How to Join the Indian Air Force as a female After 12th in 2025

There are various opportunities that IAF provides for young women who are looking to serve in the Indian Air Force. This article explains the ways you can join the IAF, eligibility criteria, various entry schemes, selection processes and career opportunities.

Eligibility Criteria for Women in the Indian Air Force

After the landmark ruling in 1992, women were able to enter and contribute significantly to the Indian Army, Air Force, and Navy. To thrive in this prestigious profession one must qualify a definite set of criteria.

Basic Requirements include:

• Indian citizen

• Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years

• Height: Minimum 152 cm

• Marital status: Unmarried

Additional requirement says that applicants should have completed +2 with subjects including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics. Students appearing in the 12th standard can also apply.

Entry Schemes for Females After the 12th

After the 12th grade there are many entry schemes available for women to enter into the privileged career in IAF. Here we explore various entry schemes including the NDA exam, AFCAT exam, Agniveer Vayu scheme and more, their eligibility criteria and the selection process required.

National Defence Academy (NDA) Entry

The NDA exam conducted by the UPSC is a primary pathway for candidates to enter IAF right after completing 12th grade. Candidates must have completed 12th grade with subjects including Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Selection process:

• Written Exam: Mathematics and General Ability

• SSB Interview: Five-day interview (includes Situation Reaction Test, Psychological assessments)

• Medical Test: Final stage before selection

The exam is conducted twice a year. During the SSB interview, a candidate’s physical and psychological abilities are evaluated to ensure the quality of enrolling in IAF.

AFCAT Entry for Female Candidates

The Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) recruits eligible candidates annually twice,in February and August.

The selection process for IAF involves a written and an interview round . Upon successful completion of the interview conducted by AFSB, the selected candidates will undergo medical tests to ensure the physical eligibility requirements

selection process

• Written Exam

• AFSB Interview

• Medical Examination

NCC Special Entry

Female candidates with an Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate from the NCC get a special entry through the NCC. They can apply for the IAF's Flying Branch.

Agniveer Vayu Scheme

Agniveer Vayu Scheme is a recent initiative by the Indian Air Force (IAF) to recruit young talents to serve the nation for a fixed term of four years.

Eligibility:

• 12th pass with at least 50 per cent marks in PCM and English

Selection process:

• Written Exam

• Physical Fitness Test

• Medical Examination

Applicants are required to clear a written exam followed by a physical fitness test. Successfully completing these stages a medical examination is conducted.

Candidates should meet the age limit and other eligibility requirements. Applications can be submitted online once the scheme is open for recruitment.

Rank Structure

There are three types of rank structure in the Indian Airforce, the first one is for an officer, the second one is for Airmen, the third one is for non-combatants known as NCs (E).

In the table given below we have given the rank structure of all the three categories along with their salary.

*The starting salary for Airmen is Rs. 26,900/- per month (approximately) plus DA (as applicable). It increases with subsequent years of service and as per the career progression of the individual. It usually goes up to around Rs.60,000 per month, if the person progresses to the rank of a Master Warrant Officer.

Conclusion

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is not just about higher salary - it is a prestigious career path offering numerous supplementary benefits. From housing facilities and medical care to extensive financial security this profession offers you with unmatched social status. Are you ready to join the Indian Air Force? Stay updated on exam dates and begin preparing today!