10 Indian Air Force Jobs with High Pay and Exciting Careers

Indian Air Force Jobs | An Overview

Serving the country as an air warrior is a dream of many, but only a few cut. As a matter of fact, from airmen to administrative officers, Air Force jobs give you exposure that is distinct from civilian life. However, owing to the number of positions targeted to be filled each year, the Indian Air Forces conducts several exams and recruitment rallies. Keep reading to learn all about Indian Air Force jobs for the 12th pass and more.

Top Indian Air Force Jobs & Salary that you must know of!

Indian Air Force jobs come with great possibilities and responsibilities. If you think you have what it takes to be an air warrior, here’s your chance to know all about it and the Indian Air Force salary!

1. Fighter pilot

One of the most amazing jobs in the Indian Air Force is a fighter pilot. Believe it or not, the charm of flying supersonics is a different feeling. The position of a fighter pilot pays exceptionally well. However, as impressive as it is to be a fighter pilot, getting into the flying branch is comparatively harder than the rest. However, you can clear the test stages with hard work and passion.

Salary range: The salary for a fighter pilot ranges from 18L to 30L per year.

2. Technical officer

If you have completed or are pursuing an engineering degree, a career as a technical officer in the Air Force is a super hit. Wondering why? Well, you get to work with advanced technologies while being in charge of impeccable supersonics. This is one of the most incredible Air Force jobs, from ensuring that the avionics and other technical systems are functioning properly to checking up on the missiles.

Salary range: The Air Force technical officer’s salary per month is around INR 7L – 9L.

3. Air Intelligence officer

Intelligence is a key part of the Armed Forces. Without accurate intelligence information, proceeding on a mission is risky. While India has its intelligence wings like the R&AW, IB, and NIA – the military establishments have their own intelligence wings for additional assistance. The Directorate of Air Intelligence is the intelligence arm of the Indian Air Force.

As a matter of fact, as an air intelligence officer, you are responsible for

Direct management and planning out the activities.
To collect, exploit, analyze and produce intelligence information.
Detect information from people through signals, imagery, and even measurements.

The life of an air intelligence officer is nothing short of an adventure.

Salary range: The average annual salary starts from 11.5 – 13.5 LPA. This post’s pay band is INR 44,900 – 1,42,400.

4. Administration officer

One of the most opted branches of the Indian Air Force jobs, as an administration officer, you get exposure to many things. Administration officers are in charge of the Air Traffic Control (ATC), where they are responsible for monitoring and directing the movement of the aircraft on the ground and in the air by using radars, computers, and other advanced technologies. In addition to this, administration officers are also responsible for the operation of Flight Controllers (FC). Here, you have to give clearance to enter controlled airspace and hand off aircraft control to en-route controllers. All in all, administration officers are responsible for ensuring smooth sorties and missions while making tactful decisions.

Salary range: Approximately INR 10 – 30 LPA (for employees with experience between 14 years to 32 years)

5. Accounts officer

No corporate or military organization is complete without its accounts department. To be an accounts officer in the Indian Air Force is simply class apart. As an accounts officer, your responsibilities will be huge. From acting as an internal auditor to ensuring a zero-defect audit from outside agencies, hassle-free accounts operations depend on you. In addition to this, as an accounts officer, you also have to ensure effective management of funds.

Salary range: Starting package from INR 2 LPA.

6. Logistics officer

An effortless logistics department is needed to ensure the smooth functioning of the entire establishment. As a matter of fact, the operation of the military depends on the logistics and service department. As a logistics officer in the Indian Air Force, you are responsible for inventory management and aircraft parts procurement. In addition to this, you are also responsible for all the types of equipment that come and go into the Indian Air Force stations.

Salary range: The Indian Air Force starting salary per month for a logistics officer is around INR 10.2 – 74.6 LPA.

7. Education officer

There’s a dialogue among everyone that “fauj mein mauj hai,” which means there is fun in the military. Many people believe that officers don’t have to study once they join the forces. But that’s not true! As a matter of fact, officers in the forces, be it the Indian Air Force, Indian Army, or the Indian Navy, have to study a lot. There are courses that they have to undertake, promotional exams, and much more – more than what you and I can think of. So, one of the Air Force jobs that is underrated but well-paid is that of an education officer. You can be posted to any of the squadrons or the training academies, where you will be responsible for imparting basic and advanced knowledge to the officers/trainees.

Salary range: Around 8 -10.6 LPA.

