How to Become a Fighter Pilot in the Indian Air Force

by Arpita Jena Oct 13, 2026

How to Become a Fighter Pilot in the Indian Air Force (IAF)

To become a fighter pilot in the Indian Air Force, you must qualify through an officer-entry route, clear the required selection stages, pass the Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) if you are shortlisted for flying duties, and meet the prescribed flying-branch medical and anthropometric standards.

There are three important areas to understand:

CPSS: assesses your aptitude for piloting an aircraft.
Medical examination: checks whether you meet the IAF’s physical and medical fitness standards.
Anthropometric measurements: check whether your body dimensions are compatible with safe cockpit operation and aircraft ejection systems.

Passing one stage does not guarantee selection at the next stage.

1. How to join the IAF as a fighter pilot

Step 1 — Choose an entry route
– NDA: after Class 12, through the UPSC examination.
– AFCAT: after graduation, subject to the Flying Branch eligibility rules.
– CDS: after graduation, subject to the applicable eligibility rules.
– NCC Special Entry: for eligible candidates with the required Air Wing Senior Division ‘C’ Certificate.

Step 2 — Clear the selection process
Pass the relevant written examination or entry screening, followed by the Air Force Selection Board (AFSB) assessment and interview.

Step 3 — Pass CPSS and the medical examination
Candidates being considered for flying duties must meet the applicable pilot aptitude and medical requirements. CPSS is designed to assess coordination, psychomotor skills, processing speed and accuracy, visualisation, and multitasking.

Step 4 — Training and fighter-stream selection
Join training if selected, complete the required flying training, and qualify for assignment to the fighter stream according to IAF training and service requirements.

2. CPSS test: what should you know?
The Computerised Pilot Selection System (CPSS) is a specialised aptitude assessment, not a conventional academic examination. It replaced the earlier Pilot Aptitude Battery Test (PABT).

Skill assessed What it involves
Hand–eye coordination Coordinating visual information with physical controls
Psychomotor ability Responding accurately to changing tasks
Information processing Processing information quickly and correctly
Visualisation Understanding spatial and visual information
Multitasking Managing more than one task at a time
How to prepare: practise mental arithmetic, spatial reasoning, visual tracking, concentration and coordination exercises. Get adequate sleep and follow the instructions given at your AFSB.
Important: CPSS is a critical selection requirement for flying candidates, and an unsuccessful CPSS attempt can prevent a candidate from applying again for the Flying Branch. Check the current entry notification for the exact eligibility consequences.

Career Air Force

3. IAF fighter pilot anthropometric standards
Anthropometric standards are especially important for fighter pilots because cockpit dimensions, control reach and ejection-seat safety depend on body measurements.
The following figures are listed in the IAF’s AFCAT Cycle 02/2026 notification.