supplies.
• Transportation of material.
• Transportation of ammunition tasks.
• Must also be proficient in mission planning, which involves determining the optimal route, altitude, and speed for an aircraft to achieve its objectives.
• Leading and manage a team of airmen and airwomen.
• Operate and look after fighter planes during combat.

Salary Of A Pilot in the Indian Air Force

During the final year of the training at any of the Air Force Training Institutions, candidates begin receiving a monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100/- even before they are commissioned as an Air Force Officer. Later they are entitled to various allowances and salaries as given in the table below:

All flying officers in the Indian Air Force are eligible to advance to the highest positions based on their years of service. According to level and post, the rankings of flying officers are listed below. 

All the Defence exams have certain physical and medical standards that are mandatory to be fulfilled by the candidates in order to be eligible for the examination. Aspirants can go through the detailed eligibility requirements of various Defence exams on the links provided below-

Candidates have the option of starting out as Flying Officers and working their way up to Air Marshal. The Flying Branch member who is selected serves as Chief of the Air Staff. The Indian Air Force accepts applications for flying officers from candidates who have cleared the AFCAT, NCC, UPSC NDA or UPSC CDS 2023 exams. The many routes that a graduate or 12th-grade pass can pursue to join the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force are listed below. 

How To Join As A Pilot In Indian Air Force Through NCC

Candidates apply to the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force as holders of the National Cadet Corps Air Wing Senior Division “C” Certificate. This method of entrance allows both men and women to join the Air Force. Men can receive a Permanent Commission, and both men and women can receive a Short Service Commission. Other eligibility details to join as a pilot are given below:

It is to be noted that NCC Air Wing Senior Division ’C’ certificate is needed for candidates applying through NCC and the validity of the certificate would be two years before the date of advertisement.

Candidates can check the detailed NDA notification on the linked page for further details.

How To Join As A Pilot In Indian Air Force Through NDA

Aspirants must pass the NDA exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to be eligible to join the Indian Air Force as a Pilot. The NDA exam is administered twice a year in all of India’s major cities. Following the initial screening process, those who are shortlisted for the IAF undergo a rigorous three-year training programme at the National Defence Academy in Khadakwasla, followed by specialised training at one of the training facilities. All Flying branch cadets will be eligible for a B.Tech. in NDA. They are then posted as officers at any Air Force Station and commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers. 

How To Join As A Pilot In Indian Air Force Through AFCAT

The AFCAT exam is open to both male and female candidates. For the Short Service Commissioned Officer for a term of 14 years, the IAF administers this test twice a year. In order to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force, candidates are hired for the Technical and Ground Duty branches.

The information related to the following Defence exams is given in the article-

• CAPF – Central Armed Police Force
• NDA – National Defence Academy/ Naval Academy 
• CDS – Combined Defense Services
• AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test

How To Join As A Pilot In Indian Air Force Through CDS

The UPSC holds the CDS exam twice a year for the purpose of recruiting officers for the Indian Air Force. Those candidates who qualified for this examination for Air Force Academy (AFA) undergo the training process. 

Graduate/Engineer applicants can join the Air Force Academy, where shortlisted candidates get training as fighter, helicopter, or transport pilots and participate in various peacetime and combat operations. Following training, they are assigned to any IAF stations as Permanent Commissioned Officers.

Detailed information on CDS notification and relevant details are given in the linked article. 

For the best preparation strategy for competitive exams, candidates can visit the linked article and get detailed study material and preparation tips to excel in the examination.

Aspirants of other exams conducted by UPSC can go through the given links for assistance-