Air Force Careers: A Real Guide [Top 5 best air force jobs]

Air Force Careers: A Real Guide [Top 5 best air force jobs]

Who Can Join and What Jobs Are There?

PAF has three main types of roles:

Commissioned OfficersThese are top positions like pilots, engineers, air defence officers, IT, education, and admin officers. You need to be an unmarried Pakistani citizen. If you’re applying for pilot or engineer, you’ll need F.Sc (Pre-Engineering) or a graduate degree with at least 60% marks.

AirmenThese are technical or support jobs. Think: Aero Trade, Fitness Instructors, Firefighters, Drivers (MTD), medical assistants, sportsmen, or security staff. For most, you need a matriculation certificate with science and at least 60% marks. Age range: 15.5 to 22/24 depending on the trade. Height: about 163–188 cm.

Civilian EmployeesThese folks don’t wear uniforms. Jobs include clerks, IT techs, teachers, drivers, technicians, and more. They make up nearly 40% of PAF staff. You get promotions, pensions, training, and medical perks.

Why Join PAF?

Pension, free medical, subsidized housing.

Education for kids, cheap travel, mess food.

Good training and a disciplined lifestyle.

You get to wear a uniform with pride.

Eligibility and Requirements

Airmen:

Age: 15.5 to 22 (can vary).

Height: 163–188 cm.

Vision: Not too strict unless you’re a pilot.

Qualification: Matric with 60% marks (mostly).

Officers:

Age: 16–22 for pilots, up to 30 for short service commission.

Vision: 6/6 for pilots.

Education depends on the field (engineering, IT, etc).

Documents You’ll Need:

CNIC or B-Form

Passport photos

Academic certificates

Domicile

Sports certificates (if needed)

You can’t apply if you’ve been kicked out of a government job, lied in your application, or been to jail.

How to Apply

Jobs open at certain times of the year. Usually airmen roles open in Jan and July. Officers have separate slots.

Fill out the form, upload your docs, submit, and print your slip. Stay alert on your phone/email for updates.

You can also go to a PAF Information & Selection Center in cities like Karachi, Lahore, or Multan.

Selection Process

Airmen & Civilians:

Written test: English, math, physics, IQ.

Physical test: Push-ups, chin-ups, run one mile in 8 mins.

Basic medical check.

Interview (if needed).

Final merit and medical list.

Officers:

Written tests: Subject-based + IQ.

ISSB board: 5-day psychological tests, group tasks, and interviews.

Medical exam at a military hospital.

Final merit list.

Training & Academy Life

Officers: Trained at Asghar Khan Air Academy in Risalpur. Includes flying, leadership, engineering, parachuting, and more.

Airmen: Trained at Korangi Creek Academy, Karachi. Covers technical and non-technical skills.

Training is hard. Physical drills, classroom study, flying, teamwork, leadership, and strict discipline.

Some people online say it’s a tough environment. Promotions can be slow, especially in engineering and technical tracks.

Long-Term Life: Pros & Cons

Pros:

Safe job for life

Good social status

Health, travel, education, housing

Possible international or UN missions

Cons:

You must serve for many years

Less personal freedom (need permission to travel abroad)

Pay isn’t great compared to private sector

It’s competitive, especially for pilot or engineer slots

Quick FAQs

Can women join? Yes, in many roles like pilot, IT, engineering, admin.

Any quota system? Yes—for regions like Balochistan, Gilgit-Baltistan, FATA, minorities, and children of PAF staff.

Can I reapply if I fail? Usually yes, after 6–12 months.

Do I need coaching? Not always. You can prep online or through books. ISSB coaching can help though.

Final Words

If you’re chasing money, freedom, or fast promotion, think twice. But if you want to serve and grow in uniform, go for it. Just go in with your eyes open.