Indian Air Force Pilot Eligibility

Will you please provide the eligibility criteria required for the Indian Air Force ?

[Kiran Chandar]

IAF is a career which offers immense facilities, a privileged grand lifestyle and of course the honor of serving one’s country.

Applicants can join for training by appearing for either NDA or CDS exam. Applicants can join if they have NCC ‘C

Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must have pass BE/B. Tech with minimum of 60% aggregate in any discipline and must have pursued Mathematics and Physics at 10+2 level.

Final year students are also allowed

Applicants must be in complete health, both mentally and physically in all aspects; i.e.

The hearing must be normal.

One must have Eye-sight with an accurate 6/6 vision, correct weight etc.

There must not be any history of diseases, spleen, appendix surgery etc.

Applicants can choose to become a helicopter pilot, a fighter pilot or a transport pilot.

Some of them are the Sukhoi 27/35k, MiG-29, MiG-27, MiG-25, MiG-23, MiG-21, mirage 2000, Jaguars and Cannabera.

After the completion of the training, Applicants can look forward to being awarded the President’s Commission as an officer in the IAF in the rank of Flying Officer

Starting package is Rupees 200, 00 per annum.

How to become a pilot in the Indian Air Force? Can you please tell me about the Indian Air Force Pilot Eligibility?

[Raman Vij]

To become a pilot in Indian Air force you have to pass Graduation Degree of a recognized University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) or Bachelor of Engineering.
Indian Air Force Pilot Exams

A) After 10+2: Through NDA exam

B) After Graduation
CDSE (for men only)
NCC Special entry (for men only)
AFCAT (for men & women)


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

Eligibility Criteria


Through National Defense Academy (NDA):
To join the NDA you need to fulfill the following requirements:

1. Educational Qualification

To be eligible for joining NDA you should be passed/appeared 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics as subjects.

2. Age : 16-1/2 years to 19 years

3. Nationality : Indian

4. Gender : This is applicable only to men.

Through Combined Defense Services Exam (CDSE)

1. Educational Qualification
First Class Graduation (min 60% aggregate marks) in any discipline (Three Years Course) with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level.

2. Age : 19 years to 23 years

3. Nationality : Indian

4. Marital Status : Single.