How to become a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force

“Pilots are a rare kind of human. They leave the ordinary surface of the word, to purify their soul in the sky, and they come down to earth, only after receiving the communion of the infinite.”
– Jose Maria Velasco Ibarra

Being a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force is a different kind of charm. No other profession can match the thrill of flying with supersonic speeds in the mighty sky. Many see this dream since childhood and also complete this dream into reality. This article highlights all the ways to join the glorious Indian Air Force as a fighter pilot.

1-NDA entry

A male candidate who is in 12^th class or have passed with Physics and Mathematics and who is within the age group 16 ½ to 19 years can apply for the UPSC NDA exam which is conducted twice a year.

While filling the application form you have to fill in your preference and you can choose the Air Force as your 1^st choice. After clearing the written examination one needs to clear the SSB and CPSS followed by medicals. If you make it to the final merit list, you are all set to join the prestigious National Defence Academy as an air force cadet.

2-CDSE entry

UPSC also conducts the Combined Defence Services examination twice a year. A candidate who is a graduate in any discipline (including final year students) and is of age group 20 to 24 years are eligible for the Written examination. For the flying branch, it is mandatory that a candidate must have passed his 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics subjects.

3-AFCAT entry

The Indian Air Force conducts the Air Force Common Admission Test examination twice a year. A candidate who is a graduate in any discipline (including final year students) and is of age group 20 to 24 years are eligible to apply for the flying branch. For flying branch, it is mandatory that a candidate must have passed his 10+2 with Mathematics and Physics subjects. Further, the candidate must have secured at least 60% in his graduation. After clearing the written examination one needs to clear the SSB and CPSS followed by medicals. If you make it to the final merit list, you are all set to join the prestigious Air Force Academy as a flying branch cadet.

4-NCC special entry

This entry is particularly for male candidates who possess the NCC ‘C’ certificate (Airwing). After applying for this entry candidates can directly attend the SSB without appearing for any written examination. The further procedure is the same as the rest of the entries.

Best wishes future air warriors.

NDA study material

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UPSC previous year question papers NDA & NA

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