Want to become an IAF Airman? Learn about the Airmen selection process, eligibility for Group X & Y, exam pattern, physical tests, and how to apply online here.
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How to Join Indian Air Force as an Airman?
How to Join Indian Air Force as an Airman?
Table of Contents: The Ultimate Guide to IAF Airmen Career
1. Introduction: Career in the Indian Air Force (IAF)
- Touch the Sky With Glory: An Overview of IAF
- Agniveer Vayu: The New Era of Indian Air Force Recruitment
- Is Airman a Good Job? Benefits and Life in the Blue Uniform
2. How to Become an Airman in the Indian Air Force
- How to Join IAF in 2026: Step-by-Step Guide for Aspirants
- Airmen Selection Process: From Online Test to Final Merit
- How can I join Airmen after 12th? (Science vs. Non-Science Streams)
3. Eligibility and Qualifications
- Indian Air Force Qualification Details: Group X and Group Y
- Age Limit and Physical Standards for Airmen Recruitment
- Minimum Years of Service in the IAF as an Airman
4. Roles, Ranks, and Work Environment
- What is the Work of Airmen? Technical and Non-Technical Trades
- Indian Air Force Ranks: Understanding the Airman Hierarchy
- Career as an Airman: Daily Life, Role, and Responsibilities
- Indian Air Force Aircraft: The Fleet You Will Maintain
5. Salary, Benefits, and Promotion Structure
- Airman in Air Force Salary: 7th Pay Commission & Agniveer Package
- Indian Air Force Promotion Structure: How to Rise Through Ranks
- Becoming an Officer: How an Airman Can Become a Commissioned Officer
6. Preparation Strategy and Resources
- Is Airmen Exam Tough? Difficulty Level and Success Tips
- Syllabus and Exam Pattern: Key Subjects to Focus On
- Indian Air Force Official Website: Important Links for Application
7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the qualification for Airman?
- What is the Salary of an Airman?
- How can I become Airman after 12th?
- Is the Airmen exam tough?
Latest Rules to become Airman in Indian Air Force (2 Jan 2026)
How to Become an Airman in Indian Air Force 2026 – Selection Process, Eligibility & Salary | Apply Online, Notification PDF
Touch the Sky with Glory! A career as an Airman in the Indian Air Force (IAF) is not just a job; it is a lifestyle filled with adventure, honor, and technical excellence. With the introduction of the Agniveer Vayu scheme, joining the IAF has become more competitive and exciting than ever. Whether you want to handle advanced fighter jets or manage ground operations, this is your Permanent Govt Job pathway to a prestigious future.
Read full eligibility criteria below before applying.
Recruitment Overview
| Organization Name | Indian Air Force (IAF) |
| Post Name | Agniveer Vayu (Airman - Science & Other than Science) |
| Selection Scheme | Agniveer Vayu / Airmen Selection |
| Service Duration | 4 Years (Agniveer) with 25% Permanent Retention |
| Job Location | All India |
| Application Mode | Online via CASB Portal |
| Official Website |
Important Dates
- Notification Release Date: Refer Latest Notification
- Application Start Date: Refer Latest Notification
- Last Date to Apply: Refer Latest Notification
- Online Exam Date: Refer Latest Notification
- Result Declaration: Refer Latest Notification
Indian Air Force Airmen Qualification Details
To become an Airman (Agniveer Vayu), candidates are categorized into two main streams:
1. Science Subjects (Formerly Group X)
- Educational Qualification: 10+2 (Intermediate) with Mathematics, Physics, and English with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
- Alternative: 3-year Diploma in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/IT, etc.) with 50% marks.
2. Other Than Science Subjects (Formerly Group Y)
- Educational Qualification: 10+2 (Intermediate) in Any Stream (Arts/Commerce/Science) with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
Selection Process: Step-by-Step
The IAF follows a rigorous multi-stage selection process to find the best talent:
- Phase I (Online Test): Objective-type test covering English, Physics, Mathematics, and RAGA (Reasoning & General Awareness).
- Phase II (Physical Fitness Test - PFT): Includes a 1.6 km run, push-ups, sit-ups, and squats.
- Adaptability Test-II: A situational test to check if the candidate can survive the military environment.
- Phase III (Medical Examination): Strict medical checkup at IAF Medical Board.
Airman in Indian Air Force Salary & Benefits
Under the Agniveer scheme, the salary package is highly lucrative:
- 1st Year: ₹30,000 per month (In-hand ₹21,000 + ₹9,000 contribution).
