Airman - How to become a Airman

Importance and Responsibilities attached with the job of an Airman

If you have the desire to give your country more then you desire to have from it.
And if you think that you are made for your country and not the country for you, If your are looking to join a passion rather then a profession and if you think that your mother land is above all for you. Then this is the career for you otherwise look for something more lucrative to live a comfortable and cozy life in your drawing room with your family and friends. By knowing these facts one may think that there will not be any taker of this profession rather passion. But it is not so, at least the crowd outside the written exams centers does not vouch for that. Country is full of young one’s who are ready to die for their country. Like in any other profession competition is really cut throat to join Indian Air force as an Airman too. Those who are mad to wear Sky blue know that they are one’s who are never going to loose in life. They know that they have both the sides of the coin in their stride “ Chit bhee mari and pat me mari” as some one said. They know if they hit the bull’s eye in the enemies camp they will be applauded and if the lost their life in saving our crafts from the enemies combat they will again be applauded for their courage and valor and will be decorated. They know that what they are going to do can not be done by others. They know that they are the only one’s that are not known as Hindu, Sikhs, and Muslims etc. They are known as Indian Air Force. And there is no dearth of such young ones. That is the reason that The Indian Force is one of the few volunteer Defense forces unlike many other so called super powers that have to maintain a compulsory Air force services. Passion among the young one made the competition all the more tough. So one has really to be the best to join Indian Air Force as an Airmen. And to be the best one is required to be full of confidence, courage, determination and grit to uphold the aspirations of hole of the country. If you have these basic qualities you are most welcome to join the Indian Air Force

Eligibility to be an Airman in Indian Air force

Educational Qualification and Age
Essential Qualification and Age for becoming an Airman in Air force varies from Metric to Graduation with some time asking for math, science and English as main subjects. It depends upon the type of entry (Trade wise) one is seeking for

Eligibility Condition for Combatant Group 'X'(Technical Trade)

1. Educational Qualification
Passed 10+2 or equivalent examination with English, Mathematics and Physics; A minimum aggregate of 50% marks.

2. Age
16-22 years

3. Marital Status
Single

4. Nationality
Indian

5. Gender
Only male candidates

A. Condition for Combatant Group 'X'( Non-Technical Trade)-Teacher

1. Educational Qualification
B.A. (Honours) or a B.Sc. (Honours), B.A. / B.Sc. with one-year teaching experience in a recognized educational institution, B.A. / B.Sc. with a teaching degree or diploma.

2. Age
20-25 years

3. Marital Status
Single

4. Nationality
Indian

5. Gender
Only male candidates

B. Condition for Combatant Group 'X'(Non-Technical Trade)-Technical Instructor

1. Educational Qualification
Passed M.A. / M.Sc. with at least II class

2. Age
20-27 years

3. Marital Status
Single

4. Nationality
Indian

5.Gender
Only male candidates

Common Eligibility for joining as an Airman in either Combatant Group 'Y' or Combatant Group 'Z' of the Technical or Non- Technical trades

1. Age
16-20 years (Group 'Y'), 17-35 (Group 'Z')

2. Marital Status
Single

3. Nationality
Indian

4. Gender
Only male candidates

Eligibility for Specific Trade

Technical Trades
An airman under the Technical Trades is involved in the production and testing of aircraft and flying related equipment. He is directly or indirectly responsible for the maintenance and overhaul of armament and ground equipment.

Educational Qualification required for this trade
i.Passed Matriculation or equivalent examination with English.
ii.A minimum aggregate of 60% marks.

Non-Technical Trades
An airman in the non-technical trades assist and support officers in the Air Force.

Educational Qualification required for this trade
i. Passed Matriculation or equivalent examination.
ii. A minimum aggregate of 45% marks.
iii. Pass marks in English.

Mechanical Transport Driver
This trade comes under the category of Non-Technical Trades but the selection criteria for this job is slightly different from that of other Non-Technical Trades under Combatant Group 'Y'.

Basic minimum requirements for all candidates

Height
To join the Air Force as an airman, the aspirant should be at least 152.5 cm. tall. There are however, some trades that have different requirements.

i. Mechanical Transport Driver and Certain Technical Trades
Minimum height - 165 cm.
Minimum leg length - 99 cm.

ii.IAF Police
Minimum height - 175 cm.

iii.Ground Training Instructor and Musician
Minimum height - 167 cm.

