How to Become Aeronautical Engineer in Indian Air Force

Becoming an Aeronautical Engineer in the Indian Air Force is a dream of many in the Indian Air Force. Airforce Legends like Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma, Group Captain Raja Talwar, and Air Marshal Deshpande have inspired millions of Indian Youth to join the Indian Air Force as an Aeronautical Engineer. In this article, we are going to discuss how a 12th pass becomes an Aeronautical Engineer in the Indian Air Force and how a Graduate can become an Aeronautical engineer in the Indian Air Force. Can girls become an Aeronautical Engineer in the Indian Air Force? and every aspect related to the Aeronautical Engineering in the Indian Air Force.

Aeronautical Engineer in the Indian Air Force

As an Aeronautical Engineer in the Indian Air Force, you will be responsible for the maintenance, repair, and overhaul of a wide range of aircraft and their systems. Your specific duties may vary depending on your specialization and rank, but here are some common job responsibilities:

Aircraft Maintenance: Inspect, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft systems, including engines, avionics, hydraulics, and electrical systems.
Quality Assurance: Ensure that all maintenance and repair work is carried out according to strict quality standards and safety protocols.
Technical Documentation: Prepare and maintain accurate technical documentation, including maintenance logs, repair records, and technical reports.
Training and Supervision: Train and supervise junior technicians and airmen.
Research and Development: Contribute to research and development projects related to aircraft maintenance and repair.

How to become an Aeronautical Engineer after 12th in Indian Air Force?

To become an Aeronautical Engineer in the Indian Air Force (IAF) after completing your 12th grade. Candidates have to either give written exams or apply for direct entries. Candidates can choose according to their preference.

Eligibility Criteria

Age: 16.5 to 19.5 years (at the time of course commencement)
Nationality: Indian
Gender: Open to both men and women

Educational Qualifications:

• Must have completed 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.
• Students appearing for the final year can also apply.

Entry Pathways

1. NDA (National Defence Academy): If you’re still in school or just passed 12th Standard. you can apply for the National Defence Academy (NDA) after 12th grade. The NDA offers a pathway to join the IAF as a flying officer.

• Conducted by the Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) twice a year.
• Successful candidates undergo a three-year training program at NDA, Khadakwasla.
• Post training, cadets are commissioned as Permanent Commission Officers in the IAF.
• Branches Available Degree Offered
• Flying Branch B.Tech
• Ground Duty (Tech) B.Tech
• Ground Duty (Non-Tech) B.Sc

Aeronautical Engineer After Graduation

If you wish to join the Indian Air Force as an Aeronautical Engineer after completing your graduation, here are the necessary steps:

Eligibility Criteria

Age: 20 to 26 years (at the time of course commencement)
Nationality: Indian
Marital Status: Candidates below 25 years must be unmarried.

Educational Qualifications:

Must hold a B.Tech/B.E. degree in Aeronautical Engineering or a related field with a minimum of 60% marks.
Final-year students can apply if they do not have any current backlogs and can provide a provisional/original degree certificate.

1. AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test):

• Entry into the Ground Duty (Technical) Branch is through AFCAT.
• AFCAT notifications are released in June and December.

Educational Qualification for Aeronautical Engineering Branch

• Aeronautical Engineering B.Tech/B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering
• Mechanical Engineering B.Tech/B.E. in Mechanical Engineering
• Electrical Engineering B.Tech/B.E. in Electrical Engineering
• Electronics Engineering B.Tech/B.E. in Electronics Engineering

More about the Aeronautical Engineering Branch in IAF

In Indian Air Force Aeronautical Engineering is divided into two branches – Mechanical and Electrical.  Mechanical Branch –

• Responsible for aircraft and its weapon system.
•  They are responsible for operational readiness of aircraft.

Electronic Branch

• Maintain most sophisticated electronic networks of communications from ground to air and vice versa
• Install, maintain, operate defense radar systems and other electronic gadgets, sophisticated computers.
• maintain and operate other ground defense electronics equipment.