8. Meteorology officer

Weather change can happen in a friction minute. One minute, it’s sunny, the next minute, it can be cloudy. Weather changes make it difficult for our brave air warriors to fly their jets and complete the given task. Here’s when the meteorology branch comes into effect. As a meteorology officer, you assist the air traffic controllers with the weather, who further notify the fighter pilots. While this job is pretty impressive, you will also handle the world’s finest monitoring equipment and monitor the latest satellite imagery.

Salary range: Approximately INR 73,000 – 79,000 per month

9. Medical officer

Yet another high-paying Air Force job is that of a medical officer. As a medical officer, you will undergo specialized training in aviation medicine along with naval and submarine medicines, as your posting can be with Naval Aviators on the aircraft carrier ships. From equipping with the mandatory knowledge of the specific medicines to helping officers with physiotherapy, counseling sessions, and more – medical officers are responsible for the health and safety of the officers.

Salary range: Average annual salary starts from 18.0 – 19.2 LPA.

10. Military police

Lastly, another high-paying Air Force job is that of military police. While you don the uniform, you have some challenging yet impressive roles and responsibilities, such as –

Maintain order and discipline in the squadrons and prevent the breach of rules and regulations by the officers and airmen serving the Indian Air Force.
Policing and patrolling the Indian Air Force stations and squadrons.
Ensuring smooth logistics, soldiers, and convoys movement during peace and war.
Handling the prisoners of war (POWs).
Controlling stragglers and refugees in war.
Providing pilot vehicles to squadron commanders and others of equal and/or similar rank.
Providing close protection to the Chief of the Air Staff (CAS).
Assist the Army police, Naval police, and Civil police in maintaining discipline and law.

Salary range: Approximately INR 20,000 – 40,000 per month

Eligibility to get into the Air Force

The eligibility criteria have been framed based on the educational qualification, and it varies according to your level of education.

10 +2:

You can join NDA if you meet the following criteria:

Aspirants should be between the ages of 20 to 24 years.
He should be an Indian citizen.
Only male candidates are eligible.
Candidates should have completed 10 +2 in the science stream (Physics and Mathematics).

Graduates

Flying Branch – Below mentioned are the three different ways for Graduates/ Engineers to join the Flying Branch:

COMBINED DEFENCE SERVICES EXAMINATION – CDSE (ONLY MEN)

The candidates must be between the ages of 20 to 24 years.
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply
The candidates should be unmarried
Only male candidates are eligible to apply for CDSE.
The aspirants should have graduated (three years) from any discipline (with physics and mathematics in 10+2 class) from a recognized university or BE or BTech (Four-year course)
Students pursuing their final semester can apply only if they produce degree certificates issued from the university on the stipulated date.
There is no fixed cut-off percentage for CDSE entry.

NCC SPECIAL ENTRY (FOR MEN AND WOMEN)

The candidates must be between the ages of 20 to 24 years
The maximum age limit is 26 years for candidates who have a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA.
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
The candidates should be unmarried.
Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for NCC.
Aspirants should have 50% marks in 10 + 2 in the science stream (Maths & Physics).
Candidates should have graduated in any stream with a minimum aggregate of 60% from a recognized university or
The candidate should have completed BE/B Tech (Four Year Course) with a minimum aggregate of 60% from a recognized University or
The aspirants must have cleared A & B exam by Associate Membership of Institute or graduated with a minimum of an aggregate of 60% from the Aeronautical Society of India.
Students pursuing their final year or semester can apply only if they do not have any backlogs during AFSB testing. In addition, they must produce a degree certificate issued by the university on the stipulated date.

SSC ENTRY (SHORT SERVICE COMMISSION) (BOTH MEN AND WOMEN)

The candidates must be between the ages of 20 to 24 years.
The maximum age limit is 26 years for candidates who have a valid and current Commercial Pilot License issued by DGCA.
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply.
The candidates should be unmarried.
Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for SSC.
Aspirants should have 50% marks in 10 + 2 in the science stream (Maths & Physics).
Candidates should have graduated in any stream with a minimum aggregate of 60% from a recognized university.
The candidate should have completed BE/B Tech (Four Year Course) with a minimum aggregate of 60% from a recognized University.
The aspirants must have cleared A & B exam by Associate Membership of Institute or graduated with a minimum of an aggregate of 60% from the Aeronautical Society of India.
Students pursuing their final year or semester can apply only if they do not have any backlogs during AFSB testing. In addition, they must produce a degree certificate issued by the university on the stipulated date.

GROUND DUTY (NON-TECHNICAL) BRANCHES

The candidates must be between the ages of 20 to 26 years for graduates.
The candidates must be below the age of 25 and should be unmarried
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply
Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for ground duty (non-technical) branches.

