Entry Level Qualification 

10

Career Fields 

Engineering & Technology, Government & Defense Services

For Specially Abled 

Career Entrance Exam 

UPSC CDS, UPSC NDA

About Career 

1. Indian Air Force protects and secures India's airspace from potential threats of aerial aggression of other nations, from potential terrorist attacks, and from unauthorized use of India's airspace by any aircraft or other unmanned aerial vehicles (such as drones). 

2. Indian Air Force gets engaged in aerial warfare when any armed conflict develops between or among nations.

3. The Air Force also carries out missions to put a deterrent to enemy attacks as well as for any pre-emptive measures required to neutralise threats from other nations or terrorist organisations.

4. Indian Air Force also has the capabilities for rapid search and rescue missions, evacuation of distressed people from dangerous territories, and airlifting people from a warzone or areas of military operations or terrorist attacks.

5. During full-scale wars or at other times, Indian Air Force provides air support to the Indian Army and Indian Navy. During natural calamities such as flood and earthquake, Indian Air Force has the capability to deliver relief supplies and evacuate people.

6. As an Airman serving in the Air Force you will be expected to perform an array of jobs in your specific trade. On the basis of your performance in the Joint Basic Phase Training (JBPT) at Basic Training Institute, Belgaum a particular trade will be allotted to you.

7. Basic combatant training is imparted to all the recruits and this includes educational training, basic discipline and manners, weapon training etc. After successful completion of basic training, you will be trained in the specific trades. PT, Parade and games are integral part of the training and service life.

8. Depending on whether you are in Group X or Y, you will be associated with either technical or non-technical trades.

9. Technical trades in Group X include fitter trades specifically automobile, electronics, electrical, mechanical etc. Technical trades in Group Y include communication technicians and automobile technicians.

10. However, depending on service requirements, you may be assigned other jobs as required by your superior authorities and exigencies (jobs urgent in nature) of service.

Key Roles and Responsibilities:

Depending on which trade you are selected for, as an Airman you will be engaged in one or more of the following or related activities: -

1. You will be engaged in operational matters and supervision of air operations activities.

2. You will be involved in supervision of administrative and ground operations activities.

3. You will be assisting in infrastructure development and technical works pertaining to the IAF

4. You will be engaged in supervision of maintenance activities.

5. You will be engaged in inspection and flight safety activities.

6. You will be involved in higher level interaction with Civil Aviation Departments on all matters.

7. You will be involved in planning and procurement for the IAF.

8. You will be engaged in implementation of policies on all in-service training and services in IAF.

9. You will be involved in the sanctions of various types of payments under travel Regulations in respect of all categories of civilians personnel serving in Air HQ (Head Quarters) and units directly under Air HQ.

10. You will be assisting in maintaining high operational preparedness for defense of the Indian airspace in coordination with Army and Navy personnel.

11.You will be responsible for assisting in the smooth functioning of the IAF as a whole.

Career Entry Pathway 

Class 10 – physical, medical and visual tests

After completing Class 10, you will be eligible to join the forces as a tradesman in the Group Y Musician trade based on your performance in physical, medical, music skills and visual tests. However, you will have to be proficient in playing any of the following musical instruments specifically Trumpet, Violin, Bass, Clarinet, Saxophone, Jazz-Drum, Euphonium, Bass Trombone, Piccolo, Guitar, Key Board, Viola, Sarod, Contra Bass (String Bass), Cello.

Class 10 – training at any ITI or similar institutions - physical, medical and visual tests

After completing Class 10 then training at any Industrial Training Institute (ITI), National Skill Training Institute (NSTI), Regional Vocational Training Institute (RVTI), National Vocational Training Institute (NVTI), Industrial Training Center (ITC), Workshop Training Institute (WTI) or other vocational institutes for Electrical/Electronics/Mechanical or related trades, you will be eligible for joining the forces as a tradesman in the Group Y arm of trades (all except Medical Assistant and Musician). However, you will have to secure minimum 50% marks in English in Class 10.

Class 10 – Class 11-12 - physical, medical and visual tests

After completing Class 11-12, you will be eligible to join the forces in the Group X arm (all trades except Educational Instructor) based on your performance in physical, medical and visual tests. However, 50% aggregate marks and 50% marks in English is necessary to apply.

