Entry Level Qualification 

Graduate

Career Fields 

Government & Defense Services

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

UPSC NDA

About Career 

Indian Air Force protect and secure India's airspace from potential threats of aerial aggression of other nations, from potential terrorist attacks, and from unauthorised use of India's airspace by any aircraft or other unmanned aerial vehicles (such as drones). Indian Air Force gets engaged in aerial warfare when any armed conflict develops between or among nations. The Air Force also carries out missions to put a deterrent to enemy attacks as well as for any pre-emptive measures required to neutralise threats from other nations or terrorist organisations.

1. During full scale wars or for other purposes, Indian Air Force provides air support to the Indian Army and Indian Navy. Indian Air Force also has the capabilities for rapid search and rescue mission, evacuation of distressed people from dangerous territories, and airlifting people from a warzone or areas of military operations or terrorist attacks. During natural calamities such as flood and earthquake, Indian Air Force has the capability to deliver relief supplies and evacuate people.

2. When need arises, Indian Air Force can provide services like evacuation, search and rescue missions, delivering relief operations, etc. to friendly nations. Depending upon strategic interests, Indian Air Force can work jointly with the Air Forces of other nations.

Organisation 

1. As an Officer with the Indian Air Force, you will be based out of an Air Force base or station. An Air Force base or station has one or two Squadrons. A Squadron is a field formation attached to a base or station. There are fighter squadrons as well as transport squadrons. Typically, each fighter squadron is a unit of 18 aircraft. There are helicopter units also under a Squadron. Two or three Squadrons makes a Wing. A Wing also includea helicopter units and forward base support units (FBSU). Forward base supper units act as transit airbases for routine operations.

2. The entire Air Force is primarily divided into five operational commands which carry out the military operations in the sky. Each operational command manages the Air Force operations for a geographic region. In India, we have Central Air Command, Eastern Air Command, Southern Air Command, South Western Air Command, and Western Air Command. Each command managers operations of 9-16 Air Force bases or stations. A station generally has one Wing which consists of two or three Squadrons.

3. Apart from the operational commands, there are Maintenance Command and Training Command. These are functional commands and their responsibility is to ensure that all aircraft, helicopters and other equipment and weapon systems as well as human resources are combat ready at all time.

Your Work 

1.You can be a Fighter Pilot with the Indian Air Force Flying branch or work in the technical or non-technical ground duty branches. If you want to fly the fighter jets such as the supersonic Sukhoi, MIG, Dassault Mirage, or Jaguar, then you must be passing out from NDA or enter the Air Force through Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) or AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test). Alternatively you can obtain the NCC 'C' Certificate to apply for the Flying branch to become a Fighter Pilot. You may also get an opportunity to fly transport aircraft and helicopters.

2.If you are working in the Ground Duty (Technical) branch, your job will be to maintain the various aircrafts that are used by the Indian Air Force to make sure all the aircrafts remain airworthy when required. You will be working in the role of an Aeronautical Engineer-Electronics or in the role of an Aeronautical Engineer-Mechanical.

3. If you are working in the Ground Duty Administration branch, you will be responsible for the proper management of people resources and all material resources of the Indian Air Force.

4. Some of you will get opportunities to work as Air Traffic Controller and Fighter Controller. Air Traffic Controllers manage flight paths of aircrafts. They assist Fighter Pilots in taking off and land. They ensure that there is no collision or untoward incidents. Fighter Controllers supervise radar operations and ensure that there is a good coordination with the airborne fighter pilots.

5. If you are working in the Ground Duty Accounts branch, your responsibility will include handling of important financial transactions, maintaining books of accounts and prepare financial statement for efficient management of Air Force operations. You will also work in the role of an Internal Auditor.

6. If you are working in the Ground Duty Logistics branch, you will be responsible for the management of the materials and resources of the Indian Air Force, including machinery, equipment and weaponry. You will source, procure, manage the inventory and ensure appropriate logistics of the materials and resources.

7. If you are working in the Ground Duty Education branch, you will be responsible for staff training which include both commissioned officers, non-commissioned officers and airmen. You will plan, organise and deliver pre-commission, post-commission and in-service training to Air Force personnel.