GROUND DUTY (TECHNICAL) BRANCH

The candidates must be between the ages of 20 to 26 years for graduates.
The candidates must be below the age of 25 and should be unmarried
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply

Post-graduates

GROUND DUTY (NON-TECHNICAL) BRANCHES

The candidates must be between the ages of 20 to 26 years for graduates.
The candidates must be below the age of 25 and should be unmarried
Only Indian citizens are eligible to apply
Both male and female candidates are eligible to apply for ground duty (non-technical) branches.

Keep reading: Pilot training fees in the USA for Indian students

How to become an Air Force Officer?

You must undergo the established selection process to become an Air Force officer. The selection process is given below:

Written Exam

NDA and CDSE

Every year in June and December, NDA will release advertisements. In July and November, CDSE will release the advertisement by UPSC.
Aspirants may apply for the exam conducted by UPSC.

AFCAT – AIRFORCE COMMON ADMISSION TEST

Other than NDA, CDSE, and other branches, the candidates must undertake AFCAT.
The test will be conducted twice a year.
AFCAT advertisements will invite applications in June and December.
Indian Air Force conducts the written test all over India.

NCC ENTRY

Candidates who are Air Sqn NCC Senior Division with a ‘c’ certificate should apply through NCC Special Entry.

AFSB (AIR FORCE SELECTION BOARD) Testing

Upon completing stage 1, the candidate will receive a call letter requesting to report to any one of the Air Force Selection Boards situated at Dehradun, Varanasi, Gandhinagar, and Mysuru. At AFSB, you will undergo the following tests:

Stage 1 Testing (Screening Test)

Officer Intelligence Rating Test.
Picture Perception and Discussion Test.

Stage 2 Testing

Psychologists conduct written tests for candidates (Psychological Tests)
Group Tests are a combination of physical and psychological, consisting of interactive indoor and outdoor activities.
The interview will be a personal conversation between the candidate and the Interviewing Officer.
Recommended candidates who have applied for the flying branch will have to undertake the CPSS (Computerized Pilot Selection System) test.

Conduction of Medical Examination

On the recommendation of the Selection Board, a medical examination will be conducted at (AFCME) Air Force Central Medical Establishment or Institute of Aviation Medicine.

Preparation of All India Merit List

Based on the written test, AFSB interview, and medical examination, the all-India Merit List will be compiled. Then, based on the availability of joining, instructions will be issued.

Once you clear all the stages in the selection process, then you will become an Airforce Officer.

Top Air Force Institutes in India

Bali Academy, Delhi, Dehradun, and Jaipur
The Cavalier’s, New Delhi
S S Mentors, Gurgaon
Doon Defence Academy, Dehradun
The Lakshya Academy, Delhi
Col Khandelkar’s Academy, Pune
Olive Greens Institute, Chandigarh
Lt. Col Deol’s Minerva Academy, Mohali
New Ranjit Academy, Gurgaon
Nikki Academy, Indore
SSB Universal Counselling Meerut
Indian Military Academy, Dehradun
Officers Training Institute, Chennai
Nation Defence Academy, Pune

Also read: Pilot study | All you need to know

Key Takeaways

The Indian Air Force is one of the most prestigious establishments in the country.
Joining the IAF will give you distinct exposure while letting you live a life that’s unique and extraordinary.
Most of the Indian Air Force jobs pay extremely well. In addition to the package, you also get many perks like DA, travel allowances, canteen facilities, and so on.

We hope you enjoyed reading this blog post. If you have any doubts, you can reach us here.

You can also share your thoughts by leaving a comment below.

Like this blog? Read next: CDS Syllabus | 5 Things you must know for the 2022 exam

FAQs

Ques 1: Which is the most prominent Indian Air Force occupation?

Answer 1: Air Force Pilot is the most prevalent position in the Indian Air Force. However, the most common job in the Air Force is that of an airman.

Ques 2: What are the qualifications for Air Force jobs?

Answer 2: At the 10+2 level, a minimum of 60% in math and physics is required. 2) Graduates (three-year course) in any field from a recognized institution with a minimum of 60% or equivalent OR BE/B. Tech (four-year course) from a recognized university with a minimum of 60% or equivalent.

Ques 3: How can I join the Indian Air Force?

Answer 3: As a graduate, you can enter the aviation branch through the CDS test (men), the AFCAT exam (men & women), or the NCC special admission. After 10+2, you can apply by clearing the NDA/NA test.

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Aastha

Study Abroad Expert

Indian Air Force Jobs | The Best-paying and Amazing ones for you

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Indian Air Force Jobs | An Overview