The Indian Air Force (IAF), the aerial arm of the Indian Armed Forces, is a prestigious career option that students can pursue after completing their 12th grade. Ranked as the fourth largest globally, it fulfils a primary responsibility of securing national airspace and conducting aerial operations during wartime and peacetime.
Every year, thousands of aspirants wonder how to join Air Force after 12th, attracted by its prestige and service to the nation. The IAF offers various opportunities in different branches, including Flying, Technical and Ground duty (Non-Technical).
This guide will walk you through the complete details on how to join Air Force after 12th, including eligibility criteria, Air Force exams after 12th, skills required and career prospects. Let’s begin.
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Branches Of The Indian Air Force
To better understand air force jobs after 12th, let's first look into the three main branches within IAF:
1. The Flying Branch: Combat and missile-carrying pilots (Fighter Pilots), men and material-transporting pilots and helicopter pilots who offer air support to a marching army.
2. The Technical Branch: They are in charge of the Air Force's engineering equipment and weaponry systems.
3. Ground Duty Branch: Contains divisions that support the flying and technical branches with logistical and meteorological assistance, as well as instructional and administrative.
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Skills and Personal Qualities Required To Join The Indian Air Force
To fully understand how to join Air Force after the 12th, candidates first need to know what skills and personal qualities would be essential to join the Defence Services.
1. Courage:
In the Indian Air Force, one needs to step out of their comfort zone and courageously face challenges. Armed Forces personnel face physical hazards on the battlefield and in peacetime. If you often think about air force jobs after the 12th, then courage is one important quality that you should have.
2. Respect
Respect is certainly one of the important characteristics that any individual should possess in the Indian Defence Services. You will be working with officers from diverse ranks, regions and backgrounds; hence, respecting and valuing their experiences and perspectives are highly important.
3. Physical and mental fitness:
Spending a lot of time in difficult environments is a crucial aspect of an IAF career. Candidates must be physically and mentally strong and healthy. When it comes to the recruiting process, the endurance and fitness levels of the candidates are given specific consideration.
4. Leadership
An Officer in the Indian Air Force does not just follow orders, but commands as well. Excellent leadership skills are very important to make sure that the team follows his instructions and completes the mission.
5. Loyalty
A soldier's loyalty to his squad and the nation is paramount. To be loyal means to be true to one's commitments, obligations, or duties.
6. Discipline
Discipline is a way of life characterised by adherence to a set of predetermined rules. Individuals in the Indian Air Force require discipline since it aids in character development and adds to a cohesive unit. Members of the units would most likely be unable to work as a unified team during deployments, drills, and training if there were no discipline.
7. Ability to Take Quick Decisions
The capacity to make rapid judgments in times of crisis or conflict is a must for all officers. There might be life and death circumstances, therefore making the proper decisions and planning for the ultimate objectives is important.
If you are truly passionate about joining the Air Force after 12th, developing these key skills can be highly beneficial.
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How To Join Air Force After 12th: Overview
There are two main entry routes into the Indian Air Force after 12th, details for which have been given in the table below.
Category | Service Type | Selection Procedure | Educational Qualification | Age Limit |
Permanent Commission | Written test SSB Interview CPSS (Computerised Pilot Selection System) for Flying Branch Medical Examination | 10+2 passed or appeared with Physics and Mathematics as compulsory subjects | Between the ages of 16.5 and 19.5 years at the time of course commencement | |
Agnipath Scheme (Agniveervayu Intake) | 4-year tenure | Phase 1: online test Phase 2: Physical Fitness Test (PFT) Phase 3: Medical Examination | Agniveervayu (Science Subjects): Passes 10+2 with mathematics, physics and English with a minimum of 50% Agniveervayu (Other than Science Subjects: Passed 10+2 in any stream with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% in English. | Between 17.5 and 21 years at the time of enrollment. |
These are the primary Air Force exams after 12th through which candidates can secure a future in the IAF.
How to Join Indian Air Force After 12th - In Depth
1. NDA Entry- Officer-Level Air Force After 12th
The National Defence Academy (NDA) is the popular and direct route to enter the Indian Air Force after 12th. It is administered by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) to recruit unmarried male candidates into the Army, Navy, and Air Force. It is held twice a year (NDA exam one and NDA exam two), mostly in April and November. The application form comes out in the month of January.
There are Two Stages to Clearing the NDA:
Written Test: The written test is considered the first round of selection. It is a 900-mark test that is further divided into two sections - Maths and General Ability test.
SSB (Service Selection Board) Interview: The SSB interview round will be open to those who meet the cut-off marks in the written test. The interview comprises two rounds, primarily called the Psychological Aptitude test and the Intelligence test.
NDA Eligibility:
Gender: Male (Unmarried)
Nationality: Indian
Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
Education: 10+2 passed or appearing with Physics and Mathematics
NDA Selection Process:
Written Exam (900 Marks) – Includes Mathematics and General Ability Test
SSB Interview – Psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interview
PABT + CPSS – For Flying Branch aspirants
Medical Exam – Fitness and health standards must be met
Candidates who are applying for the Air Force, particularly, will have to qualify for the Pilot Aptitude Test (PABT) and Computerised Pilot Selection Test (CPSS).
