Good news for experienced aviation professionals: Border Security Force Air Wing has invited applications for 28 Group B and C combatised posts on deputation, absorption and re-employment basis. This is a specialised lateral-entry opportunity for eligible serving and former armed forces, government or paramilitary aviation personnel.
The recruitment is not open to freshers seeking ordinary Constable or Sub-Inspector positions. Applicants must already possess the prescribed aviation flying experience, technical qualifications, medical fitness and service documents. Applications are accepted offline by post using the format prescribed in the official notification.
Quick takeaway: BSF Air Wing Recruitment 2026 offers 28 Group B and C posts for experienced aviation professionals. The application deadline is the last working day of the 12th month from publication in Employment News, while no application fee is prescribed. Eligible candidates must submit a complete application by post to the BSF headquarters address.
BSF Air Wing Recruitment 2026 Overview
Border Security Force operates air units that support helicopter-based surveillance, logistics, troop movement, casualty evacuation and other operational requirements. The Air Wing recruitment notification provides an opportunity for experienced aviation specialists to serve in BSF units on a deputation or related basis.
| Important Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Conducting organisation | Border Security Force, Air Wing |
| Notification number | 19/01/2026-Estt/BSF/13515 |
| Total vacancies | 28 posts, subject to variation |
| Post groups | Group B and Group C combatised posts |
| Recruitment basis | Deputation, absorption and re-employment |
| Application mode | Offline by post |
| Application fee | Nil |
| Selection method | Scrutiny, document verification and suitability assessment |
| Locations | BSF Air Wing units across India |
The recruitment notice is intended for candidates already working in or retired from relevant aviation roles. The posts include senior and junior flight engineering, flight gunnery, aircraft maintenance, radio maintenance and maintenance support positions.
Important Dates
- Notification release: 29 May 2026, as stated in the supplied source information.
- Employment News publication: Expected during 20–26 June 2026, subject to the official publication record.
- Application start: From the date of publication in Employment News.
- Closing date: Last working day of the 12th month from publication, approximately May 2027. Candidates should confirm the exact date in the official notification.
- First lot: Applications received during the first 30 days may receive priority consideration.
- Later scrutiny: Subsequent applications may be reviewed on a monthly basis, as applicable.
- Document verification: Shortlisted candidates will be informed of the schedule.
Post-wise Vacancy Details
There are 28 advertised posts across seven designations. The following table provides the post-wise details and qualifications described in the recruitment information.
| Post | Vacancies | Pay Level | Key Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senior Flight Engineer (Inspector) | 2 | Level 7 | Analogous post or five years in Level 6, 1,000 or more total flying hours on multi-engine helicopters, including at least 250 hours on MI-17 or variants, medical fitness and minimum Flying Category B. |
| Senior Flight Gunner (Inspector) | 4 | Level 7 | Analogous post or five years in Level 6, required multi-engine helicopter experience including MI-17 hours, medical fitness and minimum Flying Category B. |
| Junior Flight Engineer (Sub-Inspector) | 2 | Level 6 | Analogous post or six years in Level 5, at least 500 total flying hours including 100 hours on MI-17 or variants, valid Flight Engineer Rating or licence and medical fitness. |
| Junior Flight Gunner (Sub-Inspector) | 8 | Level 6 | Analogous post or six years in Level 5, at least 500 total flying hours including 100 hours on MI-17 or variants, valid Flight Gunner Rating and medical fitness. |
| Assistant Aircraft Mechanic (ASI) | 8 | Level 5 | Three-year diploma in relevant aircraft maintenance trade recognised by DGCA or IAF Group X, with preference for two years’ aviation experience on MI-17, ALH/Dhruv or Cheetah fleets. |
| Assistant Radio Mechanic (ASI) | 3 | Level 5 | Three-year diploma in telecommunications, electronics or related field recognised by DGCA or IAF Group X, with preference for experience maintaining aircraft communication or navigation equipment. |
| Constable (Maintenance) | 1 | Level 3 | 10+2 qualification, preferably with Science, and preferably two years’ experience as an aircraft or helicopter cleaner, transport vehicle mechanic or driver. |
The exact eligibility cut-off is the date on which the application is received. Candidates in the direct line of promotion may not be eligible for this deputation process, and candidates already serving on deputation may face restrictions on promotion during that period. Applicants should read the official notification for post-specific conditions.
Who Can Apply?
Applications may be considered from serving Central or State Government officials, employees of public sector undertakings, Armed Forces personnel due to retire within the applicable period, and eligible ex-servicemen. Ex-servicemen may be considered for re-employment if they satisfy the post-specific requirements and have a break in service that does not exceed two years.
Flight crew applicants must have documented experience on the specified helicopters and produce valid IAF or DGCA-related ratings, licences or medical fitness certificates. The most important documents are the flying logbook, medical certificate, technical qualification, service record and NOC from the parent department.
Application Fee
No application or examination fee is prescribed for this recruitment. Candidates should still follow the official instructions carefully, prepare all documents and ensure that the prescribed application format and envelope wording are used.
Salary and Benefits
Pay is drawn at the Central Government 7th Pay Commission level applicable to the post. The advertised levels are Level 7 for Inspector posts, Level 6 for Sub-Inspector posts, Level 5 for ASI posts and Level 3 for Constable (Maintenance).
- Inspector posts: ₹44,900–₹1,42,400 at Level 7.
- Sub-Inspector posts: ₹35,400–₹1,12,400 at Level 6.
