How to Join Indian Air Force After 12th in 2025
Interested in joining Indian Air Force after 12th? It requires determination, integrity, and a genuine passion for serving your country. Read below to discover the eligibility requirements, necessary exams, and application procedures to become a part of the Indian Air Force.
How to Join Indian Air Force after 12th: The Indian Air Force (IAF) stands tall among the branches of the Indian Armed Forces, embodying the spirit of "Touch the sky with glory." Young individuals aspiring to be part of the Indian Air Force can embark on their journey through various schemes and examinations like the University Entry Scheme (UES), AFCAT, CDS, NDA, and CDS. These pathways lead to opportunities in the Flying, Ground Duty (Non-Technical), and Ground Duty (Technical) branches within the IAF. Meeting the educational prerequisite of completing class 12 is essential for those eyeing a career in the IAF.
For many aspirants, the call to serve in the armed forces arises from a deep-rooted sense of patriotism, honour, and a quest for dignity and prestige. In times of conflict, the Indian Air Force is responsible for safeguarding the nation's airspace and engaging in aerial combat if necessary. The profession of serving in the Indian armed forces—be it the Army, Navy, or Air Force—is held in high regard across the nation.
Despite the allure of such a noble profession, many young adults find themselves at a loss when it comes to finding out how to join the Indian Air Force after 12th. This article aims to bridge that gap by providing valuable insights into the examination requirements, eligibility criteria, application procedures, and other pertinent aspects of joining the IAF.
Also Read:
How to Get Into Indian Air Force After 12th?
Before moving further, candidates must know that the Indian Air Force is classified into three main branches as given below:
- Flying Branch: It consists of pilots who transport staff and resources, engage in combat and carry missiles (known as Fighter Pilots), and operate helicopters to provide air support to an advancing army.
- Technical Branch: The Air Force's armament systems and engineering equipment are under the control of this branch.
- Non-Technical Branch: It is made up of divisions that provide educational, administrative, meteorological, and logistics assistance to the technical and flying branches.
Every year thousands of applicants apply for this job, out of which only 5-6% can ace the selection process. The selection process for the Indian Air Force includes appearing for the NDA/ NA entrance examination and a personal interview round. Those who clear all the selection rounds will be called for training at the Air Force Academy.
Also Read: Selection Process for AFCAT Ground Duty Non-Technical
Check out this handy summary table detailing the various paths to join Indian Air Force after 12th. We will delve into each way in detail, but first, here's a quick overview:
Entry Ways for Joining the Indian Air Force | Selection Procedure and Recruitment Process | Educational Qualification Required | Age Limit for IAF |
|---|---|---|---|
National Defence Academy (NDA) | NDA Examination conducted by UPSC; rigorous training at NDA | 12th pass from a recognized board | 16.5 to 19.5 years |
Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) | AFCAT conducted by Indian Air Force; aptitude test | 12th pass from a recognized board | 16.5 to 24 years |
Indian Air Force Group X & Y Examination | Written exam, Physical Fitness Test, Medical Examination | 12th pass with Physics, Mathematics, and English from a recognized board | 17 to 21 years |
National Cadet Corps Special Entry Scheme (NCC) | Written exam, Physical Fitness Test, Interview | 12th pass from a recognized board | 16.5 to 19 years |
Flying Branch | AFCAT or CDSE exam conducted by UPSC | 12th pass from a recognized board | 19 to 24 years (varies depending on the entry scheme and branch) |
Now, let's explore each of these pathways in detail and how to join Indian Air Force in 2025 after 12th.
Join the Indian Air Force in 2025 Through NDA
The Indian Armed Services' Defence Service Training Academy is called the National Defence Academy (NDA). Pune, Maharashtra's Khadakwasla is home to the NDA. To join the Indian Air Force, Indian Navy or Indian Military Force, the young cadets must complete rigorous training and education there. The NDA exam is given twice a year, in December and April. Applicants for the NDA exam maybe those who have finished their Class 12 schooling or are taking the exam. Aspirants for the NDA exam may be either male or female.