To be accepted into the Indian Air Force under NDA recruitment, after securing the cut-off marks in the written test and appearing for different levels of interviews and tests, the individual will have to undergo a medical examination.
Training:
3 Years at NDA, Pune
1.5 Years pre-commission training at the Air Force Academy, Hyderabad
This is the most direct Air Force exam after 12th for those aiming to become commissioned officers in the IAF.
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2. How to join Indian Air Force after 12th- Agnipath Scheme
Agnipath Scheme, which was launched in 2022, is the only entry route for aspirants to enter the IAF airman cadre. Skilled and deserving candidates who are recruited under this scheme will be joining as Agniveervayu and can serve for 4 years. Both male and female candidates apply through this scheme to secure their dream career in the IAF.
If you are successful in showcasing top performance during the 4 years, you can receive an opportunity to apply for enrolment in the regular cadre of the IAF permanent airmen. Only 25% of the Agniveervayu are eligible for this rewarding opportunity.
Eligibility Criteria:
Nationality: Citizen of India (or Nepal).
Age Limit: Between 17.5 and 21 years at the time of enrollment.
Marital Status: Unmarried male and female candidates.
Educational Qualification:
Agniveervayu (Science Subjects):
Passed 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics, and English with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
Or a 3 year Diploma in Engineering in Mechanical, Electrical, Electronics, Auto, CS or IT with 50% marks.
Agniveervayu (Other than Science Subjects):
Passed 10+2 in any stream from a recognised board with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
Selection Process:
1. Phase 1: Online Test
Science Subjects: A 60-minute test covering English, Physics, and Mathematics.
Other than Science Subjects: A 45-minute test with questions on English and Reasoning, and General Awareness (RAGA).
Phase 2: Verification and Fitness Tests
Candidates who clear Phase 1 are selected for Phase 2 of the selection process at an Airmen Selection Centre.
This includes document verification, a Physical Fitness Test (PFT) (1.6 km run, push-ups, sit-ups, squats), and Adaptability Tests 1 and 2 to assess if the candidate is prepared for military life.
Phase 3: Medical Examination
A detailed medical examination is conducted to ensure candidates meet the required health standards to effectively work for the IAF.
This route is perfectly suitable for candidates exploring air force jobs after 12th with a shorter tenure but great financial and future benefits.
Also Read- Career as an Indian Air Force Airman
Salary and Perks: Air Force Jobs after 12th
The Indian Air Force offers attractive salary packages for the recruits. The pay structure and benefits associated with this profession are different for both the permanent officer (through NDA)cadre and the Agniveervayu.
1. Pay Structure for Officers (Post NDA)
After successful completion of the training period, cadets are welcomed as Flying officers. The salary structure of these officers is determined by the 7th CPC pay matrix.
Pay Level | Level 10 of the Pay Matrix |
Basic Pay | Rs 56,100 per month |
Military Service Pay (MSP) | Rs 15,500 per month |
Total Emoluments (Excluding Allowances) | Rs 71,600 per month |
Stipend during training | Rs 56,100 per month (Fixed stipend for a year at the Air Force Academy) |
(Source: Indian Air Force Official Career Website)
2. Pay structure for Agniveervayu
The Agnipath scheme provides a different pay structure for the recruited Agniveervayus. It comes with a customised pay structure with contributions to a corpus fund.
Year of Service | Monthly package | In-hand salary (70%) | Contribution to Agniveer Corpus Fund (30%) |
1st Year | 30,000 | 21,000 | 9,000 |
2nd Year | 33,000 | 23,100 | 9,900 |
3rd Year | 36,500 | 25,580 | 10,950 |
4th Year | 40,000 | 28,000 | 12,000 |
(Source: Agnipath Vayu Official Website)
Additional allowances
After completing the 4 years of service in the Indian Air Force under the Agnipath scheme, Agniveers receive an exit benefit known as the Seva Nidhi Package. This contains approximately Rs 10.04 Lakhs with accumulated interest, which is also a tax-free package. This encompasses the individual's monthly contribution matched equally with the Government of India.
(Source: Agnipath Vayu Official Website)
Final Thoughts
For thousands of young aspirants, joining the Indian Air Force after 12th and earning the wings to live a life of glory and pride is a dream. Through this article, we have tried to answer the common question- how can I join Air Force after 12th. This ambition may be fulfilled in a variety of ways, including joining the air force after 12th as an officer or as an Agniveervayu, by clearing the required tests and interviews as mentioned in above.
This job requires a significant amount of strength, perseverance, critical decision-making skills and leadership skills. Bearing odds throughout training, both physically and mentally, is the core aspect of this profession. Therefore, it is important to make a mindful decision, gather all the required information and make the right choice for your career. All the best!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Approximately, four to five lakh candidates every year apply for the NDA exam.
Yes, you can apply while you are in 12th grade. But you need to have a certificate while at the training centre.
The highest post in the Air Force is marshall of the Air Force is the highest.
To join the Indian Air Force after 12th through NDA, you must be a 12th pass with Physics and Mathematics as core subjects. Male candidates who are unmarried and are aged between 16.5 to 19.5 years are eligible for this scheme.
If you are aiming to enter the IAF through the Agnipath scheme, both male and female candidates are eligible to apply. But candidates should fall in the category of 17.5 to 21 years old and should be a 12th pass with minimum required marks.