How TO Become A Fighter Pilot In Indian Air Force
Question: I aspire to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force. Could you guide me on the steps to achieve this goal?
Answer: There are multiple pathways to becoming a pilot in the Indian Air Force:
1.NDA (National Defence Academy) Entry:
Eligibility:
- Males aged 16.5 to 19.5 years.
- Must have passed class 12 or equivalent.
Selection Process:
- NDA & NA exam conducted by UPSC.
- SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview.
- Medical test.
Training:
- 3 years at the National Defence Academy (NDA), Pune.
- 1 year at Air Force Academy, Hyderabad.
Commission:
- Receive Permanent Commission (PC).
2. CDS (Combined Defence Services) Entry:
Eligibility:
- Unmarried males aged 20 to 24 years.
- Must have a graduation degree in any discipline.
Selection Process:
- CDS exam conducted by UPSC.
- SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview.
- Medical test.
Training:
- 1.5 years at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.
Commission:
- Can receive either Permanent Commission (PC) or Short Service Commission (SSC).
3.AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Entry:
Eligibility:
- Unmarried men and women aged 20 to 24 years.
- Must have a graduation degree in any discipline.
- For the flying branch, physics and mathematics are mandatory at the 10+2 level.
Selection Process:
- AFCAT exam.
- Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) (for Technical Branch only).
- SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview.
- Medical test.
Training:
- 1.5 years at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.
Commission:
- Receive Short Service Commission (SSC).
4. NCC (National Cadet Corps) Special Entry:
Eligibility:
- NCC cadets with a 'C' certificate in Air Wing Senior Division.
- Age Limit: 20-24 years.
Selection Process:
- Direct SSB Interview.
- Medical test.
Training:
- 1.5 years at the Air Force Academy in Hyderabad.
Commission:
- Receive either Permanent Commission (PC) or Short Service Commission (SSC).
Things to Keep in Mind:
-Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT): All flying branch applicants must pass the PABT.
-Medical Standards: You must meet the strict medical standards of the Air Force.
For More Information:
- Indian Air Force official website:
[https://indianairforce.nic.in/](https://indianairforce.nic.in/)
-Career Indian Air Force website:
[https://careerindianairforce.cdac.in/](https://careerindianairforce.cdac.in/)
Becoming a pilot in the Indian Air Force is challenging but a very honourable career. Best of luck to all who are working towards this goal!
Article By: Mujeebulla K.M
CIGI Career Team