Starting a career in the Indian Air Force (IAF) via the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) presents an array of enticing opportunities. With a competitive salary, prestigious ranks, and various allowances, the prospects are promising. Beyond financial security, joining the IAF provides the chance to serve the nation with dignity and respect. Delve into this comprehensive guide to discover the thrilling job prospects, salary structures, ranks, and additional benefits awaiting those who qualify for AFCAT.
AFCAT: Pay and Allowances of Officers
Salary Structure
Officers recruited in the IAF are offered salaries according to the 7th Pay Commission of the Central Government. As per the official notification, Flight Cadets receive a fixed stipend of Rs 56,100/- per month during their one year of training.
Rank and Pay Scale
| Rank | Pay as per Defence Matrix | Level | Military Service Pay (MSP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Flying Officer | Rs 56,100 – 1,77,500 | 10 | Rs 15,500 |
Even before being commissioned as an Air Force Officer, candidates start earning a monthly stipend of Rs. 56,100/- during the last year of their training period at any of the Air Force Training Institutions.
Allowances
In addition to the salary of AFCAT, various allowances are provided based on the nature of duty or place of posting. These allowances include Flying, Transport, Technical, Field Area, Special Compensatory (Hill area), Special Force, Siachen, Island Special Duty, Test Pilot & Flight Test Engineer, Area, and Remote Locality Allowance, among others.
Privileges
Air Force Officers are entitled to a range of privileges including:
- Furnished accommodation
- Comprehensive medical cover for themselves and their dependents
- Access to Canteen and Officers’ Mess
- Loans at subsidized rates
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC)
- 60 days of annual leave and 20 days of casual leave, subject to service exigencies
AFCAT: Insurance
Service officers from the Air Force Group Insurance Society (AFGIS) are eligible for Rs. 1.10 crore Insurance Cover upon contribution.
Sports and Adventure
The Indian Air Force offers state-of-the-art facilities for various sports and adventure activities, including skydiving, microlight flying, mountaineering, and water rafting.
AFCAT: Rank Structure
As an AFCAT officer in the Indian Air Force, the sky is the limit for you. You start your career as a Flying Officer and can rise up to the rank of Air Marshal. The chosen one from the Flying Branch becomes the head of the family, i.e., The Chief of the Air Staff. The rank structure for commissioned officers is as follows:
Entry Level
- Flying Officer (FG OFFR): This is the first rank an officer wears after successful completion of the training.
Executive Level
- Flight Lieutenant (FLT LT): Beginning the climb, Flight Lieutenant is the next rank in the Indian Air Force hierarchy, where you play an important role as a member of a cohesive team.
- Squadron Leader (SQN LDR): Taking on bigger responsibilities under your wings, the Squadron Leader undertakes many tasks. Now you are a senior level supervisor.
- Wing Commander (WG CDR): Gearing up for the higher grounds the Wing Commander, the next higher rank, takes on additional responsibilities.
Director Level
- Air Commodore (AIR CMDE): An Air Commodore is the next rank and as a Principal Director, you may command a large Air Force Station, or hold Staff Appointments (Senior Level) at Air HQ/Command HQ.
- Air Vice Marshal (AIR VICE MSHL): Only the daring few climb this high in the Air Force hierarchy. An Air Vice Marshal is responsible for taking strategic decisions.
Chief Level
- Air Marshal (AIR MSHL): Just one step below the top of the ladder, the Air Marshal commands a lot of power.
- Air Chief Marshal: The top rank for the best of the best from the flying branch. The Air Chief Marshal heads the Air Force family and is responsible for all strategic and tactical decisions in times of peace and war.
AFCAT: Insurance, Loans, Medical, and Other Benefits
Insurance
All AFCAT personnel, including Flight Cadets, are provided life insurance cover under the Air Force Group Insurance Scheme (AFGIS). Monthly contribution rates are minimal, and the insurance policy covers all contingencies. As an Air Force Officer, you are insured for an amount of Rs. 1.10 crore. An additional cover of Rs. 15 Lakhs is applicable to Flying Branch Officers.
Loans
As a member of AFGIS, you can avail following loans:
- House Building Loan
- Computer Loan
- Conveyance Loan
Medical Benefits
All AFCAT officers, their families, and dependents have free access to medical rooms and hospitals equipped with the best of facilities. Apart from being treated at the Armed Forces Hospitals, there are also tie-ups with Civil Hospitals for treatment of specialized cases, if required. Patients are also given grants for the purchase of necessary medical equipment and mechanical aid to help make them self-reliant.
Other Benefits
The Indian Air Force offers a plethora of benefits including:
- Leave travel concessions
- Institute and Messes membership
- Accommodation
- School facilities
- Rail concessions
- Secured camp life
- CSD facilities
- Recreational and sports facilities
Educational Opportunities
Upon joining the AFCAT, individuals discover a strong emphasis on academic development. Throughout their career, from selection to retirement, they engage in continuous learning through a variety of in-service courses and educational avenues. The IAF sponsors M.Tech. courses for officers of the Technical Branch at prestigious institutes like IIT and BHU-IT. Additionally, tie-ups with universities such as IGNOU enable long-distance learning opportunities for officers and airmen. Air Force personnel are granted study leave of up to 24 months, extendable up to 28 months, to pursue further education and skill enhancement.
Placement Cell
After retirement, many Air Force personnel seek opportunities in civilian life. To assist retired personnel in finding suitable employment, the Placement Cell of the Air Force Association offers employment assistance. Acting as a liaison between employers and retirees, the Cell registers retirees, matches their profiles with employer requirements, and facilitates interviews for final selection.
In conclusion, a career in the Indian Air Force offers not only a fulfilling job profile but also a host of benefits, including competitive salaries, allowances, privileges, and educational opportunities. As you rise through the ranks, your responsibilities increase, along with your entitlements, making it a rewarding journey both professionally and personally.
FAQs
1. What are the job prospects after clearing AFCAT?
After clearing AFCAT, candidates can join the Indian Air Force as officers in various branches such as Flying Branch, Ground Duty (Technical), and Ground Duty (Non-Technical).
2. What is the salary structure for officers in the Indian Air Force?
Officers in the Indian Air Force are offered salaries according to the 7th Pay Commission of the Central Government. The salary structure includes basic pay, Military Service Pay (MSP), and other allowances.
3. What are the ranks in the Indian Air Force?
The ranks in the Indian Air Force start from Flying Officer and go up to Air Chief Marshal. Candidates start their career as Flying Officers and can rise through various ranks based on their performance and experience.
4. What are the allowances provided to Air Force officers?
Apart from the basic salary, Air Force officers are entitled to various allowances such as Flying Allowance, Technical Allowance, Transport Allowance, Children Education Allowance, House Rent Allowance (HRA), and many more, depending on the nature of duty and place of posting.
5. What are the benefits of joining the Indian Air Force?
Joining the Indian Air Force offers a range of benefits including furnished accommodation, comprehensive medical cover for officers and their dependents, access to Canteen and Officers’ Mess, loans at subsidized rates, Leave Travel Concession (LTC), educational opportunities, and various recreational and sports facilities.
