Skip to main content

Indian Air Force As A Career

Indian Air Force As A Career

Summary

Indian Air Force established in the year 1932. Since then it has become an indispensable part of the Indian defense services. Currently, it has seven commands, five of which are functional and two are non-functional. It has shown tremendous progress and advancements over the years and has served the country at the times of need be it during wartime or during disasters. An evidence of its strength and commend ability comes from the fact that it was named Royal Indian Air Force in 1945 as a result of the recognition of its services and achievements in World War II. India has a credible air power which is counted as one amongst the best in the world. It is considered to be the seventh powerful air force of the world. Currently, it is served by 1.8 lakh personnel, more than 500 transport aircrafts and helicopters, and more than 600 combat aircrafts. This strength makes it the fourth largest Air Force of the world.

Career Opportunities in the Indian Air Force

How to Pursue a Career in the Indian Air Force

StreamGraduationAfter GraduationAfter Post Graduation
Path 1
Clear Class XII in Science Stream (Mathematics and Physics)Pass the National Defense Academy (NDA) Exam to join the Indian Air Force--
Path 2
Clear Class XII in Science Stream (Mathematics and Physics)Pursue graduation in Any Discipline (Open to pre-final year students if they have the required Certificate)Pass the CDS/AFCAT Exam and UPSC Eligible to join through NCC Special Scheme Entry provided you have "C" Certificate-
Path 3
Clear Class XII in Science Stream (Mathematics and Physics)Pursue graduation in B.Tech/BE for 4 yearsGive the EKT Exam to get enrolled into Indian Air force-
Path 4
Clear Class XII in Science Stream (Mathematics and Physics)Pursue graduation in B.Tech/ BE for 4 years and apply in Pre - Final YearGive the UES Exam to get enrolled in Indian Airforce-

Important Facts

  • One can appear for CDS while in final year of graduation as well.
  • Most of these exams are conducted twice a year.
  • Not all these exams are open for females.
  • For NDA age range is 16.5 years to 19 years.
  • NDA is open only to male unmarried candidates.
  • One needs to be a citizen of India or Nepal/Bhutan/Tibet refugee to apply.
  • Age range for entrances after graduation is 20-26 years.
  • Minimum 60% aggregate in graduation is needed.
  • Apart from educational criteria, physical as well as medical standards as set by Indian Air Force should also be met to be eligible.

Leading Institutes

Top Indian Airforce Training Institutes
CollegeLocationWebsite
National Defense CollegeKhadakwaslawww.nda.nic.in 
Air Force AcademyDundigal, Andhra Pradeshwww.indianairforce.nic.in/show_page.php?pg_id=80 

Indian Air Force Entrance Exams

Undergraduate
CollegeTentative DateImportant ElementsWebsite
NDAApril- May and Sept- Oct.Written –Objective & MCQ (negative marking) Part 1 is a Math based paper Part 2 is a General Ability Test (English, Physics, Chemistry, Math, General Knowledge, History, Geography and Current Events). The duration of both the papers is 2 and half hours each. 
  1. Interview- SSB
  2. Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT(appear once in lifetime)- Include written and machine tests to evaluate you on the basis of your ability to read instruments, control of your actions and mental strength
 3.Medical Examination  
-
Postgraduate
InstitutionTentative DateImportant ElementsWebsite
Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE) (Enginners/ only for graduates, male only)June- July & Dec (Forms) Sep (Exam)Written-English, Math and General Knowledge(Objective/ MCQ) – Negative marking SSB interviewStage 1 includes an Officer Intelligence Test and a Picture perception Test Stage 2 which will comprise of a psychological tests, group tasks and a personal interview.  Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT)www.upsc.gov.in/, http 
National Cadet Corpe (NCC) Special Entry (men)June & DecObtain Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate of the NCC to be eligible to enter the Air Force Flying Branch    In “A” & “B” certificate in NCC “C” Certificate then one can come directly for SSB, otherwise   Written test, SSB interview and PABT-
Short Service Commission (SSC) Men & WomenFebruary and September.AFCAT (Airforce commission admission test  Written Exam First stage:verbal ability, numerical ability, reasoning, general awareness and military aptitude. Second Stage: 1) Intelligence Test                         2) psychological test conducted by a psychologist, group tests and a personal interview.  Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT)Medical Examination www.careerairforce.nic.in http 
University Entry Scheme (UES) (Pre- final year engg)December-AFCAT Written exam -Interview (SSB) -GD -Personal Interview -Medicalwww.careerairforce.nic.in 
Administration Branch Logistics Branch Accounts Branch Education Branch (PG student) Meteorology Branch (PG student)June & DecAFCAT written   SSB Interview   Personal Interview   Medical examwww.careerairforce.nic.in 