Class 10 – Class 11-12 - physical, medical and visual tests

After completing Class 11-12, you will be eligible to join the forces as a tradesman in the Group Y arm of trades (all except Medical Assistant and Musician) based on your performance in physical, medical, and visual tests. However, you will have to secure minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English in Class 11-12.

Class 10 - Class 11-12 - physical, medical and visual tests

After completing Class 11-12, you are eligible to join the forces as a tradesman in the Group Y ‘Medical Assistant’ trade based on your performance in physical, medical and visual tests. However, you will have to secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and 50% marks in English in Class 11-12.

Class 10 – 3 year Diploma in any stream of Engineering - physical, medical and visual tests

After completing Class 10 then a 3 year Diploma in any stream of Engineering from any Polytechnic or affiliated colleges, you will be eligible to join the forces as a tradesman in the Group X arm (all trades except Educational Instructor) based on your performance in physical, medical and visual tests. However, you will need to secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and 50% marks in English in Diploma or Class 10 if English is not a subject in Diploma Course.

Class 10 - Class 11-12 – lateral entry to 2nd year Diploma course in any Engineering stream - physical, medical and visual tests

After completing Class 11-12, you can go for directly enter into the 2nd year of any Diploma course in an Engineering branch through lateral entry route in any Polytechnic or affiliated colleges. After completing your Diploma, you will be eligible to join the forces as a tradesman in the Group X arm (all trades except Educational Instructor) based on your performance in physical, medical and visual tests. However, you will need to secure a minimum of 50% aggregate marks and 50% marks in English in Diploma or Class 10/Class11-12 if English is not a subject in Diploma Course.

Class 10 – Class 11-12 – B. A / B. Sc / BCA degree – B. Ed degree - physical, medical and visual tests

After completing Class 11-1, you can finish your graduation in any discipline specifically a B. A. (Bachelor of Arts) or B. Sc (Bachelor of Science) or B. C. A. (Bachelor of Computer Applications) degree with 50% aggregate marks. Then you need to pass your B. Ed (Bachelor of Education) degree with at least 50% aggregate marks too. Then you will be eligible to join the forces as a tradesman in the Group X ‘Educational Instructor’ trade based on your performance in physical, medical and visual tests. For B. A. graduates, it is compulsory to have English as one of the subjects during graduation. For B. Sc degree holders, it is compulsory to have Physics/ Psychology/ Chemistry/ Mathematics/ IT / Computer Science/ Statistics as one of the subjects during graduation.

Class 10 – Class 11-12 – B. A / B. Sc / BCA degree – M. A. / M. Sc / MCA – B. Ed degree - physical, medical and visual tests

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After completing Class 10 with subjects then Class 11-12 in any stream, you can finish your graduation with a B. A. (Bachelor of Arts) or B. Sc (Bachelor of Science) or B. C. A. (Bachelor of Computer Applications) degree. Then you go for a post graduation specifically a MA in English/ Psychology or M.Sc in Mathematics/ Physics/ Statistics/ Computer Science/ IT or MCA with 50% marks in aggregate. Then you need to pass your B. Ed (Bachelor of Education) degree with at least 50% aggregate marks too. Then you will be eligible to join the forces as a tradesman in the Group X ‘Educational Instructor’ trade based on your performance in physical, medical and visual tests.

Required Qualification & Competencies 

You can join the Air forces as an Airman if you have any level of education from Class 10 to post graduation. However, specific trades will be allotted to you depending upon your level and discipline of education.

English is a mandate and has to be one of your compulsory subjects either in Class 10 or Class 11-12 or Diploma or Graduation. You will study Class 11-12 and in any discipline while graduating like Physics, Psychology, Chemistry, Mathematics, IT, Computer Science, Statistics, English, History, Geography, Computer Applications, Geology, Life Science etc.

