NDA

Indian Air Force had hierarchical organizational structure. Freshers are commissioned in IAF in the rank of Flying Officer in various branches such as flying, technical, admin, logistics, met, education and medical etc. Officers grow in rank with experience and performance as Flt Lt, Sqn Ldr, Wg Cdr, Go Capt, Air Cmde, ACM, Air Marshal and Air Chief Marshal. All branches commissioned officers are eligible to grow to the rank of Air Commodore in about 25 to 30 years from the date of commission based on performance. Officers in the rank of Air Commodore command large flying bases, repair depots and training institutes besides performing staff roles. Air Commodore is equivalent to Brigadier in Army and Commodore in Navy.

NDA exam is conducted by UPSC twice a year in the month of April and September. Advertisement by UPSC is published 3 months in advance of examination in leading newspapers. Students appearing in the 12th board are eligible for NDA. Unmarried male candidates with age above 16 but below 19 are eligible to appear for NDA. You may look for details on UPSC website. Candidates who clear written test undergo SSB and medical examination for selection. Candidates with only PCM stream are eligible for commission in technical corps in Army, Flying pilot in IAF and Indian Navy. Humanities students are eligible for non-technical corps in Indian Army.
In case you want to join. Merchant Navy , you are advised to appear for Joint Admission Test conducted by Indian Maritime University. You may look at university website for details on admission process and career options in Merchant .