Government jobOwn pay structureGroup NANon‑gazetted
Agniveervayu (Indian Air Force)
अग्निवीरवायु (भारतीय वायु सेना)
Four-year engagement in the Air Force under the Agnipath scheme — a fixed package, no pension, and up to 25% retained as airmen.
Indian Air Force · Ministry of Defence · defence government
- Exam
- Agniveervayu
- Qualification
- 12th pass
- Age limit
- 17–21 years
- Transfers
- Anywhere in India
- Work hours
- Shift and roster duty; full-time service
- Probation
- As per rules
Monthly salary (gross)
₹30,000–₹40,000
Fixed Agniveer package set by the Air Force: ₹30,000 a month in year 1, rising by a fixed increment each year to ₹40,000 in year 4. 30% goes to the Seva Nidhi fund and is matched by the government, so in-hand pay starts at about ₹21,000. A Seva Nidhi of about ₹10.04 lakh plus interest is paid on exit. There is no DA, pension or gratuity.
What you will actually do
- Trade work in a technical or non-technical stream after training
- Assisting in aircraft, vehicle, weapon or communication maintenance
- Station security and guard duties
- Administration, logistics or medical assistant work, depending on trade
- Drill, physical training and station duties
A typical day
After joint basic training you are sent for trade training and then to an air base. A technical Agniveervayu works shifts on the flight line or in a workshop under a senior airman, fetching and fitting, refuelling, servicing. A non-technical one may be in security, stores or an office. Around that there is PT, parade, guard duty by roster and barrack life. Performance is recorded through the four years for possible retention.
Promotion path
Timelines are ranges and vary by cadre. See how promotions and MACP work.
Agniveervayu (Indian Air Force) (joining)
Own pay structure
Regular airman
After 4 years, for up to 25% of each batch selected on merit and service need · via dpc
Promotion timelines vary by cadre and vacancies. If not promoted, MACP gives a pay upgrade after 10, 20 and 30 years.
How to get in
Indian Air Force (Central Airmen Selection Board)
- 1.Phase I online test
- 2.Phase II: physical fitness test and adaptability tests
- 3.Medical examination
- 4.Provisional select list (state-wise)
Eligibility: Science subjects: Class 12 with Mathematics, Physics and English with 50% aggregate and 50% in English, or a three-year engineering diploma, or a two-year vocational course with Physics and Mathematics. Other than science: Class 12 in any stream with 50% aggregate and 50% in English. Open to unmarried men and women. Age 17–21. The age band is 17½ to 21 years on the date of enrolment (a corrigendum allowed 22 for one intake). No category-based relaxation.
Physical standards: Physical fitness test: a 1.6 km run within the prescribed time, followed by push-ups, sit-ups and squats. Height, weight, chest and eyesight standards apply.
The good
- Technical exposure and Air Force training at a young age
- Tax-free corpus on exit
- Air bases are generally better equipped than field Army posts
The hard parts
- About three in four leave after four years with no pension
- Fixed pay, lower than a regular serviceman's
- You restart your career or studies in your mid-twenties
Postings
Air Force stations anywhere in India, including remote bases.
Questions people ask
What is the qualification and age limit for Agniveervayu (Indian Air Force)?+
Science subjects: Class 12 with Mathematics, Physics and English with 50% aggregate and 50% in English, or a three-year engineering diploma, or a two-year vocational course with Physics and Mathematics. Other than science: Class 12 in any stream with 50% aggregate and 50% in English. Open to unmarried men and women. Age: 17–21 years. Relaxation: The age band is 17½ to 21 years on the date of enrolment (a corrigendum allowed 22 for one intake). No category-based relaxation.
Which exam do I need to clear for Agniveervayu (Indian Air Force)?+
Agniveervayu (Indian Air Force (Central Airmen Selection Board)).
Is it open to commerce and arts students?+
Yes, under the 'other than science' category, with 50% aggregate and 50% in English in Class 12.
Compare with similar posts
Agniveer (Indian Army)
अग्निवीर (भारतीय सेना)
Four-year engagement in the Army under the Agnipath scheme — a fixed monthly package, no pension, and up to 25% retained.
Agniveer SSR / MR (Indian Navy)
अग्निवीर एसएसआर / एमआर (भारतीय नौसेना)
Four-year engagement as a sailor in the Navy under the Agnipath scheme — a fixed package, no pension, up to 25% retained.
Constable (General Duty), CAPF
कांस्टेबल (जीडी)
Pay Level 3 post via SSC GD — armed guard, patrol and security duty in BSF, CRPF, CISF, ITBP, SSB and Assam Rifles.
Sources
This profile is being reviewed. Confirm details in the latest official notification. Salary computed from pay rules as of January 2026.