Selection Procedure

Designed to pick out the very best, our four-step selection procedure is scientific and thorough. You can be a part of the Air Force family by going through this rigorous process and proving your mettle. If you are wondering what this process has in store for you, then click on any of the selection procedure steps below:

Step 1 - Scanning of Application
Step 2 - Testing Officer like Qualities
Step 3 - Conducting Medical Examinations
Step 4 - Preparing All India Merit List

Step 1 -Scanning of Application
The selection procedure begins immediately after you send your application forms to us. All application forms are first checked for eligibility after which you will receive a call letter with further instructions. For detailed information on how to apply, click here.

If you have applied to the Flying Branch through the NDA or CDSE, your applications will be sent for processing to UPSC. If you are a woman applying for the Short Service Commission or as an NCC Senior Division 'C' Certificate Holder, you move to the next step after your application has been processed.

If you have applied to the Ground Duty Branch, your application will be sent to the Air Headquarters for short listing.

If you have applied to the Technical Branch you will be required to take the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT). If you pass the EKT, you move to the next step.

Step 2 - Testing Officer like Qualities
If you have successfully cleared Step 1, you will receive a call letter to report to any one of the Air Force Selection Boards located at Dehradun, Varanasi and Mysore. At the Air Force Selection Boards, you undergo a number of psychological tests, an interview and group activities, which are collectively called the Officer Like Qualities (OLQ) Tests. These tests are designed to gauge your potential and suitability as an officer in the Armed Forces.

• The Psychological Tests are written tests that are conducted by a Psychologist.
• The Group Tests are interactive indoor and outdoor tests. We expect active physical participation from you.
• The Interview involves a personal conversation with our Interviewing Officer.

These tests will be explained to you in detail before they are conducted.

The following is the schedule for OLQ Tests:

All of the above are screening tests. If you do not make the passing grades, you are routed back home the same day. If you have applied through NDA/CDSE (for Flying Branch) there is no screening; you are tested for your second/third choice of Army and Navy.

At the conference held on the last day, all the assessors, i.e. the Psychologist, Ground Testing Officer and the Interviewing Officer, discuss your performance. Based on your performance, you will be selected for the next step.

Step 3 - Conducting Medical Examinations
If you have applied for the Flying branch and are found suitable by the Selection Board, you would be sent to the Air Force Central Medical Establishment, New Delhi or the Institute of Aviation Medicine, Bangalore for a thorough medical examination.

If you have applied for the Technical or Ground Duty Branches and are found suitable , you would be asked to return home and await a call for a medical examination depending upon your position in the merit list.

Step 4 -Preparing All India Merit List
An All India merit list is compiled on the basis of your performance at the group tests as well as the medical examination. If you qualify the merit list, depending upon vacancies, you are instructed to go to the training academy.

Click here to know more about the different training establishments and the way of life that is awaiting for you in the Indian Air Force.