Indian Air Force: Soldier Entry Routes

The Indian Air Force took off as a tiny fleet with four Westland Wapiti army co-operative by-planes, six RAF trained officers and 19 Hawaii Sepoys. Today, it is the fourth largest Air Force in the world with a highly technical and specialised fighting force that safeguards our skies against enemy invasions. On 8 October 1932, the Indian Air Force came into being and on 1st April 1954 Air Marshal Subroto Mukherjee; one of the founding members of the Air Force took over as the first Indian Chief of Air Staff. Air Force Academy in Delhi to provide written coaching for both technical and non technical as well.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA:AIR MEN AGE LIMIT AND EDUCATIONAL QUALIFICATION (With Effect From 01 Apr 13)

CAREER PROGRESSION

The initial period of engagement in the IAF is 20 years, which can be extended up to the age of 57 years. Promotion prospects up to the rank of Master Warrant Officer exist to the deserving airmen. Opportunities to become a Commissioned Officer also exist for those airmen who qualify the prescribed examination, later in their service career.

(a) Service Entry Commission.: Airmen of the rank of Sergeant & above with 10 years of minimum service and within the age limit of 34 to 42 years get the opportunity to become a Commissioned Officer in the IAF.

(b) Honorary Commission: Airmen of the rank of Sergeant & above with 10 years of minimum service and within the age limit of 34 to 42 years get the opportunity to become a Commissioned Officer in the IAF.

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

PERSONALITY DEVELOPMENT

Well stocked libraries, a variety of sports facilities as well as adventure and cultural activities available at all the Air Force Establishments provide an opportunity for all round personality development.

POST RETIREMENT BENEFITS

Post-Retirement benefits include pension, Ex-Servicemen Contributory Health Scheme (ECHS), gratuity and canteen facilities. Specialised pre-release courses (PRC) are also arranged to enable airmen to take up post retirement careers. In addition, airmen get relaxation in age and reservation in Government services as ex-servicemen.

GROUP 'X' (TECHNICAL) TRADES

In this trade you are responsible for maintenance and repair of all types of light and heavy duty mechanical vehicles, cranes and loading equipment etc.

Electronics Fitter

As an Electronics Fitter you operate and maintain Radar, Voice and Data transmission and reception equipment mounted on latest airborne weapon delivery systems and ground based air defence systems. You will get trained in Digital Electronics, measuring instruments, radar technology, latest electronic devices and related trade fundaments.

Electrical Fitter

You will maintain power supply system of latest types of aircraft, airborne missiles and associated ground systems. You will also maintain photo equipment mounted on air borne weapon systems and operate ground based photo systems. You will get trained in electrical trade, operation and maintenance of digital devices, electronics devices etc.

Mechanical System Fitter

You will repair and maintain mechanical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems of airborne missiles, engines, automobiles and aircraft fuelling equipment. Complete aircraft ground support equipment will also be repaired and maintained by you. You will be trained in handling and preparation of bombs and explosives and in electrical system, workshop and mechanical trades as well as automobile mechanics.

Structures Fitter

As Structure Fitter, you are responsible for the maintenance and servicing of airframes and their accessories, components and controls of aircraft. Regular checks for the entire hydraulic and pneumatic system to ensure proper functioning against leaks are also part of your duties. You will also be assigned the responsibility of marshalling, parking, picketing and ground handling of aircraft.

Propulsion Fitter

In this trade you will repair, maintain and prepare for use the propulsion system of aircraft and other airborne weapon delivery system

Workshop Fitter (Smith)

You will undertake major structural repairs of all aircraft at central repair facilities. You will also be trained in workshop trade for material treatment, welding, heat treatment, smithy and basic machine tools etc.

Workshop Fitter (Mechanical)

You will undertake repair and maintenance work of mechanical nature. You will be trained in workshop trade and practices.

Weapon Fitter

In this trade, you will prepare, maintain and service armaments, ammunition and safety equipment of aircraft, missiles and other weapon delivery systems. You will also operate and maintain small arms and bomb destruction equipment. You will be trained to handle bombs, explosives, arms and their installation on weapon delivery platforms.

GROUP 'X' (NON-TECHNICAL) TRADES

Education Instructor

In this trade, you will prepare, maintain and service armaments, ammunition and safety equipment of aircraft, missiles and other weapon delivery systems. You will also operate and maintain small arms and bomb destruction equipment. You will be trained to handle bombs, explosives, arms and their installation on weapon delivery platforms.

GROUP 'Y' (NON-TECHNICAL) TRADES

Adm Assistant

As an Admin Assistant you will maintain and analyse records, files and information of personnel. You will also manage ration supplies, cook houses and messes.

Accts Assistant

As an Accounts Assistant you will record and manage accounting of pay and allowances, equipment, logistics transactions, public fund and cash flow etc.

Medical Assistant

You are made familiar with nursing and first-aid. You are also involved in management of medical stores, dispensaries and ward supervision.

Logistics Assistant

As a Logistics Assistant, you are involved in the procurement, storage and handling inventory control as well as accounting of military stores.

Environment Support Services Assistant (ESSA)

This job involves maintenance of the firefighting section. It also requires that you ensure the upkeep of hygiene of Air Force Campus.

Ops Assistant

As an Ops Assistant you will operate various systems of Air Traffic Control Centre, Air Field and Air Defence System. You will be trained in operation of Radars, Display Units, reporting and tracking procedures of airborne weapon systems etc.

Meteorological Assistant

If you are a Meteorological Assistant, you are trained to undertake weather observation and to maintain meteorological instruments. You are also responsible for plotting of charts, taking balloon observations and compilation of weather summaries.

Environment Support Services Assistant (ESSA)

This job involves maintenance of the firefighting section. It also requires that you ensure the upkeep of hygiene of Air Force Campus.

Ground Training Instructor

As a Ground Training Instructor, you will train personnel on drill, parade, handling of arms and physical exercise. You are also responsible for organizing and conducting all games and sports activities.

Indian Air Force (Police)

In the position of Indian Air Force (Police) your responsibilities involve assuming police duties and investigation of offences. You are also in-charge of maintenance of security.

Indian Air Force (Security)

As an Indian Air Force (Security) tradesman, you are to undertake special operations and carry out high level security operations.

Musician

As a Musician you will become a part of the Air Force Band. You will be trained to play different musical instruments.