How to join IAF Flying Branch after B.Sc.

Wondering how B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) students may join the IAF (Indian Air Force)? I’m talking about posts of Commissioned Officers here. In this article, I’ll explain in detail about facts like- entry schemes, exams to appear for, age limit, educational qualifications etc. So, if you are a B.Sc. student/Graduate, you will get answers to all your doubts regarding building a career in the IAF in this article!

There are two posts for which B.Sc. students/Graduates may apply for. They are-

Fighter jet

A useful article for B.Sc. students as well as graduates!

#1 Flying Branch

#2 Ground Duty Branches

 

In this post, we will be dealing with Flying Branch only. We will check out information like- age limit, educational qualification, marital status etc.

 

# All details about Flying Branch-

When it comes to Flying Branch, selected candidates have to undergo training at the Air Force Academy. They will be trained to fly Fighter planes, Helicopter, Transportation Aircraft etc belonging to the IAF. The career of an IAF Pilot is a glamorous one. It is a profession that garners much respect and admiration from the society!

 

Different Entry Schemes for Flying Branch-

There are three Entry Schemes for B.Sc. students and graduates to become a Flying Officer in the IAF. Let us check them out one by one-

 

#1 CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination) Entry-

In this entry, aspirants are required to appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam held by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). Selected candidates are given Permanent Commission.

 

* Age limit- 20 to 24 years (at the time when the course starts)

 

* Marital status- Single

 

* Gender- This entry scheme is for Men only

 

* Educational Qualifications- Candidate must have B.Sc. Degree in any Discipline from a recognized University. They must have completed 10+2 Science stream schooling with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as the main subjects. Even final year students may apply for the exam. But they must be able to provide Degree Certificate at the time when the course starts, in case they get selected. No minimum marks requirement in this entry

 

* Exam to appear- CDS examination. It is conducted twice a year. First a written exam, followed by SSB (Services Selection Interview) of the selected candidates. Exam conducted by UPSC, advertisements usually displayed on months of June and October

 

#2 NCC (National Cadet Corps) Special Entry-

A B.Sc. student/graduate may apply for this entry scheme, given that he is a holder of Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate of the NCC. Selected candidates are given Permanent Commission.

 

* Age limit- 20 to 24 years (at the time when the course starts)

 

* Marital status- Single

 

* Gender- This entry scheme is for men only

 

* Educational Qualifications- Candidate must hold B.Sc. Degree in any Discipline from a recognized University. Candidate must also have undergone 10+2 science stream schooling with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects. Minimum marks requirement in this entry scheme is 60% (aggregate marks in College)

 

* Final year students may also apply, given that they don’t have any arrears and will be able to provide Degree Certificate when the course starts

 

* In this entry scheme, candidate must possess NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate. This exam is not conducted by the UPSC and candidates have to apply through their NCC Air Squadrons

 

#3 SSC (Short Service Commission) Entry-

B.Sc. students and graduates may use this entry scheme to apply for a job in the Flying Branch of IAF. But please note that it won’t be a Permanent Commission. The Service period will be of 14 years. No further extension will be provided after this period.

 

* Age limit- 20 to 24 years (at the time when the course starts). For holders of Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA, there is age relaxation of 2 years. The upper age limit is 26 years (at the time when the course starts) for CPL holders

 

* Marital status- Single

 

* Gender- Both Men and Women may apply

 

* Educational Qualifications- Candidates must hold B.Sc. Degree in any Discipline from a recognized University. Candidates must also have undergone 10+2 Science stream schooling with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects

 

* Minimum marks requirement is 60% aggregate in College papers. Final year students may also apply, given that they don’t have any arrears and will be able to provide Degree certificate when the course starts

 

* This is an AFCAT examination and the advertisements are usually put up on the months of June and December

 

Physical Standards (Basic)-

To join IAF, candidates, irrespective of the entry mode and educational qualifications, must satisfy a basic set of Physical standards. The list is quite long. But the main things that are checked are-

  • Weight and Height ratio
  • Good Physical and Mental health
  • Good hearing
  • Well developed chests (expansion should be at least 5cm after full inspiration)
  • Healthy Bones and Joints

 

For the entire list of Physical Standards’ criteria set by IAF, check out the charts provided below. You may click on the images to get an enlarged view. You may find the full set of Physical standards on the image. You may even save it for future use-

 

IAF Physical standards chart 1

First set of IAF’s Physical Standards. Click on this image to read! Click on image to enlarge!

 

IAF Physical standards chart 2

Second set of IAF’s Physical Standards. Click on image to enlarge it and read it!

 

Medical Standards (Flying Branch)

In case of Flying Branch recruitment, additional set of Medical standards are also present, which a candidate has to satisfy. Some important tests and things checked as part of this Medical test are-

  • Anthropometric Measurements
  • Spinal Conditions
  • Vision (Eyesight requirements)
  • Occular Muscle Balance

 

I’ve compiled detailed charts that deals with all the above mentioned Medical standards and tests. You may click on the images, enlarge them and read details with ease! You may even save these images for future use!

 

IAF Medical standards- Anthropometric measurements and some diseases chart

IAF Medical standards chart (Anthropometric Measurements). Click on the image to enlarge it and read!

 

IAF Medical standards- spinal conditions

IAF Medical Standards chart (Spinal Conditions). Click on the image to enlarge and read it!

 

IAF Medical Standards- Vision

IAF Medical standards chart (Eyesight requirements). Click on the image to enlarge and read it!

 

IAF Medical Standards- Occular Muscle Balance

IAF Medical Standards chart (Occular Muscle Balance). Click on the image to enlarge and read it!

 

Also read: PABT tips

SSB Interview tips

Aviation courses

Air Hostess courses

 

So, these are the various ways in which B.Sc. students/graduates may join the Flying Branch of the IAF. Keep visiting the UPSC and AFCAT sites on the specified months to apply online for these examinations.

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