INDIAN AIR FORCE
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is the air arm of the Indian Armed Forces. It is one of the largest air forces in the world, with a strength of over 170,000 personnel and over 1,400 aircraft. The IAF is responsible for the defense of India’s airspace and for providing support to the Indian Army and Navy. The IAF was founded on 8 October 1932 as an auxiliary air force of the British Empire. It was renamed the Royal Indian Air Force (RIAF) in 1945, and became the Indian Air Force in 1950 after India gained independence.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is a vast and complex organization, and there is a wealth of air force information available to the public. Working in the Indian Air Force (IAF) is about being in the middle of supersonic jets, state-of-the-art technology and best of the people. You are where the action is. Air Force provides you with the most modern facilities and gives you an unparalleled way of life and creates an environment, where the best in you comes out.
Whether you are a graduate or you have finished your schooling or you have passed your class tenth, Indian Air Force has an exciting IAF career opportunities for you. You can join the Indian Air force to jump start a secure future for you and your family. However IAF focuses solely on the prospects for graduates.
Selection Process
1. For NDA and CDSE
The advertisement for NDA is released twice a year in the months of June and December and for CDS in the months of July and November by UPSC.
Candidates are to apply as per the advertisement.
The written tests are conducted by UPSC only. For details visit https://upsc.gov.in/
2. AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test
For all entries other than NDA and CDS and for all branches, candidates have to undergo the AFCAT.
The test is conducted twice a year in February and August.
Advertisements inviting applications for AFCAT are out in June and December. Candidates are to apply as per the advertisement.The test is conducted all across India by the Indian Air Force.
3. NCC entry
Air Sqn NCC Senior division ‘C’ certificate holders are to apply online through NCC Special entry.
STEP 2 - AFSB (Air Force Selection Board) TESTING
If you have successfully cleared Step 1, you will receive a Call letter to report to any one of the Air Force Selection Boards located at Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar and Mysuru. At the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB), you undergo following tests in order to ascertain your suitability and gauge your potential as an Officer in the Indian Air Force.
STAGE I Testing
- Officer Intelligence rating Test
- Picture perception and Discussion Test.
- STAGE-I is a screening test. Those who qualify STAGE-I are eligible to undergo STAGE-II testing. STAGE-I disqualified candidates are routed back after announcement of results.
STAGE II Testing
- All STAGE-I qualified candidates undergo following tests as part of STAGE-II testing during next four to five days. Fifth day is for CPSS testing (Flying branch).
- Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist.
- Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor activities which are a combination of mental and physical work.
- Interview involves a personal conversation with an Interviewing Officer.
- Candidates who have applied for flying branch and have been recommended, will also have to undergo Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) test .
- These tests will be explained to you in detail before they are conducted at the Selection Board.
STAGE III CONDUCT OF MEDICAL EXAMINATIONS
- If you are recommended by the Selection Board, you will be sent for the medical examination either at Air Force Central Medical Establishment (AFCME), New Delhi or Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bengaluru.
STAGE IV PREPARING ALL INDIA MERIT LIST
- An All India Merit List is compiled on the basis of your performance in the written test and AFSB interview, subject to being medically fit. Based on the vacancies available in various branches / sub branches, joining instructions are issued to join one of the Training establishments.
