Branches
- Flying branch: pilots of fighter, transport and helicopter aircraft.
- Technical branch: aeronautical engineers (electronics and mechanical).
- Ground duty branches: administration, logistics, accounts, education, meteorology and more.
Officer entry routes
- NDA, after Class 12, conducted by UPSC. PCM is needed for the Air Force wing.
- CDS, for graduates, also through UPSC.
- AFCAT, the Air Force Common Admission Test for graduates: afcat.cdac.in.
- NCC special entry for eligible NCC cadets.
All candidates go through the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) process, including psychological tests, group tasks and interviews, plus medical examinations.
Airmen entry
The Agniveervayu scheme is the current route for airmen; details are on the official recruitment portal.
Official career information: careerindianairforce.cdac.in. All links checked 2026-10-28; eligibility and age limits change with each notification.
How to prepare
- Strong fundamentals in mathematics and physics.
- Physical fitness, built steadily.
- Current affairs and reasoning.
- Communication and leadership, practised in group settings.
Who it suits
People who value discipline, service and teamwork, and are comfortable with postings anywhere in the country.