How to Join IAF after Pursuing Engineering

Yash Dhamija

Updated On: July 28, 2022 06:47 PM | AFCAT

Are you aiming to join IAF after engineering? This article covers different ways to join Indian Air Force after pursuing engineering.

How to Join IAF after Pursuing Engineering

Indian Air Force is the most popular arm of the Indian Armed Forces. The main operations of the Indian Air Force are to secure Indian airspace and to conduct aerial warfare. Many young people aspire to join the Indian Air Force (IAF) and serve their country. There are many ways of joining IAF after completed 12th, graduation, and postgraduation too.

In this article, we have discussed three different ways of joining the Indian Air Force after Engineering. Candidates who have completed B.E / B.Tech or any other degree in Engineering and want to join IAF can check this article to know how to join IAF after pursuing Engineering.

How To Join Indian Air Force After Engineering

Provided below are the entries you can apply after Engineering to join the Indian Air Force.

Indian Air Force After Engineering

  • CDSE Entry(Combined Defence Services Examination)

  • National Cadet Corps(NCC) Special Entry

  • AFCAT Entry(Air Force Common Admission Test)

Also Read: How to Get into Indian Air Force after 12th

CDSE Entry (Combined Defence Services Examination)

Combined Defence Services Examination is conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). The exam is conducted twice a year in the month of February and September. Both women and men can appear for this examination. However, women candidates are only eligible to apply for Officers Training Academy (OTA) via CDSE. The selection of candidates is based on the entrance exam followed by SSB Interview for intelligence and personality test. The candidate is trained at AFA before being transferred to a specialized flying training establishment. Some of the major highlights of CDSE are provided below.

Name of exam

Combined Defence Services Examination

Conducted by

Union Public Service Commission (UPSC)

Exam Level

National

Exam Frequency

Twice a year

Exam mode

Offline

Commission type

Permanent commission

Exam Duration

2 Hours

Educational Qualification

Graduation in any discipline from a recognized University (with Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level) / BE / B Tech. Final year candidates are also eligible.

Age Limit

20 - 24 Years

Selection Process

Written exam followed by SSB for successful candidates

National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry

Candidates apply to the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force as an Air Wing Senior Division ’C’ Certificate holder of the National Cadet Corps. Both Men and Women can apply for IAF through this mode of entry. Notification for the NCC Special Entry is generally released by the IAF in the months of June and December. The training procedure of NCC is almost the same as CDSE. Provided below are the major highlights of NCC Special Entry.

Age Limit

20 to 24 years

Nationality

Indian

Marital Status

Single

Gender

Men and Women

Educational Qualifications

  • At least 50% marks each in Maths and Physics at 10+2 level.

  • Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University with a minimum of 60% marks

  • Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised University with at least 60% marks or equivalent.

  • Final Year students are also eligible to apply, provided they do not have any backlog at the time of AFSB Testing and produce the degree certificate issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement.

Commission type

Permanent Commission for Men and Short Service Commission for both Men and Women

Also Read: How to Crack SSB in First Attempt: Tips to Qualify CDS, UPSC NDA & NA

AFCAT Entry (Air Force Common Admission Test)

AFCAT is conducted for selecting officers in various branches of IAF including lying, Technical, and Ground Duty. The examination is conducted twice a year. Both Men and Women are eligible to appear for this exam. Through AFCAT, shortlisted candidates are trained as Fighter pilots or Helicopter pilots, or Transport pilots, and are part of various peace and wartime missions. Selection for AFCAT will be done on the basis of candidates’ performance in the written exam and AFSB interview.

Age Limit

20 to 24 years

Nationality

Indian

Marital Status

Single

Gender

Men and Women

Educational Qualification

  • At least 50% marks each in Maths & Physics at 10+2 level.