8. If you are working with the Ground Duty Meteorology branch you will be engaged in the operations of high-tech systems which monitor weather conditions and analyse satellite images for weather forecasting. You role will be to advise fighter operations.

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - NDA Examination - AFSB Interviews - 3-Year Study at NDA - Pre-Commission Training - Permanent Commission in the Flying Branch as a Flying Officer

This is an entry pathway into the prestigious National Defence Academy, Pune and subsequent entry into the Flying branch of the Indian Air Force. For being eligible to sit for the NDA examination, you must have studied Class 11-12 Physics and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies. At NDA, you will be training in Military Services for 3 years and obtain a Bachelor Degree in Defence Studies. After successful completion of your training at NDA, you will be trained in an Air Force Academy. On successful completion of your training Air Force Academy, you will placed as a Permanent Commissioned Officer in the rank of a Flying Officer. This entry pathway is for men only.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Graduation in any subject or in Engineering - CDSE Examination - AFSB Interviews - Pre-Commissioning training at Air Force Academy - Permanent Commission in the Flying Branch as a Flying Officer

This is an entry pathway through the Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE). For this, you must have studied your Class 11-12 Physics and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies (well, if you want to do graduation in Engineering, then you will have to study Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). Post your Class 11-12, you may opt to do a Bachelor's degree in any subject or a B.E./B.Tech. in any branch of Engineering. Thereafter you have to qualify in the CDSE examination and if you qualify, you will have to undergo the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interviews. If you are selected, you will undergo a pre-commission training at Air Force Academy. On successful completion of your training, you will be placed as a Permanent Commissioned Officer in the Flying branch as a Flying Officer. This entry pathway is for men only.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Graduation in any subject or in Engineering and NCC Training to obtain Air Wing 'C' Certificate - AFSB Interviews - Pre-Commissioning training at Air Force Academy - Permanent Commission / Short Service Commission in the Flying Branch as a Flying Officer

This is an entry pathway for NCC Cadets who have completed Air Wing Senior Division NCC training and obtained a 'C' certificate within the last 2 years from the date of announcement of recruitment in this pathway. This pathway is for both men and women. For this, you have to pass Class 11-12 Physics and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies with a minimum of 60% marks in each of these subjects (if you want to study Engineering, then you will have to study Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). After your class 11-12, you may opt to study for a Bachelor's degree in any discipline or in Engineering (in any discipline). You have to obtain a minimum of 60% marks in your Bachelor's degree. After your Bachelor's degree, you can appear for the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interviews. If you are selected, you will have to undergo a pre-commission training at the Air Force Academy. On successful completion of your training, you will be placed as a Permanent Commission Officer (for men only) or as a Short Service Commission Officer (for men and women both) in the Flying branch as a Flying Officer.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Graduation in any subject or in Engineering - AFCAT Examination - AFSB Interviews - Pre-Commissioning training at Air Force Academy - Short Service Commission in the Flying Branch as a Flying Officer

This is an entry pathway through the AFCAT (Air Force Common Aptitude Test). This pathway is for both men and women. For this, you have to pass Class 11-12 in Science discipline with Physics and Mathematics with a minimum of 60% marks in each of these subjects (if you want to study Engineering, then you will have to study Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics). After your class 11-12, you may opt to study for a Bachelor's degree in any discipline or in Engineering (in any discipline). You have to obtain a minimum of 60% marks in your Bachelor's degree. After your Bachelor's degree, you can appear for the AFCAT (Air Force Common Aptitude Test). If you qualify in the AFCAT, you will have to undergo AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interviews. If you are selected, you will have to undergo a pre-commission training at the Air Force Academy. On successful completion of your training, you will be placed as a Short Service Commission Officer (for men and women both) in the Flying branch as a Flying Officer.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - B.E./B.Tech. or Integrated M.E./M.Tech. in select Engineering stream - AFSB Interviews - Pre-Commission training at AFA - Permanent Commission Officer / Short Service Commission Officer in the Ground Duty Technical (Aeronautical-Electronics) Branch as a Flying Officer