NDA Eligibility
The following table highlights the NDA eligibility criteria to join the Indian Air Force:
Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
Age | 16 ½ to 19 ½ years (at the time of commencement) |
Conducted By | Union Public Service Commission |
Exam Level | National |
Gender | Male and Female |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Nationality | Indian |
Post | Lieutenant |
Qualification | Class 12th with Mathematics and Physics |
Selection Process | Written Test + SSB interview |
Application Fees | INR 100 (ST/ SC/ Sons of JCOs/ Women/ NCOs/ ORs are exempted from fee payment) |
NDA Selection Process
Exam and SSB interview are the two phases of the NDA selection procedure. There are two papers in the written exam: General Ability Test (GAT) and Maths. Those who meet the stipulated cutoff and qualify for the written exam are invited to the SSB interview. An NDA SSB interview is conducted in two phases. The SSB interview and written exam results are used to create the NDA merit list.
NDA Training Process
After three years of intense training, officers obtain commissions in their respective wings, and cadets graduate from this programme. Nevertheless, cadets who want to specialise in flying and ground duties (technical) receive an additional year and a half of training. Cadets join Indian Air Force as permanent commissioned officers upon completion of their training. BA and/or BSc degrees are also given to cadets. After three years of study in the NDA, Naval Cadets receive BTech degrees.
Join the Indian Air Force in 2025 Through AFCAT
The Air Force Common Admission Test is commonly referred to as the AFCAT 2025 exam. The IAF holds a national-level exam to figure out which applicants are qualified for Group 1 Gazetted officers on the Ground (Technical & Non-Technical) and Flying Duty.
AFCAT Eligibility
The following table lists the requirements for the AFCAT eligibility criteria in terms of age, nationality, and educational background to join IAF.
Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
Post | Group 1 Gazetted officers |
Nationality | Indian |
Marital Status | Unmarried |
Gender | Male and Female |
Conducted by | Indian Air Force |
Application fees | INR 250 |
Age | 20 to 24 years |
Qualification | Any Graduate with per cent of marks or equivalent degree |
AFCAT Selection Process
An AFSB interview and an online test make up the AFCAT selection procedure. It is mandatory for applicants who choose the Technical Branch to take the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). Questions from Numerical Aptitude, Reasoning, General Awareness, Military Aptitude, and Verbal Ability in English are included in the online exam. There are 100 questions on the written exam, worth 300 marks. The AFSB interview process consists of two phases. Stage 1 includes the Officer Intelligence Rating Test, Picture Perception, and Discussion Tests, while Stage 2 includes psychological testing, group tests, and interviews. The Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) will be used by candidates who have chosen to pursue the flying branch and have received referrals.
AFCAT Training
The Air Force Academy Dundigal in Hyderabad is the training ground for recently commissioned officers. Training at Air Force Training Establishments lasts 52 weeks for Ground Duty (Non-Technical) Branches and 74 weeks for Flying and Ground Duty (Technical) Branches.
Also Read:
Join the Indian Air Force in 2025 Through CDSE
The Combined Defence Services Examination is what is known as the CDSE 2025 exam. To choose applicants for the Indian Naval Academy, Officers Training Academy (OTA), Indian Air Force Academy (IMA), and Air Force Academy (AFA) is held twice a year by the UPSC. Applicants for the exam may be male or female. For men who apply, however, a commission for lifetime employment is offered.
CDS Eligibility
The following table highlights the CDS eligibility criteria to join Indian Air Force:
Particular | Detail |
|---|---|
Selection Process | Written Test + SSB Interview |
Qualification | Graduate with Physics and Maths in 12th grade or |
Nationality | Indian |
Marital Status | Single |
Gender | Male and Female |
Exam Level | National |
Conducted By | UPSC |
Application fees | INR 200 |
Age | 19 to 24 years |
CDS Selection Process
An SSB interview and a written exam make up the CDS selection process. Written examinations for INA, IMA, and AFA follow a different format than OTA. Those who succeed in clearing the written exam are invited to the SSB interview.
How to Join IAF after 12th as Airmen - Group X and Group Y?
The Indian Air Force (IAF) offers an exciting chance to kickstart a career as an Airmen right after class 12th. Here's a simple guide to help you in how to join Indian Air Force after 12th as Airmen - Group X and Group Y:
Airmen - Group X and Group Y Eligibility Criteria
- For Group X (Technical) Airmen:
- You must have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics.
- You need at least 50% marks in English.
- For Group Y (Non-Technical) Airmen:
- Completion of 10+2 or its equivalent with at least 50% marks in all subjects is necessary.
- Group X and Y candidates' age bracket is typically 17 to 21 years.
Airmen - Group X and Group Y Selection Process
Candidates are chosen for Group X or Y based on the STAR test, which consists of online MCQs. The test has two phases, followed by a physical efficiency test and a medical assessment, with questions available in both English and Hindi.
