I want to joint the Indian Air Force Flying Branch specifically as a female fighter pilot. What is the exact career route for this role,what restrictions or limitations apply specifically to female fighter pilots, what ranks can i reach, and what are the salary/package and main responsibilities at each rank?

Yes, women can join the Indian Air Force Flying Branch and can be trained as fighter pilots. One of the main routes after graduation is through the AFCAT Flying Branch.

The general career route is:

Class 12 → Graduation → AFCAT → AFSB interview → Medical examination → Merit list → Air Force Academy training → Commission as Flying Officer → Flying Branch training → Fighter stream, subject to selection and service requirements.

For the AFCAT Flying Branch, candidates generally need:

Physics and Mathematics in Class 12 with at least 50% marks each.

Graduation of at least three years with 60% marks, or a BE/B.Tech degree with 60%.

Age generally 20–24 years; additional relaxation is available for eligible Commercial Pilot Licence holders.

Candidates must satisfy the prescribed medical and physical standards.

For women, AFCAT Flying Branch is offered as Short Service Commission under the current entry structure. Joining through AFCAT does not automatically guarantee fighter aircraft allocation; aircraft/stream allocation depends on training, merit, vacancies and service requirements.

Ranks and basic pay structure:

Rank

Pay Scale

Flying Officer

56,100–1,77,500 + MSP 15,500

Flight Lieutenant

61,300–1,93,900 + MSP

Squadron Leader

69,400–2,07,200 + MSP

Wing Commander

1,21,200–2,12,400 + MSP

Group Captain

1,30,600–2,15,900 + MSP

Air Commodore

1,39,600–2,17,600 + MSP

Air Vice Marshal

1,44,200–2,18,200

Air Marshal

2,25,000

Air Chief Marshal

2,25,000

Apart from basic pay, officers may receive flying allowance and other allowances depending on duty and place of posting.

The main responsibilities of a fighter pilot include flying assigned aircraft, participating in operational training and missions, maintaining flying proficiency, following aviation and safety procedures, and later taking leadership and command responsibilities as the officer progresses through the ranks.