This is an entry pathway for the Ground Duty Technical (Aeronautical-Electronics) branch for both men and women. For this, you must have studied Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies. In Physics and Chemistry, you have to obtain a minimum of 60% marks in each. After your Class 11-12, you have to study for a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an Integrated Master's degree in Engineering. You have to study Engineering in any of these discipline - Communication Engineering, Computer Engineering / Technology, Computer Engineering & Application, Computer Science and Engineering / Technology, Electrical and Computer Engineering, Electrical and Electronics Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering / Technology, Electronics Science and Engineering, Electronics, Electronics and Communication Engineering, Electronics and Computer Science, Electronics and/ or Telecommunication Engineering, Electronics and / or Telecommunication Engineering (Microwave), Electronics and Computer Engineering, Electronics Communication and Instrumentation Engineering, Electronics Instrument & Control, Electronics Instrument & Control Engineering, Instrumentation & Control Engineering, Instrument & Control Engineering, Information Technology. After your Engineering degree, you can appear for the AFSB interviews and if you are selected, you will have to undergo a pre-commission training at Air Force Academy. After successful completion of the training, you will be placed as a Permanent Commission Officer (for men only) or as a Short Service Commission Officer (for men and women) in the Ground Duty Technical (Aeronautical-Electronics) branch as a Flying Officer.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an Integrated Master's in Engineering - Appear for the AFSB interviews - Permanent Commission Officer (for men only) or as a Short Service Commission Officer (for men and women) in the Ground Duty Technical (Aeronautical-Mechanical) branch as a Flying Officer

This is an entry pathway for the Ground Duty Technical (Aeronautical-Mechanical) branch for both men and women. For this, you must have studied Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies. In Physics and Chemistry, you have to obtain a minimum of 60% marks in each. After your Class 11-12, you have to study for a Bachelor's degree in Engineering or an Integrated Master's degree in Engineering. You have to study Engineering in any of these discipline - Aerospace Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Maintenance Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical, Engineering and Automation, Mechanical Engineering (Production), Mechanical Engineering (Repair and Maintenance), Mechatronics, Industrial Engineering. After your Engineering degree, you can appear for the AFSB interviews and if you are selected, you will have to undergo a pre-commission training at Air Force Academy. After successful completion of the training, you will be placed as a Permanent Commission Officer (for men only) or as a Short Service Commission Officer (for men and women) in the Ground Duty Technical (Aeronautical-Mechanical) branch as a Flying Officer.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - Graduation in any subject or Graduation in Science or Engineering - AFSB Interviews - Pre-Commission training at AFA - Permanent Commission or Short Service Commission in Ground Duty Non-Technical branch as a Flying Officer (Air Traffic Control, Fighter Control, Administrion, or Logistics)

This is an entry pathway for Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch (Administration and Logistics) in the Indian Air Force for both men and women. For this, you can either study Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies / Class 11-12 Physics and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies (Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics if you want to do a Bachelor's degree in Engineering). Then depending upon your class 11-12 qualification, you can either do a B.Sc. in Physics/Mathematics or a B.E./B.Tech. in any discipline of Engineering or a Bachelor's degree in any subject and pass out with a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate. Thereafter, you can appear for the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interviews. If you are selected, you have to undergo a Pre-Commission training at Air Force Academy. On successful completion of the training, you will be placed as a Permanent Commissioned Officer (for men only) or as a Short Service Commissioned Officer (for men and women) in the role of an Air Traffic Controller or Fighter Controller / in the Ground Duty Non-Technical (Administration) branch / in the Ground Duty Non-Technical (Logistics) branch in the rank of a Flying Officer.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies -Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies- B.Com. - AFSB Interviews - Pre-Commission Training at AFA - Permanent Commission or Short Service Commission in the Ground Duty Non-Technical Accounts branch as a Flying Officer

