How to Join Indian Air Force After Engineering

Jai Hind friends! Do you want to join Indian Air Force after Engineering? According to industry estimates, 15 Lakh (approx) engineers graduate every year from India. In recent times there has been a spike in the number of young engineering graduates seeking to enter in armed forces because the Defending nation has a different charm. If you are also an engineer and want to join AFA (Air Force Academy), then this article is for you; we are going to discuss various ways through which you can join AFA after engineering.

About Air Force Academy

Before you see the ways, firstly, we see about AFA (Air force Academy). Indian Air Force Academy, Dundigal is a Defence Service training institute located in Medchal-Malkajgiri district 43 km from Hyderabad, in the Indian state of Telangana.

The Academy was established in 1969 and started operations in 1971. It is located at Dundigal, spread over 7,050 acres of land.

The following are the types of training conducted at the academy:

Flying Training

In Flying Branch, training is divided into Stage I, II, and III. Each stage takes the trainee pilots from fundamental to more complex levels of aviation. After Stage I, the cadets are sent for specialization on the fighter, helicopter, or transport aircraft.

Air Traffic Control Officers’ Training

The training at the Air Force Academy for Air Traffic Control is designed based on the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) procedures, altered to suit the military aviation requirements.

Ground Duty Officers’ training

Ground Duty Officers’ training is for all non-technical branches of the Indian Air Force. If the cadet has joined the Administrative, Logistics, Accounts, Education, or Meteorology division, they will be trained at the Air Force Academy before joining the Air Force as Ground Duty Officer.

Joint Services Training

Cadets of the Flying, Air Traffic Control, and the Ground Duty Branches are imparted Joint Services Training here for 22 weeks. The cadets selected for entry into the Aeronautical Engineering Branches are sent to the Air Force Technical College at Jalahalli, Bangalore. Training includes common service subjects like administration and service knowledge.

Different Ways to Join Air Force Academy

Combined Defence Services (CDS) Entry

You can get a permanent commission in the air force after graduation through this exam. Only unmarried male candidates, Indian citizens with ages between 20 to 24 years (at the time of the commencement of course), are you eligible for the exam. Also, you should have a B. Tech graduation certificate or be a Final Year/ semester student with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level to appear for the exam. There is no percentage bar for the entry exam and is informed by the UPSC on www.upsc.gov.in during November and August.

NCC Special Entry Scheme

This exam is open for both male and female candidates eager to join the Indian Air force. One of the main requirements for this entry route is that you should be an Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate holder of the National Cadet Corps. While males get Permanent Commission, females are offered Short Service Commission. However, men can also apply for Short Service Commission.

Read More: What is Air Force Technical College

An unmarried candidate, Indian citizen between age 20 to 24 years at the commencement of the course are eligible. Also, candidates who have Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA can get a relaxation up to 26 years of age at the commencement of the course.

For the educational qualification, B. Tech students must have 60% marks in each Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level and must be pursuing or completed Engineering from a recognized University with minimum 60% marks.

Students who have cleared Section A & B examinations of Associate Membership of Institute of Engineers (India) or Aeronautical Society of India with minimum 60% marks are also eligible. Moreover, final Year/semester students can apply provided with the fact that they don’t have any backlogs at the time of AFSB testing and can show certificates issued by the University at that time. The IAF informs the entry exam and in June and December.

AFCAT Entry (Air Force Common Admission Test)

The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) is for the candidates who want to enter this Flying Force as a Commissioned Officer in Ground Duty (Technical) or Ground Duty (Non-Technical). The Short Service Commission for the Air force is for 14 years with no extension. The age must be between 20 to 24 years (at the time of the commencement of the course). Also, candidates who have Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA can get a relaxation up to 26 years of age at the commencement of the course.

NOTE: There are entries such as UES (University Entry Scheme) are discontinued. We hope you get an idea about how to join AFA after engineering.

Stay safe and motivated; always be prepared for SSB.