The Indian Air Force (IAF) and Indian Navy have distinct eligibility criteria for various entry schemes. Generally, both require candidates to be Indian citizens, and unmarried for certain age groups. Educational qualifications vary depending on the specific entry, but typically include 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics for technical roles and graduates for other roles. Age limits also differ based on the entry and branch.
Indian Air Force (IAF) Eligibility
1. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test):
Age: 20–24 years for Flying Branch, 20–26 years for Ground Duty (Technical and Non-Technical)
Gender: Both men and women are eligible
Educational Qualification: Varies by branch
Flying Branch: A Bachelor’s degree with 60% marks in Physics and Mathematics is required
Ground Duty (Technical): May require specific engineering degrees or cleared Sections A & B of the Institution of Engineers
Ground Duty (Non-Technical): Requires a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline
Marital Status: Unmarried for those below 26 years for Ground Duty (Technical) and below 25 for Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
2. NDA (National Defence Academy):
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Gender: Only men are eligible for NDA entry
- Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
- Branches: Flying, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical)
Indian Navy Eligibility
1. NDA (National Defence Academy):
- Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years
- Gender: Only men are eligible for NDA entry
- Educational Qualification: 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics
2. 10+2 (B.Tech) Entry:
- Age: Not specified in the provided search results, but the course commences in the Spring and Autumn terms
- Gender: Not specified in the provided search results, but the entry is open to both men and women according to the Join Indian Navy
- Educational Qualification: 12th pass with 70% in PCM and 50% in English
- Additional Requirement: JEE (Main) rank is required
For more information visit the official websites:
Summary
The Indian Air Force recruits through AFCAT and NDA. For AFCAT, candidates aged 20–24 (Flying) and 20–26 (Ground Duty) with relevant degrees are eligible; both genders can apply. NDA entry requires males aged 16.5–19.5 with 10+2 (PCM). The Indian Navy also offers NDA and 10+2 (B.Tech) entries. NDA entry is for males aged 16.5–19.5 with 10+2 (PCM). The 10+2 B.Tech entry is open to both genders, requiring 70% in PCM, 50% in English. Marital status for IAF restricts married applicants under 25/26 depending on the branch.
