Every year, the Indian Air Force (IAF) conducts IAF Group X and IAF Group Y examinations to find suitable candidates for entry-level positions as Airmen. Under the departments of the IAF, this exam is administered to both technical (group X) and non-technical (group Y) groups. Candidates can obtain their desired position in the Indian Air Force and realise their goal of serving their country by enlisting in the armed forces. Check the Indian Airforce Group X & Y Eligibility, given in the link attached to check the requirements to apply for the positions.

The selection procedure for Indian Air Force Airmen Group X and Group Y, the number of selection phases and important considerations for the physical and medical exams are all discussed in this article. Read on to know the details of the exam.

The Indian Air Force also conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test for multiple posts in the force. It is not part of the Agnipath Scheme and is a separate exam. To know more visit the linked article.

Now that you fulfil the AFCAT eligibility criteria, check the links for assistance in preparation for the AFCAT exam- 

The IAF Airmen X Y Group 2023 notification is expected to be released in October 2023. The candidates can apply for the application form online following the publication of the official notification. For those looking to join the Indian Air Force, this is the best entry-level position. By taking departmental exams and performing well, candidates are also promoted to the officer level. 

Government Exam 2023

Indian Air Force Group X & Y Exam: Overview

Indian Air Force Group X & Y Exam: Highlights
Exam Name Indian Air Force Group X and Y Airmen Recruitment 2023
Exam Conducting Body Indian Air Force (IAF), CASB (Central Airmen Selection Board) portal
Posts
  • Airmen Group X (Except Education Instructor) 
  • Airmen Group Y (Except Security and Musician trade)
Mode of Exam Online (computer-based)
Application fees Rs 250
Eligibility criteria
  • For Group X – 10+2 pass with Physics, Mathematics and English as a compulsory subject 
  • For Group Y – 10+2 pass or its equivalent
Selection Process
  • Written test or CBT (phase I)
  • Physical Fitness Test (phase II)
  • Adaptability test-1
  • Adaptability test-2
  • Medical Examination
  • Document Verification
Medical Exam Requirements As per Air Force standards
Physical Fitness Test Requirement
  • Running – 1600m or 1.6 km in 7 minutes
  • Squats – 20
  • Push-ups – 10

Candidates interested to join the Indian army should also learn in detail about the Combined Defense Services (CDS) exam. Visit the attached link for detailed information.

IAF Group X and Y: Selection Process

Every year, the Central Airmen Selection Board (CASB) administers the IAF Airmen X Y Group examination, which is used by the Indian Air Force to select candidates for service as Airmen in various groups and departments. The candidates can get an entry-level job in Indian Air Force through this Exam to serve the nation. The Indian Air Force provides the candidates with all the facilities and benefits in addition to a decent income. For anyone looking to start their career by enlisting in the Indian Air Force, this position is very attractive. 

The Indian Air Force (IAF) will base its selection process for positions in Airmen Group X & Y on the following three stages:

  • Written Test
  • Physical Fitness Test
  • Medical Test

The Indian Air Force will evaluate each applicant to determine whether they are qualified for the position of Airmen Group X and Y. Applicants must meet the basic requirements set by the Indian Air Force. The candidates for the Airmen Group X & Y will be chosen only on the basis of merit and their performance in previous rounds of selection.

Candidates should take the exam and get through all stages of the selection processes in order to be selected for a position in Group X or Group Y. After qualifying all these stages the candidates get the joining letter and are called for training. Candidates are posted as Airmen in a variety of air force stations and groups after completing their training.

To prepare for the defence exams, apart from the mock test, candidates can also solve Free Online Current Affairs Quiz for the IAS exam to ace the upcoming exam.

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IAF Group X and Y: Written Exam or CBT

Phase 1 includes an All India Selection Test, which will only be held at various designated centres. The exam mode for the Indian Air Force Group X and Y is online. To advance to the next round of selection, candidates must pass the written exam. The written test will be bilingual (Hindi & English) and in the form of Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs). There is a set time limit for this exam. The test is a 10+2 level exam. In addition to an overall cutoff, each topic will have a sectional cutoff.

Candidates who are in the X and Y groups must take both exams in one session. The comprehensive exam pattern is listed below in the tabular form.

Group/Trade Subject Number of questions Total marks Time duration
For Airmen Group X & Y both Reasoning and General Awareness (RAGA) 30 100 85 minutes
Mathematics 25
English 20
Physics 25
For Airmen Group X Mathematics 25 70 1 hour or 60 minutes
Physics 25
English 20
For Airmen Group Y Reasoning and General Awareness (RAGA) 30 50 45 minutes
English 20

Check the detailed IAF Group X & Y Exam Pattern, in the linked article.

