Indian Air Force
The Air Force has three branches with further sub-streams
| Flying Branch | Technical Branch | Ground Duty Branch |
|---|---|---|
| Fighters | Mechanical | Administration |
| Transporters | Electronics | Accounts |
| Helicopters | Logistics | |
| Education | ||
| Meteorology |
There are two types of commission viz. Short Service Commission and Permanent Commission
Short Service Commission (SSC)
You have the option of joining the Air Force and serving as a Commissioned Officer for 10 years and is extendable up to 14 years. At the end of this period you have two options. Either elect for a Permanent Commission or opt out.
Those not selected for Permanent Commission have the option of a 4 years extension. They can resign at any time during this period.
Permanent Commission (PC)
•A Permanent Commission means a career in the Air Force till you retire. Permanent Commission Officers continue to serve till the age of superannuation. For a Permanent Commission, you could join as follows:
For Flying Branch (Men)
• After 10+2 – Join NDA
• After Graduation – Join through Combined Defence Services Exam(CDSE)
For Technical and Ground Duty Branches – Opt for Permanent Commission (PC) course through AFCAT and join Air Force Academy
WOMEN
Presently Women Officers of Education and Accounts Branch only are being considered for Short Service Commission. Option for PC will be considered/offered on successful completion of Short Service Commission (SSC) tenure, subject to Vacancies, suitability, merit, willingness and service requirements.
STEPS IN SELECTION
STEP 1 – RESPOND TO ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOWED BY WRITTEN TEST
1. For NDA and CDSE
o The advertisement for NDA is released twice a year in the months of May and December and for CDSE in the months of June and October by UPSC.
o Duly filled applications are to be sent to UPSC as given in advt.
o The written tests are conducted by UPSC only. For details visit www.upsc.gov.in
2. AFCAT – Air Force Common Admission Test.
o For all entries other than NDA and CDSE and for all branches, candidates have to undergo the AFCAT.
o The test is conducted twice a year in February and September
o Advertisements inviting applications for AFCAT are out in June and December.
o The test is conducted all across India by the Indian Air Force
3. NCC entry
o Air Sqn NCC Senior division ‘C’ certificate holders are to apply through DG NCC/ respective NCC Air Squadron
o They would then appear for AFCAT
STEP 2 – SSB (Services Selection Board) TESTING
1. Stage I Testing
o Officer Intelligence rating Test
o 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.
2. Stage II Testing
All Stage I qualified candidates undergo following tests as part of Stage II testing during next three to four days
o Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist.
o Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor activities which are a combination of mental and physical work.
o Interview involves a personal conversation with an Interviewing Officer.
These tests will be explained to you in detail before they are conducted at the Selection Board.
STEP 3 – 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.
STEP 4 – 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.