Learn how to join Indian Air Force in 2025–26 for men and women. Check NDA, CDS, AFCAT, Agniveer Vayu eligibility, age limit, selection process.
Post Date– 22 December 2025
The Indian Air Force (IAF) is one of the most powerful and technologically advanced air forces in the world. It offers prestigious career opportunities for both men and women as Commissioned Officers and Airmen (Agniveer Vayu).
Whether you are a 10+2 student, graduate, engineer, NCC cadet, or working professional, the Indian Air Force provides multiple entry schemes to serve the nation with pride and honor.
This article explains every possible way to join Indian Air Force for men and women in 2025–26, including eligibility, age limit, selection process, training, salary, and career growth.
Can Men and Women Join Indian Air Force?
✅ Yes.
- Men can join IAF as Officers and Airmen
- Women can join IAF as Commissioned Officers
⚠️ Currently, Airmen (Agniveer Vayu) entry is only for male candidates, while women are recruited as officers.
Official Website for Indian Air Force Recruitment
All official notifications are released on:
👉 careerindianairforce.cdac.in
👉afcat.edcil.co.in (AFCAT New Web)
⚠️ Always apply through official websites only.
PART A: OFFICER ENTRY – MEN & WOMEN
1. NDA Entry (After 12th – Permanent Commission)
🔹 Eligibility:
- 12th pass with Physics & Maths
- Men & Women both eligible
🔹 Age Limit:
- 16.5 to 19.5 years
🔹 Selection Process:
- UPSC NDA Written Exam
- Air Force Selection Board (AFSB)
- Medical Examination
🔹 Training:
- NDA, Khadakwasla
- Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal
📌 Best entry for students aiming to become IAF Flying / Ground Duty Officers early.
2. CDS Entry (Graduate – Permanent / SSC)
🔹 Eligibility:
- Graduation with Physics & Maths at 10+2 OR
- Engineering degree
🔹 Age Limit:
- 19 to 24 years (Flying Branch)
🔹 Selection Process:
- UPSC CDS Exam
- AFSB Interview
- Medical
🔹 Training:
- Air Force Academy (AFA)
📌 Both men and women are eligible.
3. AFCAT Entry (Most Popular – Men & Women)
🔹 Branches:
- Flying Branch
- Ground Duty (Technical)
- Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
🔹 Eligibility:
- Graduation / Engineering (branch-wise)
🔹 Age Limit:
- Flying: 20–24 years
- Ground Duty: 20–26 years
🔹 Selection Process:
- AFCAT Online Exam
- AFSB Interview
- Medical Examination
📌 Women are actively recruited through AFCAT.
4. NCC Special Entry (Men & Women)
🔹 Eligibility:
- Graduation
- NCC ‘C’ Certificate with minimum ‘B’ grade
🔹 Age Limit:
- 19 to 24 years
🔹 Selection Process:
- Direct AFSB Interview
- No written exam
📌 Ideal for NCC Air Wing cadets.
5. Meteorology Entry (Men & Women)
🔹 Eligibility:
- Post-graduation in Meteorology / Physics / Maths
🔹 Age Limit:
- Up to 26 years
🔹 Selection Process:
- Shortlisting
- AFSB
- Medical
📌 Specialized officer role.
PART B: AIRMEN ENTRY – MEN ONLY
6. Agniveer Vayu (10+2 / Diploma / Vocational)
🔹 Eligibility:
- 12th with Maths & Physics OR
- 3-year Engineering Diploma OR
- Vocational course
🔹 Age Limit:
- As per Agnipath notification
🔹 Selection Process:
- Online Test
- Physical Fitness Test
- Adaptability Test
- Medical
🔹 Service Period:
- 4 years (Agnipath Scheme)
📌 Entry for technical & non-technical airmen roles.
Physical & Medical Standards (IAF)
Height
- Men: Minimum ~163 cm
- Women: Minimum ~152 cm
Vision
- Flying Branch: Strict standards
- Ground Duty: Relaxed standards
General Fitness
- No major illness
- Good cardiovascular health
Training Institutions
🏫 Air Force Academy (AFA), Dundigal
🏫 NDA, Khadakwasla
🏫 Airmen Training Schools
Ranks & Career Growth
Officer Ranks
- Flying Officer
- Flight Lieutenant
- Squadron Leader
- Wing Commander
- Group Captain
- Air Commodore
- Air Vice Marshal
- Air Marshal
- Air Chief Marshal
- Marshal of the IAF (5 Star Ceremonial Rank)
Junior Commissioned Officers Ranks (JCO)
- Junior Warrant Officer
- Warrant Officer
- Master Warrant Officer
Airmen Ranks
- Aircraftman
- Leading Aircraftsman
- Corporal
- Sergeant
Salary & Allowances
Officer Salary (Starting)
💰 ₹56,100 + Flying Allowance (if applicable)
Airmen Salary
💰 As per Agnipath scheme
Benefits
✔ Free medical
✔ Accommodation
✔ Travel concessions
✔ Pension (as applicable)
Women in Indian Air Force
Women officers serve as:
✔ Fighter Pilots
✔ Transport Pilots
✔ Helicopter Pilots
✔ Engineers
✔ Logistics & Administration Officers
Permanent Commission is available in selected branches.
Preparation Tips for Indian Air Force
📘 Written Exam:
- Maths, Physics, English, Reasoning
🧠 AFSB Interview:
- Leadership
- Confidence
- Communication skills
🏃 Fitness:
- Running, stamina, flexibility
FAQs – Indian Air Force Recruitment
Q1. Can girls join Indian Air Force after 12th?
Yes, through NDA entry.
Q2. Is AFCAT open for women?
Yes, AFCAT is one of the main entries for women.
Q3. Can women join Air Force as airmen?
No, currently airmen entry is only for men.
Q4. Official website of Indian Air Force recruitment?
careerindianairforce.cdac.in
Conclusion
Joining the Indian Air Force offers honor, adventure, technology, and national pride. With growing opportunities for both men and women, the IAF remains one of the most respected career choices in India.
👉 Always check official notifications
👉 Start preparation early
👉 Maintain physical & mental fitness
✅ FAQ SCHEMA
Q1. Can girls join Indian Air Force?
Yes, women can join Indian Air Force as officers through NDA, CDS, AFCAT, NCC Special Entry, and Meteorology entry.
Q2. Can boys join Indian Air Force as airmen?
Yes, male candidates can join Indian Air Force as airmen through Agniveer Vayu entry.
Q3. Is AFCAT open for women candidates?
Yes, AFCAT is one of the main recruitment exams for women officers in IAF.
Q4. What is the age limit to join Indian Air Force?
The age limit varies by entry and generally ranges from 16.5 to 26 years.
Q5. What is the official website of Indian Air Force recruitment?
careerindianairforce.cdac.in and afcat.edcil.co.in
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