Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar

 

Indian Air Force is made of three main Branches. They are- Flying Branch, Technical Branch and Ground Duty Branch. By appearing for tests like NDA, CDSE and AFCAT, one may go on and become a Commissioned Officer in any one of the above mentioned Branches of IAF. The Branch one gets depends a lot on ones Educational qualifications. In this article, I will focus only on Technical Branch selection. I will describe in detail about how one may join IAF as a Technical Officer after Engineering. I will cover details such as- age limit, eligibility criteria, educational qualifications required, entry schemes, examinations and exam dates, physical and medical standards, useful websites, salary details etc.

Before we proceed further, let me clarify some points about the nature of recruitment. When it comes to Technical Branch recruitment, IAF conducts the examination. The examination is called AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test). There are two types of Commissions- PC (Permanent Commission) and SSC (Short Service Commission). Candidates who join IAF as Permanent Commission Officers will serve the Organization till the age of superannuation. On the other hand, candidates who join IAF as an SSC Officer will serve for a period of 14 years. In case of SSC, the initial tenure is for 10 years. An extension period of 4 years can be added to this initial tenure period.

 

Male candidates are eligible to choose between PC and SSC. In case of Female candidates, only one choice, SSC, is available.

 

The Technical Branch can be further divided into two sub branches- Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) Branch and Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) Branch. The Electronics Branch focuses more on Signals, Radar systems etc. The Mechanical Branch is more focused on Maintenance, IAF Engines, Tools, Machinery etc.

 

Indian Air Force Technical Branch Entry Schemes

There are two entry schemes using which Engineering students and Graduates may join IAF’s Technical Branch. Those entry schemes are-

1. UES (University Entry Scheme)
2. Aeronautical Engineering Course

 

Let us focus on each one of the 2 entry schemes and check out all important details related to them!

 

1 UES (University Entry Scheme)

As the name suggests, this Entry Scheme is for Engineering students. Students who are in the Pre-final year of their Engineering program may make use of this entry scheme.

 

Note that only male candidates are eligible for this entry. Candidate must be unmarried. Nature of Commission is Permanent Commission.

 

Age Limit

Between 18 to 28 years of age. Candidate should be appearing in pre-final year of Engineering course to apply using this entry scheme.

 

Educational Qualifications

 

For Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) Branch-

If a candidate is planning to apply for Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) Branch, he must be in the pre-final year of 4 years long Bachelor’s Program- B.E./B.Tech. from a Recognized University. Generally, for this sub branch, students from Engineering Branches like Electrical/Electronics/Electrical and Electronics/Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering are eligible to apply.

 

If you want to check whether you are eligible to apply for this branch, go through the list of 18 subjects mentioned below. If you have studied at least 8 subjects among the 18 subjects in that list during your academic sessions, you are eligible to apply! Here are those 18 subjects-

 

1 Engineering Physics, 2 Engineering Mathematics, 3 Engineering Graphics/Drawing, 4 Electrical Engineering, 5 Control Engineering, 6 Microprocessors, 7 Digital Electronics, 8 Computer Networks, 9 Information Technology, 10 Network Theory Design, 11 Telecommunication Systems, 12 Electronic Circuit Design, 13 Radar Theory, 14 Switching Theory, 15 Instrumentation, 16 Microwave Engineering, 17 Antenna and Wave propagation and 18 Electronic Devices.

 

So, went through the list? Have you studied at least 8 subjects from the above mentioned list? If yes, you are eligible to apply for Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) Branch! Please note that the candidate should also have scored minimum aggregate 60% marks when all papers put together (on completion of Degree)! Also, candidates must make sure that they do not have any backlogs at the time of AFSB Test.

 

In case of Electronics sub branch, some other alternate educational qualifications that will make one eligible are-

 

If a candidate has cleared sections A and B Examination of 1 Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or 2 Aeronautical Society of India or 3 Graduate Membership Examination of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies.

 

For Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) Branch-

If a candidate want to apply for Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) Branch, he must be in the pre-final year of 4 years long Bachelor’s Program- B.E./B.Tech. from a recognized University. Usually, for this sub branch, students from Engineering Branches like- Mechanical/Production/Industrial Engineering are eligible.