After Class 10, you can:

1. Directly join the forces

2. Go for ITI training

3. Go for a Diploma course

4. Complete Class 11-12

After Class 11-12, you can:

1. Directly join the forces.

2. Go for lateral entry into Engineering Diploma courses.

3. Complete graduation (B. A. / B. Sc / B. C. A)

After graduation, you can:

1. Directly join the forces.

2. Go for post-graduation (M. A. / M. Sc / M. C. A)

3. Go for B. Ed course.

The electrical/electronic/mechanical or IT trades that will be considered are:

1. Mechanical Engineering

2. Electronics and Avionics

3. Instrumentation Engineering / Technology

4. Mechanical Engineering (Design & Drafting)

5. Electronics

6. Applied Electronics

7. Electronics & Communication Engineering

8. Mechanical Engineering (Foundry Technology)

9. Mechanical Engineering (Machine Tool Maintenance and repairs)

10. Electronics (Fibre Optics)

11. Electronics (Robotics)

12. Electronics and Instrumentation Engineering

13. Mechanical Engineering (Refrigeration & Air Conditioning)

14. Mechanical Engineering (Tool & Die)

15. Electronics (Microprocessor)

16. Computer Science & Technology

17. (CAD/CAM Design & Robotics)

18. Mechanical (Advance Manufacturing Technology)

19. Instrumentation and Control Engineering

20. Telecommunication Engineering/Technolog

21. Information Technology

22. Computer Engineering

23. Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering

24. Industrial Electronics

25. Electrical Engineering

26. Mechanical Engineering (Production)

27. Advanced Diploma in Refrigeration & Air-conditioning

28. Mechatronics

29. Mechanical Engineering (Fabrication Tech)

30. Mechanical Engineering Electrical & Electronics Engineering

31. Computer Science & Engineering

31. Manufacturing Engineering/Technology

32. Production Engineering

33. Automobile Engineering

Competencies Required

1. You should have interests for Social Occupations. Social occupations involve helping or assisting others; these involve working with and communicating with people to provide various services; these may involve educating and advising others.

2. You should have interests for Realistic Occupations. Realistic occupations involve more practical and hands-on activities than paperwork or office work. Realistic occupations often involve physical activities for getting things done using various tools and equipment.

3. You should have knowledge of Public Safety and Security - relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to maintain law and order situations, providing state or national security for protecting geographical territories, marine territories and sky from potential enemy attacks and protecting people and properties.

4. You should have knowledge of Planning and Development - various principles, ways and processes to plan, implement, and monitor projects for human development, urban development, rural and regional development, transportation, environmental conservation and protection, etc.

5. You should have knowledge of Social and Developmental Work- various principles, theories and processes to help underprivileged or disadvantageous people develop mentally, socially and economically as well as help them to get proper healthcare and other benefits. This includes helping underprivileged or disadvantageous people get education and employment.

6. You should have Active Listening Skills - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, understanding the points being made by others, asking questions, etc

7. You should have Critical Thinking Skills - analysis of complex situations, using of logic and reasoning to understand the situations and take appropriate actions or make interpretations and inferences.

8. You should have Problem Solving Skills - analysis and understanding of problems, evaluating various options to solve the problems and using the best option to solve the problems.

9. You should have Active Learning Skills - Focused and continuous learning from various sources of information, observation and otherwise for application in getting work done.

10. You should have Coordination Skills - working together with other people to get things done.

11. You should have Physical Stamina - The ability to exert yourself physically over long periods of time without getting winded or out of breath.

12. You should have Arm-Hand Steadiness - The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

13. You should have Bodily-Kinesthetic Intelligence - The ability to coordinate the movement of your arms, legs, and bodily motion; the ability to keep or regain your body balance when in an unstable position; the ability to quickly and repeatedly bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with your body, hands, arms, fingers, or legs.

14. You should have Hearing Sensitivity - The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

15. You should have Manual Dexterity - The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

16. You should have Mental Stamina - The ability to sustain prolonged mental effort.

17. You are always or mostly disciplined in your action and behavior.

18. You are always or mostly serious about your actions and behavior.

19. You are always or mostly organized in your day-to-day life and activities.

20. You are always or mostly careful about your actions and behavior.

21. You are practical always or in most situations.

Career - Job Opportunities & Profiles 

Depending upon which trade you are selected for after successful completion of your basic training, you will be a tradesman in Group X or Group Y. Both Groups have technical and non-technical trades.

You may be recruited for a technical trade in Group X as an:

1. Automobile Fitter

2. Electronics Fitter

3. Electrical Fitter

4. Mechanical System Fitter

5. Structures Fitter

6. Propulsion Fitter

7. Workshop Fitter(Smith)

8. Workshop Fitter (Mechanical)

9. Weapon Fitter

You may be recruited as an Education Instructor in the non-technical arm of Group X.

You may be recruited as a Communication Technician or an Automobile Technician in the technical arm of Group Y.

