How to join airforce after 12th

Joining the Indian Air Force (IAF) after completing the 12th grade is an ambitious and rewarding career choice. The IAF offers various entry pathways for young aspirants who have completed their schooling, particularly for those interested in flying, technical, or non-technical branches. Below is a detailed guide on how to join the Indian Air Force after the 12th grade, including eligibility criteria, the selection process, training, and career progression. ### 1. **Overview of Indian Air Force Entries After 12th** The Indian Air Force recruits young men and women after the 12th standard primarily through two major avenues: – **National Defence Academy (NDA) Entry** – **Airmen Entry (Group X and Y Trades)** Each pathway has its distinct entry process, eligibility criteria, and career trajectory. ### 2. **National Defence Academy (NDA) Entry** The National Defence Academy, located in Khadakwasla, Pune, is the joint services academy of the Indian Armed Forces. It serves as the primary gateway for entry into the Indian Air Force for those who have completed their 12th standard. #### 2.1 **Eligibility Criteria** – **Educational Qualification:** Candidates must have passed the 12th class examination with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics (PCM) from a recognized board. Candidates appearing for the 12th standard can also apply. – **Age Limit:** Candidates must be between 16.5 years to 19.5 years. The age is calculated as on the first day of the month in which the course is due to commence. – **Nationality:** The candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Bhutan, a subject of Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle in India permanently. – **Marital Status:** Only unmarried male candidates are eligible to apply. #### 2.2 **Selection Process** The selection process for the NDA comprises three stages: 1. **Written Examination:** – **Conducted by:** Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) – **Frequency:** Twice a year (NDA I and NDA II) – **Subjects:** The written exam consists of two papers: – **Mathematics:** 300 marks – **General Ability Test (GAT):** 600 marks, including English, General Knowledge, Physics, Chemistry, General Science, History, Geography, and Current Affairs. – **Duration:** 2.5 hours for each paper. 2. **SSB Interview:** – Candidates who clear the written examination are called for the Services Selection Board (SSB) interview. The SSB interview is a comprehensive process that evaluates the candidates’ psychological and physical attributes. – **Stages:** The SSB interview is conducted in two stages: – **Stage I:** Officer Intelligence Rating (OIR) tests and Picture Perception and Description Test (PP&DT). – **Stage II:** Psychological tests, Group Testing Officer Tasks (GTO), and Personal Interview (PI). 3. **Medical Examination:** – Candidates who clear the SSB interview are required to undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the physical and medical standards set by the Indian Air Force. #### 2.3 **Training** – **NDA Training:** Candidates who qualify for the NDA entry undergo three years of joint training at the NDA, after which they receive a Bachelor’s degree in Arts, Science, or Computer Science from Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU). – **Air Force Academy Training:** After completing the NDA training, candidates move to the Air Force Academy (AFA) in Hyderabad for specialized training in flying or other technical branches. #### 2.4 **Career Path** – **Flying Branch:** After successful completion of training at the AFA, cadets are commissioned as Flying Officers in the Indian Air Force. They can further specialize in various aircraft types, including fighter jets, transport aircraft, and helicopters. – **Technical and Ground Duty Branches:** Candidates can also be commissioned into technical or ground duty branches, where they can pursue careers in engineering, logistics, administration, and meteorology, among others. ### 3. **Airmen Entry (Group X and Y Trades)** The Indian Air Force also recruits Airmen in Group X (Technical) and Group Y (Non-Technical) trades directly after the 12th standard. This entry is more suited for candidates interested in technical and non-technical roles rather than flying roles. #### 3.1 **Eligibility Criteria** – **Group X (Technical Trades):** – **Educational Qualification:** Candidates must have passed the 12th standard with Mathematics, Physics, and English, with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English. – **Diploma Holders:** Three-year Diploma course in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/Automobile/Computer Science/Instrumentation Technology/Information