This is an entry pathway for Ground Duty Non-Technical Accounts branch. For this, you can study Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies and then do a B.Com. in Accountancy/Commerce/Finance & Accounts. Thereafter you can appear for the AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) interviews. If you are selected, you will have to undergo Pre-Commissioning training at the Air Force Academy. On successful completion of the training, you will be placed as a Permanent Commissioned Officer (for men only) or as a Short Service Commissioned Officer (for men and women) in the Ground Duty Accounts branch as a Flying Officer.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 with any subject as per scheme of studies or in Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - B.A. in Humanities or B.Sc. in Science in select subjects - M.A. or M.Sc. in select subjects - AFSB Interviews - Pre-Commission training - Permanent Commission or Short Service Commission in the Ground Duty Educational branch as a Flying Officer

This is an entry pathway for the Ground Duty Education Branch in the Indian Air Force for both men and women. For this, you will have to obtain a minimum of 60% marks in aggregate in your Bachelor's degree and a minimum of 50% marks in Master's degree. You can obtain a Master's degree in - English/Physics/Mathematics/Chemistry/Statistics/International Relations/International Studies/Defence Studies/Psychology/Computer Science/IT/Management/MBA/MCA/ Mass Communication/Journalism/Public Relations. Thereafter you can appear for AFSB (Air Force Selection Board). If you are selected, you will have to undergo Pre-Commission training. On successful completion of the training, you will be placed as a Permanent Commissioned Officer (for men only) or as a Short Service Commissioned Officer (for men and women) in the Ground Duty Education branch as a Flying Officer.

Class 10 all subjects as per scheme of studies - Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - B.Sc. in Science with specific subjects - Master's degree in Science in specific subjects - AFSB Interviews - Pre-Commission training at AFA - Permanent Commission or Short Service Commission in the Ground Duty Meteorology branch as a Flying Officer

This is an entry pathway for the Ground Duty Meteorology branch in the Indian Air Force for both men and women. For this, you must study Class 11-12 Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics along with any other subject as per scheme of studies - B.Sc. in Science with specific subjects. Then you have to study B.Sc. With Physics/ Mathematics/ Chemistry/ Statistics/ Computer Science/ Geography/ Environmental Science/ with min. 60% marks in aggregate. Remember that you will have to keep Mathematics & Physics as 2 subjects in your Bachelor's degree at least as a Minor and must score a minimum of 55% marks in each. Then you must obtain a Master's degree in any science discipline/ Mathematics/ Statistics/ Geography/ Computer Applications/ Environmental Science/ Applied Physics/ Oceanography/ Agricultural Meteorology/ Ecology & Environment/ Geophysics/ Environmental Biology with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate. Then you will have to appear for AFSB interviews. If you are selected, you will have to undergo Pre-Commission training. On successful completion of the training, you will be placed as a Permanent Commissioned Officer (for men only) or as a Short Service Commissioned Officer (for men & women) in the Ground Duty Meteorology Branch as a Flying Officer.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

In School

1. Although you can have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in various disciplines/subjects to get into Indian Air Force, its is better to study Science and Mathematics during your secondary education.

2. If you study your higher / senior secondary in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (at least with Physics and Mathematics), then you will have a wide choice of entry pathway options into the Air Force.

3. For admission into the coveted National Defence Academy and later to Indian Air Force, you must study Science in Class 11-12 with Physics and Mathematics. Similarly for appearing in the Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE) or in the Air Force Common Aptitude Test (AFCAT) after your graduation in any stream, you must have studied Physics and Mathematics in Class 11-12.

4. But still, for certain branches and entry pathways, you can study Class 11-12 in any stream with any subject combination.

Graduation/ Bachelor’s level education

You can obtain a Bachelor’s degree or an Integrated Master’s degree in any subject to be able to find an entry pathway into the ranks of officers with the Indian Air Force. But a Bachelor’s degree in any of the following fields will open up quite a few opportunities:

