If you join the Air Force through NDA, you earn yourself a Bachelor's Degree in Science or Computer Science. Air Force also sponsors M. Tech. courses for officers of the Technical Branch, with institutes like IIT and BHU-IT. And if you undergo the Defence Services Staff College Course, you are awarded an M.Sc. degree in Defence and Strategic Studies from the University of Chennai. Air Force also has tie-ups with universities like IGNOU to facilitate long-distance learning for officers and airmen.

In its endeavour to promote continuous learning, Air Force provides facilities like well stocked libraries and study centres at Air Force Bases. Read on to know how the Air Force encourages officers and airmen to pursue higher education.

Study Leave

The Air Force allows officers to take leave in order to attend the relevant contact programs as well as to appear in the examinations, subject to service exigencies. They are also allowed study leave of up to 24 months extendible up to 28 months.

During this period, an officer continues to be a part of the service and is covered by pay, perks and other benefits as applicable to others (with minor modifications). On completion of study leave, the officer reverts to his job and is posted to an Air Force Unit.

Sponsored Courses
Among the long duration courses available in-service, we sponsor a large number of M. Tech. courses for officers of the Engineering Branches. They are chosen through an
in-house selection process followed by interviews with the Engineering Colleges. Placements are with reputed Colleges/Institutes including IIT, BHU-IT, Roorkee Engineering College among others.

Tie-Up With IGNOU
The Indian Air Force has tied up with Indira Gandhi National Open University for a number of study centres at Air Force Stations and Command Headquarters. These serve as contact and information points for the convenience of all personnel and their dependants.

The following are the seven IGNOU centres set up in regional commands:

• Western Command
  
• South Western Command
  
• Eastern Command
  
• Southern Command
  
• Training Command
  
• Maintenance Command
  
• Air Force Station, New Delhi
  

Opportunities For Airmen

The Indian Air Force also offers airmen several educational opportunities to undertake higher learning.We issue a Trade Certificate on completion of training, before joining the Air Force. This certificate is equivalent to a diploma in civil qualification.

In addition to that, under the guidance of the Directorate General Resettlement, Ministry of Defence we conduct over 200 courses for airmen on the verge of retirement. These courses are designed to improve their employment prospects after retirement. In addition to in-house courses, our Airmen also have access to a large number of libraries and study material to further enhance their learning.

Click here to know about benefits offered to Air Force personnel.