Dreaming of soaring through the skies as an Indian Air Force (IAF) pilot? Here’s your guide to the 2025 recruitment process, covering training, salary, and selection criteria.
Key Highlights ✈️
- Organization Name: Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Recruitment Year: 2025
- Branches: Flying, Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical)
- Application Mode: Online
- Selection Process: Written Exam, SSB Interview, Medical Examination
- Training Duration: 52 to 74 weeks
- Starting Salary: ₹56,100 per month during training
- Official Website: indianairforce.nic.in
Eligibility Criteria 📋
To join the IAF as a pilot, candidates must meet specific requirements:
- Age: 20 to 24 years at the commencement of the course. For those with a valid Commercial Pilot Licence, the upper age limit is 26 years.
- Educational Qualification: A graduate degree (three-year course) in any discipline with at least 60% marks, having studied Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level, or a BE/B.Tech (four-year course) with a minimum of 60% marks.
- Nationality: Indian citizenship is mandatory.
Selection Process 🛡️
The path to becoming an IAF pilot involves several stages:
- Written Examination: Candidates must clear exams like the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) or Combined Defence Services (CDS) exam.
- SSB Interview: Shortlisted candidates undergo a comprehensive interview assessing psychological and physical fitness.
- Medical Examination: A thorough medical check-up ensures candidates meet the health standards required for flying.
Training Program 🏋️♂️
Once selected, candidates embark on rigorous training:
- Duration: 74 weeks for flying and technical branches; 52 weeks for non-technical branches.
- Stipend: During training, a monthly stipend of ₹56,100 is provided.
- Curriculum: The program includes theoretical studies, simulation exercises, and practical flying sessions.
Salary and Benefits 💰
Post-commissioning, IAF pilots enjoy attractive compensation:
- Starting Salary: Approximately ₹85,372 per month for flying officers, translating to an annual package between ₹8 to ₹10 lakhs.
- Allowances: Additional perks include flying allowance, uniform allowance, and housing benefits.
- Career Progression: Opportunities for advancement to higher ranks with corresponding pay hikes.
Application Procedure 📝
Aspiring candidates should follow these steps:
- Visit Official Website: Access indianairforce.nic.in for official notifications.
- Register Online: Complete the application form with accurate personal and educational details.
- Upload Documents: Provide necessary certificates, photographs, and signatures as specified.
- Pay Application Fee: Submit the required fee through the available online payment methods.
- Download Admit Card: Once released, download and print the admit card for the examination.
Important Dates 🗓️
Keep an eye on the following tentative schedule:
- Notification Release: March 2025
- Application Window: April 2025
- Written Examination: June 2025
- SSB Interviews: August to September 2025
- Training Commencement: January 2026
Note: Dates are subject to change. Regularly check the official website for updates.
Embarking on a career as an IAF pilot is both challenging and rewarding. With dedication and preparation, you can achieve your dream of serving the nation from the skies.