Embarking on a career in the Indian Air Force (IAF) through the AFCAT exam opens doors to a fulfilling job profile with attractive perks. From an impressive salary to esteemed ranks and allowances, the opportunities are abundant. Joining the IAF not only offers financial stability but also a chance to serve the nation with pride and honor. Explore this article to learn more about the exciting job prospects, salary packages, ranks, and additional allowances awaiting AFCAT qualifiers.
Pay and Allowances of Officers In IAF
Officers recruited in the IAF are offered Salary according to the 7th Pay Commission of Central Government. As per the official notification, Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs 56,100/- per month during one year of training.
| Rank | Pay as Per Defence matrix | Level | MSP |
| Flying Officer | Rs 56100-177500 | 10 | Rs 15500 |
- Even before you are Commissioned as an Air Force Officer you start earning a monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100/- during the last year of your training period at any of the Air Force Training Institutions.
- The following Pay/Allowances would apply on grant of Commission to Flying Officers:
- Pay in Pay Band ( Common to all Branches ) – Rs 56,100 Per Month ( The officer will be placed in Level 10 in the Pay Matrix of 7th CPC – 56,100-1,77,500)
- Military Service Pay :- Rs 15,500 Per Month
- Other allowances such as Transport allowance, Children Education Allowance, HRA etc. are also admissible to Officers.
- In addition to pay, allowances are applicable based on the nature of duty/ place of posting and it includes Flying, Transport, Technical, Field Area, Special Compensatory (Hill area), Special Force, Siachen, Island Special Duty, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer, Area and Remote Locality Allowance, etc.
- In addition the following allowances are admissible to the newly Commissioned Officers in Flying and Technical Branches
- Flying Allowance to Flying Branch Officers.
- Technical Allowance to Technical Branch Officers.
As you grow in rank in the Air Force, your income and other entitlements also increase in harmony with your enhanced responsibilities.
- Allowances: In addition to the salary, allowances are provided based on the nature of duty or place of posting. These include Flying, Transport, Technical, Field Area, Special Compensatory (Hill area), Special Force, Siachen, Island Special Duty, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer, Area and Remote Locality Allowance, etc.
- Privileges: Air Force Officers are entitled to furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for themselves and their dependents, access to Canteen and Officers’ Mess, loans at subsidized rates, and LTC (Leave Travel Concession), with 60 days of annual leave and 20 days of casual leave, subject to service exigencies.
- Insurance: Service officers from the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) are eligible for Rs. 1.10 crore Insurance Cover upon contribution.
- Sports and Adventure: The Indian Air Force offers state-of-the-art facilities for various sports and adventure activities, including skydiving, microlight flying, mountaineering, and water rafting.
As an officer in the Indian Air Force, the sky is the limit for you. You start your career as a Flying Officer and can rise up to the rank of Air Marshal. The chosen one from the Flying Branch becomes the head of the family i.e. The Chief of the Air Staff. Rank structure for commissioned officers are.
| Rank Structure |
| Entry level |
| ⇓ |
| Executive level |
| ⇓ |
| Director level |
| ⇓ |
| Chief |
Entry Level (Junior Level)
FLYING OFFICER (FG OFFR)
Taking off a career in the Air Force, is the first rank an officer wears after successful completion of the training.
Beginning the climb, Flight Lieutenant is the next rank in the Indian Air Force hierarchy, where you play an important role as a member of a cohesive team.
Executive Level
SQUADRON LEADER (SQN LDR)
Taking on bigger responsibilities under your wings, the Squadron Leader undertakes many tasks. Now you are a senior-level supervisor.
Gearing up for the higher grounds the Wing Commander, the next higher rank, takes on additional responsibilities.
Taking charge of men and management, you as a Group Captain may command a medium-sized Air Force Station or be an important link in decision making mechanism at various IAF formations.
Director Level
AIR COMMODORE (AIR CMDE)
An Air Commodore is the next rank and as a Principal Director, you may command a large Air Force Station, or hold Staff Appointments (Senior Level) at Air HQ/Command HQ.
Only the daring few climb this high in the Air Force hierarchy. An Air Vice Marshal is responsible for making strategic decisions.
Just one step below the top of the ladder, the Air Marshal commands a lot of power.
Chief Level
AIR CHIEF MARSHAL
The top of the rank for the best of the best from the flying branch. The Air Chief Marshal heads the Air Force family and is responsible for all strategic and tactical decisions in times of peace and war.
Insurance, Loans, Medical and Other Benefits In Indian Air Force
Insurance
All Air Force personnel, including Flight Cadets are provided life insurance cover under the Air Force Group Insurance Scheme ( AFGIS). Monthly contribution rates are minimal and the insurance policy covers all contingencies. As an Air Force Officer you are insured for an amount of Rs. 1.10 crore Insurance Cover (on contribution) is applicable to serving officers. An additional cover of Rs. 15 Lakhs (on contribution) is applicable to Flying Branch Officers.
Loans
As a member of AFGIS, you can avail following loans:
- House Building Loan
- Computer Loan
- Conveyance Loan
Medical Benefits
All Air Force officers, their families and dependents have free access to medical rooms and hospitals equipped with the best of facilities. Apart from being treated at the Armed Forces Hospitals, there are also tie ups with Civil Hospitals for treatment of specialised cases, if required. Patients are also given grants for purchase of necessary medical equipment and mechanical aid to help make them self-reliant.
Scholarships and welfare schemes from AFWWA ( Air Force Wives Welfare Association)
Other Benefits
- Leave- Annual leave for 60 days and casual leave of 20 days per year
- Leave travel concessions
- Institute and Messes membership
- Accomodation
- School facilities
- Rail concessions
- Secured camp life
- CSD facilities
- Recreational and sports facilities
Educational Opportunities
- Continuous Learning: Upon joining the Air Force, individuals discover a strong emphasis on academic development. Throughout their career, from selection to retirement, they engage in continuous learning through a variety of in-service courses and educational avenues.
- Sponsorship for Higher Education: The IAF sponsors M.Tech. courses for officers of the Technical Branch at prestigious institutes like IIT and BHU-IT. Additionally, tie-ups with universities such as IGNOU enable long-distance learning opportunities for officers and airmen.
- Study Leave: Air Force personnel are granted study leave of up to 24 months, extendable up to 28 months, to pursue further education and skill enhancement.
Air Force Association Placement cell
After retirement, many Air Force personnel seek opportunities in civilian life. To assist retired personnel in finding suitable employment, the Placement Cell of the Air Force Association offers employment assistance. Acting as a liaison between employers and retirees, the Cell registers retirees, matches their profiles with employer requirements, and facilitates interviews for final selection.
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