The Best Ways to Become Pilot in Indian Armed Forces

The aspiration of flying a fighter jet or transporting aircraft for the Indian armed forces is a dream for many people. There are several ways to achieve this goal, with each route different age groups and academic backgrounds. Here are the 8 best routes in 2025 to become a pilot in the Indian Armed Forces:

1. NDA (National Defence Academy) Entry

• Who it’s for: Students aged 16½–19½, having completed 10+2 with Physics & Math
• Process: Clear the UPSC NDA exam → 5-day SSB interview → medical + PABT/CPSS aptitude test
• Training: 3 years training at NDA, then 1 year at Air Force Academy, Dundigal
• Commission: Permanent Commission as a Flying Officer.

2. CDS (Combined Defence Services) Entry

• Who it’s for: Graduates aged 20–24 with Physics & Maths at 10+2 or engineering degrees
• Process: Clear CDS exam → SSB → medical + PABT/CPSS
• Training: 1.5 years at AFA, Hyderabad.
• Commission: Permanent/Short Service Commission.

3. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) Entry

• Who it’s for: Graduates (any discipline) with 50% in Physics & Maths at 10+2 or BE/BTech (60%)
• Process: Written AFCAT → SSB → medical + CPSS
• Training: 1.5 years at AFA.
• Commission: Short Service Commission (14 years), possible PC later

4. NCC (Air Wing ‘C’ Certificate) Special Entry

• Who it’s for: Graduates aged 20–24 with NCC Air Wing ‘C’ certificate
• Process: Direct SSB bypassing written AFCAT → then CPSS & medical
• Training & Commission: Same as AFCAT.

5. Direct Graduate (Engineering) Entry via AFCAT/CDS

• Who it’s for: Engineering graduates (B.E./B.Tech).
• Process: Clear AFCAT or CDS → SSB → CPSS → medical.
• Training: 1.5 years at AFA.
• Advantages: Engineering background enhances problem-solving & learning curve.

6. Commercial Pilot License (CPL) Holder via AFCAT

• Who it’s for: Graduates with CPL and under 26 years
• Process: Apply through the AFCAT flying branch with relaxed eligibility.
• Training & Commission: Same as NCC/AFCAT route.

7. Retired/Ex-Servicemen Pilot Entry

• Who: Ex-military personnel with flying experience.
• Route: Limited technical entry, but rarely for flying. Usually, through the AFCAT, if you meet the academic criteria.

8. Short-Term Trials & Short Service Flying (Future)

• The IAF is exploring more flexible short-service/cadet programs—stay updated on policy changes via official IAF announcements.

✈ Comparison Chart: How to Become a Pilot in the Indian Armed Forces

Route No.	Entry Type	Eligibility	Selection Stages	Branch	Training Duration
1️	NDA (National Defence Academy)	10+2 (PCM), Age: 16.5–19.5 years	NDA Written Exam → SSB → PABT/CPSS → Medical	Indian Air Force	3 years at NDA + 1 year AFA
2️	CDS (Combined Defence Services)	Graduate (Physics & Math in 10+2), Age: 19–24	CDS Written → SSB → PABT/CPSS → Medical	Indian Air Force	74 weeks at AFA
3️	AFCAT (Flying Branch)	Graduate with 60% (PCM in 10+2), Age: 20–24	AFCAT → SSB → CPSS → Medical	Indian Air Force	74 weeks at AFA
4️	NCC Special Entry (Air Wing)	NCC ‘C’ Certificate (Air Wing), Age: 20–24	Direct SSB → CPSS → Medical	Indian Air Force	74 weeks at AFA
5️	10+2 TES (Army Aviation)	10+2 (PCM), Age: 16.5–19.5, min 60%	SSB → Technical Entry → Opt for Aviation later	Indian Army (Aviation Corps)	5 years (1 yr OTA + 4 yrs tech)
6️	Direct Entry (PC/SSC Pilots)	Commercial Pilot License Holders (CPL), Age: 20–26	AFCAT → SSB → Medical	Indian Air Force	6–12 months
7️	Serving Officers (Army/Navy)	Commissioned Officers in Services	Voluntary Application → Aptitude + Medical	Army Aviation / Naval Aviation	6–12 months (Conversion)
8️	IGRUA + AFCAT Pathway	Trained CPL holders, Age: 20–24	AFCAT → SSB → CPSS → Medical	Indian Air Force	Short SSC training

✅ Key Notes:

• PABT/CPSS is a one-time qualifying test for flying aspirants.
• Medical standards are strict for flying branches (vision, height, BMI, etc.).
• Women candidates can apply through AFCAT, CDS (AFA), and NCC Special Entry.

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Training Pipeline: What Happens After Selection

1. Academy: NDA cadets start at NDA Pune; others begin at AFA Dundigal
2. Stage-wise Flight Training: For fighter, transport, or helicopter streams.
3. Wings Ceremony: Upon completion, cadets earn pilot wings and commission as Flying Officers.
4. Ongoing Development: Advanced training, simulations, and operational sorties throughout career.

Expert Tips to Strengthen Your Candidacy

• Excel Academically: Strong fundamentals in Maths, Physics, and English.
• Stay Fit: Rigorous running, strength training, and CPSS practice.
• SSB Prep: Group tasks, personality development, situational judgment.
• Mock Trials: Use sample CPSS modules and PABT practice kits
• Plan Early: NDA is ideal if you’re sure of an aviation career from 10+2; else, graduate entries offer flexibility.

Final Thoughts

Multiple pathways—NDA, CDS, AFCAT, NCC, CPL—provide robust options based on your education and timeline. Choose the one that matches your strength and ambitions.. Your journey requires:

• Discipline (both mental & physical)
• Consistency in studies and training
• Persistence, especially in competitive CPSS & SSB stages

Stay informed about vacancies like AFCAT‑2/2025 → NCC flying entries announced recently With dedication and the right strategy, your goal to fly high in the Indian Armed Forces is within reach.

FAQs for the Best Ways to Become a Pilot in Indian Armed Forces