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Procedure to join Flying Branch
Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) - Union Public Service Commission conducts this exam only for unmarried men. There will be psychological tests, group tests and personal interview for candidates who qualify in the written examination. Those who join flying branch through this scheme will be given permanent commission. Interested candidates in the age group of 19 and 23 years can apply for this exam during the months of April and September every year.
National Cadet Corps Special Entry - This special entry scheme is for the unmarried male candidates having C certificate in NCC Air Wing Senior Division. Selected candidates can join through permanent commission. There is no written examination for joining flying branch through this scheme but there will be personal interview which will be conducted by Service Selection Board (SSB). Minimum of 60% marks is required for B.Tech course to apply through this scheme. The specified age limit to apply through this special entry scheme is between 19 and 23 years.
Flying (Pilot) Short Service Commission - Both unmarried men and women can apply through this scheme if they possess minimum of 60% marks during their B.Tech course. Age limit specified for this scheme is between 19 and 23 years while Commercial Pilot Licence (CPL) holders can claim an upper age limit up to 25 years. Candidates can forward their application during the months of December and June every year to the concerned Command Head Quarters. They should qualify in the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT).
Procedure to join Technical Branch
Direct Entry Scheme - Men and Women candidates having their age between 18 and 28 years can apply through this scheme. The age of unmarried applicants should be below 25 years. To apply through this scheme, one should have minimum of 60% marks in their B.Tech course.
University Entry Scheme (UES) - Those who are studying in the final semester of B.Tech course can apply through this scheme. Such candidates should have minimum of 60% aggregate up to last semester at the time of applying for or during AFSB testing. Also, they should not have any backlogs during the previous semesters. It is mandatory that they should obtain minimum of 60% aggregate on successful completion of B.Tech course. Only men candidates can forward their application as this scheme is under permanent commission.