The Indian Air Force has rolled out its Group C recruitment cycle for 2025, offering a total of 153 civilian posts across various categories including Multi‑Tasking Staff, Lower Division Clerk, Hindi Typist, Cook, Store Keeper, Housekeeping Staff, Laundryman, Mess Staff, Painter, Carpenter, Driver, and Vulcaniser. This notification was published in mid‑May 2025 via Employment News and the online portal, signaling a valuable opportunity for 10th, 12th, ITI, and diploma‑qualified candidates seeking stable government employment within the defence sector.

Timeline – Notification, Application Window, and Submission Mode

The official notification was issued around 14 May 2025, and the application window began on 17 May, extending until 15 June 2025 (with allowances for remote region applicants). Unlike many modern recruitments, this drive requires offline application submission. Interested candidates must download the prescribed application form, fill it carefully, attach self‑attested documents, and dispatch it via ordinary or speed post to the address specified in the notification—addressed by post marking “Vacancy Breakdown – Wide Variety of Roles

The 153 posts span diverse functions: there are over fifty openings for Multi‑Tasking Staff, around fourteen for Lower Division Clerk, a pair for Hindi Typist, sixteen for Store Keeper, twelve for Cook, eight for Civilian Mechanical Transport Driver, and positions for Mess staff, Laundryman, Housekeeping staff, Painter, Carpenter, and Vulcaniser. Posts vary in pay level and responsibilities—some requiring trade certificates or typing proficiency, others relying on experience or basic qualification.

Eligibility and Age Criteria

Applicants must be Indian citizens aged between 18 and 25 years as of the final submission date. Government norms permit age relaxations: five years for SC/ST, three years for OBC, and further relief for PwBD and ex‑servicemen. Educational qualifications vary per post: Ordinary-grade roles typically require Class X or XII, some posts require ITI or diploma, while typing posts demand a minimum speed of 35 words per minute in English or 30 wpm in Hindi. Driver roles require both Class X and a valid light commercial driving licence along with requisite experience.

Selection Process – Written Test, Skill/Physical Test, and Verification

The selection procedure begins with an objective written examination tailored to the post category. For clerk and typist candidates, the test covers general intelligence, English, numerical aptitude, and general awareness. Other posts such as MTS, cook, or housekeeping roles involve broader general awareness and reasoning along with trade‑based questions. After qualifying in the written stage, candidates undergo post‑specific skill or practical tests—typing assessments for clerks and typists, driving trials for driver roles, or physical or functional tests for other posts. Following successful performance, shortlisted candidates attend document verification to establish eligibility, age, and category status.

Salary Structure and Career Benefits

Positions fall under pay levels one or two of the 7th Central Pay Commission. Level 1 roles include basic pay around ₹18,000 per month, while Level 2 roles begin at about ₹19,900. In addition to the base salary, government allowances such as DA, HRA, travel allowances and pension benefits apply, with gross annual packages ranging between ₹2.4 lakh and ₹2.5 lakh or more. The Air Force also extends job security, medical coverage, and opportunities for departmental growth over time.

Why This Recruitment Matters

This drive offers aspirants without engineering degrees a chance to join one of India’s premier defence forces in civilian capacities. The broad range of roles accommodates candidates with varied backgrounds—be it 10th pass, ITI holders, or 12th pass with specific skills. The absence of application fee simplifies access, and the offline submission process ensures inclusion even without internet access. For aspirants seeking government jobs with transferable skills across states, this is a rare and timely opportunity.

Preparation Guidelines and Common Pitfalls

Candidates must act swiftly due to the limited window and manual submission requirement. First, they should carefully download and complete the prescribed form, attach passport‑size photos, category certificates, educational documents, and experience or ITI certificates where needed. Attention to correct typing speed entries and trade certificates ensures eligibility. Since no application fee is collected, missing documents or mismatched signatures often lead to rejection. Moreover, delays in postal delivery or form errors can also disqualify applications. Hence, aspirants should prepare early, verify every detail, and keep copies of documents and application form before posting.

Expectations After Applying

After the offline submission deadline, the Indian Air Force will shortlist candidates based on eligibility and eligibility criteria. Written exam dates and admit card notification are expected in the months following the application closing. Qualified candidates will receive schedule details for skill or physical tests depending on the post. Finally, successful candidates will be invited to a document verification stage before appointments are confirmed. No interviews are part of the process for most posts; selection rests on academic merit, written test score, and qualifying nature of skill tests.

In-Hand Salary and Role Realities

Post‑selection, candidates join designated Air Force Stations or units across India. Joining includes orientation, training, and induction into roles such as administration, logistics, transport, housekeeping or canteen duties under IAF discipline and structure. Though physical deployments vary by unit, the remuneration and allowances remain governed by central pay scales. Over time, incumbents may be placed in permanent rolls or transferred as per service needs.

Final Thoughts – Seize the Opportunity

The Indian Air Force Group C recruitment 2025, offering 153 varied civilian posts, is a compelling opportunity for secondary and vocational level candidates seeking secure government jobs. With qualification ranging from 10th to ITI levels, a realistic selection process through written and skill tests, and a zero-application-fee structure, this drive stands out in inclusivity. Despite the offline application method requiring attention to postal procedures, timely action, document readiness and consistent follow‑up through admit card announcements can pave the way to a stable civilian career within the Air Force.

Aspiring candidates should ensure they read the official notification thoroughly, meet post‑specific eligibility criteria, do not miss the 15 June 2025 deadline, and apply well in advance. With roles across administration, support, and services, this recruitment could be the launching pad for a disciplined career. For further guidance or document templates, feel free to ask!