“If you don’t take the opportunity now, you’re doing injustice not only to yourself but also to future generations” was the clarion call given by Wing Commander N. Gayatri of the Indian Air Force (IAF) to UG students of all Bharatesh Education Trust institutes on Thursday 20th October 2016. Posted in Mysore, she was in Belagavi as part of the IAF’s drive to create awareness about the numerous career opportunities available to students from all kinds of educational backgrounds.
The IAF is as fascinating as it looks for the common man. Seeing Wing Commander Gayatri, who has served for 22 years (starting out with Short Service Commission and then getting extensions) in the IAF, one would be floored by her competence and grittiness. Addressing around 500 students at Bharatesh Polytechnic and another 700 students of other Bharatesh institutions later in the day, she exemplified energy and enthusiasm. The team is in Belgaum as part of a nation-wide drive with a specially designed bus equipped with flight simulators.
The IAF recruits at many levels. One can join the NDA after 10+2 (with Physics and Maths) and then give the AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test) to qualify for a selection process, or hail from the NCC Air wing with a ‘C’ certificate and you don’t need to appear for the AFCAT.
Recruitment happens not just for the science students but also for non-science too. The AIF recruits for three categories in the ground duty roles-
a. Administrative
b. Logistics
c. Education
d. Accounts
e. Meteorology
You need to be a graduate/ Post Graduate (as per the role) in the specific stream. (Ex: BCom degree for accounts). One can apply online and then appear for the UPSC exam/ AFCAT, followed by an interview by the Air Force Selection Board, Branch specific tests and then a medical exam leading to your selection.
Hence, apart from the Flying roles, you can see someone with social science background also getting opportunity in the IAF, which has equally fulfilling vistas. For a role in the education branch, you can have an MA / M Sc. degree in English / Physics / Mathematics / Chemistry / Statistics / International Relations / International Studies/ Defence Studies / Psychology / Computer Science / IT / Management / MBA / MCA / Mass Communication / Journalism / Public Relations with minimum 50% in all papers in PG and 60% aggregate in UG degree.
IAF offers some of the best pay packets in the country, coupled with a host of benefits like insurance, medical facilities for the family, Ration, Canteen, Leave Travel Allowance, Schools, etc.
The sky blue IAF uniform casts a magical spell on everyone. The blue bus equipped with flight simulators was a pleasure to experience at the Bharatesh Polytechnic. We can hope to see more number of talented students opting for this challenging yet fulfilling career option.
Have you downloaded the IAF game?
IAF has its own video game called ‘Guardians of the Skies’ which can be downloaded from Google Playstore. Download it here : https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.threye.iaf.gots&hl=en
(This article was written with key inputs from the IAF presentation)