- 4th Year: ₹40,000 per month (In-hand ₹28,000 + ₹12,000 contribution).
- Seva Nidhi Package: After 4 years, a lump sum amount of approx ₹11.71 Lakh (Tax-Free).
- Life Insurance: ₹48 Lakh non-contributory life insurance cover.
Career Growth: Airman Rank & Promotion Structure
The hierarchy for an Airman in the IAF is as follows:
- Aircraftman (AC)
- Leading Aircraftman (LAC)
- Corporal (Cpl)
- Sergeant (Sgt)
- Junior Warrant Officer (JWO)
- Warrant Officer (WO)
- Master Warrant Officer (MWO)
Can an Airman become an Officer? Yes! Through internal exams like the Service Entry Commission (SEC), deserving airmen can become Commissioned Officers in the IAF.
Preparation Tips: Is Airmen Exam Tough?
The exam is moderately tough due to the high competition and strict time limits.
- Focus on English: You must score at least 50% in English to qualify.
- Mathematics & Physics: For Science students, NCERT 11th and 12th standards are the bible.
- Daily Running: Start physical training early; 1.6 km in 6 minutes 30 seconds requires practice.
- Mock Tests: Attempt at least 2 online mock tests weekly to improve speed.
Important Links
| Action | Direct Link |
| Apply Online Link (Agniveer Vayu) | |
| Download Official Notification PDF | |
| Download Syllabus PDF | |
| Official Website |
FAQs regarding IAF Airman Selection
1. How can I join Airmen after 12th?
You can apply for the Agniveer Vayu intake twice a year. If you have Science (PCM), you apply for Science subjects; otherwise, you apply for "Other than Science."
2. What is the work of Airmen in Indian Air Force?
Work varies by trade—technical airmen maintain aircraft, radars, and weaponry, while non-technical airmen handle logistics, accounts, and security.
3. Is Airman a permanent job?
Currently, recruitment is under the Agniveer scheme for 4 years. After this, 25% of the batch is selected for a permanent commission in the IAF.
4. Can females apply for Airmen?
Yes, the Indian Air Force now recruits female candidates as Agniveer Vayu.
Conclusion
Joining the Indian Air Force as an Airman is one of the most prestigious ways to serve the nation after the 12th. It offers a unique blend of technical skill, discipline, and a high-growth career path. While the transition to the Agniveer model has changed the service duration, the pride and the Seva Nidhi financial boost make it an unbeatable start for young aspirants.
Ready to fly? Keep your 12th marksheet and ID proofs ready for the January 2026 intake!
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| Indian Air Force Airmen |
Previous Procedure to become An Airman
Indian Air Force Airmen Recruitment-Indian Air Force Airmen Procedure
How to become an Airman in Indian Air Force?
Air
Force Airmen Recruitment Process| Airmen Selection Procedure
भारतीय वायु सैनिक/Airman कैसे बनें?
How to become an Indian Air Force Airman?
There are two types of selection in IAF
(1) – Direct recruitment through Centralized process (सीधी केन्द्रीय भर्ती).
(2) – Rally Recruitment (रैली भर्ती).
Airman Selection Procedure- भारतीय वायु सेना भर्ती प्रक्रिया -
The selection as an Airman in the IAF is conducted through All India Selection Tests and Recruitment Rallies. All India Selection Tests are conducted at the Airmen Selection Centres (ASCs) located all over India as per schedule, whereas the Recruitment Rallies are conducted from time to time in selected areas/regions of particular States/Union Territories of the country.
(1) All India Selection Tests (STs): Advertisements are published in Employment News/Rozgar Samachar inviting the applications for All India Selection Tests (STs). In response to the advertisement, eligible male Indian Citizens (including the citizens of Nepal) are to forward application to the President, Central Airmen Selection Board, Post Box No. 11807, New Delhi -110 010. The Board sends admit cards to eligible and short-listed candidates to appear in the Selection Tests.
(2) Recruitment Rallies: Advertisements for Rallies are published with the details of eligibility conditions, selection programme and rally venue in popular local/regional newspapers circulated in the region/area of the rally. For rally recruitment, eligible candidates are to report to the rally venue with the requisite documents. These documents will be scrutinized and verified by the Testing Team.
INQUIRY: Address and Contact details:
Central Airmen Selection Board, Air Force Station Naraina, Brar Square, Delhi Cantt-New Delhi -110010/Tele - 011- 25694209/E - mail - [email protected]
Selection Centers of Airmen: 14 Airmen Selection centers are located all over the country. On enrollment at the ASCs, the candidates are routed to Basic Training Institute (BTI), Belgaum (Karnataka) to undergo Joint Basic Phase Training (JBPT) for a period of 12 weeks. On successful completion of JBPT, candidates will be allocated trades and sent for trade training of specified duration. After successful completion of trade training, the airmen will be deployed on ground based jobs as per their allotted trades.
