How to Become a Pilot in India: After 12th, Qualifications, Requirements, Eligibility

How to Become a Pilot in India Highlights

• The cost to become a pilot in India normally ranges between INR 40 L - 60 L, whereas the cost to become a pilot abroad might go up to INR 1.5 Crore or more.
• Candidates who wish to join the Indian Air Force must clear the AFCAT online examination. The examination was conducted from February 16 to 18, 2024. The results were declared on March 8, 2024.
• The average salary that a pilot can earn in India ranges between INR 10 LPA - 15 LPA. Moreover, the highest salary can range between INR 84 LPA - 2 Crores.

How to Become a Pilot in India Comprehensive Overview

Pilot is a professional who flies and navigates planes, warplanes, choppers as well as other airborne machines. They operate flight controls while ensuring safety of passengers and crew members. As a pilot, you can either transport people or goods from one point to another or work for an organization that has charter flights, does aerial photography or performs rescue missions.

In India, pilots can be employed in several careers which include commercial aviation and the air force. In addition to flying the aircraft according to the rules to ensure safe travel, these pilots also conduct various tests before taking off. Some of these tests involve evaluating weather conditions, conducting flight safety checks, updating the flight logs and confirming flight plans.

Let’s take a look at this insightful article on how to become a pilot in India in detail. You will also learn about the average salary of a pilot in India here .Of course, you will also get some advice on things you need to do so that you could become a pilot working in India.

How to Become a Pilot in India Qualifications and Eligibility

In order to become a pilot in India, individuals must do the necessary training and fulfill certain conditions. The general eligibility criteria for making a career as a Pilot are as follows:

• To apply for a pilot licence, candidates must be Indian nationals.
• Candidates must have completed class 12 PCM with 50% marks from a recognized board. 
• To apply for the course, candidates should be at least 18 years old.
• Candidates must complete a certain amount of flight hours at a recognized flying school.
• To work as a pilot in India, candidates must hold a valid flight license.

How to Become a Pilot in India Requirements to Consider

Becoming a pilot is a long and tiring journey. It takes a lot of time and patience. Mentioned below is the guide for you to become a pilot:

Step 1: Extensive Research

Doing a good research before diving into becoming a pilot is essential. In India, there are two options for becoming a pilot. One approach is through civil aircraft, while the other is through the Indian Defense Forces. The first path leads to a commercial pilot, whereas the second leads to an air force pilot. So, before you begin your job as a pilot, undertake extensive study. Each path has various eligibility provisions. Both professional paths, however, involve passing tests and medical examinations.

Step 2: Decision-making: Commercial or Air Force Pilot

Since the license provisions, eligibility and responsibilities differ between commercial and Air Force Pilot, it become significant to decide carefully where your interest and eligibilities lie. 

Civil aviation pilot

Commercial pilots operate airplanes and helicopters for business purposes. As a commercial pilot, you may operate passenger or freight planes. You could also assist with rescue or evacuation operations and traffic monitoring. To become a commercial pilot, you must have completed a Higher Secondary Certificate (HSC) with mathematics and physics as essential subjects. If you do not have the certificate, you can take a course on these two courses in an open school.

Air force or fighter pilot

If you are passionate about serving our country, you can join the air force or become a fighter pilot. If you are selected, you would be allowed to operate bombers, future strategic tanker aircraft (FSTA), fighter jets, and transport planes for the Indian Defence Forces. You can start your career as a fighter pilot after passing your HSC or after graduating with additional prerequisites.

Step 3: Join a flying school

If you want to become a civil aviation pilot, you must first attend a flight or training school. Investigate and analyze various flying schools in your city or across the country. Understand the fee structure and duration. Such institutions provide various courses based on your age, expertise, and provisions. These training institutes offer both flight instruction and classroom lectures to help you improve your piloting skills.