 

If you want to check whether you are eligible for this sub branch, go through the below list of 18 subjects. If you have studied at least 8 subjects out of the total 18, you are eligible! Here is the list of 18 subjects-

 

1 Engineering Physics, 2 Engineering Mathematics, 3 Engineering Drawing/Graphics, 4 Automotive Engineering/Plant Engineering/Industrial Engineering, 5 Engineering Mechanics/Strength of Materials, 6 Aerodynamics, 7 Thermodynamics and Applications/Heat Power Engineering, 8 Heat and Mass Transfer, 9 Theory of Machines, 10 Fluid Mechanics/Turbo Machines, 11 Flight Mechanics, 12 Machine Drawing, 13 Mechatronics, 14 Material Science/Metallurgy, 15 Vibrations, 16 Workshop Technology/Manufacturing Technology/Production Engineering, 17 Hydraulics and Pneumatics, 18 Aircraft Structures.

 

So, went through the list? Have you studied at least 8 subjects from the above mentioned list? If yes, you are eligible to apply for Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) Branch! Please note that the candidate should also have scored minimum aggregate 60% marks when all papers put together (on completion of Degree)! Also, candidates must make sure that they do not have any backlogs at the time of AFSB Test.

 

In case of Mechanical sub branch, some other alternate educational qualifications that will make one eligible are-

 

If a candidate has cleared sections A and B Examination of 1 Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or 2 Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies.

 

UES: Examination, exam date, useful website and selection process

When it comes to University Entry Scheme, IAF Conducts the examination and it is called the AFCAT examination. The advertisement is usually put up in December month every year. One may apply online on careerairforce.nic.in website. The application process is online!

 

Candidates are shortlisted on the basis of percentage of marks scored in Academics. Students who have scored high are called to appear for AFSB (SSB) Interview. The SSB Interview is a 2 Stage process. These two stages together are spread over more than 5 days! The first stage consists of Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test. This stage is held on the very first day of SSB Interview. Candidates who manage to clear this stage are then required to stay at the SSB Centre for 4 (or even 5) more days and undergo tests that fall under Stage 2.

 

Stage 2 consists of series of tests, like- Psychological Tests, Group Tests (Physical and Mental tasks), GD, Interview and Conference. On the final day, Conference is held. It is during this time that a candidate is recommended or rejected by the Board. Those who manage to get recommended are then supposed to undergo Medical Examination.

 

Candidates who clear the Medical Examination are shortlisted and in the end, an all India Level Merit list is made. Candidates who manage to make it to this list after the Medical Examination are then selected to take part in Training program.

 

2 Aeronautical Engineering Course

This Entry Scheme is for Engineering Graduates as well as students appearing in final year/semester of Engineering program.

 

Both male and female candidates are eligible for this entry. Male candidates may select between Permanent Commission and SSC (Short Service Commission). Female candidates have only SSC option available in front of them. Candidates below the age of 25 years must be unmarried.

 

Age Limit

Between 18 to 28 years of age.

 

Educational Qualifications

 

For Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) Branch-

If a candidate is planning to apply for Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) Branch, he/she must have completed 4 years long Bachelor’s Program- B.E./B.Tech or must be in the final year/semester of it, from a Recognized University. Generally, for this sub branch, students and Graduates from Engineering Branches like Electrical/Electronics/Electrical and Electronics/Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering are eligible to apply.

 

If you want to check whether you are eligible to apply for this branch, go through the list of 18 subjects mentioned below. If you have studied at least 8 subjects among the 18 subjects in that list during your academic sessions, you are eligible to apply! Here are those 18 subjects-

 

1 Engineering Physics, 2 Engineering Mathematics, 3 Engineering Graphics/Drawing, 4 Electrical Engineering, 5 Control Engineering, 6 Microprocessors, 7 Digital Electronics, 8 Computer Networks, 9 Information Technology, 10 Network Theory Design, 11 Telecommunication Systems, 12 Electronic Circuit Design, 13 Radar Theory, 14 Switching Theory, 15 Instrumentation, 16 Microwave Engineering, 17 Antenna and Wave propagation and 18 Electronic Devices.

 

So, went through the list? Have you studied at least 8 subjects from the above mentioned list? If yes, you are eligible to apply for Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics) Branch! Please note that the candidate should also have scored minimum aggregate 60% marks when all papers put together (on completion of Degree)! Also, candidates must make sure that they do not have any backlogs at the time of AFSB Test.

 

In case of Electronics sub branch, some other alternate educational qualifications that will make one eligible are-

 

If a candidate has cleared sections A and B Examination of 1 Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or 2 Aeronautical Society of India or 3 Graduate Membership Examination of the Institute of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers by actual studies.

 

For Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) Branch-

If a candidate want to apply for Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) Branch, he/she must have completed the 4 years long Bachelor’s Program- B.E./B.Tech. or must be in the final year/semester of it, from a recognized University. Usually, for this sub branch, students and Graduates from Engineering Branches like- Mechanical/Production/Industrial Engineering are eligible.