1. Any branch of Engineering

2. Aeronautical Engineering

3. Aerospace Engineering

4. Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

5. Business Administration

6. Chemistry

7. Commerce/ Accountancy / Finance & Accounts

8. Communication Engineering

9. Computer Applications

10. Computer Engineering & Application

11. Computer Engineering / Technology

12. Computer Science

13. Computer Science and Engineering / Technology

14. Electrical and Computer Engineering

15. Electrical and Electronics Engineering

16. Electrical Engineering

17. Electronics

18. Electronics and / or Telecommunication Engineering (Microwave)

20. Electronics and Communication Engineering

21. Electronics and computer Engineering

22. Electronics and Computer Science

23. Electronics and/ or Telecommunication Engineering

24. Electronics Communication and Instrumentation Engineering

25. Electronics Engineering / Technology

26. Electronics Instrument & Control

27. Electronics Instrument & Control Engineering

28.Electronics Science and Engineering

29. English

30. Environmental Science

31. Geography

32. Industrial Engineering

33. Information Technology

35. Instrument & Control Engineering

36. Instrumentation & Control Engineering

37. Journalism

38. Management

39. Mass Communication

40. Mathematics

41. Mechanical Engineering

42. Mechanical Engineering (Production)

43. Mechanical Engineering (Repair and Maintenance)

44. Mechanical Engineering and Automation

45. Mechatronics

46. Physics

47. Political Science

48. Psychology

49. Statistics

Post-Graduation/ Master’s level education

You can obtain a Master’s degree in any subject to be able to find an entry pathway into the ranks of officers with the Indian Air Force. But a Master’s degree in any of the following fields will open up quite a few opportunities:

1. Agricultural Meteorology

2. Applied Physics

3. Business Administration

4. Chemistry

5. Computer Applications

6. Computer Science

7. Defence Studies

8. Ecology & Environment

9. English

10. Environmental Biology

11. Environmental Science

12. Geography

13. Geophysics

14. Information Technology

15. International Relations

16. International Studies

17. Journalism

18. Management

19. Mass Communication

20. Mathematics

21. Meteorology

22. Oceanography

23. Physics

24. Psychology

25. Public Relations

26. Statistics

Competencies Required

Interests

1. Enterprising: You should have interests for Enterprising Occupations. Enterprising occupations involve taking initiatives, initiating actions, and planning to achieve goals, often business goals. These involve gathering resources and leading people to get things done. These require decision making, risk takingand action orientation.

2. Realistic: You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment.

3. Investigative: You should have interests for Investigative Occupations. Investigative occupations involve working with ideas and quite a lot of thinking, often abstract or conceptual thinking. These involve learning about facts and figures; involve use of data analysis, assessment of situations, decision making and problem solving.

Abilities

1. Abstract Reasoning: The ability to understand ideas which are not expressed in words or numbers; the ability to understand concepts which are not clearly expressed verbally or otherwise.

2. Articulation: The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

3. Auditory Attention: The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

4. Bodily-Kinaesthetic Intelligence: The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and bodily motion; the ability to keep or regain your body balance when in an unstable position; the ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, hands, arms, fingers, or legs.

5. Deductive Reasoning: The ability to apply general rules and common logic to specific problems to produce answers that are logical and make sense. For example, understanding the reasons behind an event or a situation using general rules and common logic.

6. Emotional Intelligence: The ability to understand your own and others' emotions and feelings; empathy for others; adjusting your behaviour or self-control and self-regulation according to others' emptions and situations.

7. Far Vision: The ability to see details at a distance.

8.Hand-Eye Coordination: The ability to make quick and precise hand movements as per visual observations and understanding (that is, what you see and comprehend).

9. Hearing Sensitivity: The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

10. Inductive Reasoning: The ability to combine pieces of information from various sources, concepts, and theories to form general rules or conclusions. For example, analysing various events or situations to come out with a set of rules or conclusions.

11. Inter-Personal: The ability to build and maintain good relationships with others at workplaces and elsewhere.

12. Intrapersonal: The ability to clearly understand your strengths and weaknesses, what your capabilities are, what you can do and cannot do, what you like and dislike.

13. Manual Dexterity:  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

14. Mental Stamina: The ability to sustain prolonged mental effort.

15. Near Vision: The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

16. Numerical Reasoning: The ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and perform other basic numerical calculations correctly.

17. Oral Comprehension: The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

18. Oral Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

19. Peripheral Vision: The ability to see objects or movement of objects to one's side when the eyes are looking ahead.

20. Physical Stamina: The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

21. Problem Sensitivity: The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

21. Selective Attention: The ability to concentrate on a task over a long period of time without being distracted.

22. Spatial Orientation: The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

23. Verbal Reasoning: The ability to think and reason with words; the ability to reason out ideas expressed in words.

24. Visual Color Discrimination: The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

25. Written Comprehension: The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

26. Written Expression: The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Knowledge

1. English Language: Knowledge about English grammar, words, spelling, sentence construction, using English to communicate with others, reading in English, etc.

