Last Updated on August 7, 2023 by Vishnu Nambiar
Wondering how B.Sc. (Bachelor of Science) students may join the IAF (Indian Air Force)? I’m talking about posts of Commissioned Officers here. In this article, I’ll explain in detail about facts like- entry schemes, exams to appear for, age limit, educational qualifications etc. So, if you are a B.Sc. student/Graduate, you will get answers to all your doubts regarding building a career in the IAF in this article!
There are two posts for which B.Sc. students/Graduates may apply for. They are-
#1 Flying Branch
#2 Ground Duty Branches
In this post, we will be dealing with Flying Branch only. We will check out information like- age limit, educational qualification, marital status etc.
# All details about Flying Branch-
When it comes to Flying Branch, selected candidates have to undergo training at the Air Force Academy. They will be trained to fly Fighter planes, Helicopter, Transportation Aircraft etc belonging to the IAF. The career of an IAF Pilot is a glamorous one. It is a profession that garners much respect and admiration from the society!
Different Entry Schemes for Flying Branch-
There are three Entry Schemes for B.Sc. students and graduates to become a Flying Officer in the IAF. Let us check them out one by one-
#1 CDSE (Combined Defence Services Examination) Entry-
In this entry, aspirants are required to appear for the CDS (Combined Defence Services) exam held by the UPSC (Union Public Service Commission). Selected candidates are given Permanent Commission.
* Age limit- 20 to 24 years (at the time when the course starts)
* Marital status- Single
* Gender- This entry scheme is for Men only
* Educational Qualifications- Candidate must have B.Sc. Degree in any Discipline from a recognized University. They must have completed 10+2 Science stream schooling with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as the main subjects. Even final year students may apply for the exam. But they must be able to provide Degree Certificate at the time when the course starts, in case they get selected. No minimum marks requirement in this entry
* Exam to appear- CDS examination. It is conducted twice a year. First a written exam, followed by SSB (Services Selection Interview) of the selected candidates. Exam conducted by UPSC, advertisements usually displayed on months of June and October
#2 NCC (National Cadet Corps) Special Entry-
A B.Sc. student/graduate may apply for this entry scheme, given that he is a holder of Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate of the NCC. Selected candidates are given Permanent Commission.
* Age limit- 20 to 24 years (at the time when the course starts)
* Marital status- Single
* Gender- This entry scheme is for men only
* Educational Qualifications- Candidate must hold B.Sc. Degree in any Discipline from a recognized University. Candidate must also have undergone 10+2 science stream schooling with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects. Minimum marks requirement in this entry scheme is 60% (aggregate marks in College)
* Final year students may also apply, given that they don’t have any arrears and will be able to provide Degree Certificate when the course starts
* In this entry scheme, candidate must possess NCC Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate. This exam is not conducted by the UPSC and candidates have to apply through their NCC Air Squadrons
#3 SSC (Short Service Commission) Entry-
B.Sc. students and graduates may use this entry scheme to apply for a job in the Flying Branch of IAF. But please note that it won’t be a Permanent Commission. The Service period will be of 14 years. No further extension will be provided after this period.
* Age limit- 20 to 24 years (at the time when the course starts). For holders of Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA, there is age relaxation of 2 years. The upper age limit is 26 years (at the time when the course starts) for CPL holders
* Marital status- Single
* Gender- Both Men and Women may apply
* Educational Qualifications- Candidates must hold B.Sc. Degree in any Discipline from a recognized University. Candidates must also have undergone 10+2 Science stream schooling with Physics, Chemistry and Mathematics as main subjects
* Minimum marks requirement is 60% aggregate in College papers. Final year students may also apply, given that they don’t have any arrears and will be able to provide Degree certificate when the course starts
* This is an AFCAT examination and the advertisements are usually put up on the months of June and December
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-
- 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!
Also read: PABT tips
So, these are the various ways in which B.Sc. students/graduates may join the Flying Branch of the IAF. Keep visiting the UPSC and AFCAT sites on the specified months to apply online for these examinations.
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.
