First Ever Online Selection of Airmen by the IAF

Indian Air Force successfully conducted scheduled test for airmen recruitment (STAR) online on 3rd May to 6th May, 2018 for the 1st time. Total of 4,09, 169 candidates registered for online examination for airmen. 3,20, 678 candidates (78.37%) from those registered appeared for online test.

First Ever Online Selection of Airmen
  • Online examination was successfully conducted at 439 centres spread over 102 cities across country. This included over 100 centres in north-eastern states, J&K & states which have limited representation in IAF. Over 80% of candidates were allotted centres of their 1st choice.
  • This is 1st instance of any of 3 services undertaking selection tests online. This makes it easier for candidates across country to appear for selection accommodating wider choice of candidates, w⟋o having to apply early filtration necessary in earlier selection process.

Logistic Help

  • Exam was conducted in collaboration w⟋Centre for Development of Advanced Computing (CDAC) Pune, organisation functioning under Ministry of Electronics & Information Technology.

Earlier Pattern

  • In earlier manual pattern of tests, despite IAF receiving over 4 lakh applications, owing to limitations of testing capacity at Airmen Selection Centres, only 80,000 to 1 lakh candidates could be called to undergo written test.
  • Candidates were, therefore, screened out based on their 12th class marks, thus denying opportunity to otherwise eligible candidates.

Advantages of Going Online

  • All eligible candidates applying for STAR would be tested at examination centres closest to their place of residence.
  • 8 fold increase in number of candidates who could be tested annually.
  • IAF stands to gain from larger pool of candidates to choose from, while offering level playing field to all eligible candidates.
  • Initiative is part of air headquarters policy to reach out to best talent to man & service technology intensive platforms that equip IAF.

Key facts of Indian Air Force:

  • Founded in - 1932
  • Headquarters - New Delhi
  • Current Chief of Air Staff - Birender Singh Dhanoa
  • Motto of IAF - Touch the Sky with Glory (in Sanskrit - नभः स्पृशं दीप्तम्)

Examrace Team at Aug 21, 2021