If you’ve ever wondered how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force, this guide will give you everything you need—from eligibility to training and salary.. This role is not just a job; it’s a lifestyle that combines patriotism, high-end technology, leadership, and flying some of the world’s most powerful aircraft like the Sukhoi Su-30MKI, Rafale, and Tejas.
This blog is a complete guide on how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force, covering exams like NDA, CDS, AFCAT, and NCC, with all essential requirements
Table of Contents
🛫 Step-by-Step Process: How to Become a Pilot in Indian Air Force
The Indian Air Force, established in 1932, is a key component of India’s armed forces. Its pilots are responsible for safeguarding Indian airspace, participating in combat operations, disaster relief, and peacetime missions.There are multiple entry routes if you’re interested in how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force, including NDA, CDS, and AFCAT.
Many students search for how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force after 12th or graduation but don’t know where to start.
Pilots in IAF are trained to fly:
- Fighter Jets (e.g., Rafale, Su-30MKI, Mirage 2000)
- Transport Aircraft (e.g., C-17 Globemaster, IL-76, AN-32)
- Helicopters (e.g., HAL Dhruv, Apache, Mi-17)
Whether you are a 12th-grade student or a graduate, this guide is your roadmap to a high-flying career in the Indian Air Force.
🎯 Why Choose to Become a Pilot in the Indian Air Force?
- Prestige & National Pride
- Cutting-edge Aircraft & Technology
- Adventure & Responsibility
- Government-sponsored training
- Attractive pay, benefits, and pension
- Life-long career opportunities in aviation, defense, and civil sectors
📝 Eligibility for Becoming a Pilot in Indian Air Force
Before you start your journey on how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force, you must meet key eligibility criteria like age, qualification, and physical fitness.
| Entry Type | Qualification Required | Age Limit | Gender | Commission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDA | 12th with Physics & Math | 16.5 to 19.5 | Male | Permanent |
| CDS | Graduation (any stream) | 20 to 24 | Male | Permanent |
| AFCAT | Graduation + PCM in 12th | 20 to 24 | Male/Female | Short Service (14 yrs) |
| NCC Special | NCC ‘C’ Certificate + Graduation | 20 to 24 | Male/Female | PC/SSC |
🚀 Entry Routes to Become a Pilot in IAF
1. NDA Entry – After 12th (Only for Male Candidates)
- Conducted by UPSC twice a year
- Requires 12th pass with Physics and Math
- Selection Process:
- NDA Written Exam
- SSB Interview
- CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System)
- Medical Examination
- Training:
- 3 Years at National Defence Academy (Pune)
- 1 Year at Air Force Academy (Hyderabad)
- Commission: Permanent
- Aircraft Access: All fighter and transport aircraft post-training
2. CDS Entry – After Graduation (Male Only for Flying Branch)
- Open to graduates from any stream with Physics and Math in 12th
- UPSC CDS exam held twice a year
- Selection Includes:
- Written Test
- SSB Interview
- CPSS & Medical
- Training: 18 months at Air Force Academy
- Commission: Permanent
- Suitable for those who missed NDA
3. AFCAT Entry – After Graduation (Male & Female)
- Conducted by the Indian Air Force itself
- Candidates must have 60% in graduation and Physics + Math in 12th
- Selection Process:
- AFCAT Written Test
- SSB Interview
- CPSS + Medical
- Training: 1 to 1.5 years
- Commission: Short Service (14 years)
- Popular Entry: Over 3 lakh applicants every year
4. NCC Special Entry (Direct SSB Entry)
- For NCC Air Wing ‘C’ Certificate holders
- Graduation with 60% minimum marks
- No written exam – Direct SSB
- Commission:
- Men: Permanent & SSC
- Women: Short Service Commission
- Ideal for NCC cadets with flying ambitions
🚀 Eligibility for Becoming a Pilot in Indian Air Force
| Criteria | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Height | 162.5 cm (Male), 152 cm (Female) |
| Vision | 6/6 (corrected) |
| Weight | Proportionate to height |
| CPSS | Mandatory for all pilot entries |
| Fitness | Endurance, agility, and overall strength is tested |
Note: Rejection in medical is common – candidates should get a pre-medical checkup done from reputed defense hospitals.