Hello sir,I am shubhangi…I am complete the bsc with ncc and I like to join IAF ..which post in IAF best for me ….plz sir answer me…
Thank You for the much needed information
Sir i m bsc passed 55 mai air force join kar sakta hun
I have done my 12 th with 91%in mpc,I always wanted to be a pilot ,now iam doing a normal degree with maths &physics stream .I heard that to be a pilot,we have to poured lots of money .I am from poor background ,but its my life goal sir ,please show me a better way .how much money require? Send to my email
I have done 12th with 89% in PCM, I always wanted to be a commercial pilot. But, due to my family background,I culdnt so I ended up doing B.arch, Now I am an architect and I am 24 yrs old can a get into IAF as a fighter pilot.
pls reply,
Thanks & regards
Sir i want to know that how much % require to join indian airforce in 12 class with pcm
sir I’m
I’m Suthan
I’m doing bsc.computer science(final year)I am applicable for iaf pilot. how to apply sir for my degree
Sir… I have 61% in my 12 standard… So can in apply for IAF?
Sir, My name is Manu. In doing B.Sc. in Biomedical Sciences. I had PCM I’m during my school studies. But now there no relation to physics or maths in the course in doing. So am I eligible to give either or the exams(CDSE/AFCAT)?
Yes Manu, you may.
I am manu.And i am graduated in Bsc computer science.Is there i am applicable for joining the air force as a flying offficer?
Manu, if you have had PCM subjects in 12th standard, you are eligible to apply.
can a person wearing specs is able to join IAF
sir. I have 55 % inB.sc so can i apply. Pkrase advise me
Sir I am of class 12 final year can be a pilot in iaf & if I can’ t than tell me which course should I do for be a pilot
Ashutosh, you may pursue any 3 or 4 years long graduation Degree. I hope you are having Science stream (Maths group) schooling in 11th and 12th. If yes, you may even join IAF directly after 12th, using the NDA entry.
respected sir
i am kunal puneriya i have passed intermediate science (PCM supplementary exam) .i am 19 years old right now im studying bsc electronics 1st year i want to join IAF in flying branch . i have near sightedness my eye sight is (-1) . is there any scope of me joining this field esspecially flying branch .
sir m Bhagyashree student of BSc Forensic science final year..m I eligible to join IAF thrgh AFCAT and/or SSC..
Bhagyashree, you’ve had Physics and Mathematics subjects in 12th?
Sir,I’m a student of B.sc IT…can I join IAF as a flying officer
Bikash, did you had PCM subjects (Science stream) in 12th standard? If yes, then you may join the Flying Branch of IAF.
Hello sir i am student of b.com 1st year but in 12th i am student of science can i aplly for flying branch?? Result of 12th make any difference to become an iaf officer
Ashutosh, you had PCM subjects while in 12th?
I am a student of 12th with pcb can I join IAF?
Hello sir
My name is bhavin. I have left engineering so you are appearing a right way for IAF in flaying branch . my choice is b.sc but I am confused that which branch in b.sc than I will apply.
Eg. B.sc ( chemistry)
B.sc( physics)
B.sc( maths)
Any one branch you are appear me than I will apply. But uses in IAF. because b.sc graduation after I will apply in IAF .
Kindly you are appear me in right anyway.
Hello sir, i am payal. I am doing B.sc. In computer science. In future i want to do job In air force. So plz give me answer that can i able fir air force and whichh branch is good for me.
Payal, you may apply for the Flying Branch or Ground Duty Branch of IAF. Appear for AFCAT examination to join.
Sir,
Most respectfully I beg to say that, this is nice job
Sir plzz tell me how to join airmen in IAF im studying bsc physics second year and also im a ncc cadet in air wing
Sir i am BCA graduate
Am i eligible for CDSE exam ..?
Muhammed, yes you are eligible!
PLease do help to know about these examination AFCAT CDS and PCM, iam simply lady with graduate and want son to join air force. its my dream do help me
sir , I complete b.sc( physics & math ) with 65% plz tell me what I do for pilot in iaf
Now i am 26 Years old….
i want to join….. that it !!! what i do ?
graduate from computer science ….
Sir i’m arindam and I’m
frm west Bengal i’m bsc plane student and my 12 class passed parsentige is 50% and my cast is sc so can I join as a air force flying officer
Sir I hav completed my aircraft maintenance engineering am I eligible?
Yes Ajith, you are eligible.
Sir, I passed 12 pcm 58% , But I’m doing BA Arts I can join IAF as Fighter Pilot
Dev Barman, not Fighter Pilot, you may join the Ground Duty Branches as an Officer!
sir i am in b.sc 1st year. what requirment (weight,height,chest,etc.) for flying department after bsc.plz rply….
