Surgical Strike 2.0: Here's how to become an Indian Air Force fighter pilot

The Indian Air Force (IAF) destroyed the Pakistan-based terror camps and launch pads of Jaish-e-Mohammed across Line of Control (LoC) by dropping 1000 kg bombs in the wee hours. As the reports started pouring in, the nation rejoiced the mission, calling it a befitting reply to dastardly terror attack of JeM in Pulwama.

The Indian Air Force pilots who carried out the mission were congratulated by eminent personalities like Congress President Rahul Gandhi, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal and West Bengal CM, Mamta Banerjee among others for their bravery and successful completion of the task. Soon they will be honoured with gallantry awards.

If the valour of the IAF pilots have ignited you, here's how to join Indian Air Forces and be at the duty of the nation.

A person can become an officer in the Indian Air Force at one of the following levels

1. 10+2: (Direct entry) This level is for men only. All males who have completed their 12th standard from science stream may join the National Defence Academy through an entrance exam conducted by UPSC twice every year, May and december. Candidates  get a three-year common training at NDA, and are then shifted to AFA for basic Flying Training, prior to commissioning.  Candidates should be aged between 16 and a half and 19 and a half years.

2. Graduate: Graduates can join any of the IAF's branches. Candidates who are shortlisted after selection undergo training at one of the IAF training institutes, after which they are commissioned and posted. Advertisement for CDSE comes out in the months of July and November. Candidates should be aged between 20 and 24 years.

3. AFCAT: is the biggest test conducted to induct both men and women as officers in all the three branches of IAF, i.e. Flying, Technical and Ground Duty. AFCAT is conducted twice every year; June and December and includes an added test called EKT (Engineering Knowledge Test) for Technical branch aspirants.  Candidates should be aged between 20 and 24 years.

Favoured degrees include Aeronautical Engineering, Electronics etc.      

Women can join any branch of the IAF but are only eligible for a Short Service Commission (14 years). Also, women fighter pilots are not currently allowed in the IAF even though helicopter and transport pilots are.

Selection of candidates into the Air Force occurs through screening of applications followed by a test that accesses the candidates knowledge in subjects like General Awareness, English, Mathematics, Physics and Mlitary aptitude. The screening test is followed by intelligence, psychological tests, group discussions and a medical examination. Candidates who excel in all the processes are finally selected to the permanent commission.

The major training academy is Air Force Academy (AFA), located in Dundigal, Hyderabad.