Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar
Gender equality is something that has seen lots of growth all this while. Earlier, women were not deemed fit to perform work that men did. But times have changed. Women are now taking up challenging jobs that they were deemed unfit to do, earlier. Indian Air Force too has evolved with time! IAF now allows female candidates to join them as flying Officers! Yes, now girls too may join the flying branch of IAF (for flying Helicopters and Transport Aircraft, not fighter jets)! This article will reveal all the necessary details like- entry scheme, educational qualifications, age limit etc.
Way for girls/female aspirants to join IAF’s flying branch-
Name of the entry scheme- SSC (Short Service Commission) Entry
This entry is meant to be used by both male and female candidates. Using this entry scheme, female aspirants may join the flying branch of IAF. But since this is SSC entry, the period of service will be 14 years. Unlike the Army, there won’t be any extension to this period of service.
Update: Now female aspirants may don the role of a fighter pilot in IAF! IAF has started commissioning female candidates as fighter pilots.
The age limit in this entry is that the candidate has to be between 20 to 24 years of age, when the course starts. There is age relaxation for candidates who are holders of Commercial Pilot Licence issued by the DGCA. For them, the upper age limit is 26 years.
The candidate must be an Indian national and must be unmarried.
Educational Qualification-
The aspirant should possess any of the following degrees. He/she must hold a three year graduate degree from any recognized University with at least 60% aggregate marks upon considering all papers. For such graduates, it is mandatory that they should have undergone science stream schooling under the 10+2 system, with Physics, Chemistry and Maths as their subjects (science stream).
In case of Engineering graduates, they must possess BE/B Tech degree from a recognized University. Minimum marks requirement is 60%, in aggregate.
In both the above cases, even final year students may appear, provided that they won’t have any backlogs at the time of SSB Interview. Also, they must be able to provide their graduation certificate at the time notified by the authorities.
Also read: Join IAF – careerairforce.nic.in
Physical Standards (Basic)-
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-
- Ideal 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-
Medical Standards (Flying Branch)
In case of Flying Branch recruitment, additional set of Medical standards are also present, which a candidate has to satisfy. Some important tests and things checked as part of this Medical test are-
- Anthropometric Measurements
- Spinal Conditions
- Vision (Eyesight requirements)
- Occular Muscle Balance
I’ve compiled detailed charts that deals with all the above mentioned Medical standards and tests. You may click on the images, enlarge them and read details with ease! You may even save these images for future use!
Female candidates who are interested in Flying Branch must give importance to this additional set of Medical Standards too. Before they are subjected to medical tests, Flying Branch aspirants must also go through PABT (Pilot Aptitude Battery Test) and clear it!
I am Vishnu Nambiar a career and educational blogger from India. I am also a full time educational consultant having more than 12 years of experience in the educational sector.
I share articles related to courses, colleges, careers, exam tips and more here.
good afternoon, sir I need to know that can I apply for flying branch I got total 65% in 12th PCM while 42 in maths ,and 68 in physics and currently pursuing b.tech.,
Criterai pblm sir …
For iaf there is need of +2
But i had done a diploma in civil engineering and right now i am degree holder too …
What will i do now for iaf ????
You may try Degree based job using AFCAT entry.
my height is 164 and weight is 56 i have pcm in 12th std and i studded in bsc maths 3rd year can i apply afcat flying branch but i have leg length 83
Hello sir,
NOW I am studying in 10+2 grade PCMB AND I want to join IAF as a flying officer. My height is 157 cm . Can you please help me out to know the procedure to join IAF?
Hello sir
I’m Rajni , at present I’m in 10+2 grade PCBM , I just wanted to know that the undergraduate degree required can be in any subject ?? Like can I opt for bsc in botany or zoology and then can I give the test ?? One last Question can u please tell me about the fees and salary criteria , whether the questions asked in the test r based upon 12 studies or overall experimental / practical studies ( aptitude ) or general knowledge ??
P.S : Thank you sir for the information u provided !
For certain posts (for example technical), there are certain course requirements. With any Degree under your belt, you are eligible to become a Ground Duty Officer. Salary will be based on the rank, not your marks or academic performance.
Respected Sir
My name is Deepika, currently I’m pursuing my 2nd semester B. COM, I wanted to join IAF.
I wanted to clarify two doubts….. As I’m from commerce back ground am I eligible to join IAF? Then I wear spectacles….whether this will cause some obstacles for me to join IAF
You may join ground duty branches.
Sir, I’m gopika I’m doing bsc maths I want to become a pilot in Indian airforce.. I’m 164cm in height and 52 in weight.. is am eligible for this…?
Sir,
I’m rajathi.i studying b.sc maths 2nd year. I did 12th std with 79% . Can I join IAF flying branch?
Have you had PCM subjects in 12th?
i am in final year computer engineering but my aggregate is near about 55% .am i eligible to join indian airforce
Respected sir…
My name is Ishita sharma and I’d completed my bsc recently. I want to become a pilot in Indian army.