- ASI posts: ₹29,200–₹92,300 at Level 5.
- Constable (Maintenance): ₹21,700–₹69,100 at Level 3.
Actual salary may also include deputation allowance, applicable flying incentives and other benefits according to government rules. Central government medical facilities, CSD canteen benefits, leave travel concessions and related paramilitary benefits may be available, subject to prevailing conditions. In-hand salary varies with posting location, parent cadre pay, deductions and entitlement.
Selection Process
- Scrutiny of applications and supporting documents.
- Verification of service, qualifications, flying hours and technical experience.
- Document verification by the competent authority.
- Assessment of suitability and relevant experience.
- Medical examination, if required, particularly for flight crew posts.
- Issue of an offer for deputation, absorption or re-employment, as applicable.
No written examination or interview stage is mentioned in the supplied recruitment information. The process is experience-driven, but candidates should not treat document scrutiny as a formality. Inconsistencies in logbook entries, medical records or service certificates can affect eligibility.
How to Apply Offline
- Visit the official BSF website at bsf.gov.in and locate the Air Wing recruitment advertisement and its annexures.
- Download the prescribed application form and bio-data proforma.
- Enter personal, service, aviation, technical and contact details accurately in block letters.
- Attach self-attested copies of all required certificates, flying records and service documents.
- Obtain the mandatory NOC from the parent department or organisation where applicable.
- Place the application and documents in a suitable envelope and add the prescribed superscription.
- Send the completed application by Speed Post or Registered Post to the Deputy Inspector General (Estt), HQ DG BSF, Block No. 10, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003.
Keep the postal receipt and tracking details. The application must reach the prescribed address by the last working day of the 12th month from publication. Applications sent by an unauthorised mode or without the prescribed envelope wording may be rejected.
Required Documents
- Class X certificate for date-of-birth proof.
- Educational and technical diploma certificates.
- DGCA licence, IAF Group X diploma or relevant aviation qualification.
- Attested flying logbook extracts showing total and helicopter-specific hours.
- Valid Flight Engineer or Flight Gunner Rating, where applicable.
- Medical fitness certificate in the required IAF or DGCA format.
- NOC from the current parent department for serving candidates.
- Discharge book, pension order or service certificate for ex-servicemen.
- Experience certificates and parent-service records.
- Recent passport-size photographs and any other document listed in the official annexure.
Important Instructions
- Read the official advertisement and annexures before completing the form.
- Ensure that all flying hours match the category and post applied for.
- Do not submit an application without the required NOC where one is applicable.
- Carry original and attested documents when called for verification.
- Do not assume that absorption into the permanent BSF cadre is automatic.
- Be prepared to accept posting at any BSF Air Wing unit in India, including remote locations.
- Deputation tenure is ordinarily limited to three years, subject to applicable rules.
Official Verification and Contact
Border Security Force is the official conducting organisation for this recruitment. Candidates should verify the advertisement, notification number, annexures and deadline on the BSF website and the BSF recruitment portal. The source information identifies the official websites as bsf.gov.in and rectt.bsf.gov.in.
For correspondence, the supplied information lists the Deputy Inspector General (Estt), HQ DG BSF, Block No. 10, CGO Complex, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003. Telephone numbers listed are 011-24364851 to 85, with extensions 2612 and 2658. Verify contact details through the official BSF notification before relying on them.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the BSF Air Wing Recruitment 2026 last date?
The deadline is the last working day of the 12th month from publication in Employment News, approximately May 2027. Confirm the exact date in the official notification.
2. How many vacancies are available?
There are 28 Group B and C posts across seven designations, subject to variation.
3. Is there an application fee?
No application or examination fee is mentioned for this recruitment.
4. Can freshers apply?
No. The posts require prescribed aviation experience, flying hours, technical qualifications or service conditions.
5. Is the application mode online or offline?
The supplied recruitment details specify offline applications by post only.
6. Is there a written exam?
No written examination or interview is mentioned. Scrutiny, document verification and suitability assessment form the stated selection process.
7. What documents are most important?
Flying logbook, medical fitness certificate, technical qualifications, service records, NOC and other certificates specified in the notification are important.
8. Can ex-servicemen apply?
Eligible ex-servicemen may apply for re-employment if they meet the post requirements and the permitted break-in-service condition.
9. What is the age limit?
The supplied information states an upper age limit not exceeding 52 years for deputation candidates as on the application receipt date. Ex-servicemen conditions are governed by applicable re-employment rules.
10. Is absorption guaranteed?
No. Absorption may depend on performance, vacancies and clearance by the competent cadre authorities.
11. Where can selected candidates be posted?
Posting may be at BSF Air Wing units across India, including Delhi, Srinagar, Guwahati, Ranchi, Agartala, Jodhpur, Jagdalpur and Raipur, subject to operational requirements.
12. What should be written on the envelope?
Use the exact superscription prescribed in the official notification for the deputation, absorption and re-employment application.
13. Can applications be tracked online?
Candidates should retain their postal receipt and use the postal tracking service to monitor the dispatched application.
14. Are technical diplomas enough for aircrew posts?
No. Aircrew posts require the specified flying experience, ratings or licences and medical fitness in addition to other applicable requirements.
15. Where can candidates download the application form?
The form and bio-data proforma are available through the relevant official BSF recruitment advertisement and its annexures.
Closing note: Do not wait until the last working day; verify your post-specific eligibility, arrange your NOC and submit a complete, attested application by post.