Join PAF as Airman: How to Join After Matric
If you have passed Matric, PAF airman induction is your direct entry route into the Pakistan Air Force. Airmen are the operational backbone of PAF — maintaining aircraft, providing base security, delivering medical support, and handling logistics. You do not need F.Sc or a degree. Matric (Science) is the minimum qualification for most trades.
PAF announces airman vacancies at least once or twice annually, typically in January and July, through the official portal: joinpaf.gov.pk.
All Airman Trades — Eligibility at a Glance
| Trade | Education | Marks % | Age | Height |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aero Trade (Technician) | Matric Science | Min. 60% | 16–20 years | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| Ground Combatant (GC) | Matric Science | Min. 50% | 17–22 years | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| Provost (Security) | Matric Science | Min. 55% | 17–22 years | 5’9″ (175 cm) |
| MT Driver (MTD) | Matric | Min. 50% | 17–22 years | 5’4″ (163 cm) |
| PF & DI (Physical Instructor) | Matric | Min. 50% | 16–22 years | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
| Female Medical Assistant (FMA) | Matric Science (Biology group) | Min. 60% | 16–22 years | 5’2″ (157 cm) |
| Firefighter | Matric | Min. 50% | 17–22 years | 5’6″ (168 cm) |
Additional Eligibility Notes (All Trades)
- Unmarried only for all airman trades
- Pakistani nationality (no dual nationality)
- Candidates from rural/backward areas of Punjab, Sindh, KPK with 50% marks may qualify for Aero Support (not technical Aero Trade)
- Balochistan (Quetta): min. 50% marks, 40% in English (special relaxation)
- Candidates who have failed the test/merit list three times are permanently disqualified
- Dismissed from any government service or training institute = ineligible
How to Join PAF After Matric for Females/Female Medical Assistant (FMA)
Females with Matric can join PAF through the Female Medical Assistant (FMA) trade. This is the dedicated female entry at airman level and is PAF’s equivalent of a nursing/paramedic role. FMA is a respected, stable career with full PAF benefits.
What Does an FMA Do?
Female Medical Assistants provide primary healthcare and paramedic support at PAF hospitals and medical centers across Pakistan. Duties include patient care, nursing assistance, first aid, and administrative medical support. FMAs serve at PAF bases in Lahore, Karachi, Islamabad, Peshawar, Sargodha, and other stations.
FMA Eligibility — Detailed
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Education | Matric with Science (Biology group — Biology, Physics, Chemistry) |
| Minimum Marks | 60% aggregate in Matric |
| Age | 16 to 22 years at time of test |
| Gender | Female only |
| Nationality | Pakistani (no dual nationality) |
| Marital Status | Unmarried at time of joining |
| Height | Minimum 5 feet 2 inches (157 cm) |
| Weight | As per BMI standards |
| Eyesight | Corrected vision acceptable |
Join PAF as Female Nursing (FMA) — Selection Process
- Online Registration — Register at joinpaf.gov.pk during the announced FMA induction window (typically January or July). Select “FMA” under airman trades.
- Report to nearest PAF Selection Center — Female candidates report to the same selection centers as male candidates. Female staff are present for the medical check.
- E-Testing (Computer Test) — Intelligence test + English + General Knowledge. Science subjects may also be tested.
- Preliminary Medical — Height, weight, eyesight check conducted by female medical staff.
- Initial Interview — Short panel interview assessing communication and motivation.
- Merit-Based Selection — AHQ issues merit list. Selected candidates receive joining instructions.
- Training — FMA training is conducted at PAF School of Aeronautical Engineering, Korangi Creek, Karachi.
FMA Career and Benefits
- Starting rank: Leading Aircraftwoman (LAW)
- Posting at PAF hospitals and medical centers across Pakistan
- Free medical treatment for self and dependents
- Free accommodation in PAF residential areas
- 50% discount on PIA and Pakistan Railways
- Children’s education at PAF public schools
- Pension after qualifying service
Note on “female nursing PAF”: PAF does not have a separate “nursing” trade at airman level. FMA is the closest equivalent — it is a paramedical/nursing support role. For fully qualified nurses (BSc Nursing degree), PAF recruits through the Medical Officer (Nursing) SSC entry at officer level, which is separate from airman induction.