Technology) from a recognized polytechnic institute with 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English. – **Group Y (Non-Technical Trades):** – **Educational Qualification:** Candidates must have passed the 12th standard with any stream, with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English. – **Age Limit:** Candidates must be between 17 years to 21 years. – **Nationality:** The candidate must be a citizen of India, a subject of Bhutan, a subject of Nepal, or a Tibetan refugee who came over to India before January 1, 1962, intending to settle in India permanently. #### 3.2 **Selection Process** The selection process for Airmen entry is rigorous and comprises the following stages: 1. **Online Written Examination:** – **Group X:** The exam includes subjects such as English, Physics, and Mathematics. – **Group Y:** The exam includes subjects such as English, Reasoning, and General Awareness (RAGA). – **Duration:** 60 minutes for Group X, 45 minutes for Group Y, and 85 minutes for candidates applying for both groups. – **Negative Marking:** 0.25 marks are deducted for each wrong answer. 2. **Physical Fitness Test (PFT):** – Candidates who clear the written examination are called for the PFT, which includes a 1.6 km run to be completed within 6 minutes and 30 seconds, 10 push-ups, 10 sit-ups, and 20 squats. 3. **Adaptability Test:** – Adaptability Test I and Adaptability Test II are conducted to assess the adaptability of candidates to the Air Force environment. 4. **Medical Examination:** – Candidates who clear the above stages are required to undergo a thorough medical examination to ensure they meet the medical standards set by the Indian Air Force. #### 3.3 **Training** – **Basic Training:** Selected candidates undergo Basic Military Training (BMT) at the Airmen Training School in Belagavi, Karnataka. The duration of the BMT varies from 6 months to a year, depending on the trade. – **Advanced Training:** After BMT, candidates undergo advanced training in their respective trades at various training institutes of the Indian Air Force. #### 3.4 **Career Path** – **Group X (Technical):** Airmen in technical trades work on aircraft and other aviation-related equipment, ensuring they are fit for operations. They can rise through the ranks and become Junior Warrant Officers (JWO) and later on Warrant Officers (WO). – **Group Y (Non-Technical):** Airmen in non-technical trades work in administration, logistics, accounts, education, meteorology, medical assistants, etc. They can also rise through the ranks and hold senior positions in their respective fields. ### 4. **Physical and Medical Standards** The Indian Air Force has stringent physical and medical standards for all its entries. Some of the common requirements include: – **Height and Weight:** Minimum acceptable height is 152.5 cm for men. Weight should be proportionate to height and age. – **Chest:** Minimum range of expansion is 5 cm. – **Vision:** Candidates must have good visual standards. For NDA, 6/6 vision is required for both eyes, and corrective surgeries like LASIK are not permitted. For Airmen entry, the visual acuity standard may vary depending on the trade. – **Hearing:** Candidates must have normal hearing, i.e., able to hear a forced whisper at 6 meters with each ear separately. – **Dental:** Candidates should have healthy gums, a good set of teeth, and a minimum of 14 dental points. – **General Health:** Candidates should be free from any disease/disability which is likely to interfere with the efficient performance of duties. They should not have a history of fits or psychiatric ailment. ### 5. **Opportunities for Women** While the NDA entry is currently open only to male candidates, women can join the Indian Air Force through other pathways after graduation. However, it is worth noting that the IAF has been progressively opening more avenues for women over the years, including the introduction of women fighter pilots. ### 6. **Benefits and Career Progression** The Indian Air Force offers an attractive career with numerous benefits: – **Job Security:** A career in the IAF offers stability and a secure job with regular promotions based on performance. – **Pay and Allowances:** Air Force personnel receive competitive pay scales, along with various allowances such as flying pay, technical pay, and field area allowance. – **Postings:** The IAF offers an exciting and dynamic career with postings across India and opportunities for overseas assignments. – **Opportunities for Higher Education:** The IAF provides ample opportunities for pursuing higher education during the service, including sponsored courses at reputed institutes. – **Post-Retirement Benefits:** The IAF offers pension, gratuity.