Corporate Overview & History
The Central Airmen Selection Board (CASB) is a statutory body under the Ministry of Defence, Government of India. Established in 1949, shortly after India became a republic, CASB was created to streamline the recruitment, selection, and training of airmen for the Indian Air Force (IAF). Over the past seven decades, CASB has evolved from a single‑room selection office in New Delhi to a network of regional centers that conduct millions of tests annually, ensuring a steady pipeline of technically skilled and physically fit personnel for the IAF.
CASB operates under the direct authority of the Air Headquarters (AHQ) in New Delhi and works closely with the Directorate General of Airmen (DGAA). Its core mission is to select the best talent for the IAF’s enlisted ranks – both technical (e.g., Aircraft Maintenance, Electronics, Aeronautical Engineering) and non‑technical (e.g., Ground Duty, Logistics, Administration). The board also administers the National Defence Academy (NDA) and Combined Defence Services (CDS) examinations for officer candidates, but its primary focus remains on airmen recruitment.
Core Business Operations & Divisions
- Selection & Assessment Division: Designs and conducts the written examinations, physical fitness tests (PFT), and medical examinations.
- Service Selection Board (SSB) Unit: Conducts the five‑day psychological and group‑task assessment for candidates cleared in the written stage.
- Training & Induction Wing: Coordinates with IAF training establishments (e.g., Air Force Academy, Technical Training Schools) to ensure seamless induction of selected candidates.
- Policy & Compliance Unit: Maintains alignment with Defence Ministry recruitment policies, reservation norms, and security clearances.
- IT & Data Management Centre (Hyderabad): Hosts the online application portal (e‑CASB), candidate database, and analytics for recruitment forecasting.
Career Opportunities & In‑Demand Roles
CASB does not employ civilian staff for operational roles; instead, it facilitates recruitment for the following IAF airmen categories:
- Technical Airmen (Trades): Aircraft Maintenance, Aeronautical Engineer (Electronics), Aeronautical Engineer (Mechanical), Technical Trade (General). Candidates need 10+2 with Physics & Mathematics.
- Non‑Technical Airmen: Ground Duty (Logistics, Administration, Accounts), Security, and Meteorology. Minimum qualification is 10+2 (Science/Commerce) or equivalent.
- Specialist Roles: Paratrooper, Airborne Early Warning, and Air Traffic Control assistants – require additional physical standards and aptitude tests.
- Experienced Professionals: The IAF also recruits experienced technicians and engineers (via Direct Entry) for senior airman ranks (e.g., Junior Warrant Officer). These candidates typically hold diplomas or engineering degrees and have 2‑5 years of relevant industry experience.
Hiring & Selection Process
- Online Application (e‑CASB): Candidates register on the official portal, fill personal & academic details, and upload scanned documents.
- Written Examination: Conducted simultaneously at regional centers. The test comprises General Awareness, Numerical Ability, Reasoning, and Technical (for trade‑specific) sections.
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): Includes 1.6 km run, push‑ups, sit‑ups, and a height‑weight check.
- Medical Examination: Comprehensive health screening at Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC) or designated hospitals.
- Service Selection Board (SSB) Interview: Five‑day assessment covering psychological tests, group tasks, personal interview, and outdoor activities.
- Final Merit List & Offer Letter: Candidates clearing all stages are placed on a merit list; successful candidates receive an offer letter and are assigned to a training establishment.
Salary Structure, Compensation & Benefits
| Rank | Basic Pay (₹/month) | Allowances (₹/month) | Total CTC (₹/month) |
|---|
| Aircraftman (AC) | 21,700 | 15,000‑20,000 (DA, HRA, Transport) | ≈ 38,000‑42,000 |
| Leading Aircraftman (LAC) | 23,500 | 16,000‑22,000 | ≈ 40,000‑45,000 |
| Senior Aircraftman (SAC) | 25,500 | 18,000‑24,000 | ≈ 44,000‑50,000 |
| Junior Warrant Officer (JWO) | 31,300 | 22,000‑30,000 | ≈ 55,000‑65,000 |
Additional benefits include:
- Free accommodation or housing allowance.
- Comprehensive medical & dental coverage for self and immediate family.
- Pension under the Armed Forces Pension Scheme.
- Leave Travel Concession (LTC) and annual leave of 30 days.
- Subsidised education for children (up to Class 12).
- Opportunities for higher education and professional courses funded by the IAF.
Application Guidelines & Eligibility
- Citizenship: Must be a citizen of India.
- Age Limit: 17 years to 23 years as of 1 January of the recruitment year (relaxations up to 5 years for SC/ST/OBC).
- Educational Qualifications:
- Technical Trades – 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics (PCM) and a minimum of 60 % aggregate.
- Non‑Technical Trades – 10+2 (any stream) with 60 % aggregate.
- Direct Entry (Experienced) – Diploma or Engineering degree in relevant discipline with 2‑5 years of industry experience.
- Physical Standards: Height ≥ 162 cm (male), 157 cm (female); chest‑expansion, vision (6/6 unaided), and no major medical disqualifications.
- Application Procedure: Visit https://indianairforce.nic.in, navigate to “Recruitment → Airmen”, register on the e‑CASB portal, fill the form, upload documents, and pay the nominal processing fee (if applicable).
- Important Dates: Application window typically opens in June and closes in August; written exam is conducted in October‑November, followed by PFT and SSB in the subsequent months.
Job seekers interested in CENTRAL AIRMEN SELECTION BOARD, INDIAN AIR FORCE recruitment notifications can review key eligibility criteria, age limits, pay scales, selection procedures, and application deadlines listed in the active vacancies below.