Airman Initial Test Pattern
The test is computer-based on the PAF E-Testing System. Intelligence test comes first — failure here ends the process immediately.
Aero Trade (Technical)
| Section | MCQs | Subjects |
|---|---|---|
| Verbal Intelligence | 25 | Analogies, series, odd-one-out, reasoning |
| Non-Verbal Intelligence | 75 | Pattern recognition, mirror images, figure series, spatial reasoning |
| Physics | 25 | Matric-level Physics (Class 9 & 10) |
| Mathematics | 25 | Matric-level Mathematics |
| English | 25 | Grammar, synonyms, antonyms, fill-in-the-blanks |
GC, MTD, Provost, Firefighter (Non-technical)
| Section | MCQs |
|---|---|
| Verbal Intelligence | 25 |
| Non-Verbal Intelligence | 75 |
| English | 25 |
Airman Syllabus (What to Prepare)
Physics (Matric Level)
- Motion and forces (Newton’s Laws, friction, momentum)
- Work, energy, power, machines
- Waves and sound
- Electricity (basic circuits, Ohm’s Law)
- Light (reflection, refraction)
- Thermal properties (heat, temperature)
Mathematics (Matric Level)
- Sets, functions, and relations
- Algebra: equations, polynomials, factorization
- Geometry: triangles, circles, polygons, angles
- Arithmetic: percentages, ratios, fractions
- Statistics: mean, median, mode
English
- Grammar: tenses, prepositions, articles, conjunctions, relative pronouns
- Vocabulary: synonyms, antonyms
- Fill in the blanks, sentence correction
Intelligence (Most Important)
See our dedicated PAF Intelligence Test guide for 100+ practice questions with answers.
Airman Selection Process
- Online Registration — joinpaf.gov.pk. Fill personal, academic details, select trade and nearest center. Registration slip generated instantly.
- Report to Selection Center — Bring all original documents + 4 passport photos (blue background).
- E-Testing — Intelligence + Academic tests on computer.
- Preliminary Medical — Height, weight, eyesight, flat feet, knock knees check.
- Initial Interview — Confidence and basic knowledge check.
- Wait for Final Call — Merit-based shortlisting by AHQ.
- Report to PAF Airman Academy, Korangi Creek, Karachi — For training after selection.
Documents Required at Selection Center
- Original Matric Certificate (SSC)
- Detailed Marks Certificate (DMC)
- CNIC (Smart Card) or B-Form if under 18
- Father’s CNIC copy (attested)
- Domicile Certificate (original)
- 4 passport-size photos (blue background)
- PAF Ward Certificate (if father is PAF in-service/retired) — Bring Father’s Discharge Book
- If Matric is 2+ years old: original SSC certificate mandatory
Airman Ranks and Salary
| Rank | Army Equivalent | Approx. Monthly Pay | When Awarded |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Aircraftman (SAC) | Sepoy | Rs. 28,000–35,000 | On completion of training |
| Junior Technician | Lance Naik | Rs. 38,000–45,000 | After ~5 years of service |
| Corporal Technician | Naik | Rs. 50,000–60,000 | After promotion |
| Senior Technician | Havildar | Rs. 65,000–75,000 | Senior rank |
Additional benefits: Free housing in PAF colony, free medical for self and family, 50% PIA/Railways discount, children’s education at PAF schools, pension after 15 years service.
Want to Join as an Officer Instead?
If you have F.Sc or a degree, you may qualify for officer entry. Officers have a higher rank, better pay, and different career paths. See:
- Join PAF as Commissioned Officer — All Branches
- Join PAF as GD Pilot (Fighter Pilot)
- Join PAF as Aeronautical Engineer (CAE)
