How to Join PAF as an Engineer — CAE Branch
If you want to join PAF as an engineer, the College of Aeronautical Engineering (CAE) is your entry. This is the only engineering commission in the Pakistan Air Force at the officer level — there is no separate electrical, mechanical, or civil engineering entry. All technical engineering officers are commissioned through CAE.
CAE officers are responsible for the maintenance, repair, technical operation, and engineering development of PAF aircraft, avionics systems, and military hardware. They train at NUST College of Aeronautical Engineering, Risalpur and earn a Bachelor’s degree in Aeronautical Engineering (NUST-accredited) alongside their military commission — making CAE one of the best-value officer entries in the Pakistan Armed Forces.
CAE is offered under Permanent Commission (PC) — course numbers like 107 CAE are announced in the official PAF recruitment advertisement.
CAE Eligibility Criteria 2026
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | F.Sc Pre-Engineering (Physics + Math + Chemistry) with minimum 60% marks. Hope Certificate accepted if result awaited. |
| Age | 16 to 22 years at time of test |
| Gender | Male and Female |
| Marital Status | Unmarried only |
| Nationality | Pakistani (no dual nationality) |
| Height (Male) | Minimum 5 feet 4 inches (163 cm) |
| Height (Female) | Minimum 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
| Eyesight | Glasses allowed — prescription up to ±2.5 (unlike GDP where perfect vision is mandatory) |
| Smart CNIC | Mandatory for candidates aged 18+ (simple CNIC not accepted since Oct 2020) |
CAE vs GDP — Key Differences
| Factor | GDP (Pilot) | CAE (Engineer) |
|---|---|---|
| Role | Flying aircraft | Engineering, maintaining & developing aircraft |
| Eyesight | 6/6 perfect (no glasses ever) | Glasses allowed (±2.5) |
| Test Focus | Physics + Intelligence + Math + English | Physics + Math + Intelligence + English |
| Physics Depth | High — conceptual + applied | Very high — technical depth required |
| Flying Aptitude Test (FAT) | Required — at PAF Base Risalpur | Not required |
| Training Location | PAF Academy Risalpur | NUST / College of Aeronautical Engineering, Risalpur |
| Degree Earned | Military commission only | BE Aeronautical Engineering (NUST-accredited degree) |
| Career Path | Fighter / Transport / Helicopter Pilot | Aircraft Engineer, Avionics, Weapons Systems |
CAE Initial Test Pattern
The CAE initial test is conducted on the PAF E-Testing System (computer-based). Pattern is very similar to GDP but with heavier emphasis on Physics and Mathematics technical depth.
| Test Section | MCQs | Time | Focus |
|---|---|---|---|
| Verbal Intelligence | 80–90 | ~40 minutes for Both | Analogies, series, coding, logical deduction |
| Non-Verbal Intelligence | 80–90 | ~40 minutes for Both | Patterns, mirror images, figure series |
| Physics | 25 | ~10 minutes | Mechanics, electricity, waves, thermodynamics |
| Mathematics | 50 | ~25 minutes | Algebra, trigonometry, calculus basics, matrices |
| English | 75 | ~30 minutes | Grammar, vocabulary, sentence correction |
CAE initial test Syllabus
Physics (Core Subject for CAE Engineers)
- Motion: velocity, acceleration, Newton’s Laws, projectile motion
- Work, Energy, Power
- Gravitation and orbital mechanics
- Fluid mechanics basics
- Waves, Sound, and Light
- Electricity: circuits, Ohm’s Law, capacitors, magnetic effects
- Thermodynamics: heat engines, laws of thermodynamics
- Modern Physics: photoelectric effect, nuclear concepts
Mathematics (Equal Importance for Engineering Entry)
- Algebra: quadratic equations, logarithms, sequences and series
- Matrices and Determinants
- Coordinate Geometry: lines, circles, conics
- Trigonometry: identities, inverse functions
- Calculus basics (differentiation, integration — F.Sc level)
- Statistics and Probability
English
- Grammar: tenses, active/passive voice, direct/indirect speech
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms, analogies
- Comprehension passages
CAE Selection Process
- Online Registration — Visit joinpaf.gov.pk. Registration typically opens in February and October.
- E-Testing (Intelligence + Academic) — Computer-based at Selection Center.
- Preliminary Medical — Height, weight, eyesight check.
- Initial Interview — Short panel assessment at Selection Center.
- ISSB — 5-day assessment at Kohat/Gujranwala (psychological, physical, leadership).
- Final Medical (CMB) — Comprehensive board in Lahore or Karachi.
- Final Merit List — Selection by Air Headquarters. No FAT required for CAE engineers.
CAE Training and Career After Selection
Selected candidates join NUST College of Aeronautical Engineering, Risalpur for a 4-year degree programme in Aeronautical Engineering alongside military training. After graduation, they are commissioned as Pilot Officers in the PAF Engineering Branch.
Engineering Specializations After CAE Commission
After commissioning, CAE engineers specialize in one of three main streams based on PAF requirements and individual performance:
- Mechanical Engineering — Aircraft airframe, engine systems, hydraulics, landing gear maintenance and repair
- Electrical / Avionics Engineering — Radar, navigation systems, communication equipment, electronic warfare systems
- Weapons Systems Engineering — Armaments, munitions, missile systems, targeting equipment
CAE officers can also advance into Quality Assurance, Project Management, Research & Development, and senior technical management roles at Air Headquarters.