Airmen - Group X and Group Y Exam Pattern
Indian Air Force Airmen Recruitment Process | List of Subjects/Sections | Maximum Mark Allotted | Total Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
For Indian Air Force Airmen Group X Recruitment |
| 70 marks | 60 minutes |
For Indian Air Force Airmen Group Y Recruitment |
| 50 marks | 45 minutes |
For Indian Air Force Airmen - Both Group X and Group Y Recruitment |
| 100 marks | 85 minutes |
Airmen - Group X and Group Y Training Process
- Those who pass Phase 1 proceed to Phase 2 at the Airmen Selection Centre. Successful Phase 2 candidates receive a medical appointment letter.
- Applicants selected for Group X or Y undergo Joint Basic Phase Training (JBPT), which includes physical, medical, and visual evaluations.
- Upon completing JBPT, candidates are assigned to specific trades based on performance, service needs, and educational qualifications.
IAF Visual Standard Requirements
The visual standards required to join Indian Air Force after 12th grade are also mentioned here.
- The distance vision of the candidates should be at least 6/6 in the better eye and 6/9 in the worse eye.
- Hypermetropia not more than 3.5 D including Astigmatism
- Myopia should not be more than 2.5 D
- No spectacles for Air Force candidates
The table provided below lists the visual standards required to join the Indian Air Force.
Specification | Air Force |
|---|---|
Astigmatism | +0.75 Cyl (within + 2.0 D.Max) |
Binocular Vision | Nil |
Colour Vision | CP-I (MLT) |
Corrected with glass | 6/6 (only for Hypermetropia) |
Limits of Colour Perception | Nil |
Limits of Hypermetropia | +2.00 D Sph |
Limits of Myopia | Nil |
Manifest Myopia | Nil |
Near Vision | N-5 each eye |
Telescopic Myopia | 0.5 |
Uncorrected without glass | 6/6, 6/9 |
A good preparation strategy is required to clear the entrance examination to join IAF. Those who have completed graduation can also appear for the CDS and AFCAT exams to join Indian Air Force.
If you have any queries about how to join Indian Air Force after 12th, feel free to post a question on our QnA Zone to get answers from the experts! For more updates on IAF, stay tuned to CollegeDekho!
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FAQs
What educational qualifications are needed to apply for the Indian Air Force?
The qualifications required to join the Indian Air Force are:
- Minimum of 50% marks in Physics and Maths at the 10+2 level.
- For graduates: A three to four year degree with at least 60% marks from a recognized university.
How can I join the Indian Air Force as an officer?
To join the Indian Air Force as an officer, candidates can apply through the following entry exams:
- NDA Exam
- CDSE
- AFCAT
- NCC Special Entry
Each of these exams has specific eligibility criteria, and the selection process usually includes written exams, interviews, and medical tests.
How to join Indian air force after 12th without NDA?
Candidates can join IAF without the NDA exam provided they have an Arts background. Those who complete their 12th grade in arts are eligible to enlist in the Indian Air Force since they can supervise the IAF's administrative and logistical trades, by taking the Group Y exam following graduation.
What are the skills required to join Indian Air Force (IAF)?
Skills required to join Indian Air Force (IAF) are physical and mental fitness, discipline, courage, leadership, respect, ability to make quick decisions, and so on. Youngsters have always been driven towards preparing for the armed forces by their desire for honour, glory, and pride. Candidates can realise their ambition to join Indian Air Force (IAF) by taking various tests offered in different categories.
Can I continue my education after I join IAF?
No, candidates cannot continue their education after they join IAF as they will need to go through a rigorous on-field training process. Thus, you will not be able to pursue further study during your training period. On the other hand, the IAF offers you lots of opportunities to continue your education after your training period is over.
Who is eligible for the IAF exam?
Students who have passed their 12th grade, or completed either graduation or postgraduation with at least 50% to 60% aggregate marks are eligible for the IAF exam. This may include exams such as National Defence Academy (NDA), Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE), National Cadet Corps (NCC), Short Service Commission (SSC), etc.
Can I join Indian Air Force after 12th grade?
Yes, students can join Indian Air Force after 12th grade through the National Defence Academy (NDA) entrance exam for an officer position. The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is in charge of selecting unmarried male applicants for the Navy, Army, and Air Forces. The NDA is conducted in two steps: a written exam and a Service Selection Board (SSB) interview. Furthermore, applicants specifically seeking to join the Air Force must be eligible to take the Pilot Aptitude Test (PABT) and the Computerised Pilot Selection Test (CPSS).