2. Public Safety and Security: Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to maintain law and order situations, providing state or national security for protecting geographical territories, marine territories and sky from potential enemy attacks and protecting people and properties.

Skills

1. Active Learning: Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation and otherwise for application in getting work done.

2. Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, understanding the points being made by others, asking questions, etc.

3. Communication in English: Skills in communicating effectively in writing as well as verbally with others in English language.

4. Communication in Vernacular Languages: Skills in communicating effectively in writing as well as verbally with others in a local or indigenous language such as Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Gujarati, Bengali, Assamese, etc.

5. Coordination: Skills in working together with other people to get things done.

6. Critical Thinking: Skills in analysis of complex situations, using of logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.

7. Directing: Skills in directing others' actions to get things done.

8. Instruction: Skills in training others how to do something.

9. Judgment and Decision Making: Skills in considering pros and cons of various decision alternatives; considering costs and benefits; taking appropriate and suitable decisions.

10. Managing Human Resources: Skills in motivating, developing, and leading people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

11. Negotiation: Skills in bringing others together and trying to reconcile differences.

12. Persuasion: Skills in persuading others to change their minds or behaviour.

13. Problem Solving: Skills in analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems and using the best option to solve the problems.

14. Reading Comprehension: Skills in understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

15. Supervising: Skills in Supervising and monitoring performance of others, businesses, and different projects.

16. Technical: Skills in using various technologies and technical methods to get things done or solve problems.

17. Time Management: Skills in prioritizing work, managing time effectively.

Personality

1. You are always or mostly organised in your day-to-day life and activities.

2. You are always or mostly careful about your actions and behaviour.

3. You are always or mostly disciplined in your action and behaviour.

4. You are always calm or generally remain calm in most situations.

5. You are helpful to others sometimes.

6. You don't trust others easily.

7. You are always practical or in most situations.

8. You always or mostly prefer to stick within a routine or carry out routine and repetitive activities.

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

Depending upon your education and entry pathway, you will get your first posting as a Flying Officer in a particular branch of the Indian Air Force. Although all officers recruited have similar ranks, as you must have read above, that only the Flying branch officers will get to fly the fighter jets and other aircrafts.

In the beginning of your career, you will be inducted either as a Permanent or Short Service Commissioned Officer in the rank of a Flying Officer in any of the following branches depending upon education qualifications and entry pathway:

1. Flying Branch

2. Ground Duty Technical Branch (Aeronautical – Electronics)

3. Ground Duty Technical Branch (Aeronautical – Mechanical)

4. Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch (Administration)

5. Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch (Logistics)

6. Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch (Accounts)

7. Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch (Education)

8. Ground Duty Non-Technical Branch (Meteorology)

Specialisation Tracks In This Career

1. Indian Air Force Officer (Flying Branch)

Flying branch consists of different types of Air Force pilots such as – fighter pilots, transport pilots, and helicopter pilots. Fighter Pilots fly the Air Force jets which are supersonic. Their duties are to shoot down enemy aircraft and bomb targets in enemy territories. Bombers drop bombs and fire missiles. Various types of sophisticated bombs and missiles are used. Fighter Pilots may also assist other pilots in navigation (in 2-seater jets). Navigation involves directing pilots in their flight paths using navigational systems, radars, and other optical devices. Transport Pilots fly transport aircraft. These aircraft transport both people, equipment, weaponry, and supplies.

2. Indian Air Force Officer (Ground Duty Technical Branch)

Technical Branch Officers may work in the role of an Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical Branch) and take care of all the maintenance work of the Air Force aircraft to keep them airworthy at all times when required. They also maintain all weapon systems. Some Technical Branch Officers work in the role of an Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics Branch). They are responsible for installation, testing, and maintenance of electronic communication equipment used in the aircraft and on ground communication devices and systems. Ground communication devices and systems are critical for Air Force operations. These involve radars, various communication equipment, etc.

