Becoming a pilot is just magical, fantastic and adventurous. You will hardly find people who are not interesting in knowing about or becoming a pilot. When we see those air force flights flying high in the sky, it is just a special feeling. It is not an easy task to fly a chopper. Also, when it comes to flying an air force flight and protecting the nation, then it is a very tough job. The training for an air force pilot is going to be an easy task. You will have to undergo very critical training for it.
There are many young aspirants who wish to become an air force pilot. You will have different entrance exams to become an air force pilot in India. If you are also someone who aspires to become a pilot in the air force, then you will have to make sure that you are planning everything right from the beginning. Working for the Indian air force is not going to be a simple thing. It needs a lot of effort and hence planning is very important.
If you are not sure where to start your preparation for becoming an air force pilot in India, then here is some useful information for you. You can go through all the points that can help you in making the right choice. We have provided information about the eligibility criteria, entrance exam, age criteria, job opportunities and the salary structure as well. Just go through the article to know more about how to become an air force pilot in India:
Who is a Pilot?
Pilots are called the backbone of any aviation academy, and if you are a pilot in the Indian air force, then you have a lot of responsibility to handle. It is not going to be an easy task. You need a lot of willpower and courage to part of the Indian air force. There is a very tough selection process for becoming a pilot in the Indian air force. You need to undergo rigorous training to achieve your goals.
Being a pilot in the Indian air force, you will have to go on a mission and target the enemies. It can be anywhere in India, and you will have to make sure that you reach that place. Sometimes you will also have to reach certain places to rescue people. As a pilot, you will be responsible for the peace-keeping missions. You will also have to fight with the help of fighter jets. There is a lot of risks involved in the job, but still, it is one of the most prestigious and most respected jobs in India. As a pilot, you will get a chance to serve your mother nation and protect all the citizens of the nation. It involves life risk, but the risk is worth taking.
Eligibility Criteria:
If you wish to become a pilot in the Indian air force, you will have to meet certain criteria. If you don’t meet the criteria, then you will not be able to become a pilot in the Indian air force. So, here is what you need to fulfill.
- The first and very important criterion that the candidate needs to satisfy is they should be a citizen of India.
- Along with that, you should have completed your 10+2 with Mathematics, Physics and Chemistry as your main subjects.
- You should get your education from a recognized college or university in India.
- 10+2 is required for those who are applying through the NDA exam. But if you are choosing other exams, then you will need graduation. So, you need to check out the complete details about the qualifying exam before you apply for it.
- Apart from that having good communication details is also very important.
Common entrance exams to become Pilot:
There are basically four entrance tests that you need to give if you wish to become a pilot in the Indian air force. There are no special colleges or universities that will train you to become a pilot in the Indian air force. You can get training for normal aviation pilots, but if you wish to be part of the Indian air force, then you should make sure that you are taking one of these four options only. Like we already discussed, it is just for the NDA course; you need a 10+2, but for any other course, you should have a graduation.
- National Defence Academy (NDA): The first way to become a pilot in the Indian air force is to join National Defence Academy, and for that, you will have to give the NDA exam. You should have a 10+2 for giving this exam. This exam is conducted by the Union Public Services Commission of India. If you successfully complete this exam, you will be given training for three years. If you a successful in completing the training as well, then you will have to undergo another training at the Air force training centers. Once you successfully complete this training, then you will get a posting in any of the air force stations as a Permanent Commission Officer.
- Combined Defence Service Examination (CDSE): This CDS exam is also conducted by the UPSC only. This exam is a common exam for Army, Navy and Air force. Once you qualify for this exam, you will have to undergo training at the Air force training centers. When the training is successfully completed, then you get a posting as Permanent Commission Officer at any of the Air force stations.
- National Cadet Corps (NCC) Special Entry: This process is different from the above two, and only men are eligible for taking up this exam. You will need an Air Wing Senior Division C Certificate for it. The NCC Air Squadrons or Directorate General National Cadet Corps complete the recruitment process. You will be appointed at any air station as a Permanent Commission Officer.
- Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT): This test can be taken by both men and women. This exam is conducted by Indian Air Force, and you will be appointed to Short Service Commission (SSC). The term of this service is going to be 14 years. You will be hired for ground-level duty or some technical branches. This exam will be conducted two times per year.
Age limit:
The age limit is another important factor that you need to keep in your mind and check the details completely before you apply for it. Again this will depend on the kind of exam that you are taking. If you are taking the NDA exam, then you should be at least 16 ½ years old, and the maximum age limit is 19 years. But for all other exams, the minimum age limit is 20 years as you need a graduation degree for it. The maximum age limit is 24 years.
Areas of employment:
Being a pilot in the Indian Air Force, you will have to work only for the Indian air force, and that is the only area of employment for any pilot. You will not be allowed to work anywhere else. But there are many Air force stations in India, and you can be placed in any of them. That depends on your skills and the requirement for the Indian Air force. During the time of war or any rescue operations, you will have to move to any place depending on the requirements.
Salary Structure:
When it comes to the salary of a pilot, it depends on the pay band set for that cadre. The monthly salary is around Rs 15,600. There is a dearness allowance of Rs 21,600/- grade pay of Rs 5400/-, kit maintenance is Rs 500, travel allowance is Rs 3200 plus DA and military service allowance is Rs 6000 /-. Altogether you will be able to take home a salary of Rs 66,000/- per month. As your grade keeps increasing, you will be able to withdraw a better salary. Apart from that, as you are working for the Indian Air force, you will be provided with a lot of other facilities as well.
Santosh Kumar is an editor at unfoldstuffs.com and a professional content writer. With years of experience he is passionate for creating engaging, informative and impactful topics.