Clear Medical Record

The aspirant should have a clear medical record, with history clear of any of the following diseases
Mental Sickness/Fits
Diseases/Skin Ailments
Surgical Deformity

Chest
Minimum Expanded Chest (75cm)
Minimum Range Of Expansion (5cm)

Vision
Some minimum visual standards that the aspirant must fulfil in order to qualify.
The aspirant should have a minimum corrected vision of at least 6 / 12 in each eye. He could also have 6 / 6 in the healthier eye and 6 / 18 in weaker eye with spectacles with power not more than + / -5.50 Dioptres, inclusive of astigmatism in any meridian with full field of vision and Minimum CP-IV unsafe colour vision.

There are, however, other detailed visual and colour standards that are specific to different trades.

Hearing
You should have normal hearing i.e. you should be able to hear forced whisper from a distance of 6 meters in each ear individually.

Dental
You should have healthy gums and a good set of teeth.
It is advisable that candidates reporting for medical exam must ensure a high level of personal hygiene and bring the latest prescription and spectacles for corrected vision to avoid delay.

Process to be an Airman

Step 1
The first step toward being an Airman is to apply against the vacancies declared from time to time in the leading news papers making it sure that you full fill all the basic and specific requirements of the job/trade applying for. As it is only after checking all eligibility wise application forms that one will receive an Admit Card that will contain all the relevant details like the date, time and venue of your examination. The subjects tested on will depend on the trade you have applied for.

Step 2
There will be written test the subjects of which depends upon the trade one is selected for.

Technical Streams
Four papers- English, Mathematics, Science and Intelligence and General Awareness.

Non-Technical/MTD Streams
English and Intelligence and General Awareness.

Note:- The examination is based on the CBSE (X / XII) syllabus

Education Instructors
The pattern of the paper is in keeping with the basic minimum educational qualification required. Followed by an interview after the examination.

Step 3
After clearing the written test one has to go through a medical examination conducted by a Medical Officer of the Armed Forces. In which one is either declared 'Fit' or 'Unfit' or 'Temporarily Medically Unfit' (TMU).

Step 4
On successfully clearing the selection process the name of the candidate will feature in the All India Merit List displayed at the Airmen Selection Centres, where the tests were conducted. A call letter will be sent requesting you to report to the Airmen Selection Centre for enrolment. Here apart from the enrolment formalities, the candidate should take a Trade Aptitude Test, to determine the right trade for him. Depending upon the score as well as the position in the Merit List, candidates will be assigned to one of the streams in the Technical or Non-Technical Trades. After the candidate has completed his enrolment formalities, he will be sent to the Administrative training Institute for 26 weeks for Basic Combatant Training. Thereafter, the candidate would be sent to one of the Training Institutes for specialization in the trade that he is assigned.

Career options and remunerations available for a soldier in the Army
Once inducted into the Indian Air force as an airman aspirants are assured of a stable and professionally satisfying career. Apart from basic emoluments, an Airman will also be entitled to a number of perks and benefits. And as one grow in rank and stature, he get many growth opportunities and the best the possibility to become an Officer in the same organization. During training period a monthly stipend of Rs. 2850 is given if one join Combatant Group X or Y and Rs. 2650 is given for Combatant Group Z. After completing training an airman is entitled to the full basic pay and allowances. And will also receive the difference between the stipend and minimum basic pay, for the training period, after joining the duty.As an airman, a large number of perks and benefits are also provided to him and his family to ensure quality of life that include, free accommodation, Medical facilities including specialist services, free ration and clothing, attractive life insurance cover up to Rs 5 lakhs, on a nominal subscription which also includes easy loans, Children's education and also included a variety of recreational activities, which can be used by all airmen and their families. Most important thing is that eligible airmen can apply for selection as Officers Flying Branch within the age group of 19 to 20 years. Opportunities are also available for serving airmen for selection to the officer's rank in the Ground Duty Branches (other than Medical Branch) as per the rules.After retirement, the airman is entitled to pension, medical insurance and gratuity, apart from canteen facilities. Besides the air force allows relaxation in age and reservation in government services as an ex-serviceman.

Hierarchy in the Service
Master Warrant Office( Top to Bottom)
Warrant Officer
Junior Warrant Officer
Sergeant
Corporal
Leading Aircraftsman
Aircraftsman