3. Indian Air Force Officer (Administration Branch)

Administration branch officers are responsible for the efficient management of manpower and general administration of the Air Force Bases and offices.

4. Air Traffic Control Officer (Indian Air Force)

Air Traffic Control Officers control the flight paths of Air Force aircraft. They assist pilots to take off, navigate and land aircraft.

5. Fighter Controller Officer (Indian Air Force)

Fighter Controllers manage radar operations and communication with the fighter pilots. They provide vital flight information to the airborne pilots.

6. Indian Air Force Officer (Logistics Branch)

Logistics branch officers take care of the entire supply and logistics functions of the Indian Air Force. They forecast demand for aircraft spare parts, fuel, weaponry, various types of supplies, and other materials and resources essential for operations. They source and procure materials, ensure proper logistics and supply, manage inventory, place orders with vendors, and so on.

7. Indian Air Force Officer (Accounts Branch)

Accounts Branch Officers handles important financial transactions, ensure proper maintenance of all the books of accounts, prepare and check financial statements, do budget planning, carry financial control to make sure expenditure remains within budget, and play the role of an internal auditor. In the role of internal auditors, they ensure that accounts are maintained without any errors and as per accounting standards.

8. Indian Air Force Officer (Education Branch)

Education branch officers study and analyse the training and education requirement of Air Force personnel, design and develop a training curriculum and course materials, organise training programs, and teach or train various levels of personnel. Depending on their expertise they may teach basic subjects like Physics, Aviation Sciences, Aviation Meteorology, Aircraft systems, and Mathematics. They may also teach or train about the latest technologies. They conduct all pre-commissioning, post-commissioning and in-service training to officers and airmen recruits.

9. Indian Air Force Officer (Meteorology Branch)

Meteorology branch officers are involved in weather forecasting. They use satellite data as well as data from various weather monitoring equipment to do weather forecasting. Weather data is critical for flight operations. They use the latest state-of-the-art equipment and systems.

Career Growth

1. Your first position will be as a Flying Officer – after 3 years of service you will be promoted to the rank of a Flight Lieutenant – after another 3 years of service you will be promoted to the rank of a Squadron Leader. After a total of 12 years of service, you will be promoted to the rank of a Wing Commander. Promotions up to the rank of a Wing Commander is called a Time-Scale promotion although you have to pass in promotion examinations to be able to get to the Time-Scale ranks.

2. Your career progression beyond the rank of a Wing Commander will depend your merit and seniority. Your service records and performance will be the key factors apart from seniority. Promotions beyond Time-Scale ranks are called Selection grade ranks.

3. In the selection grade, flying branch officers with a minimum of 16 years of service will be promoted to the rank of a Group Captain. Ground duty officers will be considered for promotion into the rank of a Group Captain after 18 years of service. Thereafter, you can be promoted to the ranks of Air Commodore, Air Vice Marshal and then Air Marshal. In general to reach the rank of an Air Marshal 33-35 years of service exemplary service is required. The highest rank in the Air Force is that of the Air Chief Marshal, who is also referred to as the Chief of Air Staff.

4. If you fail to progress through the selection grade ranks, after 25 years of service, you will be promoted to the rank of a Group Captain.

Salary Offered  

1. During Pre-Commissioning training, you will be getting a stipend of Rs. 56,100 per month. In the beginning of your career as a Flying Officer, you will be getting a pay in the scale of Rs. 56,100 – 1,77,500 per month. In addition to this pay, you will also get Military Service Pay and Grade pay depending upon your ranks.

2. After 6 years of service, in the rank of a Squadron Leader, you will be getting a pay in the pay-scale of Rs. 69,400 – 2,07,200 per month.

3. After 12 years of service, in the rank of a Wing Commander, you will be getting a pay in the pay-scale of Rs. 1,21,200 – 2,12,400 per month.

4. After 16/18 years of services, if you are promoted to the rank of a Group Captain, you will be getting a pay in the pay-scale of Rs. 1,30,600 – 2,15,900 per month.

