You can join the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) in three ways: as a commissioned officer (F.Sc or degree holders), as an airman (Matric-level, the PAF’s equivalent of a soldier), or as a civilian employee (Matric to graduate level, depending on the post). Every route starts with online registration, while an advertisement is open. That is the only official PAF induction website.
PAF does not accept applications all year. Registration opens only when a new advertisement appears in newspapers and on the website, and each route has its own dates and rules. The dates and figures below come from recent advertisements. Always check the current advertisement for exact age, height and marks before you apply.
Quick comparison
| Aspect | Officer | Airman (soldier) | Civilian |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minimum education | F.Sc / A-Levels (for pilot and most permanent commission courses), or a degree for other courses | Matric (Science for most trades) | Depends on the post (Matric or higher) |
| Who can apply | Men and women, depending on the course | Men | Depends on the post |
| Marital status | Unmarried for most courses | Unmarried for most trades | Per advertisement |
| Key test | ISSB (5 days) | Tests, medical, physical and interview | Test, medical, sometimes a practical test |
How to join PAF as an officer
Officers join as cadets and are commissioned after training at PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Risalpur. Choose your branch based on your education.
Main officer courses
- General Duty Pilot GD(P): for F.Sc Pre-Engineering or Pre-Medical, ICS with Physics and Maths, or A-Levels with Physics and Maths or Biology.
- Air Defence, Administration and Special Duties, Logistics, and Aeronautical Engineering: permanent commission courses. Recent advertisements list an age range of 16 to 22 years for several of them.
- Short Service Commission (SSC) courses: for degree holders such as Education, Accounts and Meteorology branches. These have higher age limits than the F.Sc-based courses.
GD Pilot eligibility (typical)
The following comes from recent advertisements and guides. The exact figures change with each advertisement.
- Nationality: Pakistani citizen.
- Age: about 16 to 22 years.
- Marital status: unmarried.
- Height: at least 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) for men. Some guides list 5 feet 2 inches for women.
- Eyesight: 6/6 without glasses for pilots.
- Education: F.Sc (Pre-Engineering, Pre-Medical or Computer Science) or A-Levels with Physics and Maths or Biology. Sources quote a minimum of 60% to 65% marks, so check the current advertisement for the exact figure.
Some sources say the permanent commission for GD(P) is offered to men and a short service commission to women. Confirm this in the advertisement.
Officer selection process
The steps below follow the process described in recent PAF advertisements:
- Online registration at joinpaf.gov.pk. You need a NADRA Smart Card.
- Intelligence and academic tests on computer at a PAF Information and Selection Centre. Recent ads list English and Physics for several courses, and English, Physics and Maths for engineering.
- Preliminary medical examination and initial interview.
- ISSB (Inter-Services Selection Board). This is a five-day assessment of psychology, group tasks, interviews and leadership at Kohat, Gujranwala, Quetta or Malir. Only shortlisted candidates are called.
- Final medical at the Central Medical Board (CMB) in Lahore.
- Flying Aptitude Test (FAT) for GD Pilot candidates only.
- Final merit list by Air Headquarters.
Reports say a candidate who is twice “not recommended” by ISSB cannot apply again. Confirm this in the advertisement.
Training
GD(P) and other permanent commission cadets train at PAF Academy Asghar Khan, Risalpur. According to recent guides, they earn a BS degree from Air University, and the course lasts about three to four years.
How to join PAF as an airman (soldier)
Airmen are the trained technicians and support staff of the Air Force. If you have only passed Matric, this is the way to join PAF.
Airman trades
Recent advertisements list trades such as:
- Aero Technician (Aero Trade)
- Aero Support
- PF&DI (Physical Fitness and Drill Instructor)
- Security (Provost)
- MTD (Motor Transport Driver)
- Fire Fighter
- Medical Assistant
- Music
- Ground Combatier, Clerk and Accounts in some years
Not every trade is announced every time.
Airman eligibility (typical)
The official website lists these standards:
- Nationality: male citizen of Pakistan.
- Marital status: unmarried.
