Eligibility to become Indian Air Force Pilot

Will you please provide me some info about the eligibility required to become Indian Air Force Pilot?

[Quick Sam]

Air Force fighter pilots are highly specialized military officers.

It is a career that offers immense facilities, a privileged lifestyle and honor in serving the country.

Air Force Pilot Eligibility

Through National Defense Academy (NDA)

Eligibility Criteria
Candidates should be passed/appeared 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as subjects.
Candidate should be Indian.
This is applicable only to men.
Candidate should have good physical and mental health

Age limit:
16.5 years to 19 years


Through Combined Defense Services Exam (CDSE)

Eligibility Criteria
Graduation with at least 60% aggregate marks in any discipline with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.

B.E./B.Tech with min 60 % aggregate marks

Final Year students can also apply and min 60 % aggregate marks in the previous year/ semester.

2. Age : 19 years to 23 years

3. Nationality : Indian

4. Marital Status : Single.

I want to join Indian Air Force as a Pilot . Will you please provide the information regarding the Eligibility required to become Indian Air Force Pilot ?

[Kiran Chandar]

Career in Indian Air Force as a pilot is very challenging and a rewarding one too.

There are different exams you can appear for (depending on your educational qualification), to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force:

A) After 10+2: Through NDA exam

The UPSC conducts the NDA exam, clearing which you undergo a 3 year training at NDA, Khadakwasla, followed by flying training at Air Force Training establishments.

Applicants will be commissioned as "permanent commission officers" and may be posted as pilots at any Air Force station.

B) After Graduation

Applicants can join the flying branch as a pilot by joining the "Air Force Academy" in any of the following ways:

CDSE (for men only)

UPSC conducts the CDS Exam for admission to either one from Indian Military Academy / Indian Naval Academy/ Air Force Academy (AFA).

After training from AFA, applicants get permanent commission as pilots.

NCC Special entry (for men only)

Applicants can apply to the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force if you are an Air Wing Senior Division ’C’ Certificate holder of the NCC .

Only men can join the Air Force through this mode of entry and will be given a Permanent Commission.

AFCAT (for men & women)

AFCAT allows both men & women to get into the flying branch for SSC i.e. for 14 years.

After selection, applicants are trained either as a Fighter Pilot, or a Helicopter Pilot, or a Transport Pilot and are a part of various peace and wartime missions.