1 - Airmen Selection Centre, 48, Mansfield Road, Ambala Cantt- 133001/Tele: 0171- 2630048/
2 - Airmen Selection Centre, Race Course Camp, New Delhi - 110003/Tele: 011-23010231 - Extn. 7652/Email: [email protected]
3 - Airmen Selection centre, Air Force Station, Chakeri, Kanpur – 208008/Tele: 0512-2451730 - Extn.4603/Email: [email protected]
4 - Airmen Selection Centre, (Near Palta Gate), Air Force Station Barrackpore, West Bengal – 743122/Tele: 033-25450895 (Direct), 033-25921251- Extn.6391/Email: [email protected]
5 - Airmen Selection Centre, Old Pali Road Jodhpur- 342011/Tele: 0291-2511516- Extn. 2110/Email: [email protected]
6 - Airmen Selection Centre, Air Force Station, Cotton Green, Mumbai-400033/Tele: 022-23714982- Extn. 251/Email: [email protected]
7 -Airmen Selection Centre, No.1 Cubbon Road, Bangalore-560001/Tele: 080-25592199/
8 - Airmen Selection Centre, Air Force Station, Tambaram, Chennai-600046/Tele: 044-22396565 (Extn No -7833)/ 044-22390561 (Direct), 09445299128(Mobile)/Email: [email protected]
9 - Airmen Selection Centre, Near Rajadhani College, Baramunda, Bhubaneswar-751003/
10 - Airmen Selection Centre, Air Force Station Bihta, Patna, Bihar – 801103/Tele: 06115-250002,03,04,05,06 & 07- Extn. 4340/Email : [email protected]
11 - Airmen Selection Centre, Borjhar, Guwahati- 781015/Tele: 0361-2842720- Extn.333 0361-2843385/Email: [email protected]
12 - Airmen Selection Centre, Air Force Station, Bowenpally, Secunderabad-500011/Tele: 040-27753500- Extn: 467/Email: [email protected]
13 - Airmen Selection Centre, VII/302-B, Vayu Sena Road, Kakkanad, Kochi-682030/Tele: 0484-2427010/Email : [email protected]
14 - Airmen Selection Centre, IInd Floor, Phase-II, Rajiv Gandhi Parisar, 35 Shyamala Hills,
Sequence
of Examination:
As per details given below-
a - Written Test-
(ii) - Group 'X' (Education Instructor/ एजुकेशन इंस्ट्रक्शन) Trades: There will be 2 papers - one Objective type and 2nd Descriptive type. The Objective type of paper would cover General English, General Awareness and Current Affairs. The Descriptive type of paper would aim to test the language comprehension and power of expression. Both of the question papers will be administered in one go with duration of 40 and 35 minutes for Objective and Descriptive papers respectively.
(iii) - Group 'Y' (Non-Technical/ गैर तकनीकी शाखा) Trades: Candidates are tested in English and Reasoning & General Awareness (RAGA). Duration of written test will be 45 minutes.
(iv) - Group 'Y' (Musician) Trades: Candidates are tested in English dictation & proficiency to play the musical instrument applied for.
Written Test will be objective type and question paper will be bilingual (English & Hindi), except for English paper. Written test will be based on CBSE up to class XII syllabus. Candidates are to qualify in each paper/test separately. Result of written test is declared on the same day.
b - Physical Fitness Test (PFT) - Candidates passing the written test are to undergo Physical Fitness Test (PFT). Passing the PFT is mandatory. The PFT for all trades [except IAF (Security)] consists of a 1.6 Km run to be completed within 8 minutes. The PFT for IAF (Security) trade includes a 2.4 Km run & 5 Km run to be completed in 15 minutes & 30 minutes respectively. Candidates above 27 years of age will be given relaxation in PFT timing as per existing norms (Applicable to serving NC (E) s only). Candidates completing PFT faster are awarded additional marks on a sliding scale.
c – Interview - Candidates passing PFT will be interviewed by a team of Officers & Warrant ranks. Interview is normally conducted in English. Working knowledge of English is thus essential.
d -Trade Allocation Test (TAT) - Candidates of Group 'X' (Technical) trades who qualify in interview are to undergo Trade Allocation Test for bifurcation into Mechanical and Electronics stream. Specific trade allotment within these streams will be carried out at Basic Training Institute (BTI), Air Force (Belgaum).
e - Medical Test - Candidates who have been recommended in the interview will be medically examined by the Recruitment Medical Team as per Indian Air Force Medical Standards.