- Eyesight: 6/6 for the trades that require it.
- Education: Matric with elective Science for most trades. The required aggregate marks, and marks in subjects like English, vary by trade.
Age and height differ by trade. Examples from the official site:
| Trade | Age | Height |
|---|---|---|
| Aero Technician | 15½ to 19 years | 168 cm |
| Aero Support | 19 to 21 years | 168 cm |
| Ground Combatier | 17½ to 22 years | 175 to 188 cm |
Third-party sites list slightly different figures for some trades, and requirements change with each advertisement. Use the official advertisement as your final reference. Do not rely on old blog posts.
Airman selection process
After online registration, you are called to the nearest PAF Information and Selection Centre. The stages usually include:
- Intelligence and academic tests.
- Preliminary medical examination.
- Physical fitness test.
- Interview.
- Final medical and merit-based selection.
Bring all original documents when you appear at the centre.
Recruits begin with basic military training and then move to trade training. One guide names PTTS Kohat for basic training and the Airman Academy in Korangi Creek for trade training. Check the current advertisement for the training location.
How to join PAF as a civilian
Civilian employees work at PAF bases and offices but are not part of the armed forces ranks. These jobs come up as separate advertisements, and they are much fewer than airman or officer intake.
The most recent advertisement reported (June 2026) offered:
- Medical Assistant (BPS-09), for men and women
- Draftsman (BPS-04)
- Cook (BPS-03)
Age is counted from a date given in the advertisement, and qualifications and experience must match each post. Applicants dismissed from government service or involved in criminal or moral offences are not eligible.
How to apply as a civilian
- Open joinpaf.gov.pk and go to the civilian registration section.
- Register with your CNIC and fill in your personal and education details.
- Choose the post you are eligible for and submit the form.
- Print the form or slip and keep it.
Eligible candidates are called for a test, and some posts have a practical test. Selection is on merit, and a medical examination is required before appointment.
How to apply on joinpaf.gov.pk
The steps are similar for all three routes:
- Read the latest advertisement and check that you meet every condition.
- Keep your documents ready: CNIC or NADRA Smart Card, educational certificates, photograph and domicile if required.
- Open joinpaf.gov.pk and register online.
- Fill in your details carefully. One guide notes that the selection centre you choose may not be changeable later, so pick the one nearest to you.
- Print your registration slip. It usually shows your test date and centre.
- Appear at the centre on the given date with original documents.
Note: For the complete PAF recruitment details visit our “Join PAF” page, there we have listed updated PAF jobs, eligibility criteria, selection process and more.
When does PAF announce recruitment?
Timing varies by year. Recent examples from news and job sites:
- Officers: registration from 22 July to 3 August 2026.
- Airmen: registration from 6 to 19 July 2026.
- Civilian posts: registration from 15 to 28 June 2026.
These windows have already closed. Watch the official website and major newspapers for the next advertisement, and prepare your documents and fitness in advance. GD Pilot inductions are often reported to happen twice a year, but this is not fixed.
FAQs
Can I join PAF after Matric?
Yes, as an airman in eligible trades. Most trades ask for Matric Science with a minimum aggregate percentage.
Can girls join PAF?
Yes. Women can apply for GD Pilot and some other officer courses, and for some civilian posts such as Medical Assistant. Airman recruitment has been for male candidates in the recent advertisements.
Do I need to pass ISSB to become an officer?
Yes, for the commissioned officer courses. You reach ISSB only after passing the initial tests, medical and interview.
Can I wear glasses and become a GD Pilot?
Recent guides give the standard as 6/6 vision without glasses. Check the medical standard in the advertisement.
Is marriage allowed?
Most courses and trades require you to be unmarried. Some short service courses may differ, so read the advertisement.
Wrap Up
To join PAF, first decide which route fits your education: F.Sc or degree for officer, Matric for airman, or a post-specific qualification for a civilian job. Then watch for the official advertisement, register only at joinpaf.gov.pk, and prepare for the tests, medical and (for officers) ISSB. Age, height, marks and dates change with each advertisement, so always confirm them there before applying.