Work Description

  • Fly combat or fighter planes carrying ammunition and missiles
  • Transport pilots fly planes which carry men and materials
  • Provide air support to a moving army, or for para-dropping men and supplies
  • Fly along with the pilot and guide the aircraft by using the latest avionic equipment
  • Ensure proper maintenance of aircrafts and handle the electronic and communication equipment
  • Deliver logistical, meteorological, educational and administrative support to the flying and technical branches
  • Provide control and advisory services to enable the pilot to conduct flights in total safety
  • Monitor the skies for any potential threat and select the appropriate air defense system
  • Be Responsible for provisioning the aircraft with spares, fuel, armaments, etc

Pros & Cons of a Career in the Indian Air Force

Pros
  • Provide personal and professional growth.
  • One gains knowledge about various managing and administrative skills.
  • Makes a person a disciplined being
  • Both the individual and his/her family member enjoy the perks of belonging to a defence background starting from Free healthcare, education and retirement benefits.
Cons
  • No end to your working hours.
  • One has to follow an intense routine.
  • You have to be efficient even though you are under pressure.
  • Family life takes a back seat.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Robotics As A Career

Robotics As A Career Summary Robotics is a branch of engineering which deals with the making of robots. Robots are programmed machines which are able to carry out tasks autonomously or semi- autonomously for the better working of the company. It involves designing, building and programming of phsycial robots, to troubleshoot the problems in various domains of operations and manufacturing. This is very useful in fields including transporation, manufacturing, production, medical, army, etc. It is an interdisciplinary branch of mechanical and electrical engineering. Career Opportunities in Robotics Space Research Medical Private Organizations Entertainment Investigation Banking How to Pursue a Career in Robotics Stream Graduation After Graduation After Post Graduation Path 1 Clear Class XII with Science with Maths stream Pursue B.Tech/B.E in Robotics/Mechatronics Engineering Pursue M.Tech in specialized branch of robotics Ph.D in the area of spe...

Professor As A Career

Professor As A Career Summary Postgraduates from all fields can hold teaching jobs at the college/university level as professors and lecturers. They are employed by various government and private universities, as well as research institutes across the country. In addition to teaching, many professors also regularly engage in, and contribute to research developments in their field, by writing research papers. Career Opportunities as a Professor Professor How to Become a Professor Stream Graduation After Graduation After Post Graduation Path 1 Pass 12th Class in Any Stream Pursue Graduation for 3-4 years in any discipline Pursue Post Graduation for 2 years in any discipline/concerned discipline Pursue Ph.D for 3-5 years in the same discipline/Clear UGC or CSIR-UGC NET Important Facts Most colleges have an eligibility criteria of minimum 50% aggregate marks in Class XII / and some of minimum 60%. For Post Graduation program some college...

Mining Engineering As A Career

Mining Engineering As A Career Summary Mining engineering examines the viability, safety and output of potential mines. Mining engineers ensure safe and efficient development of mines and optimize extraction of ore reserves. They also carry out research and develop equipment that reduce the environmental impact of mining and closely work with geotech, surveying and metallurgy experts. Career Opportunities in Mining Engineering Consultant Production Manager Operations Manager Health and Safety Manger Analyst Mine Planning Mine Ventilation engineer Mining Investment Analyst Petroleum Engineer How to Pursue a Career in Mining Engineering Stream Graduation After Graduation After Post Graduation Path 1 Clear Class XII with Science Stream with Maths Pursue B.Tech in Mining Engineering for 4 years Pursue M.Tech for 2-3 years Pursue Ph.D for 2-3 years Path 2 Clear Class XII with Science Stream with Maths Pursue B.Tech + M.Tech (Dual Degree) in M...