All India Select List-Merit- (AISL) - Candidates who pass the Written Test, complete PFT within the given time, clear the interview and have undergone Medical Examination are arranged in the All India Select List (AISL). The inclusion of names of the candidates in the AISL depends upon the performance of the candidates in the Selection Test and number of vacancies to be filled. The candidates are enrolled in the Indian Air Force as per the existing vacancies.
NOTE: Interested candidates must watch out for our Advertisement for Selection Tests in the Employment News/Rozgar Samachar and www.governmentdailyjobs.com
Indian ir Force Eligibility Criteria
1 - GROUP 'X' trades/ तकनीकी शाखा (Except Education Instructor) -
Age Limit: (As on date of Enrolment) - 17 - 21 years.
Educational Qualification: A Passed of Intermediate / 10+2 / equivalent examination with Mathematics, Physics and English, with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English
OR
A Passed of 3 years Diploma course in Engineering (Mechanical / Electrical / Electronics / Automobile / Computer Science / Instrumentation Technology / Information Technology) from a Government recognized Polytechnic Institute with minimum 50% marks in overall aggregate and 50% marks in English in Diploma or in Intermediate / Matriculation if English is not a subject in Diploma.
2 - Group 'X' Education Instructor Trade/ एजुकेशन इंस्ट्रक्शन -
Age Limit: (As on date of Enrolment) - 20-25 years.
Educational Qualification: A Passed of Graduate in Arts, Commerce or Science with B. Ed degree or 2 years teaching experience in a Government recognized University/ School/College with minimum 50% marks in aggregate in Graduation as well as B. Ed.
OR
Age Limit: (As on date of Enrolment) - 20-28 years.
Educational Qualification: A Passed of MA English / M Sc in Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science / MCA with B. Ed degree or 2 years teaching experience in a Government recognized School / College./
3 - Group 'Y' Trades/ तकनीकी शाखा (Except Med Asst and Musician) –
Age Limit: (As on date of Enrolment) - 17-21 years.
Educational Qualification: A Passed of Intermediate / 10+2 / or equivalent examination in any stream / subject approved by Central / State Education Boards with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
OR
Educational Qualification: A Passed of 2 years vocational course affiliated / recognized by CBSE / State Education Boards / Councils duly recognized at par with 10+2 by AIU with minimum 50 % marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English in Vocational Course or in Intermediate / Matriculation if English is not a subject in Vocational Course.
4 - Group 'Y' Med Asst Trade -
Age Limit: (As on date of Enrolment) - 17-21 years.
Educational Qualification: A Passed of 10+2 / Intermediate / or equivalent exam with Physics, Chemistry, Biology and English with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
5 - Group 'Y' Musician Trade -
Age Limit: (As on date of Enrolment) - 17-25 years.
Educational Qualification: A Passed of Matriculation / 10th class or equivalent with minimum pass marks from any Government recognized School/Boards and proficient in playing at least one of the following musical instruments-
Trumpet / Bass / Violin / Saxophone / Clarinet / Euphonium / Jazz-Drum / Piccolo / Bass Trombone / Key Board / Guitar / Sarod / Viola / Cello / Contra Bass (String Bass).
Indian Air Force Medical Standards -
To get selected as an Airman, the candidate must be physically and mentally FIT to perform duties in any part of the world, climate and terrain. Medical Standards to become an Airman are as follows -
(i) Visual Standards and Height: As per table given below -
(ii) Weight: Weight should be proportionate to height and age.
(iii) Chest: Minimum range of expansion: 5 Cms.
(iv) Hearing: Should have normal hearing i.e. able to hear forced whisper from a distance of 6 meters by each ear separately.
(vi) Dental: Should have healthy gums, good set of teeth and minimum 14 dental points.
(vii) Health: Should have no medical or surgical deformity and should be free from all communicable diseases & skin ailments.
