How Commercial Pilots/CPL holders may join IAF Flying Branch

Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

Many candidates join the IAF (Indian Air Force) with the aim of resigning from the service early and taking up the job of a Commercial Pilot! This trend has been continuing for quite some time now. Given that the CPL training process is costly, getting trained by the Armed Forces for free is an option that many aspirants tend to make use of! But, there are some folks who care to tread through the way less taken! Yes, I’m talking about the ones who are holders of the CPL and want to join the IAF! This article will be of much help to them!

So, why would anyone make such a switch, you would ask! The most common motives are- the idea to test oneself, to fly the most sophisticated Aircrafts ever built, to serve the Country etc!

IAF Fighter jet

How may CPL holders or Commercial Pilots join the IAF as Flying Officer-

Possessing a CPL (Commercial Pilot Licence) is an added advantage! But, in order to join the IAF, even CPL holders have to go through tough selection procedure that consists of written test, SSB (Services Selection Board) Interview, Medical examination etc.

A candidate must have at least a Graduation Degree from a recognized University (3 year or 4 year graduation Course). Also, he/she must have undergone the 10+2 Science stream schooling with Physics, Chemistry and Maths as the main subjects (this is also mandatory for CPL training).

Age limit is also crucial. For the Flying Branch, the upper age limit is 24 years. But for CPL holders, under the SSC (Short Service Commission) Scheme, the relaxed age limit is 26 years.

You may check out the various entry posts, based on your educational qualifications-

 

Become Flying Officer in IAF after B Sc

Become Flying Officer in IAF after Engineering

Become Commercial Pilot after 12th

Join IAF – careerairforce.nic.in

 

If you ask me, going for the SSC Entry would be the best choice! The age relaxation for CPL holders is definitely an added advantage!

Rate this post

33 thoughts on “How Commercial Pilots/CPL holders may join IAF Flying Branch”

  1. Hello
    I’m kritika saksena and I’m a cpl holder my age is 26+. Can I join iaf ? And what will be the process.

    Reply
  2. Hello sir,
    I am a btech graduate with 68% marks. I have previously appeared for the ssb interview but was not able to make it. My dream is to join the flying branch but i was not able to clear the PABT exam and as you know its once in a life time examination. So i wanted to know if ill be able to apply for the flying branch in case i obtain a commercial pilot licence.
    Thank you

    Reply
  3. hello sir,
    I am 23 years old graduate.Commerce with Maths in 10+2 . please tell me there is any process to join flying branch as a fighter pilot?

    Reply
  4. Hello sir,
    I’m ssoumya sOni and my ccurrent licence is cpl of philippines.soo can u plzz suggest me how can i join and get the aapplication form for joNing air force.

    Reply
  5. Hi,

    I want to know how many times in a year does coast guard come out for vacancies for cpl holders, I think I missed the km this september

    Reply
  6. Sir,
    I passed in 12th science..and my fathers dream and also i dream to joind flying branch in indain airforce but How ?
    I am 18 year old.

    Reply
    • Suhail, you may appear for NDA examination right now. You will have to set IAF as you first choice while filling up the application form. The application form will be available on upsconline website. Also, dates regarding written exam will also be available on that site.

      Reply
  7. Sir I’m under graduation in commercial sector but I want to join indian Airforce,,, So plz guiding me plzzzzzzzzz…… .

    Reply
    • Mahendra, first complete the training program and acquire CPL. You may them make the switch to IAF using the method that I mentioned above in the article.

      Reply
    • Ashwin, after Graduation you may join. Posts available for you may vary, based on your educational qualifications.

      Reply

Leave a Comment