As a Graduate/ Engineer, you enter the Flying branch through the Air Force Academy.

The following are the three modes of entry for Graduates/ Engineers to join the Flying branch:

CDSE (COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION) (FOR MEN ONLY)

1. Men can enter through this mode of entry and will get a Permanent Commission.
    
2. Eligibility criteria:

• Age - 20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course)
   
• Nationality – Indian
   
• Marital Status - Single
   
• Gender - Men only.
   
• Educational Qualifications
   
• Graduate (Three Year Course) in any discipline from a recognised University (with Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level) / BE / B Tech (Four Year Course).
   
• Final Year/semester students are also eligible to apply, provided they produce Degree certificate issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement.
   
• No Percentage Bar for CDSE entry.
   
• Advertisement Schedule: Advertisements are released by UPSC in the months of June and November

For more details visit www.upsc.gov.in
 

NCC SPECIAL ENTRY (FOR MEN ONLY) 

(Through NCC Air Squadrons / DG NCC)

• As an Air Wing Senior Division ’C’ Certificate holder of the National Cadet Corps, you can apply to the Flying Branch of the Indian Air Force. Men can join the Air Force through this mode of entry and will be given a Permanent Commission.
   
• Eligibility criteria:
   
• Age –20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course)
   
• Nationality - Indian
   
• Marital Status - Single
   
• Gender - Men only.
   
• Educational Qualifications
   
• Graduate (Three Year Course) in any discipline from a recognised University with minimum 60% marks or equivalent and have passed Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level 
  
  OR
   
• BE / B Tech (Four Year Course) from a recognised University with minimum 60% marks or equivalent
   
• Final Year/semester students are also eligible to apply, provided they do not have any present backlogs at the time of SSB Testing and produce Degree certificate issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement.
   
• NCC Air Wing Senior Division ’C’ certificate.

• Advertisement Schedule: NCC Cadets are to apply through respective NCC Air Squadrons/DG NCC.

SSC (SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION ) ENTRY( FOR MEN AND WOMEN)

• You can apply through AFCAT for Short Service Commission (SSC) in the Flying Branch.
   
• Short Service Commission in Flying branch is for 14 years with no further extension.
   
• Eligibility criteria:

• Age - 20 to 24 years (at the time of commencement of course).Upper age limit for Candidates holding valid and current Commercial Pilot Licence issued by DGCA (India) is relaxed up to 26 years(at the time of commencement of course). 
   
• Nationality - Indian 
   
• Marital Status – Single 
   
• Gender - Men and Women. 
   
• Educational Qualifications
   
• Graduates (Three Year Course) in any discipline from a recognised University who have attained minimum 60% marks or equivalent and have Physics and Mathematics at 10+2 level OR BE / B Tech (Four Year Course) from a recognised university with minimum 60% marks or equivalent.
   
• Final Year students are also eligible to apply, provided they do not have any backlog at the time of SSB Testing and produce Degree certificate issued by the University as per the date stipulated in the advertisement.
   
• Advertisement Schedule: Advertisements for AFCAT are released by the IAF in the months of June and December.