Defence Academy Examination Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How do I become a Pilot in the Indian Air Force?

The methods of becoming a Pilot in the Indian Air Force are as follows: There are four methods of becoming a Pilot in the Indian Air Force.
i) Through NDA
ii) Through CDS examination
iii) Through NCC special Entry Scheme
iv) Through service entry scheme (Applicable for serving air men)

• After 10 +2 (You should have passed + 2 or equivalent with Physics and Mathematics as subjects) should gain admission into NDA. (National Defence Academy) (UPSC -written test- SSB Interview)
• Choose Air Force as your choice.
• Pass Pilot Aptitude battery test at SSB
• Get recommended by the Air Force Services Selection board. ( Mysore, Varanasi, Dehradun)
• Successfully undergo three years training at the NDA
• On successful completion of Basic Pilot training at Dundigal(Hydreabad) You will be commissioned as a Flying officer flying Pilot)(as a Fighter pilot/Transport Pilot/Helicopter Pilot)
• One can directly get into Air Force Academy for flying training provided one passes the CDS examination and gets through the SSB , strict medical and of course the merit list. Or Appear for direct SSB as a NCC special entry candidate one gets a chance to become a Pilot. ( Only NCC "C" Certificate degree holders with BSC-Physics/Mathematics are eligible- about 10 % of vacancies are reserved)
• For Female candidates: Only direct SSB- But Educational qualification is Any Graduation / Engineering with Science subjects at 10 +2 level.

Yet another method, a tedious path- after becoming an air man one gets an opportunity to become a Pilot. Provided the candidate has passed +2 with science back ground. A candidate should have served as an airman for stipulated period of time. Age limit is also more for such entry. A few seats are reserved for this entry.

2. Where can I get some training for PABT?

It is not very difficult to get through PABT tests, however, SSB coaching centres do give some training for PABT. At Coimbatore it is available only at Defence Academy (www.ssbcoacing.com)

3. What are the tests in PABT?

The Pilot Aptitude Battery tests consist of two parts

• Written test (On basic Air Craft Instrument reading) you will be shown examples prior to taking this test.
• Machine test. (To judge if the candidate can control simple joy stick and rudder controls.)

Note: A candidate is allowed to take this test only once in his life time. Failure in PABT test will permanently debar the candidate from appearing for flying branch.

4. When is it conducted?

PABT is conducted only at Air Force SSB centers. It is will be administered to candidates just before their actual SSB test. Except for NDA and CDS entry others if unable to get through the PABT will be routed back on the very first day itself.

3. I am not a student with science back ground is it possible for me to become a pilot?

Not in the Indian Air Force. (You should have studied Mathematics and Physics at least at +2 level)

4. I am a Commerce student, can I pass NDA examination?

Any one can pass the written test; the syllabus is that of XI STD CBSE level. (Defence Academy Offers Class Room coaching for 100 hours at the cost of Rs 7500)
The study materials are also available at the cost of Rs 2000 Complete Kit. Consists of: - NDA Preparation CD, NDA motivation CD and Defence Academy NDA Preparation Study material.

Q1. I am aspiring to join AFMC, how do I prepare for General Knowledge and aptitude Test?

Defence Academy's Suggestions: Subscribe to a general knowledge magazine; read it at leisure and solve competitive papers from it. (Solving General Knowledge questions papers of NDA is a must) PREPARE WITH OUR AFMC PREPARATION CD SETS.Read Newspaper everyday; keep track of the major happenings in India and around the world, especially in relation to science, sports politics and medical field.TV News Watch BBC/NDTV. Master mind quiz, Take part in School quiz

Q2. How and when should I start preparing for AFMC?

• Subscribe to the best correspondence course available ( It would cost you Rs 15,000/-) Go through Defence Academy's AFMC Preparation CD.
• Start your preparation from class +1 i.e 11th standard onwards.
• Equal concentration of all subjects is important. Read English news papers, use dictionary add new words to your vocabulary very day. Talk to your friends in English.

Q3. How should I Prepare for AFMC Interview?

Start preparing for interview only after you have cleared the written exam and have got the call letter for interview. Please note that if you have joined the N.C.C you will get extra points for it. During preparation go through News Paper daily, especially editorials.
Discus day to day events and important happenings with your parents/relatives/classmates/friends in English. Form opinions about various events and try to convince them about your ideas without arguing

Defence Academy Examination Frequently Asked Questions