You may be recruited for a non-technical trade in Group Y as an:

1. Admin Assistant

2. Accounts Assistant

3. Medical Assistant

4. Logistics Assistant

5. Environment Support Services Assistant (ESSA)

6. Operations Assistant

7. Meteorological Assistant

8. Ground Training Assistant

9. Indian Air Force (Police)

10. Indian Air Force (Security)

11. Musician

Career Growth

1. The initial period of engagement in the Indian Air Force is 20 years, and this is extentable up to the age of 57 years. Promotions up to the rank of Master Warrant Officer (MWO) exist.

2. The hierarchy of ranks among Airmen is as follows: Aircraftsman, Leading Aircraftsman, Corporal, Sergeant, Junior Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer, Master Warrant Officer, Honorary Flying Officer, Honorary Flight Lieutenant.

3.  Promotion of Aircrafts men to the rank of Corporal and Sergeant is based on success in promotion examinations and completion of minimum length of service.
Policy for further promotions of Aircrafts men to the rank of Junior Warrant Officer, Warrant Officer and Master Warrant Officer is on the basis of merit-cum-seniority.
Remustering is a process of change of trade during the career of airmen. The individual can opt for remustering as a means of career progression or due to medical problems.

4. The IAF has earned its name in various peacekeeping missions around the world and is therefore tasked for many such missions abroad. There are postings to various countries on different assignments. The selection criteria are strictly as per merit.

5. All Airmen are given financial up gradation on completion of 10 years & 20 years of qualifying service.

6. Service Entry Commission has the following requirements. Airmen belonging to the rank of Sergeant & above with minimum 10 years of service and not less than 34 and up to 42 years of age get the opportunity to become a Commissioned Officer in the Indian Air Force.

7. Honorary Commission is granted either on Republic Day and Independence Day each year to selected MWOs/WOs in the last year of their service before retiring. On grant of Honorary Commission, they are eligible for higher scales of pay and allowances.

8. Post-Retirement benefits include Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), pension, and gratuity. Specific Pre-Release Courses (PRC) are also arranged to enable Airmen to take up careers post their retirement. Besides, Airmen also get relaxation in age and reservation in government services as ex-servicemen.

Salary Offered  

During training, a stipend of Rs. 14,600/- per month will be paid.

Group ‘X’ (Technical) Trade

1. Rs. 33,100/- per month (approximately) plus DA (as applicable) which, in subsequent years, may rise as per the career progression of the individual.

Education Instructor Trade (Sgt)

2. Rs. 40,600/- per month (approximately) plus DA (as applicable) which, in subsequent years, may rise as per the career progression of the individual.

Group ‘Y’ (Non-Technical) Trades

2. Rs. 26,900/- per month (approximately) plus DA (as applicable) which, in subsequent years, may rise as per the career progression of the individual.

3. Allowances such as Transport allowance, Leave Ration allowance (LRA), Children's Education Allowance, Composite personal maintenance allowance (CPMA), HRA, etc. are there.

4. Perks such as clothing, ration, accommodation, medical facilities, transport for school-going children, canteen facilities, recreational facilities, leave (60 days annual and 30 days casual in a calendar year), and Leave Travel Concession (LTC) are also provided as per the existing rules. Facilities of Group Housing Scheme and Group Insurance Cover of Rs. 37.5 Lakhs at a premium of Rs. 2300/- per month are also there for all airmen. Air Force Wives Welfare Association (AFWWA) also extends other facilities to the families of airmen.

5. According to the 7th Central Pay Commission (CPC), the following is the pay structure. The figures include a revised MSP (Military Service Pay) rate of Rs. 5200 a month.

6. Aircraftsmen/Leading Aircraftsmen may expect around Rs. 26900 as the starting basic pay a month.

7. Corporals may expect around Rs 30700 as the starting basic pay a month.

8. Sergeants may expect around Rs 34400 as the starting basic pay a month.

9. Junior Warrant Officers may expect around Rs 40600 as the starting basic pay a month.

10. Warrant Officer may expect around Rs. 50100 as the starting basic pay a month.

11. Master Warrant Officer (MWO) may expect around Rs 52800 as the starting basic pay a month.

12. Honorary Flying Officers may expect around Rs 61300 as the starting basic pay a month.

13. Honorary Flight Lieutenant may expect around Rs 66500 as the starting basic pay a month.

Monthly Earning in Indian Rupee
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1. Entry level: 0 - 2 years of work experience