5. Air Marshals get about Rs. 2,25,000 and Chief of Air Staff gets Rs. 2,50,000 (fixed) per month.

6. In addition to this pay, you will also get Military Service Pay and Grade pay depending upon your ranks. Flying branch officers get flying allowance in addition to pay and other benefits. Technical branch officers get technical allowance.

Monthly Earning In Indian Rupee

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1. Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience

3. Mid Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience 

Famous Personalities 

Not Available 

Work Activities 

1. Addressing grievances and resolving conflicts: Handling complaints and grievance to resolve; resolving conflicts among co-workers or others at workplace or outside in relation to your work.

2. Analysing and interpreting data and information: Analysis of data and information to find facts, trends, reasons behind situations, etc.; interpretation of data to aid in decision making.

3. Assessing and determining compliance with standards, laws, rules and guidelines: Using relevant information, auditing information, processes and systems to determine whether organisations or people are complying with standards, laws, rules and guidelines.

4. Assessing and evaluating quality: Assessing and evaluating quality of materials, systems, processes, products, services, etc.

5. Coaching and developing: Identifying training and professional development needs of others; coaching and training them to develop skills to perform tasks and improve performance.

6. Communicating with co-workers and others: Communicating with people in writing, verbally or otherwise inside your workplace and various other people who have professional relationships with your place of work including vendors, government officials, etc. or with people at large.

7. Decision making and problem solving: Analysis of data and information; evaluation of alternative decisions and results of decisions; taking the right decisions and solving problems.

8. Defending and protecting land, air, and sea: Providing defence to potential enemy attacks to land, air and sea; securing and protecting people and geographical regions.

9. Developing and maintaining inter-personal relationships: Developing professional relationships with co-workers and others outside organisations and maintaining good relationships.

10. Estimating quantity, cost, time and resources: Estimating sizes, volumes, distance, and quantity; estimating and determining time, costs, and resources; estimating materials required to perform a task.

11.Exercising physically: Exercising physically using various methods, techniques, equipment and devices; exercising using a fitness regime; running.

12. Getting Information and learning: Observing, hearing, reading, using computers, or otherwise obtaining information and learning from it.

13. Handling administrative activities: Handling various administrative tasks and managing day-to-day operations.

14. Handling and moving objects and materials: Using hands or otherwise use physical strength to handle and move objects and materials; manoeuvre, install, lift, place, manipulate, etc.

15. Identifying objects, actions, and events: Identifying various characteristics of objects; observing and understanding actions and events; understanding changes in actions and events.

16. Inspecting equipment, systems, structures, and materials: Inspecting equipment, systems, structures, and materials to ascertain quality, performance, defects, causes of errors, etc.

17. Inspecting situations, events, and people: Inspecting situations, events and people to understand the reasons and causes for the situation or events to happen; inspecting people to understand reasons behind their behaviour and actions.

18. Leading: Inspiring and motivating co-workers to work to achieve specific goals; enabling and facilitating others to perform tasks effectively; addressing issues and solving problems in order to help people perform well.

19. Managing and supervising: Manging and supervising work of others; setting goals; giving instructions; monitoring work performance, etc.

20. Negotiating: Negotiating terms, conditions, costs, prices and about other issues.

21. Operating machines, equipment, devices, systems and processes: Using various methods and techniques to operate machines, equipment, devices, systems and processes in industrial and other settings.

22. Operating vehicles, mechanized devices, or other movable devices: Running, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

23. Organising, planning and prioritising tasks: Planning and organising tasks in order to achieve work goals; prioritising tasks to achieve goals and making the best use of the time available.

24. Performing physical activities: Performing physical activities that require use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

25. Scheduling tasks: Scheduling project timelines, tasks and activities.

26. Securing and protecting: Providing security and protection to people and facilities.

27. Strategic planning: Developing visions and goals, developing strategies and action plans for achieving visions and goals.

28. Updating and using relevant knowledge: Keeping updated with the latest knowledge relevant to your fields of work and use of the relevant knowledge in getting things done.

29. Using computers for work: Using computers for day-to-day office work; using computer software for various applications in day-to-day professional work; entering data and process information; for writing.

30. Working in a team: Working in a team of people; developing team; maintaining professional relationships among team members.