As India marks Air Force Day 2024 on October 8, a tribute to the valour and dedication of the nation's guardians in the sky, we asked veterans who have proudly donned the uniform what it takes to get the job done. While technical prowess and rigorous training are undeniably vital, retired Air Force officers emphasize that the essence of being an Air Force officer extends far beyond mere qualifications. In conversations with these veterans, Moneycontrol uncovered the intangible qualities that define true leadership in the skies—integrity, resilience, and a steadfast commitment to service.
What it takes to be an IAF officer: Leadership qualities; no place for complacency
In his 25 years of service in the Indian Air Force (IAF), Wing Commander Yogesh Sharma (Retd) observed that a ‘must have’ for candidates aspiring for the IAF is strong leadership qualities combined with a sense of integrity and discipline. He said candidates should also exhibit a willingness to learn and adapt, as the aviation field is constantly evolving.
“Emotional resilience and the ability to handle stress are crucial, given the high-stakes environment in which IAF personnel operate,” Sharma, who is currently GM of Security and Operations at Artemis Hospitals, told Moneycontrol. He added that candidates must avoid complacency in their preparation and mindset.
“It’s important to recognize that the journey to joining the Indian Air Force is highly competitive and rigorous. Many candidates might be tempted to rely on their past achievements or initial success, but this can lead to a lack of motivation or effort,” Sharma said.
What it takes to be an IAF officer: Team spirit; no room for cynicism
Air Vice Marshal Amit Aneja (Retd) served from 1976 to 2013, and retired as Assistant Chief of Air Staff (Training). In his 37 years of service, Aneja noted there are a few essential traits needed to become an IAF officer.
This includes a sense of pride in your country including self-belief and self-pride, commitment, fire in the belly, self-discipline, positive attitude, and more importantly team spirit.
He said there is no place for traits such as cynicism and “chalta hai attitude”.
“Air Force is not a job but a way of life. It needs average people with an extraordinary commitment to contribute to the well-being of their nation and unwavering respect for the country's flag. You need a strong belief in yourself and your team. Nothing, then, is impossible,” Aneja said.
What it takes to be an IAF officer: Adaptability; overconfidence will be damaging
For Asok Taru Das who served in the IAF for 15 years, adaptability is key because the environment is ever-changing, and candidates must be ready to make decisions under pressure.
“But above all, it’s the will never to give up, no matter the challenges ahead, that defines a successful Air Force officer,” he said, adding that while physical fitness and technical skills are crucial, the real cornerstone of success in the Indian Air Force is mental fortitude.
Overconfidence or letting your guard down can be dangerous, especially in an organization where precision and alertness are critical. It’s important to stay grounded, remain humble, and be aware that every day is an opportunity to learn and grow, Das added.
What it takes to be an IAF officer: Prepare for anything
To excel as a candidate for the IAF, candidates need to immerse themselves in the IAF’s core values and mission, according to Binu Jacob, who served in the IAF for six years and is currently MD and CEO of product engineering company Experion Technologies.
Jacob said that a key point to remember is that when you're taken into the forces, your stream may not be of your choosing. You might want to work with aircraft but could be assigned to missiles or radars instead.
“Don’t start cribbing that your fate is bad—every role in the IAF is vital and interconnected. Don't bad-mouth anyone you think is inferior to you; instead, consider everyone your comrade. Tolerance is essential, as the IAF is a family, and building unity within your squadron is crucial. Every role complements another, and the strength of the force comes from working together seamlessly,” Jacob said.
How to become an IAF officer: Technical requirements
The journey begins with meeting specific eligibility criteria. Candidates must hold a graduate degree in any discipline, with the added requirement of studying Physics and Mathematics at the 10+2 level for those aspiring to join the Flying Branch.
Alternatively, a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) or Bachelor of Technology (BTech) degree is also accepted for the Flying Branch. For Ground Duty positions, the requirements vary; for a job in one of the Technical Branches, you need the relevant engineering degree, while the Non-Technical Branches welcome graduates in various fields, including postgraduates in management and law.
Age limits are also an essential factor. For the Flying Branch, candidates should be between 20 and 24 years old, while those applying for Ground Duty roles can be between 20 and 26 years old, depending on the specific branch you are interested in.
Once the educational and age criteria are met, candidates must navigate the selection process. The Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) serves as the primary entry point for many branches, assessing candidates on general awareness, verbal ability, numerical ability, and reasoning skills. Those applying for technical positions may also need to take the Engineering Knowledge Test (EKT) alongside the AFCAT.
The advertisement for the National Defence Academy (NDA) is released twice a year in the months of June and December and for Combined Defence Services Examination (CDSE) in the months of July and November by UPSC.
Successful candidates from the written examination are then invited to the Services Selection Board (SSB) for a comprehensive interview process. This five-day assessment includes psychological tests, group tasks, and personal interviews designed to evaluate leadership potential, teamwork, and decision-making abilities.
After successfully clearing the SSB, candidates undergo a medical examination to ensure they meet the necessary physical and medical standards required for service. This step is crucial, as physical fitness is integral to a career in the armed forces.
Upon passing the medical examination, candidates are commissioned as Flying Officers or in their respective ground duty roles after completing rigorous training at the Air Force Academy in Dundigal, Hyderabad. The training program encompasses various aspects, including ground and flight training for aspiring pilots and specialized training for ground duty officers.
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