Become Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF)

Defence aspirants who aspire to become Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force (IAF) have multiple avenues to apply, including AFCAT, UPSC NDA, NCC, and UPSC CDS 2022 Exams. Here, we have listed the different ways a 12th Passed student or a Graduate can make a career in the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force.

Starting as a Flying Officer, candidates can rise up to the rank of Air Marshal. The chosen one from the Flying Branch becomes the head of the family, i.e., the Chief of the Air Staff.

Here are some ways of applying to the Indian Air Force to become a flying officer:

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1. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) Short Service Commission Entry for Male & Female Graduates in Flying Branch: Candidates can apply through AFCAT for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch. The SSC in the Flying Branch is for 14 years with no further extension. As a Graduate/ Engineer, candidates can enter the Flying branch through the Air Force Academy where shortlisted candidates are trained as Fighter pilots, Helicopter pilots, or Transport pilots and are part of various peace and wartime missions. AFCAT exam is conducted twice a year in all major cities throughout India.
2. UPSC NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY (NDA) Exam for Male 12th Passed-Higher Seniors Secondary (HSC): Defence Aspirants can join NDA by taking the exam conducted by Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Candidates shortlisted for IAF after the initial selection procedure, go through a rigorous three-year training regimen at the National Defence Academy at Khadakwasla, followed by specialised training at one of the training establishments. All cadets of the Flying branch would be offered B.Tech in NDA. Thereafter, they are Commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers and posted as officers at any of the Air Force Stations. NDA exam is conducted twice a year in all major cities throughout India.
3. UPSC COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES (CDS) Exam for Male Graduates in Flying Branch: As a Graduate/ Engineer, candidates can enter the Flying branch through the Air Force Academy where shortlisted candidates are trained as Fighter pilots, Helicopter pilots, or Transport pilots and are part of various peace and wartime missions. UPSC conducts the CDS exam biannually for recruitment of officer cadre in the Indian Air Force.