4 Ways To Join Flying Branch of Indian Air Force

Flying branch of Indian Air Force is one of the most prestigious branches that candidates look up to. The level of flying, the standards and all of this with honour & pride. Nothing can beat this feeling.

But becoming an Air Force pilot is not that easy either. Just in the recent course of January 2018, only 8 people were selected for the flying branch. Yes, 8! And that is including one candidate from NCC. This being said, not becoming a pilot is not that hard either. You just need to have the zeal and passion.

You can either be a Permanent Commissioned pilot or a short-serviced commissioned pilot in the Air Force. Permanent Commission entries are through NDA, CDSE and NCC Spl Entry. Short Service entries are through AFCAT.

Here is how you can become a pilot in the Indian Air Force:

AFA POP Dec 2017 6 — Flying Officers of Pilot Course

Permanent Commission:

Any candidate can become a PC pilot in the Air Force with three entries: NDA, CDSE and NCC Spl Entry

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NDA:

Through National Defence Academy, you are a sure shot to-be pilot in the air force. Notification releases every June and December for the half yearly exam for 12^th class and 12^th pass boys till the age of 19½ years. A candidate need to have Physics and Math at 10+2 level.

Age – 16 ½ to 19 ½ years (at the time of commencement of course)
Nationality – Indian
Gender – Men only
Educational Qualifications – 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. Students appearing in final year are also eligible to apply.
Advertisement Schedule – January and June. (Advertisement is released by UPSC. Visit www.upsc.gov.in)

After selection, the candidate will go through a 3-year course in the NDA followed by a 1-year pre-commissioned training at AFA, Hyderabad.

CDSE:

Just like the NDA entry, the CDSE exam in also conducted twice a year. Notification for this exam comes out every July and November. Candidates need to have studied Physics and Math at 10+2 level along with any graduate degree.

Age – 20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course)
Nationality – Indian
Marital Status – Single
Gender – Men only.

After the selection, the candidate will go through a 1-year pre-commissioning course at AFA, Hyderabad.

NCC Special Entry:

NCC cadets in possession of ‘C’ certificate with a minimum 60% marks in any graduate degree with Physics and Math at 10+2 level are eligible to apply. The application procedure is online and the notification releases every June and December. The cadet must not be more than 24 years old while applying.

Age –20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course). Upper age limit for Candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years(at the time of commencement of course).
Nationality – Indian
Marital Status – Single
Gender – Men only.

Short Service Commission:

AFCAT:

Any graduate with a minimum of 60% marks and having studied Physics and Math at 10+2 level are eligible to apply for flying branch through AFCAT. The notification releases every June and December.

Age – 20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course).Upper age limit for Candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years(at the time of commencement of course).
Nationality – Indian
Marital Status – Single
Gender – Men and Women.

Candidate need to apply at afcat.cdad.in.

How To Prepare for SSB Interview:

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