Details of opportunities available in the military are available in the Recruitment offices located in all major cities.  For a greaenues of the Indian Air Force are outlined below: 

Indian Air Force 

Unlike popular belief, military service is not just for the macho men who want to flex their muscles or go about with guns and tanks.  The military, and particularly the Air Force, offers myriad opportunities of learning, evolving, and reasonably remunerative earnings in a very wide range of careers. 

The Indian Air Force is an elite arm of the military wherein most of the personnel, including those who start at the lowest level of Airman, are educated.  Sophisticated technology, a strong bonding between the men and officers, the adventure of the limitless skies, and openings at different levels, offer an alternative many young men and women should consider. 

A military career is excellent for building up leadership skills, personality, developing sports and physical activities, enhancing educational qualifications, and learning the latest technology.  Not only 
does it offer job security, it also gives a sense of pride of serving the nation. 

ENTRY: Entry to the Indian Air Force is at different levels which can be classified as follows: 

Commissioned Officers: are taken in as cadets of the National Defence Academy (NDA) after completing 10+2, common for all three arms of the military.  Those who wish to become pilots need to show a high degree of performance at the NDA.  Entry is through an all India entrance exam conducted by UPSC twice a year.  Advertisements appear in newspapers in April and October. 

Technical Officers: such as Engineers, Lawyers, Educationists, Doctors etc. are recruited after their respective graduations, giving due seniority for their years of study.  These branches take in both Permanent Commissioned Officers, who have to serve a minimum twenty years, and Short Service Commissioned Officers, who can be relieved after seven years, or can opt to stay on later.  Women are taken in various branches, including as pilots, but only in Short Service Commissions. Candidates are taken in non-commissioned ranks as Airmen in almost all the above fields.  The minimum qualification ranges from 10th pass for drivers, technicians, etc. to 12th standard for clerks, and more sophisticated branches. 

APTITUDE: 
The aptitude required for entry in the IAF would vary depending on the branch selected, but the common traits required would be self confidence, leadership skills, physical stamina, good team spirit, discipline, adaptability to new environments, love for travel, etc.  Those wanting to become pilots need to be good in Maths and Physics, have good concentration and endurance, sharp responses and courage. However, one must remember that there is a tremendous amount of hard work involved, and in the initial years, one must be prepared to obey orders unconditionally.  Also, pilots  need to maintain perfect health status, otherwise they can be grounded, and then relegated to mundane ground duties.  Small batches of women are now being inducted as pilots for transport aircraft and helicopters. 

THE FUTURE: Commissioned officers generally start as pilot officers (Lieutenant) and are assured of promotion to at least Wing Commander (Lt. Col.) Beyond that, on merit one can pick up ranks to Air Commodores and Air Marshals. Some prefer to take voluntary retirement after twenty years, and get 
pension and other benefits while they pursue a civil career.  Military service, specially in technical areas, has been found to be a good foundation for getting lucrative jobs in later years. Those who start as airmen move on to Junior Commissioned Officers (JCOs), and some are awarded honorary commissions.  Lately many airmen enhance their qualifications while on duty, and then sit for exams which entitle them to become officers.  This route is particularly good for those youngsters who cannot afford higher studies on their own and wish to support their families at an early age.  Many airmen become engineers, lawyers, chartered accountants etc. 

An Air Commodore who retired after thirty five years of rigorous service remarked "I missed making money, I slogged out when others were sitting in air conditioned offices, but what I gained in terms of pride of service to nation, bonhomie with my colleagues, and medals in recognition of my work, is something I would never exchange for money." 

SOME ADDRESSES: 

For entry through NDA: Union Public Service Commission (UPSC), New Delhi 110001 

For Permanent Commission and Short Service Commission for Ground Duty 
Officers Course:  Post Bag NO. 001, DHQ Post Office, New Delhi 110011. 

For selection as Airmen and NCOs:  Airmen's Selection Board, Indian Air Force, Cubbon Road,  Bangalore 560001