 

If you want to check whether you are eligible for this sub branch, go through the below list of 18 subjects. If you have studied at least 8 subjects out of the total 18, you are eligible! Here is the list of 18 subjects-

 

1 Engineering Physics, 2 Engineering Mathematics, 3 Engineering Drawing/Graphics, 4 Automotive Engineering/Plant Engineering/Industrial Engineering, 5 Engineering Mechanics/Strength of Materials, 6 Aerodynamics, 7 Thermodynamics and Applications/Heat Power Engineering, 8 Heat and Mass Transfer, 9 Theory of Machines, 10 Fluid Mechanics/Turbo Machines, 11 Flight Mechanics, 12 Machine Drawing, 13 Mechatronics, 14 Material Science/Metallurgy, 15 Vibrations, 16 Workshop Technology/Manufacturing Technology/Production Engineering, 17 Hydraulics and Pneumatics, 18 Aircraft Structures.

 

So, went through the list? Have you studied at least 8 subjects from the above mentioned list? If yes, you are eligible to apply for Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical) Branch! Please note that the candidate should also have scored minimum aggregate 60% marks when all papers put together (on completion of Degree)! Also, candidates must make sure that they do not have any backlogs at the time of AFSB Test.

 

In case of Mechanical sub branch, some other alternate educational qualifications that will make one eligible are-

 

If a candidate has cleared sections A and B Examination of 1 Associate Membership of Institution of Engineers (India) or 2 Aeronautical Society of India by actual studies.

 

Aeronautical Engineering Course: Examination, exam date, useful website and selection process

When it comes to Aeronautical Engineering Course, IAF Conducts the examination and it is called the AFCAT examination. The advertisement is usually put up in June and December months every year (yes, twice a year!). One may apply online on careerairforce.nic.in website. The application process is online!

 

AFCAT written examination is the first step, when it comes to selection process. It is a 2 hours long Multiple Choice Questions style paper. Questions will test the verbal ability, military aptitude, logical reasoning and numerical ability of the candidate. Since this is the Technical Branch that we are dealing with, a candidate will also have to face an additional EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test). This test is used to check the Engineering knowledge of a candidate.

 

Candidates who perform well in AFCAT written exam are then called to appear for SSB Interview.

 

The SSB Interview is a 2 Stage process. These two stages together are spread over more than 5 days! The first stage consists of Officer Intelligence Rating Test and Picture Perception and Discussion Test. This stage is held on the very first day of SSB Interview. Candidates who manage to clear this stage are then required to stay at the SSB Centre for 4 (or even 5) more days and undergo tests that fall under Stage 2.

 

Stage 2 consists of series of tests, like- Psychological Tests, Group Tests (Physical and Mental tasks), GD, Interview and Conference. On the final day, Conference is held. It is during this time that a candidate is recommended or rejected by the Board. Those who manage to get recommended are then supposed to undergo Medical Examination.

 

Candidates who clear the Medical Examination are shortlisted and in the end, an all India Level Merit list is made. Candidates who manage to make it to this list after the Medical Examination are then selected to take part in Training program.

 

• Physical and Medical Standards

To join IAF, candidates, irrespective of the entry mode and educational qualifications, must satisfy a basic set of Physical standards. The list is quite long. But the main things that are checked are-

• Weight and Height ratio
• Good Physical and Mental health
• Good hearing
• Well developed chests (expansion should be at least 5cm after full inspiration)
• Healthy Bones and Joints

 

For the entire list of Physical Standards’ criteria set by IAF, check out the charts provided below. You may click on the images to get an enlarged view. You may find the full set of Physical standards on the image. You may even save it for future use-

 

 

 

Apart from the above mentioned standards, height-weight ratio is also given much importance. Height and weight standards are different in case of male and female candidates. I’ve made two charts regarding height-weight standards set by IAF. They’ve been clearly marked with ‘for men’ and ‘for women’ tags.

 

Also read: IAF Physical and Medical standards and requirements

 

 

 

• IAF Technical Branch Officer’s salary

 

Also read: IAF Officers’ salary details

How to join IAF after Engineering

How to join IAF as a Fighter Pilot

Join IAF; Careerairforce recruitment

 

After taking into account Pay in Pay Band, Military Service Pay, Grade Pay, Dearness Allowance and Technical Allowance, the Monthly Gross Salary of a Commissioned Officer in Technical Branch of IAF can be said to be around 67,926/- Rupees. After adding further allowances, this figure will go further up!