2. Junior Level: From 1 to 12 years of work experience

3. Mid-Level: From 5 to 20+ years of work experience

4. Senior Level: From 10 to 25+ years of work experience (there could be exceptions in some high-end technical, financial, engineering, creative, management, sports, and other careers; also in the near future, people will reach these levels much faster in many careers and in some careers, these levels will have no meaning as those careers will be completely tech skill driven such as even now, there is almost no level in a Cyber Security Expert’s job)

Famous Personalities 

Not Available

Work Activities 

1. Addressing grievances and resolving conflicts: Handling complaints and grievance to resolve; resolving conflicts among co-workers or others at workplace or outside in relation to your work.

2. Analysing and interpreting data and information: Analysis of data and information to find facts, trends, reasons behind situations, etc.; interpretation of data to aid in decision-making.

3. Assessing and determining compliance with standards, laws, rules and guidelines: Using relevant information, auditing information, processes and systems to determine whether organisations or people are complying with standards, laws, rules and guidelines.

4. Assessing and evaluating quality: Assessing and evaluating quality of materials, systems, processes, products, services, etc.

5. Coaching and developing: Identifying training and professional development needs of others; coaching and training them to develop skills to perform tasks and improve performance.

6. Communicating with co-workers and others: Communicating with people in writing, verbally or otherwise inside your workplace and various other people who have professional relationships with your place of work including vendors, government officials, etc. or with people at large.

7. Decision making and problem solving: Analysis of data and information; evaluation of alternative decisions and results of decisions; taking the right decisions and solving problems.

8. Defending and protecting land, air, and sea: Providing defence to potential enemy attacks to land, air and sea; securing and protecting people and geographical regions.

9. Developing and maintaining inter-personal relationships: Developing professional relationships with co-workers and others outside organisations and maintaining good relationships.

10. Estimating quantity, cost, time and resources: Estimating sizes, volumes, distance, and quantity; estimating and determining time, costs, and resources; estimating materials required to perform a task.

11. Exercising physically: Exercising physically using various methods, techniques, equipment and devices; exercising using a fitness regime; running.

12. Getting Information and learning: Observing, hearing, reading, using computers, or otherwise obtaining information and learning from it.

13. Handling administrative activities: Handling various administrative tasks and managing day-to-day operations.

14. Handling and moving objects and materials: Using hands or otherwise use physical strength to handle and move objects and materials; manoeuvre, install, lift, place, manipulate, etc.

15. Identifying objects, actions, and events: Identifying various characteristics of objects; observing and understanding actions and events; understanding changes in actions and events.

16. Inspecting equipment, systems, structures, and materials: Inspecting equipment, systems, structures, and materials to ascertain quality, performance, defects, causes of errors, etc.

17. Inspecting situations, events, and people: Inspecting situations, events and people to understand the reasons and causes for the situation or events to happen; inspecting people to understand reasons behind their behaviour and actions.

18. Leading: Inspiring and motivating co-workers to work to achieve specific goals; enabling and facilitating others to perform tasks effectively; addressing issues and solving problems in order to help people perform well.

19. Managing and supervising: Manging and supervising work of others; setting goals; giving instructions; monitoring work performance, etc.

20. Negotiating: Negotiating terms, conditions, costs, prices and about other issues.

21. Operating machines, equipment, devices, systems and processes: Using various methods and techniques to operate machines, equipment, devices, systems and processes in industrial and other settings.

22. Operating vehicles, mechanized devices, or other movable devices: Running, manoeuvring, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

23. Organising, planning and prioritising tasks: Planning and organising tasks in order to achieve work goals; prioritising tasks to achieve goals and making the best use of the time available.

24. Performing physical activities: Performing physical activities that require use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

25. Scheduling tasks: Scheduling project timelines, tasks and activities.

26. Securing and protecting: Providing security and protection to people and facilities.

27. Strategic planning: Developing visions and goals, developing strategies and action plans for achieving visions and goals.

28. Updating and using relevant knowledge: Keeping updated with the latest knowledge relevant to your fields of work and use of the relevant knowledge in getting things done.

29. Using computers for work: Using computers for day-to-day office work; using computer software for various applications in day-to-day professional work; entering data and process information; for writing.

30. Working in a team: Working in a team of people; developing team; maintaining professional relationships among team members.