DISHA, located in Delhi, is an acronym for the Directorate of Induction and Selection in Holistic Approach. DISHA Cell was set up by the Indian Air Force at Air Headquarters in 2005, under the aegis of the Air Officer-in-Charge Personnel, to propagate officers' induction publicity. DISHA Cell undertakes several activities and initiatives to make India’s youth aware of the Indian Air Force and facilitate their entry into this prestigious Indian Air Forces.

In fact, the primary mandate of DISHA is to reach out and create awareness among the country’s youth about career opportunities in the Indian Air Force. It disseminates this information in various forms like print, electronic, and digital media. Over a sustained period of time, DISHA Cell has installed numerous billboards and other promotional collaterals for said purpose.

Additionally, DISHA runs and maintains its official career website and various social media handles to stay connected with the youth of India and address their queries related to joining the Indian Air Force. DISHA also plays a crucial role in query resolution and career guidance for young aspirants looking to join the Indian Air Force, besides planning and executing publicity activities through diverse stakeholders.

Important Activities Undertaken by DISHA
DISHA is responsible for formulating notifications for every Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT) cycle. AFCAT is a screening exam conducted by the Indian Air Force to select young aspirants in the Flying and Ground Duty branches.

DISHA caters to preparing advertisements for each AFCAT cycle and publishes them in employment news. It has also been actively conducting multiple outdoor publicity activities by placing hoardings and ambient advertising at airports, bus stops, metro stations, and railway stations PAN India. The cell keeps on conducting one-on-one interactions with young aspirants, which involves disseminating information through career and motivational lectures.

To amplify awareness about the Indian Air Force and various career prospects on offer, DISHA conducts Induction Publicity Exhibition Vehicle (IPEV) drives and has set up Facilitation Cum Publicity Pavilion (FCP) across India at multiple vantage locations.

From time to time, DISHA organises awareness campaigns and distributes customised publicity material to the target audience directly and through other Indian Air Force formations.

Aspirants can explore a multitude of career prospects listed on the DISHA Cell website or follow their official social media handles for all the information they need to become part of the Indian Air Force.

IPEV – A Key Initiative of the Indian Air Force
IPEV (Induction Publicity Exhibition Vehicle) is a pivotal initiative of the Indian Air Force to give citizens a peek into life at the Indian Air Force. It was launched on 5th October 2015 and since then, it is expertly executed on-ground by the DISHA Cell.

The IPEV is a modified Volvo bus which has been transformed into a mobile exhibition on wheels. The IPEV contains the key facets related to the Indian Air Force (like miniature models of aircraft, simulators and photographs of officers) and the career prospects that are available thereof. Designed and created with the idea of Look, Touch and Feel; the IPEV gives aspirants a chance to learn more about the Indian Air Force in an engaging manner.

What is the IPEV All about?
Strategically designed to serve a clear objective, the IPEV has the following zones-

» Reception Zone: This zone contains LED panels where motivational videos of IAF are played and also contains self-interactive Touch Screen Information Kiosks for accessing career information like how to join, eligibility, growth opportunities etc.

» Simulator Zone: This zone provides a virtual experience of the various operations of IAF through VR headsets. It consists of a pilot seat, navigation system, and a particular direction handle to give a cockpit-like experience to the aspirants and students.

» Flying Clothing Zone: This zone contains replica models of aircraft in the inventory of the IAF, including Fighter planes, Transport aircraft and Helicopters, among others.

Fighter pilots wear ‘flying overalls’ which are full-body garments specially designed for flying. These are combined with some key attachments that he/she might require at the time of flying or in case of any emergency. These attachments include:

» Anti-gravitational suit
» Helmet
» Breathing mask/oxygen mask
» Microphone to directly connect with Air Traffic Control
» Touch-sensitive gloves to operate the touch panels of the aircraft

Besides IPEV, the DISHA Cell also undertakes all the recruitment processes, the latest updates on exams like AFCAT, downloading the admit card, career counselling etc. The most integral activities that are taken care of by DISHA Cell are:

» Publishing recruitment ads in print (newspapers, journals, and periodicals), electronic (TV, radio, and movies), and digital media (social media and internet).

» Advertising on billboards and LED/LCD screens in public spaces like airports, bus stations, metro stations, train stations, and shopping malls around India.

» Engaging in one-on-one conversations (both in person and online) with the target youth while delivering career/motivational lectures.