Visual Standards Height and Leg Length: Trade Wise -
Trade
|
Visual Acuity
|
Max limits of Ref Error
|
Color Vision
|
Height
|
Leg length
|
GROUP 'X'
|
|||||
Workshop
Fitter (Mechanical)
|
6/12 each eye correctable to 6/6 each eye.
|
Hypermetropia: + 2.0 D Myopia: 1D including+0.50
astigmatism
|
CP-II
|
152.5 cms
|
N/A
|
Workshop
Fitter (Smith) Structure Fitter-AF Fit,
Propulsion Fitter-Eng Fit |
6/12 each eye correctable to 6/6 each eye.
|
Hypermetropia: + 2.0 D Myopia: 1D including+0.50
astigmatism
|
CP-II
|
152.5 cms
|
N/A
|
Electronic
Fitter-Rdo, Rad F (L)
Electrical Fitter-Elect, Inst, Photo/Fit. Weapon Fitter Automobile Fitter-MT Fit, MF (M) Mechanical System Fitter-PMF (M). |
6/12 each eye correctable to 6/6 each eye.
|
Hypermetropia: + 2.0 D Myopia: 1D including+
0.50 astigmatism
|
CP-II
|
152.5 cms
|
Min leg
length required for Mechanical system Fitter and Automobile Fitter is 99 cm
|
Education
INSTRUCTOR
|
6/36 each eye correctable to 6/9 each eye.
|
Not exceeding
+ 3.50 D including astigmatism
|
CP-III
|
152 cms
|
N/A
|
GROUP 'Y'
|
|||||
Ops Assistant
ADSO, AFSO, GTI
|
6/12 each eye correctable to 6/6 each eye
|
Hypermetropia +2.0D
Myopia -1D Including +0.50 Astigmatism |
CP-II
|
152.5 cm
|
N/A
|
Adm
Assistant- Clk GD, Cat Asst Account Assistant, Clk EA/PA, Clk Accts. Med
Asst
Logistics Assistant-Eqp Asst |
6/36 each eye correctable to 6/9 each eye
|
Not exceeding
+3.50 D
including astigmatism
|
CP-III
|
152.5 cm
|
N/A
|
Environmental
Support Services Assistant ESSA)- ACH/GD, SEW, Photo Tech,
Cryptographer Met Assistant, Communication Technician- Rdo Tech, RTO |
6/36 each eye correctable to 6/9 each eye
|
Not exceeding
+3.50 D
including astigmatism
|
CP-II
|
152.5 cm
|
N/A
|
Auto
Technician- MT Tech, MTD
|
6/12 each eye correctable to 6/6 each eye
|
Hypermetropia +2.0D
Myopia - 1D including+0.50 Astigmatism |
CP-II
|
165 Cms (162.5 cms for N/E & Hill states)
|
Min leg length required 99 cm
|
Ground
Training Instructor (GTI)
|
6/12 each eye correctable to 6/6 each eye.
|
Hypermetropia +2.0D
Myopia -1D Including +0.50 Astigmatism |
CP-II
|
167 cm
(162.5 cm for N/E & Hill states) |
N/A
|
Indian Air
Force (Police) {IAF (P)}
PJI |
Unaided visual acuity of 6/6
|
Not Applicable
|
CP-II
|
175 cms
|
N/A
|
Indian Air
Force (Security) IAF (S)
|
Unaided visual acuity of 6/6
|
Not Applicable
|
CP-II
|
172 cm(162 cm for North East & Hill states)
|
N/A
|
Musician
|
6/36 each eye correctable to 6/9 each eye
|
Not exceeding
+3.50 D
including Astigmatism
|
CP-III
|
162 cms
|
N/A
|
NC(E)
|
6/36 each eye correctable to 6/9
|
Not exceeding
+3.50 D
including Astigmatism
|
CP-III
|
152.5 cm
|
N/A
|
(i) - Candidates should bring latest prescription and spectacle for corrected vision, if used. The prescription must bear the signature, stamp and registration number of Eye Specialist. Corneal Surgery (PRK/LASIK) is not acceptable.
Location of Training Institutes/Centers –
Indian Air Force Salary| IndianAir Force Pay Scale
Basic Pay and Allowances: During training a stipend of Rs. 8,550/-per month will be paid. On completion of training, Airman is placed in the emoluments as under. Promotion to next Pay Band is as per the policy in vogue.
The Ranks of Airmen in the Indian Air Force| Indian Air Force Ranks
Indian Air Force Trades
GROUP "X" –
GROUP "Y" –
Indian Air Force Official Website
Flying Branch
|
Technical Branch
|
Ground Duty Branch
| |
Total Emoluments
|
Rs. 80,250
|
Rs. 71,550
|
Rs. 68,550
|
Indian Air Force Badges
Indian Air Force Test
Indian Air Force History
Indian Air Force Training Centre, Indian Air Force Commands












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