I want to know the procedure for it as I’m 21 years old
Hi sir/Madam,
I have completed my 12th and I have got my results 80% , my aim is to become a PILOT in Indian Air Force Please tell me that am I eligible for that My height is 165 cm and weight is 52 . Please give a way for my future career
You will have to complete graduation first. After that, you may appear for AFCAT examination and join the IAF as a Pilot.
im doing my final year engineering and badly wanna get into the Indian Airforce and serve my nation…..what should be my next move…?
Nivedha, you may take a look at AFCAT examinations held by the IAF. You may get into Flying, Technical or Ground Duty branches by making use of this entry. Refer official website of IAF for more details regarding this entry.
Hiii sir my name is babli kumari I am 17 years old. Am studying 10+2 . I want to join IAF. …. plz help me…what I will do now…. ma aapne dream ko kese pura karu …. plz Sir help me I need your help. ….
Thank q.
I want to join IAF as a flying officer …am studying at 10+2 level …what should I do further to make my dream come true as a Flying Officer in IAF
Mahima, pursue any 3 or 4 years long Graduation course from a recognized University. After completing the course or while in final year of that program, you may appear for AFCAT entry and join IAF as a Pilot.
Hello sir ,
Myself Nikita studying in second year of engineering from IT branch after diploma in same branch , I want to know about the job opportunities in IAF for IT students. plz tell me …..
Nikita, you may join the Flying Branch, Technical or Ground Duty Branches of the IAF.
sir i am going to complete my graduation in the month of may but i hv piles.can i join IAF
I’m not sure about that condition, Jyotasna.
Hi,
Wanna join Indian Army but according to my birth certificate I think my age is now 27
I am post graduate MBA can I join??
I wanna do it desperately.
Plz suggest..
Hello sir,
Thanks for given me your very useful advice…..
I am studying only in 10th std
I want to join I A F Flying branch……..
now I am having a height of 148 cm only.
Is it possible for me to join…….?
Can I have a list of “what to do next” step by step………
Waiting for your feedback!!!
Thank u!!
Sneha, after 10th, take Science stream with PCM (Maths Group) subjects. After finishing 12th board exams, you may pursue any 3 or 4 years long Undergraduate level Degree course from a recognized University in India. After graduation, you may make use of the AFCAT examination held by the IAF and join IAF’s Flying Branch.
Hello sir,
I m studying only in 9th std can i have a list of “what to do nxt” step by step………i want to join IAF Flying branch……..
N i m having specs so is it possible for me to join…….?
Waiting for ur feedback!!!
Thank u!!
thanks for updatings these informations
height limit in I.A.F for girl candidate? ?
Thank you sir for give me your very useful advice…..
Sir.. Plz tell me the way to join Indian Air Force Flying Branch…
I have passed 12th standard this year by PCM…
Thanks….!!
Vartika, girls are not eligible to join right after 12th. You will have to go through a graduation program first and then appear for exams like CDS/AFCAT.
Sir.. Plz tell me way…
Hlo sir, I’m vartika.. I have passed 12th standard this year. And now, I would like to join the Indian Air Force Flying Branch,,, so Please just tell me can i join the Flying branch ?
waiting for your feedback !!
thanks!
Vartika Singh
hi sir,
I want to join IAF,
as I did my +2 in science stream and did diploma in computer science,
please guide me how can I join to IAF
waiting for your reply..
thanks!
Hello ! I’m a 10+2 holder with science stream and doing My B.sc with Mathematics,Physics and Chemistry . Right now Me in 2nd Year of My Course ! I would like to join the Indian Air Force Flying Branch ! so Please just tell me can i join the Flying branch ?
waiting for your feedback !
thanks!
Reeya, you may make use of SSC Entry and join IAF as a Flying Officer. Make use of AFCAT exam!
this is help full for many students
Welcome, Akshata!
i have complted my graduation frm humanities stream … can i join IAF??
i am a final year ECE student.what criteria are needed to be join in air force and also please update the xam details to be written and their following dates dude.as your website is more useful thanx for tht also.
sir i have completed my diploma in electronics and communication..and i like to join IAF ,can have your help
I am a civil engineer and I like to work for air force, is there any opportunity so that I can join air force
Yes Neeraja, you may make use of the AFCAT examination and join the IAF.
I am keerthi recently completed my +2 from science stream . I want to join indian airforce so during the training can i continue wit engineering???
Sir, what are the medical tests I need to clear to join IAF? What’s the health criteria? And is the training in IAF for girls seem hectic?
thank you for the information
sir
Sir,
The criteria for flying branch is of 10+2….
bt I m a diploma holder(electrical)…now….studying in 3rd year engg.
so Ive a que. that I want to be a pilot…plz help me or show me a way…..plzzzz.
Thanks for updating such useful and informative article
Welcome Megha, glad that you found the information useful! Please share it too!