Are you ready to soar into a career with the Indian Air Force? The IAF is now opening doors for aspiring apprentices, offering 144 exciting positions that could launch your journey in technical trades – and let's face it, who wouldn't want to be part of India's aerial defense force?
But here's where it gets controversial: With roles spanning everything from machinists to welders, this recruitment might spark debates on whether hands-on skills or formal education should take priority in military support roles. Stick around to dive deeper into the details!
Updated on December 8, 2025, at 10:18 AM, this post is brought to you by Abisha Muthukumar. If you haven't already, join our WhatsApp channel for instant updates and add us as a preferred source on Google to never miss out on opportunities like this.
The Indian Air Force (IAF) has just issued an official announcement inviting applications for 144 Apprentice roles. If you're qualified and enthusiastic, you can submit your application online via the IAF's official portal. Remember, the deadline for submissions is December 30, 2025 – so don't delay! This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know, including qualification requirements, age restrictions, pay details, how candidates are selected, step-by-step application instructions, and handy links to the notification and application form.
Organization: Indian Air Force (IAF)
Position: Apprentice
Number of Openings: 144
Educational Requirements: Completion of 10th and 12th grades from a recognized board, plus an ITI certificate with at least 40% marks from a certified institute (under NCVT or SCVT).
Age Criteria: Between 17 and 35 years old.
Application Period Begins: December 7, 2025
Application Deadline: December 30, 2025
Official Website: Not specified (but check the links below for access).
And this is the part most people miss: These apprentice slots aren't just any jobs – they're specialized technical roles that could lead to a stable career in aircraft maintenance and repair. For newcomers, ITI stands for Industrial Training Institute, a program that teaches practical skills in trades like welding or machining, making it a key stepping stone for these positions.
Detailed Breakdown of IAF Turner, Machinist, Fitter Recruitment 2025 Vacancies
Here's a clear list of the available posts and their numbers to help you pinpoint what's right for you:
- Turner: 10 positions
- Machinist: 8 positions
- Machinist (Grinder): 6 positions
- Sheet Metal Worker: 2 positions
- Welder (Gas & Electric): 4 positions
- Electrician Aircraft: 10 positions
- Electrician: 4 positions
- Electroplater: 4 positions
- Carpenter: 2 positions
- Mechanic Machine Tool Maintenance: 5 positions
- Mechanic Maintenance (Chemical Plant): 2 positions
- Mechanic (Instrument Aircraft): 6 positions
- Mechanic (Motor Vehicle): 2 positions
- Fitter: 19 positions
- Lab Assistant (Chemical Plant): 2 positions
- Painter General: 11 positions
- Desk Top Publishing Operator: 4 positions
- Power Electrician: 2 positions
- Mechanic Mechatronics: 6 positions
- TIG/MIG Welder: 6 positions
- Quality Assurance Assistant: 5 positions
- Chemical Laboratory Assistant: 4 positions
- CNC Programmer cum Operator: 6 positions
- Maintenance Mechanic: 2 positions
- Mechanic (Electrical Maintenance of Process Plant): 2 positions
- Mechanic Mechanical Maintenance (Industrial Automation): 6 positions
- Mechanic Electrical Maintenance (Industrial Automation): 4 positions
Total Openings: 144
Eligibility Requirements
Let's break this down simply for those just starting out: To qualify, you need to have passed your 10th and 12th grades from a recognized educational board. On top of that, an ITI certification in a relevant trade with a minimum of 40% marks from an NCVT or SCVT-approved institute is essential. For example, if you're eyeing a welder role, your ITI should be in welding to match up. No experience or additional desirable qualifications are mentioned, so focus on meeting these basics.
Compensation Details
During your apprenticeship, you'll receive a monthly stipend of Rs. 10,500. This isn't full salary yet, but it's a great way to earn while learning valuable skills – think of it as an investment in your future income potential in the IAF.
Age Restrictions (as of February 9, 2025)
- Minimum age: 17 years
- Maximum age: 35 years
This broad range opens the door for both fresh graduates and those with a bit more life experience, which could be seen as inclusive. But is 35 too generous for entry-level apprenticeships, or does it allow for career changers? It's a point worth pondering.
Application Charges
Fees haven't been specified for general, EWS, or OBC categories, nor for SC/ST applicants. Keep an eye on the official site for any updates, as transparency here is key.
Key Dates
Mark your calendars:
- Online Application Starts: December 7, 2025
- Online Submission Closes: December 30, 2025
- Written Test: January 18, 2026
- Interview: January 19, 2026
- Medical Document Verification: January 19, 2026
- Merit List Announcement: January 23, 2026
- Joining Instructions Sent Out: February 3, 2026
- Course Begins: February 9, 2026
Candidate Selection Steps
The process is straightforward but competitive: It kicks off with a written exam to test your knowledge, followed by an interview to gauge your fit. Then comes document verification to ensure everything checks out, a merit list based on performance, and finally, joining instructions. For beginners, the written test might cover trade-specific topics, so brush up on your ITI subjects!
Application Instructions
Applications are only accepted online, from December 7 to December 30, 2025. These are for apprenticeship programs in technical trades starting February 9, 2026, at the Base Repair Depot in Air Force, Chandigarh. The selection events run from January 18 to 19, 2026, at the same location. Head to the official IAF website to fill out the form – and double-check all details to avoid errors.
IAF Apprentice Essential Links
- Official Employment Notification (PDF): Click here to download
- IAF Official Website: Click here to visit
- Join Our Arattai Channel: Click here
- Join Our Telegram Channel: Click here
- Join Our WhatsApp Channel: Click here
- Sarkari Result Vacancy: Click here for more updates
- Download Our Mobile App: Click here for easy access
Jobs in Chandigarh
If Chandigarh is your hub, explore more opportunities here.
IAF Turner, Machinist, Fitter Recruitment 2025 - Frequently Asked Questions
When does the application window open for IAF ITI Pass 2025?
Answer: It starts on December 7, 2025.What's the closing date for applying to IAF ITI Pass 2025?
Answer: Applications close on December 30, 2025.Who can apply for IAF ITI Pass 2025?
Answer: Candidates must have passed 10th and 12th from a recognized board and hold an ITI certificate with at least 40% marks from a NCVT/SCVT institute.What's the upper age limit for IAF ITI Pass 2025?
Answer: 35 years old.How many positions are available in IAF ITI Pass 2025?
Answer: There are 144 opportunities in total.What qualifications do you need for IAF ITI Recruitment 2025?
Answer: An ITI pass with a minimum of 40% in the relevant trade.When is the written test scheduled for IAF ITI 2025?
Answer: On January 18, 2026.What's the process for selecting candidates for IAF ITI roles?
Answer: It includes a written exam, interview, document check, merit list, and joining instructions.
What are your thoughts on this recruitment drive? Do you agree that apprenticeships should prioritize practical skills over degrees, or do you think the age cap could be adjusted for fairness? Share your opinions in the comments below – let's discuss!