DEFENCE CAREER (PILOT)

The Indian Air Force, Indian Navy, Army Aviation Corps, and Indian Coast Guard recruits in many disciplines like Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical Branch), etc. The Flying Branch of IAF can be further divided into three sub-branches- Fighter Planes, Transport Aircraft, and Helicopters.

Both males and females are hired for Flying positions. Let's go through the various paths you can take to make it a career.

  • 1. National Defence Academt (NDA)
  • 2. Combined Defence Services (CDS)
  • 3. National Cadet Corps (NCC)
  • 4. Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT)
  • 5. Indian Coast Guard (ICG)

NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY - NDA

AGE LIMIT 16.5 to 19 years
MARITAL STATUS Unmarried
EDUCATION Either be appearing or have passed 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
CONDUCTED BY UPSC
INTERVAL Twice a year, advertisement in the months of May and December
RESTRICTIONS Both male and female candidates are eligible
PROCESS Step 1 written exam
Step 2 SSB (Service selection board) interview – 2 stages
- 1st stage consists of Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test
- 2nd consists of series of tests, like- Psychological Tests, Group Tests (Physical and Mental tasks), GD, Interview and Conference.
- Recommended candidates are then appear for PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test)
- Successfully candidates are then subjected to detailed Physical and Medical tests
- In the end, an all India Level Merit list is made. Candidates who manage to make it to this list after the Medical Examination are then selected to take part in Training program
AFTER QUALIFYING Three year training at the NDA at Khadakwasla, followed by specialised flying training at one of the Air Force Training schools. Once a candidate successfully completes the training he or she will be Commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers and posted as pilots at Air Force Stations.Fighter, Transport and Helicopters category is assigned during the training based on merit and preference.
USEFUL LINKS http://www.upsc.gov.in/
https://www.upsconline.nic.in/

Combined Defence Services Exam - CDS

AGE LIMIT 20 to 24 years
MARITAL STATUS Unmarried
EDUCATION Physics and mathematics at 10+2 level.
Graduates (three-year course) in any discipline from a recognised university ()/ BE/ B Tech
(four-year course) is required. Final year/semester students are also eligible to apply.
CONDUCTED BY UPSC
INTERVAL Twice a year, Advertisement in the months of June and October.
RESTRICTIONS Only men are eligible to take this exam
PROCESS Step 1 written exam
Step 2 SSB (Service selection board) interview – 2 stages
- 1st stage consists of Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test
- 2nd consists of series of tests, like- Psychological Tests, Group Tests (Physical and Mental tasks),
GD, Interview and Conference
- Recommended candidates are then appear for PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test)
- Successfully candidates are then subjected to detailed Physical and Medical tests
- In the end, an all India Level Merit list is made. Candidates who manage to make it to this list after the Medical Examination are then selected to take part in Training program
AFTER QUALIFYING Candidates are entitled for admission to Indian Military Academy/ Indian Naval Academy/ Air Force Academy (AFA). With completion of training, candidates will be getting the Permanent Commission Officers’ or can be posted as Pilots at any IAF Station.
USEFUL LINKS http://www.upsc.gov.in/
https://www.upsconline.nic.in/

National Cadet Corps - NCC

AGE LIMIT 20 to 24 years (26 years if holding valid DGCA CPL)
MARITAL STATUS Unmarried
EDUCATION Air Wing Senior Division 'C' Certificate from NCC. Graduates (three year course)/ BE/B Tech (four-year course) in any discipline from a recognised university with minimum 60% marks or equivalent. Final year/semester students are also eligible to apply
CONDUCTED BY Directorate General National Cadet Corps or respective NCC Air Squadrons. Candidates will undergo AFCAT examination.
INTERVAL Twice a year, Advertisement in the months of June and December
RESTRICTIONS Permanent Commission is offered for men while Short Service Commission is for men and women both.
USEFUL LINKS https://indiancc.nic.in

Air Force Common Admission Test - AFCAT

AGE LIMIT 20 to 24 years (26 years if holding valid DGCA CPL.)
MARITAL STATUS Unmarried
EDUCATION Minimum of 60% mark each in maths & physics at 10+2 level. Graduates (three-year course)/ BE/B Tech (four-year course) in any discipline from a recognised university with minimum 60% marks or equivalent. Final year/semester students are also eligible to apply
CONDUCTED BY Indian Air Force
INTERVAL Twice a year, Advertisement in the months of June and December
RESTRICTIONS Open for both male and female candidates Short Service Commission in Flying branch is for 14 years only with no further extension.
PROCESS Step 1 written exam
Step 2 SSB (Service selection board) interview – 2 stages
- 1st stage consists of Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test
- 2nd consists of series of tests, like- Psychological Tests, Group Tests (Physical and Mental tasks),
GD, Interview and Conference.
- Recommended candidates are then appear for PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test)
- Successfully candidates are then subjected to detailed Physical and Medical tests
- In the end, an all India Level Merit list is made. Candidates who manage to make it to this list after the Medical Examination are then selected to take part in Training program
USEFUL LINKS http://www.careerairforce.nic.in/

Indian Coast Guard

AGE LIMIT 19 to 24 years (26 years if holding valid DGCA CPL.)
MARITAL STATUS Unmarried
EDUCATION Maths & physics at 10+2 level min 60%. Valid DGCA CPL for Short service entry only. Graduate in any discipline with min 60%. Maximum 5% relaxation in aggregate in the degree certificate only for SC/ ST candidates, NCC ‘C’ certificate (‘A’ grade) holders, Sports person of National level (Inter State & above) and Wards of Coast Guard uniform personnel deceased while in service. No relaxation for 12th class marks.
CONDUCTED BY Indian Coast Guard
INTERVAL Twice a year, Advertisement in the months of June and November.
RESTRICTIONS General Duty (Pilot/Navigator) – Male candidates only
Short Service Appointment – both male and female candidates are eligible to apply
PROCESS Candidates can be Short listed based on higher percentage of marks in the qualifying examination
Step 1 PSB (Preliminary selection board)
Mental Ability Test/ Cognitive Aptitude Test and Picture Perception & Discussion Test
Step 2 FSB (Final selection board)
The Final Selection will consist of Psychological Test, Group Task and Interview (Personality test) All candidates recommended by Final Selection Board will undergo Medical examination at nearest Military Hospital. Candidates for GD (Pilot) and CPL will undergo medical at AFCME, Delhi/ IAM, Bengaluru.
USEFUL LINKS http://www.joinindiancoastguard.gov.in/