Becoming a General Duty (GD) Pilot in the Pakistan Air Force (PAF) is more than just a career — it’s a commitment to serving your country with honor, discipline, and courage. GD Pilots are at the forefront of defending Pakistan’s airspace, operating state-of-the-art aircraft and undergoing rigorous training to become part of one of the most respected air forces in the world.
If you’re passionate about aviation and want to serve your nation with pride, the PAF offers you a golden opportunity to turn your dream into reality. ✨
🎯 Role of a GD Pilot
The General Duty Pilot branch is responsible for flying and operating all PAF aircraft. Whether it’s air superiority fighters, transport aircraft, or trainer jets, GD Pilots play a vital role in mission readiness and national defense. Their duties include:
- 🛫 Operating fighter, bomber, and transport aircraft
- 🎯 Participating in combat and reconnaissance missions
- 🎢 Performing aerial maneuvers and dogfighting techniques
- 🤝 Engaging in training exercises with allied forces
- 🛠️ Ensuring operational readiness of aircraft and systems
📜 Commission Type
Candidates selected for the GD Pilot branch receive a Permanent Commission in the Pakistan Air Force. This long-term commitment includes extensive training, career progression, and leadership opportunities.
🧾 Eligibility Criteria
To become a GD Pilot, candidates must meet strict criteria to ensure only the most capable individuals are selected.
🎂 Age Limit
📅 16 to 22 years old
🌐 Nationality
🇵🇰 Male or Female citizens of Pakistan
💍 Marital Status
🙅♂️ Unmarried
📏 Height and Weight
📐 Minimum height: 5’4″ (163 cm)
⚖️ Weight: Proportionate to height and age (as per PAF standards)
👁️ Vision Requirements
👀 6/6 vision in both eyes (without glasses/contact lenses)
🎓 Educational Requirements
Candidates must have a minimum of 65% aggregate marks in any of the following:
- 📘 F.Sc. (Pre-Engineering, Pre-Medical, or Computer Science)
- 📘 A-Level (with Physics, Maths, Computer Science/Biology)
- 📘 F.Sc. with Physics and any two of: Mathematics, Statistics, Computer Science, Biology
📌 Candidates awaiting results may apply with Part-I marks and a Hope Certificate.
🛡️ Selection Procedure
The process to become a GD Pilot includes academic, physical, and psychological evaluations.
1️⃣ Online Registration
🖥️ Register at: www.joinpaf.gov.pk
📝 Fill the form correctly and note your test date.
2️⃣ Written and Intelligence Tests
🧠 Intelligence Test
Type: Verbal & Non-verbal
📊 100 MCQs | ⏱️ 40 minutes
📚 Academic Test
Pre-Medical Candidates: English, Physics
Pre-Engineering / ICS / DAE Candidates: English, Physics, Maths
📌 All questions are in MCQ format.
| 📖 Subject | 📋 Total MCQs | ⏰ Time |
|---|---|---|
| Intelligence | 100 | 40 mins |
| English | 100 | 40 mins |
| Mathematics | 75 | 35 mins |
| Physics | 75 | 35 mins |
3️⃣ Physical Fitness Test
To move forward, you must pass the following fitness standards:
| 🏃♂️ Test Type | ✅ Requirement | ⏰ 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 |
4️⃣ Initial Medical Exam & Interview
🩺 Preliminary medical test checks general health, eyesight, hearing, and physical condition.
🗣️ A basic interview follows to evaluate communication skills, personality, and confidence.
5️⃣ ISSB (Inter Services Selection Board)
Shortlisted candidates are invited to ISSB – a 4-day evaluation involving:
🧠 Psychological Tests
🧑🤝🧑 Group Tasks
🎤 Interviews
🏕️ Outdoor Exercises
🪖 Command Tasks
This stage assesses your mental resilience, leadership, and teamwork.
6️⃣ Final Medical Examination
✔️ Conducted at CMB Lahore, this test includes:
Blood tests
Chest X-rays
Eye and ENT assessments
General physical examination
7️⃣ Flying Aptitude Test (FAT)
🛩️ Tests your flying instincts, reaction time, and aeronautical understanding in simulated environments. Critical for final evaluation.
8️⃣ Final Selection
🏛️ The final merit list is compiled by PAF Air Headquarters.
📘 Selected candidates are inducted into PAF Academy Risalpur for training.
🎖️ Why Choose a Career as a GD Pilot?
✅ Highly respected role in Pakistan’s defense
💰 Competitive salary & allowances
🎓 World-class training & education
🌍 International exposure and exercises
🛩️ Fly modern, advanced combat aircraft
🔒 Secure job with retirement benefits
🏁 Final Thoughts
The journey to becoming a GD Pilot in the Pakistan Air Force is challenging, but the rewards are unmatched. If you have the courage, discipline, and determination to take to the skies for your country — this is your mission.
📚 Prepare thoroughly
🎯 Stay focused
🚀 Aim high — because the sky is just the beginning!