Hi sir I have complete b.sc 2015with pcm total physics&maths 55% can I join air force (ground duty)?
Asad Khan, appear for AFCAT exam.
Hi sir I passed b.sc with pcm total physics&maths 55% can I join air force and afcat
Sir this year I completed my graduation with B.Sc. physics and I want to join IAF as a flying officer.In 2015 advertisement of IAF I know about GATE exam please tell me sir about examination of GATE and tell me sir I am able to attend GATE. Reply sir please……
Hi sir i have done my 12 in pcm and iam student of b.sc 2 yr can i become a fighter pilot in iaf plz tell me….
Yes, you may, Sanjay Puri! Appear for AFCAT/CDS exam.
sir i was completed +2 in subject combition p.c.b.i.now i am doing bsc in zoology.my minor elective subject was math for one semistar only .but i want to join i.a.f as a fighter pilot ,can any way to join please show me the right path to flying branch as a pilot.i am waiting for your valuable answer.i did not know&nobody is her to show me the right way……..
I am b.sc complete
if i do a bsc(hons) course in physics , provided that i have taken PCM at 10=2 level , am i eligible for flying branch?
Junhai, yes, you will be eligible.
sir,I had completed my graduation in b.sc so can you tell me how can I join the flying branch .also I am 23 now so I am eligible for that or not.so please suggest me what con I do.
Arpit, you may appear for AFCAT/CDS exam and join IAF’s Flying Branch.
Sir i have passed 12(pcm) with 72percent markS and did bsc with 55percent marks wether i m applicable for afcat exam for flying branch
I am given the Exam of sy B.Sc can i apply
You may apply, Vaishnav.
sir, i am a student of b.sc zoology honours…i have joined ncc (air squadrons)..can i join indian air force as a flying officer?
please reply..
thank you..
I want join in iaf after 12th . Now i am in 11th.but don’t about iaf. So plz will u tell me about iaf
By the way give me ur whats app nu, because when i have any doubt i will ask u
Jeevan, you may appear for NDA entrance examination while you are in 12th or immediately after it, while you are within the age limit of 19 years. Set IAF as your first choice while filling up application form online.
sir,i am B.SC student and i am B.SC in second year. after B.SC in what process in this IAF. how to apply in this.
Ravi, you may make use of CDS/AFCAT examination. Application process is online. Check upsconline site for details.
sir i was completed my BCS with first class. Can i apply for the IAF.and i want the technical branch in IAF. Can i apply for this.
Shrikant, you may make use of AFCAT examination now.
Hlo sir..i m frm Assam..i want to.joni.airforce. As a offecer..i cmplted..H.S .in science.stream..bd my PCM % is 69…!!.m I.Joni.in.airfrce..nw .as a offecer
Sir,i am a Bsc student and i am in Bsc first year.i want to join IAF .Can i become a IAF PILOT after my graduation??????
Yes Vaibhav, you may. Make use of AFCAT examination after B.Sc.
sir, i have completed my Engineering in mechanical.Now i want to join AIF. Can you please tell me that how to join IAF????????
I have passed 10+2 in science stream with PCM Subjects …now i want to go for BSC Computer science ..Can i Become a IAF PILOT after my Graduation???
plzz Reply..
Rishabh, after B Sc, you are eligible to join IAF’s Flying branch. You must appear for AFCAT exam after graduation.
I graduate with physics.but sir next bharati (girl)……
How to apply indian air force flying branch (girl)
Devashri, after graduation, you may make use of the SSC (Short Service Commission) entry mode and join the IAF!
hai my name is manu….now i am a b.sc physics student..i want to be a flying officer after graduation can i join air force as a flying officer???
Manu, yes, you may appear for AFCAT exam and become a Flying Officer in IAF.
thnk u… nd plz mention the minimum marks reqrmnt fr ths entry(10+2)
Hello i aditya dubey is going to enter in class12 & i want become an IAF pilot so what should i do?
i passed 10+2 with pcm,now i m a student of 1st year b.sc hons.my subject is anthropology,i want to be a flying officer aftr gradution(even right now if possible)..can i join IAF as a flying officer??
Yes Raj, you may become Flying Officer. Appear for AFCAT exam, the one mentioned in the article.