IAF Group X and Y: Physical Fitness Exam

To join the Indian Air Force, one must be physically fit, hence passing the PFT is required. The fitness tests that will be performed are as follows:

Criteria Requirement
Situps 10 sit-ups in stipulated time
Squats 20 squats in stipulated time
Push-ups 10 push-ups in stipulated time
Running 1600m or 1.6 km running in 7 minutes

It must be noted that the Physical Fitness Test is only qualifying in nature and no marks are awarded for this stage of the exam.

Topics on general awareness are given on the Static GK page, check the link provided. 

IAF Group X and Y: Adaptability Test- 1

  • Candidates who pass the Physical Fitness Test (PFT) will next take the Situation Reaction Test (SRT) as the first exam of the adaptation test. 
  • A candidate’s ability to make decisions, react and respond is evaluated here. 
  • There are 45 SRTs in total, and 30 minutes are allotted for each one. 
  • This test evaluates an applicant’s attitude in relation to the standards specified by the defence forces for choosing a candidate with the correct mindset.

Check details related to Government exams after the 12th in the given link. 

IAF Group X and Y: Adaptability Test- 2

The candidates who pass the first adaptation test appear for the group discussion which is the second Adaptability test. 

  • This exam evaluates a person’s communication skills and knowledge. 
  • Furthermore interpersonal skills including persuasion abilities are evaluated through this stage of the selection process. 
  • This consists of 10 to 15 candidates sitting in a group and discussing their opinions on a common topic. 
  • All the topics of discussion are based on social issues or events from current affairs. 

Following passing all the rounds, the shortlisted candidates are handed a test series along with the dates and locations of the medical exams.

For the preparation of current affairs candidates can check the following links

IAF Group X and Y: Medical Exam

After passing Adaptability Test 2, the candidates show up for a medical test where they are checked and given the all-clear certificate. There are certain Physical and Medical conditions to join the IAF as an Airman. The IAF’s medical requirements are as follows:

Category Specific Details
General Health The candidate must be physically and psychologically capable of carrying out their duties in any location, regardless of climate or terrain.
Hearing  The candidates should be able to hear clearly in both ears at a distance of six metres, which is considered normal hearing.
Weight  The weight of candidates should be proportionate to height and age. However, the minimum weight of candidates should be 55kg.
Dental  The candidates should have healthy and clean teeth with two sets of 14 teeth. 
Vision  Candidates should not have colour blindness and should have good 6/6 vision.
Chest Expansion Chest expansion should be at least 5 cm.
Corneal Surgery Not acceptable
Particulars Details Height 152.5 cms except for IAF (P) and Auto Tech trades.
For Auto Tech trade -162.5 Cms (For NE and Hill States) 165 Cms (For other States) Chest.
For IAF(P) trade – 165 Cms (For NE and Hill States) and 175 Cms (For other States).
Body Tattoo Permanent body tattoos are not permitted, but there are a few exceptions: the dorsal portion of the hand’s back, the opposite side of the palm, and the inner face of the forearms (from the inside of the elbow to the wrist). Tribal members may also be given consideration if they have tattoos that adhere to their tribe’s traditions.

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

IAF Group X and Y: Document Verification

After clearing all the above stages of the exam, the candidates must get the documents checked as the last step of the selection process. Candidates must bring all the certificates that can prove the information provided by the candidates while filling out the application form. 

When all candidates who passed the medical examination are shortlisted on the basis of marks, a merit list is created. Candidates whose names appear on the merit list are issued a call letter and recruited in the Indian Air Force, where they undergo Joint Basic Training in Belgavi, Karnataka.

For those candidates wishing to join the naval branch of the Indian Armed Forces, the Indian Navy also conducts the Indian Navy Recruitment Test for multiple posts in the force. To know more visit the linked article.

List of Current Affairs Articles for UPSC

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

Central Armed Police Force  National Defence Academy/ Naval Academy 
IAF X and Y Group Exam Books CDS Notification

Frequently Asked Questions about Indian Air Force Group X and Y Exam

Q1

Q1. How many hours a day do Airmen work?

Ans. The required work week for Airmen is 40 to 45 hours.
Q2

Q2. What are the admission requirements for the Air Force?

Ans. To join the Indian Air Force, a candidate must be able to fulfil the basic academic criteria of the Air Force. Anyone who decides to join in the Air Force in must achieve a minimum of 50% overall.
Q3

Q3. How frequently is the Airmen exam held each year?

Ans: The Indian Air Force holds Airmen exams twice a year.
Q4

Q4. How are candidates for the Airmen Group X & Y position chosen?

Ans: Applicants must pass all three phases set by the Indian Air Force in order to be chosen for an Airmen Group X & Y post.