🎓 Training Process to Become a Pilot in Indian Air Force
Training is the most crucial part of the process for anyone learning how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force. It transforms cadets into world-class aviators.
- Basic Flying Training
- Simulator Training
- Ground School Classes: Meteorology, Navigation, Regulations
- Live Flying Hours: Basic → Intermediate → Advanced
- Advanced Jet Training (Fighter/Transport/Helicopter specialization)
Each trainee is assessed regularly and assigned a stream (fighter, transport, helicopter) based on performance and aptitude.
💼 Career Roles After Becoming a Pilot in Indian Air Force
1. Fighter Pilot
- High-speed operations, air defense, enemy strike missions
- Trained to fly Rafale, Su-30MKI, Tejas, MiG-29, Mirage 2000
- Operates in frontline combat during war and border operations
2. Transport Pilot
- Flies heavy-duty aircraft like C-17, IL-76, AN-32
- Involved in military logistics, troop transport, cargo missions, UN peacekeeping
3. Helicopter Pilot
- Pilots like HAL Dhruv, Apache, Mi-17
- Rescue missions, disaster relief, medical evacuations, and troop movement
💰 Salary and Benefits of Pilots in Indian Air Force
| Rank | Starting Pay (INR) | Allowances |
|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | 56,100/month | Flying Allowance: 25,000+ |
| Captain (after 3–4 yrs) | 70,000–1,00,000/month | Field, Uniform, Transport |
| Higher Ranks | 1.2–1.7 Lakh/month | Pension & Family Benefits |
Other Benefits:
- Free accommodation & rations
- CSD (canteen) access
- Life insurance cover
- Pension after retirement (Permanent Commission only)
📍 Life After Training & Posting after Become a Pilot in Indian Air Force in 2025 – NDA, CDS, AFCAT & NCC Entry
After mastering how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force, officers are deployed to air bases across India and take on roles critical to national security..
They perform various roles such as:
- Combat readiness missions
- Training junior officers
- Aerial shows and demonstrations
- Participation in international exercises
Can women apply to become pilots in the Air Force?
Yes, via AFCAT and NCC Special Entry, women are eligible for the Flying Branch (Short Service Commission).
Is CPSS compulsory?
Yes, CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System) is mandatory for all pilot aspirants. It’s conducted only once in a lifetime — failing means disqualification from flying roles.
How difficult is SSB for flying entries?
SSB for pilot roles is more intensive and includes group tasks, psychological tests, interviews, and physical assessments over 5 days.
What happens after 14 years of SSC?
IAF may offer Permanent Commission to a few SSC officers based on merit and vacancies. Others can opt for civil aviation or defense PSUs.
Can commerce or arts stream students become pilots in the IAF?
Commerce or arts graduates are not eligible for the Flying Branch unless they had Physics and Mathematics in Class 12. These two subjects are mandatory for all pilot aspirants, regardless of graduation stream.
What is the salary of a trainee cadet during pilot training?
Trainees receive a stipend of ₹56,100/month during training. After commissioning, they receive full pay and allowances as per Level 10 of the 7th Pay Commission.
Is there any reservation or quota in pilot selection?
No, pilot selection in IAF is based strictly on merit—through national-level competitive exams (NDA, CDS, AFCAT) followed by SSB and medical assessments. There is no reservation in Flying Branch entries.
Can I become a pilot in IAF if I wear spectacles?
Candidates with minor refractive errors can apply, but vision must be correctable to 6/6 in both eyes. Those with severe myopia, color blindness, or other major vision issues are not eligible for flying roles.
How many attempts are allowed for NDA, CDS, or AFCAT exams?
There is no official limit on the number of attempts as long as the candidate meets the age and eligibility criteria. For instance, AFCAT can be attempted multiple times till the age of 24.
What is the best way to start preparing for how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force?
Begin by understanding eligibility, exam pattern, and SSB requirements through official sources and this guide on how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force.
✅ Final Thoughts
If you have courage, focus, physical fitness, and a love for flying, then becoming a pilot in the Indian Air Force is the perfect career. Whether through NDA, CDS, AFCAT, or NCC, the opportunities are vast — but preparation is key.
Now that you know how to become a pilot in Indian Air Force, it’s time to start preparing for exams and physical tests with full dedication.
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