Indian Air Force Recruitment Guide — Entry Schemes and Selection Process

What is Indian Air Force Recruitment?

The Indian Air Force (IAF) recruits officers and airmen through multiple entry schemes. Officers can join through AFCAT, CDS, NDA, or direct university entries. Airmen (now called Agniveers under the Agnipath scheme) are recruited through periodic online exams. The IAF has three branches — Flying Branch (pilots), Technical Branch (engineering), and Ground Duty Branch (administration, accounts, education, meteorology, logistics).

Officer Entry Schemes

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

• Primary entry route for graduates
• Conducted twice a year
• For Flying, Technical, and Ground Duty branches
• See our detailed AFCAT exam guide for full details

Through UPSC

• NDA: For 10+2 candidates (16.5-19.5 years) with Physics and Mathematics
• CDS: For graduates (19-24 years) with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level

NCC Special Entry

• NCC Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate holders
• Apply directly through IAF — no written exam required
• Must have graduated with 60% marks

Meteorology Entry

• Post-graduate in any Science subject with Physics and Mathematics at graduation level
• Through AFCAT or separate notification

Airmen Entry (Agniveer Vayu)

Under the Agnipath scheme, the IAF recruits Agniveers in two groups:

Agniveer Vayu (Science Subjects)

• 10+2 with Physics, Mathematics, and English (50% aggregate, 50% in English)
• Age: 17.5-21 years
• Technical and non-technical trades

Agniveer Vayu (Other Subjects)

• 10+2 with any subjects and 50% marks (50% in English)
• Age: 17.5-21 years
• Non-technical trades only

Engagement Period

• 4 years initially
• 25% retained for permanent enrolment after 4 years
• Seva Nidhi of approximately ₹11.71 lakh for those not retained

Selection Process

For Officers (AFCAT Route)

1. AFCAT Written Exam — online test (100 questions, 300 marks, 2 hours)
2. EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) — for Technical Branch only (50 questions, 45 minutes)
3. AFSB Interview — 5-day testing at Air Force Selection Board
   • Day 1: Screening (OIR + PPDT)
   • Days 2-4: Psychological tests, GTO tasks, Personal Interview
   • Day 5: Conference
4. Medical Examination — at Air Force medical facilities
5. Merit List — published by IAF

For Agniveer Vayu

1. Online Exam — Science/Maths/English/General Awareness/Reasoning
2. Physical Fitness Test — 1.6 km run in 6 min 30 sec, 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, 20 squats
3. Adaptability Test — group discussion, situation reaction, interview
4. Medical Examination
5. Merit List — based on exam score

Training

Officer Training

• Flying Branch: 74 weeks at Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal, Hyderabad; includes Stage I, II, and III flying training
• Technical Branch: 52 weeks at AFA for basic military training + specialized technical training
• Ground Duty: 52 weeks at AFA

Agniveer Training

• Basic training at Air Force Training Establishments
• Trade-specific training at respective schools
• Duration: 10-20 weeks depending on trade

Salary and Benefits

Officers

Flying allowance for pilots: ₹25,000-28,000 per month additional

Agniveer Vayu

Perks

• Free accommodation and mess
• Medical cover (ECHS after retirement)
• Canteen/CSD facilities
• Annual leave and LTC
• Group insurance
• Adventure sports and travel opportunities

Application Process

For AFCAT

1. Visit afcat.cdac.in during registration window
2. Register and fill in personal and educational details
3. Upload required documents
4. Pay ₹250 application fee
5. Download admit card when released

For Agniveer Vayu

1. Visit agnipathvayu.cdac.in
2. Register with Aadhaar and 10+2 details
3. Fill application and upload documents
4. No application fee
5. Download admit card for online exam

Important Tips

• Vision standards are strict for Flying Branch — 6/6 in each eye; LASIK/PRK allowed if done 1+ year before AFSB
• Physical fitness is essential — IAF values fitness; maintain a daily exercise routine
• Flying Branch is the most competitive — prepare for intense AFSB testing of coordination and aptitude
• Multiple entries exist — if you miss AFCAT, try through NDA, CDS, or NCC Special Entry
• Technical branch has high demand — engineering graduates have good opportunities in IAF

Frequently Asked Questions

Can women join the Indian Air Force as pilots?

Yes, women can join the Flying Branch as fighter pilots, transport pilots, and helicopter pilots through AFCAT and CDS entries.

What is the difference between AFCAT and CDS for Air Force?

AFCAT is conducted by IAF directly and leads to AFSB interview. CDS is conducted by UPSC and leads to SSB interview. Both lead to Air Force officer commissioning but through different selection processes.

Is there a height requirement for IAF?

Yes, minimum height is 152 cm for men and 148 cm for women. Flying Branch has additional requirements including leg length and sitting height.

Can I join IAF after 10th?

Not directly. For Agniveer Vayu, you need 10+2. For officer entry, you need graduation. However, you can start preparing from 10th class onwards.

What happens after 4 years of Agniveer service?

25% of Agniveers are retained for permanent service (15+ years). The remaining 75% receive Seva Nidhi (approximately ₹11.71 lakh) and can pursue other careers with the skills and discipline gained.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. CitizenNest is not affiliated with the Indian Air Force. Visit indianairforce.nic.in for official information.