The Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is known not just for its exceptional pilots but also for the highly skilled engineers who work tirelessly behind the scenes. Among these professionals are the Aeronautical Engineers, who form the backbone of the PAFβs technical and maintenance branches. π§π©οΈ
If you have a passion for science, engineering, and innovation β and a desire to serve your nation π΅π° β joining the PAF as an Aeronautical Engineer offers you a dynamic and rewarding career. Hereβs everything you need to know about becoming part of this elite team.
π§βπ¬ Role of an Aeronautical Engineer in the PAF
The Aeronautical Engineering branch plays a critical role in maintaining the airworthiness and readiness of the PAF fleet. These professionals are responsible for:
β’ π§ Maintenance and overhaul of aircraft
β’ π Technical inspection and safety checks
β’ π₯οΈ Repair and upgrades of avionics systems
β’ π οΈ Ground support equipment maintenance
β’ π― Integration of weapon systems and flight control
β’ β
Managing airworthiness of aircraft and equipment
They work in collaboration with pilots, technicians, and logistics teams to ensure that every aircraft is safe, reliable, and combat-ready.
π Commission Type
Successful candidates are granted a Permanent Commission in the Aeronautical Engineering Branch, allowing them to build a long-term career in the PAF, with opportunities for:
β’ π Career progression
β’ π Technical specialization
β’ π§ββοΈ Leadership roles
β Eligibility Criteria
To join the PAF as an Aeronautical Engineer, candidates must meet specific academic, physical, and national requirements.
π Age Limit
π 16 to 22 years at the time of joining
π Nationality
π΅π° Only male citizens of Pakistan
π Marital Status
π ββοΈ Must be unmarried at the time of application and during training
π Height & Weight
π Minimum height: 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm)
βοΈ Weight: According to PAF medical standards
π Educational Requirements
Candidates must have scored at least 65% aggregate marks in one of the following educational paths:
π¬ F.Sc. (Pre-Engineering)
Subjects: Physics, Chemistry & Mathematics
π A-Level (Physics, Chemistry & Maths)
With equivalence to F.Sc (Pre-Engineering) from IBCC
π» F.Sc. (Physics, Maths & Computer Science)
Alternative to Pre-Engineering
π§ A-Level (Physics, Maths & Computer Science)
Also acceptable with equivalency certificate
π οΈ Diploma of Associate Engineering (DAE) in:
Avionics
Electrical
Mechanical
Electronics
Instrumentation & Process Control
Telecommunication
Automation
Computer Information / Software Engineering
π‘οΈ Selection Procedure
The selection process is rigorous and ensures only the most capable candidates are chosen.
1οΈβ£ Online Registration
π Apply online at: π www.joinpaf.gov.pk
π Carefully fill in your academic and personal details. Youβll receive your test schedule via email or SMS.
2οΈβ£ Written & Intelligence Tests
All candidates appear for:
π§ Intelligence Test (Verbal & Non-verbal)π 100 MCQs | β±οΈ 40 minutes
π Academic Test (based on educational background):
Subjects: English, Physics & Mathematics
π All tests are conducted as MCQs.
π Subject | π§Ύ MCQs | β±οΈ Time |
---|---|---|
Intelligence | 100 | 40 mins |
English | 100 | 40 mins |
Mathematics | 75 | 35 mins |
Physics | 75 | 35 mins |
3οΈβ£ Physical Fitness Test
To advance, candidates must pass the following:
π Activity | Requirement | β° Time Limit |
---|---|---|
Running | 1 Mile (1.6 km) | 8 minutes |
Push-Ups | 15 reps | 2 minutes |
Sit-Ups | 20 reps | 2 minutes |
Chin-Ups | 3 reps | 2 minutes |
4οΈβ£ Initial Medical Exam & Interview
π©Ί A basic medical check is conducted to examine overall physical and mental fitness.
π£οΈ An interview is conducted to assess:
Confidence
Communication
Personality
Motivation
5οΈβ£ ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board)
π Candidates who pass earlier stages may be called for ISSB, a 4-day assessment at ISSB centers in Kohat, Gujranwala, Malir, or Quetta.
Activities include:
β’ π§ Psychological tests
β’ π₯ Group discussions and tasks
β’ π§ββοΈ Leadership and command tasks
β’ π€ Panel interviews
β’ βοΈ Problem-solving simulations
6οΈβ£ Final Medical Examination
βοΈ Conducted at Central Medical Board (CMB) Lahore.
Tests include:
Internal and external physical evaluations
Blood and urine analysis
Chest X-rays
Hearing and eyesight tests
7οΈβ£ Final Selection
π Final merit is calculated based on:
β’ β
Test scores
β’ β
Fitness test
β’ β
ISSB results
β’ β
Medical exam
π Final selection is approved by Air Headquarters, and candidates are enrolled for training.
π Training Duration
Selected candidates undergo a 4-year training program at PAF Academy Risalpur or another designated institute.
π The program includes:
β’ π§ Aeronautical Engineering courses
β’ π« Practical aircraft maintenance training
β’ π§ββοΈ Leadership and discipline modules
β’ πͺ Physical and military conditioning
Upon completion, cadets are commissioned as PAF Officers and posted to operational airbases across Pakistan.
π Career Benefits
A career in the PAF as an Aeronautical Engineer brings a lifetime of prestige, stability, and service.
β’ π° Competitive salary and allowances
β’ π©Ί Free medical care for self and family
β’ ποΈ Subsidized housing and education
β’ π Scholarships for higher education
β’ π Opportunities for international training
β’ ποΈ Rapid promotion and leadership growth
β’ π‘οΈ Secure retirement and pension plans
π Final Thoughts
A career as an Aeronautical Engineer in the Pakistan Air Force is not just a job β it’s a mission of innovation, national pride, and service. If youβre technically inclined and want to be part of the engineering excellence behind Pakistanβs airpower, this is your moment. π©οΈπ΅π°
β’ π§ Prepare well
β’ πͺ Stay confident
β’ π Aim high β because your future is about to take flight!