  • Graduation in any discipline from a recognised University with at least 60% marks or equivalent OR B.E/ B.Tech from a recognised university with minimum 60% marks or equivalent. OR

  • Cleared Section A & B examination of Associate Membership of Institute Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India from a recognised University with at least 60% marks or equivalent. OR

  • Final Year students are also eligible to apply, provided they do not have any backlog at the time of AFSB Testing and produce Degree certificate issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement

Selection Process

Written Exam followed by AFSB Interview

Commission type

Short Service Commission in Flying branch is for 14 years with no further extension.

For Ground Duty Branch(Meteorology Branch)

Candidates who have completed a post-graduation in engineering can apply for the Meteorology Branch. Permanent Commission for Men and Short Service Commission for both Men and Women are offered in this branch.

Age Limit

20 to 25 years

Marital Status

Single

Nationality

Indian

Educational Qualifications

Post Graduation Degree in any science stream/ Mathematics/ Oceanography/ Agricultural Meteorology/ Statistics/ Geography/ Environmental Science/ Computer Applications/ Applied Physics/ Ecology & Environment/ Geo-physics/ Environmental Biology. All candidates must have scored at least 50% marks in aggregate in all papers of Post Graduation put together (provided Physics and Maths were studied at Graduation level with a minimum of 55% marks in both)

For Ground Duty Branch (Technical Branch)

Besides this, candidates can also join Ground Duty Branch(Technical Branch). They can apply for Electronics, Mechanical or any other branch depending on their qualification. Both Men and Women can apply for this branch. The age limit for this branch is 20 to 26 years. Candidates below the age of 25 years should be unmarried.

Candidates should note that earlier an additional optional, University Entry Scheme (UES) Entry was available to join IAF. However, UES entry has been discontinued. Candidates who want to know the details about all the branches of the Indian Air Force can visit the official website of IAF. Those who have any doubts regarding “how to join IAF after pursuing engineering” can ask questions on the Collegedekho QnA zone .

Related Links

For admission-related assistance, fill our Common Application Form .

Are you feeling lost and unsure about what career path to take after completing 12th standard?

Say goodbye to confusion and hello to a bright future!

news_cta
/articles/how-to-join-iaf-after-pursuing-engineering/
View All Questions

Related Questions

Which course should I take after 12th Arts to get a job in an airport or airline?

-Samrat lahaneUpdated on February 07, 2025 12:56 PM
  • 1 Answer
Himani Daryani, Content Team

If you want to work in an airport or airline after completing your 12th in Arts, there are several courses you can pursue:

  • Diploma in Aviation and Hospitality Management
  • Diploma in Airport Management
  • Diploma in Ground Staff & Cabin Crew Training
  • BBA in Aviation Management
  • B.Sc. in Aviation (Some colleges accept Arts students)
  • B.A. in Tourism & Travel Management
  • BBA in Hospitality & Travel Management
  • Diploma in Air Hostess & Cabin Crew Training
  • Certificate in Aviation & Hospitality Services
  • Certificate in Flight Attendant Training

You can get more information through the articles given below:

READ MORE...

Hind ma all paper not bangal

-naUpdated on February 11, 2025 12:20 PM
  • 1 Answer
Jayita Ekka, Content Team

Dear student,

Please elaborate your question. We were unable to understand your query.

READ MORE...

What is MAH BHMCT CET 2025 admit card release date?

-arshad shaikhUpdated on February 13, 2025 10:46 AM
  • 2 Answers
harshit, Student / Alumni

Hi there, admission at LPU for the next academic session has begun. You can register online and book LPUNEST slot. LPU gives a range of scholarships based on several criteria. You can avail several other benefits as well. For more info you can either visit website or contact LPU officials through email phone and chat. Good Luck

READ MORE...

Do you have a question? Ask us.

  • Typical response between 24-48 hours

  • Get personalized response

  • Free of Cost

  • Access to community

Recent Articles

Recent News

Subscribe to CollegeDekho News

By proceeding ahead you expressly agree to the CollegeDekho terms of use and privacy policy
Top