The Indian Air Force (IAF) is scheduled to conduct a significant Agniveer Vayu recruitment rally in Mayurbhanj, Odisha, from August 27 to September 4, 2025. This drive, held under the central government’s Agnipath scheme, aims to enlist eligible male and female candidates from 12 states, including Odisha, West Bengal, and several northeastern states. It represents a key opportunity for young individuals to serve in the IAF.
Overview of the Mayurbhanj Agniveer Vayu Rally
The IAF Agniveer Vayu recruitment rally in Mayurbbanj will be hosted at the Chhau Padia (Chhau ground) in Baripada. This multi-phase recruitment drive is designed to attract dynamic youth from various regions, offering a four-year tenure in the Air Force with possibilities for absorption into the regular cadre based on performance. The rally is expected to draw a large number of aspirants from Odisha and neighboring states, including Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Tripura, Meghalaya, Manipur, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim, Chhattisgarh, and Jharkhand.
A preparatory meeting, chaired by Mayurbhanj District Collector Hemakanta Say, was held at the Mahatma Gandhi Conference Hall to streamline logistics and coordination. Group Captain Sanjay Pattnaik, Commanding Officer of the 9 Airmen Selection Centre, Bhubaneswar, presented the detailed execution plans, emphasizing the need for collaborative efforts between the district administration and Air Force officials to ensure a smooth and efficient recruitment process.
Eligibility Criteria and Application Process for Agniveer Vayu
Candidates interested in participating in the IAF Agniveer Vayu rally must meet specific eligibility requirements concerning age, educational qualifications, and physical standards. The registration deadline for Agniveer Vayu Intake 02/2026 has been extended to August 4, 2025, with applications being accepted online.
Key Eligibility Requirements:
- Age Limit: Candidates must be born between July 2, 2005, and January 2, 2009 (both dates inclusive). The upper age limit at the time of enrollment should not exceed 21 years.
- Marital Status: Only unmarried male and female candidates are eligible to apply. Agniveers are required to undertake not to marry during their four-year engagement period. Female Agniveers must also undertake not to become pregnant during this period.
- Educational Qualifications:
- Science Subjects: Candidates must have passed 10+2 (Intermediate) with Mathematics, Physics, and English, securing a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
- Alternatively, for Science Subjects: A three-year Diploma Course in Engineering (Mechanical/Electrical/Electronics/Automobile/Computer Science/Instrumentation Technology/Information Technology) from a government-recognized polytechnic institute with 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English in the diploma course (or in Intermediate/Matriculation if English was not a subject in the Diploma Course).
- Alternatively, for Science Subjects: Passed two years Vocational Course from Education Boards recognized by Central/State/UT with minimum 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English in Vocational Course (or in Intermediate/Matriculation if English is not a subject in Vocational Course), with Physics and Mathematics as non-vocational subjects.
- Other Than Science Subjects: Candidates must have passed Intermediate/10+2/Equivalent Examination in any stream/subjects from Education Boards recognized by Central/State/UT with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
- Alternatively, for Other Than Science Subjects: Passed two years Vocational Course from Education Boards recognized by Central/State/UT with a minimum of 50% marks in aggregate and 50% marks in English.
Application Process:
- Candidates must register and apply online through the official Agniveer Vayu portal: agnipathvayu.cdac.in.
- The application fee is ₹550 plus Goods and Services Tax (GST), payable online.
- Required documents for upload include a passport-size photograph, signature, left thumb impression, and 10th/12th or Diploma certificates.
Selection Procedure: Phases and Tests
The selection process for Agniveer Vayu involves a multi-stage evaluation designed to assess candidates’ aptitude, physical fitness, and medical suitability.
Phase I: Online Written Examination This computer-based test is the initial screening stage.
- For Science Subjects: The exam duration is 60 minutes, covering Physics, Mathematics, and English, based on the 10+2 CBSE syllabus.
- For Other Than Science Subjects: The exam duration is 45 minutes, comprising questions on English, Reasoning, and General Awareness (RAGA).
- A negative marking of 0.25 marks is applicable for each incorrect answer.
Phase II: Physical Fitness Test (PFT) & Adaptability Tests Candidates who clear the online written examination proceed to Phase II.
- Physical Fitness Test (PFT): This includes a 1.6 km run to be completed within 7 minutes for male candidates and 8 minutes for female candidates. Male candidates must also perform 10 push-ups in one minute, 10 sit-ups in one minute, and 20 squats in one minute. Female candidates must perform 10 sit-ups in 1.5 minutes and 15 squats in one minute.
- Physical Standards Test (PST): Minimum height for male candidates is 152.5 cm, and for female candidates, it is 152 cm. Chest measurements for males require a minimum of 77 cm with an expansion of at least 5 cm. Weight must be proportionate to height and age.
- Adaptability Test-I: This test assesses a candidate’s suitability for the Air Force environment.
- Adaptability Test-II: This further evaluates a candidate’s ability to adjust to military life and the specific requirements of the Indian Air Force.
Phase III: Medical Examination Candidates who successfully complete all stages of Phase II undergo a comprehensive medical examination conducted by an Air Force Medical Team. This includes various baseline investigations such as blood haemogram, urine analysis, biochemistry tests, X-ray chest (PA view), and ECG. Specific standards for vision, hearing, and dental health must also be met. Corneal surgeries (PRK/LASIK) are generally not acceptable.
The Agnipath Scheme: A Transformative Initiative
The Agnipath scheme, launched in September 2022, is a transformative initiative aimed at creating a younger and more agile armed forces profile. It offers short-term service opportunities for youth, fostering discipline, leadership, and national service. Agniveers, as the recruits are known, undergo rigorous basic and specialized training before serving for a four-year period.
Upon completion of their four-year tenure, 25% of each Agniveer batch will be enrolled into the regular cadre of the Indian Air Force based on objective criteria, including performance during their service period. The remaining 75% will be eligible to receive a “Seva Nidhi” package, a financial corpus comprising their contributions, a matching contribution from the Government of India, and accrued interest. This package is designed to provide financial support for their future endeavors.
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The Agniveer initiative also includes a non-contributory life insurance cover of ₹48,00,000 for the duration of their engagement period. During their service, Agniveers are entitled to medical facilities at service hospitals and access to CSD (Canteen Stores Department) facilities.
Importance for Odisha Aspirants and Regional Impact
The IAF Agniveer Vayu rally in Mayurbhanj is particularly significant for aspirants from Odisha and the broader eastern and northeastern regions. It brings a major recruitment opportunity closer to home for many, potentially increasing participation from tribal and rural areas. Local authorities are working closely with the IAF to ensure smooth conduct of the rally, highlighting the collaborative effort required for such large-scale defense recruitment drives.
The scheme offers not only employment but also aims to instill a sense of national pride and discipline among the youth, preparing them for diverse roles in both military and civilian life. The skills acquired during their tenure as Agniveers are expected to be valuable assets for their future careers.
The rally, from August 27 to September 4, 2025, serves as a critical event for thousands of young individuals aspiring to join the Indian Air Force and contribute to national security. The comprehensive selection process ensures that only the most capable and dedicated candidates are chosen for this challenging and rewarding service.
