The Indian Air Force is one of the most prestigious branches of the Indian Armed Forces. It offers dynamic career options for 10+2, diploma holders, and graduates across technical and non-technical streams. If you’re looking for a well-paid, respected job with growth and purpose, this detailed guide on the Indian Air Force jobs list, salary, eligibility and promotion path will help you decide the best fit.
Table of Contents
✈️ Overview – Indian Air Force careers Job Categories
| Entry Level | Eligibility | Recruitment Mode | Gender |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airman (Group X/Y) | 10+2 / Diploma | STAR Exam / Rally Bharti | Male |
| Officer Cadre | 10+2 / Graduate / PG | NDA / AFCAT / CDS / NCC | Male & Female |
| Agniveer Vayu | 10+2 or Equivalent | Agnipath Scheme | Male & Female |
| Specialist Branches | MBBS / Engineering / Law | AFCAT / Direct Entry | Male & Female |
🧾 Indian Air Force Jobs List – Eligibility, Age, Salary & Promotion
| Role | Eligibility | Age Limit | Salary (Approx.) | Career Promotion |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agniveer Vayu (General Duty) | 10+2 with 50% marks | 17.5 – 21 years | ₹30,000/month (fixed) | 4-year service; Not eligible for PC |
| Airman (Group X – Technical) | 10+2 PCM / Diploma in Engg. | 17 – 21 years | ₹33,100/month + perks | Corporal → Sergeant → Warrant Officer |
| Airman (Group Y – Non-Technical) | 10+2 in any stream | 17 – 21 years | ₹26,900/month + perks | Non-tech rank promotions |
| NDA Entry (Flying Branch) | 10+2 PCM | 16.5 – 19.5 years | ₹56,100 + Flying Allow. | Flying Officer → Group Captain → Air Marshal |
| AFCAT – Flying Branch | Graduation + 10+2 PCM | 20 – 24 years | ₹56,100 – ₹1,77,500 | Promotions up to Air Chief Marshal |
| AFCAT – Ground Duty (Tech) | B.Tech / BE in specified branches | 20 – 26 years | ₹56,100 – ₹2,00,000 | Tech path with PC and command roles |
| AFCAT – Ground Duty (Non-Tech) | Graduate in any stream | 20 – 26 years | ₹56,100+ | Admin, Accounts, Education roles |
| NCC Special Entry (Flying) | Graduate + NCC ‘C’ Certificate | 20 – 24 years | ₹56,100+ Flying Allow. | Direct SSB → Training → Officer Cadre |
| Medical Officer (AMC/AFMS) | MBBS / PG in Medicine | Up to 30 years | ₹75,000+ | AMC → Lt. Gen (Medical) level |
| Legal Officer (JAG) | LLB + Bar Council Enrolment | 21 – 27 years | ₹56,100+ | JAG roles up to Air Commodore |
💸 Indian Air Force Salary Structure
| Rank | Basic Pay (₹) | Military Service Pay (MSP) | Flying Allowance (if applicable) | Total (Approx) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Agniveer Vayu | ₹30,000 (fixed) | NA | NA | ₹30,000 |
| Airman (X/Y Group) | ₹26,900 – ₹33,100 | ₹5,200 | NA | ₹35,000 – ₹45,000 |
| Flying Officer | ₹56,100 | ₹15,500 | ₹11,250 | ₹82,850+ |
| Squadron Leader | ₹69,400 | ₹15,500 | ₹17,300 | ₹1.02L+ |
| Wing Commander+ | ₹1,21,200+ | Varies | Up to ₹25,000 | ₹1.5L – ₹2.25L+ |
Perks: Free accommodation, medical, ration, insurance, children’s education support, retirement pension (PC), and canteen facilities.
🛫 Career Growth & Promotion in Indian Air Force
For Officers:
Flying Officer → Flight Lieutenant → Squadron Leader → Wing Commander → Group Captain → Air Commodore → Air Vice Marshal → Air Marshal → Air Chief Marshal
For Airmen:
Aircraftsman → Leading Aircraftsman → Corporal → Sergeant → Junior Warrant Officer → Warrant Officer → Master Warrant Officer
Promotion is based on service tenure, performance, and exams.
📥 How to Join the Indian Air Force
| Entry Type | Exam/Mode | Website |
|---|---|---|
| NDA | UPSC NDA Written + SSB | upsc.gov.in |
| AFCAT | AFCAT Exam + SSB | afcat.cdac.in |
| Airmen Entry | STAR Exam | agnipathvayu.cdac.in |
| Medical / Legal | Direct Entry / SSB | careerindianairforce.cdac.in |
✈️ Can Females Join Indian Air Force?
Yes! Women can join the Indian Air Force as officers in the Flying Branch, Ground Duty Technical, and Ground Duty Non-Technical branches through various entries like AFCAT, NDA, NCC Special Entry, and Agniveer Vayu (under Agnipath scheme).
✅ Indian Air Force Jobs for Females – Entry-wise Overview
| Entry Name | Qualification | Branch | Age Limit | Type of Commission |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NDA (From 2021) | 10+2 with PCM | Flying Branch (Permanent) | 16.5 – 19.5 years | Permanent Commission |
| AFCAT (Women) | Graduate / B.Tech | Flying, Tech, Non-Tech | 20 – 26 years | Short Service Commission |
| NCC Special Entry | Graduate + NCC ‘C’ Certificate | Flying Branch | 20 – 24 years | Short Service Commission |
| Agniveer Vayu (Women) | 10+2 or Equivalent | Non-Officer (Airman level) | 17.5 – 21 years | 4-Year Agnipath Service |
| Medical Entry (AMC) | MBBS / PG | Medical Branch | Upto 30 years | Permanent / Short Service |
🪖 Indian Air Force Jobs for Females – Role, Eligibility, Salary, and Promotions
| Role | Eligibility | Age Limit | Starting Salary (INR) | Promotion Path |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer (NDA) | 10+2 PCM | 16.5 – 19.5 yrs | ₹56,100 + Flying Allowance | Lt → Flt Lt → Sqn Ldr → Wg Cdr → Air Marshal |
| AFCAT – Flying Branch | Graduation + 10+2 PCM | 20 – 24 yrs | ₹82,850/month approx. | SSC – up to 14 yrs; PC options in future |
| AFCAT – Ground Tech | B.Tech in relevant stream | 20 – 26 yrs | ₹70,000/month approx. | Promotion to senior technical command roles |
| AFCAT – Non-Tech Branch | Graduate (Arts/Commerce/Science) | 20 – 26 yrs | ₹65,000/month approx. | Admin, Logistics, Education leadership roles |
| NCC Special Entry | Graduate + NCC ‘C’ (Air Wing) | 20 – 24 yrs | ₹82,000/month approx. | Direct entry into Flying Branch via SSB |
| Agniveer Vayu (Female) | 10+2 with 50% + English | 17.5 – 21 yrs | ₹30,000/month (Fixed) | 4-Year Service (25% may be retained post-term) |
| Medical Officer (AMC) | MBBS or Postgraduate Degree | Up to 30 yrs | ₹75,000 – ₹90,000/month | AMC promotions up to Lt. General |
💼 Career Scope for Women in Indian Air Force
Flying/Ground Duty Branches:
Flying Officer → Flight Lieutenant → Squadron Leader → Wing Commander → Group Captain → Air Commodore → Air Marshal
Agniveer Vayu (Female):
4-year tenure; eligible for absorption into regular cadre (25% based on merit)
Medical/Legal Branches:
Promotions up to Air Vice Marshal / Lt. Gen level (AMC)
Women are now eligible for:
Permanent Commission (PC) in Ground Duty roles
Command and Leadership Roles across various departments
Women now serve in:
Combat roles (Flying Fighter Aircraft)
Air Traffic Control
Technical Branches (Engineering, Signals)
Administration & Logistics
Medical & Education Services
Key Highlights:
Permanent Commission (PC) available in select branches.
Equal opportunity in SSB, training, and career growth.
Posting at elite airbases and command centers.
Access to higher military education (e.g., DSSC, NDC).
💸 Salary Benefits for Female Air Force Officers
| Rank | Basic Pay (₹) | MSP (₹) | Flying Allowance | Total Pay (Approx.) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | ₹56,100 | ₹15,500 | ₹11,250 | ₹82,850+ |
| Flight Lieutenant | ₹61,300 | ₹15,500 | ₹13,750 | ₹90,000+ |
| Squadron Leader | ₹69,400 | ₹15,500 | ₹17,300 | ₹1.05L+ |
Additional benefits:
Free accommodation
Medical facilities
Pension (for PC officers)
Canteen (CSD) access
Education allowance for children
👩✈️ Eligibility & Selection – Indian Air Force Jobs for Females
✦ AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)
For Flying & Ground Duty branches
Includes Written Exam + AFSB Interview + Medical
Women are eligible for Short Service Commission (10 years + 4-year extension)
✦ NCC Special Entry (Flying Branch)
Reserved for NCC ‘C’ Certificate holders with Air Wing background
No written exam; direct AFSB Interview
✦ Agniveer Vayu (Women)
Online STAR Exam + Physical Test + Medical
4-year service under the Agnipath scheme
🎓 How Can Females Join the Indian Air Force?
| Entry Route | How to Apply |
|---|---|
| NDA | UPSC NDA Exam + SSB Interview |
| AFCAT | Through afcat.cdac.in |
| NCC Special Entry | Apply via IAF portal if eligible |
| Agniveer Vayu | agnipathvayu.cdac.in |
| Medical (AMC) | Direct Shortlisting & SSB via AFMS |
❓ FAQs – Indian Air Force Jobs List, Salary, Eligibility
Q1. What is the minimum qualification for Indian Air Force jobs?
10+2 for Agniveer and NDA; Graduation for AFCAT entries.
Q2. What is the salary of an Indian Air Force officer?
Starts from ₹56,100 per month + allowances; goes up to ₹2.5 lakhs at senior ranks.
Q3. Can females apply for Indian Air Force jobs?
Yes, female candidates can join via AFCAT, NDA (from 2021), and Agniveer Vayu.
Q4. What are the age limits for Indian Air Force entries?
17 – 21 years for Airmen/Agniveer; 20 – 26 years for Officer Cadre.
Q5. What is the career scope in Indian Air Force?
Excellent promotion structure from Flying Officer to Air Chief Marshal based on merit and performance.
Q6. Can girls join the Indian Air Force after 12th?
Yes, through NDA (Flying Branch) or Agniveer Vayu (non-officer role).
Q7. What is the salary of a female officer in the Indian Air Force?
Starts at ₹56,100/month + allowances; can exceed ₹2.25L for senior ranks.
Q8. Can females become fighter pilots in the Indian Air Force?
Yes, women can be commissioned as fighter pilots via AFCAT and NDA.
Q9. What is the age limit for females to join IAF?
Varies: 17.5 – 21 yrs (Agniveer), 20 – 26 yrs (AFCAT), 16.5 – 19.5 yrs (NDA).
Q10. Is permanent commission available for women in IAF?
Yes, in several branches including Flying, Technical, Admin, and Education.