Step 4: Submit Application For License

The Indian government’s regulatory agency for aviation is the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). The DGCA sets standards and grants licenses to pilots who fly commercial flights within the country’s borders. According to DGCA rules, a minimum number of hours must be flown in order to become a civil aviation pilot. When you take your practical test, you will need to write your answers down on paper or orally answer some questions posed by an examiner. Consequently, amongst others, SPL student pilot license application, CPL commercial pilot licence application, PPL private pilot license application and ATPL airline transport pilot license application may be made in accordance with experience; age and flying hours needed for each category.

Students Pilot Licence

SPL is required for flight instruction and flying. To acquire an SPL, you must be at least 16 years old and have completed your senior secondary certificate (SSC). Obtaining an SPL does not require any prior flight experience. However, you must be medically fit. If you meet all of these provisions, you can apply to any DGCA-approved flying school.

Private Pilot Licence (PPL) 

It allows you to fly passenger or freight aircraft without being paid for it. To receive a PPL, you must be at least 17 years old and complete all SPL provisions. Unlike SPL, PPL requires you to log specific flight hours.

Commercial Pilot Licence

A CPL is required for flying commercial aircraft and becoming a professional pilot. To receive a CPL, you must be at least 18 years old and fulfill all PPL provisions. Aside from being medically fit, you must complete sufficient flying hours as specified by the DGCA.

Airline Transport Pilot Licence

An ATPL is required to fly with airlines, and you must be over the age of 21 to obtain one. You must log a certain number of flying hours, as with any other licence. A senior CPL license is required for obtaining an ATPL.

If you are inclined to become an air force pilot, you are required to have a defence licence.

Step 5: Crack the Pilot Exams

To obtain a pilot license, both civil aviation and air force pilots must pass written exams as well as flying tests.

Civil aviation pilots

SPL: Pass the DGCA's oral examination.    
PPL: You must also pass a flying and written test administered by the DGCA. The written test topics include air regulation, air navigation, aviation meteorology, aircraft, and engines.    
CPL: Obtaining a CPL requires passing a written exam administered by the DGCA. The subject covers air navigation, air regulation, aviation meteorology, radiotelephone, signals, aircraft, and engines.

Air force pilots

National Defence Academy (NDA): You must pass the NDA admission examination, which assesses your general ability and mathematics.    
CDSE: After graduating, you must take the Combined Defence Service Examinations (CDSE). It tests your English, math, and general knowledge. After completing the CDSE exam, you must complete an SSB interview followed by a pilot aptitude test.    
Short Service Commission (SSC) : It administers the Air Force Common Admission Test (AFCAT), and under this method to becoming a pilot, you cannot serve for more than 14 years in the air force. The test check your language skills, logical skills, numerical capability, military acumen, and general awareness.

Entry through National Cadet Corps (NCC): Hey there! If you're a graduate with at least 60% grades and a member of the NCC society with an Air Wing Senior Division 'C' certificate, you're all set to apply through the NCC. The good news is, if you have an 'A' or 'B' certificate, you don't even need to take a written test. You're automatically eligible for the SSB interview. 

All four methods to becoming an air force pilot involve passing the specialized examination. After passing the exam, you must complete the SSB interview, followed by the pilot aptitude test.

Step 6: Get flying experience

According to the DGCA, all pilots in civil aviation need to rack up a certain number of flying hours to get their license. The type of license you're aiming for determines how much flying experience you'll need. For instance, an SPL license doesn't require any flying experience, while a CPL demands at least 200 flying hours. It's super important to keep track of your hours as you progress in your career. It can take more than a year or two to log the necessary hours for a CPL or ATPL..

Step 7: Get your medical examination

As part of the pilot's license provisions, you must pass a medical fitness test to guarantee that your health does not interfere with the operation of the aircraft. Both civil aviation and air military pilots must pass medical examinations as prescribed by the DGCA and the Indian Defence Forces. Air force candidates must be at least 152 cm tall and have 6/6 vision in one eye and 6/9 vision in the other. Your weight should match your height. To be eligible for a DGCA licence, you must provide a certificate of physical fitness that meets the DGCA's standards.

How to Become a Pilot after 12th 

To become a pilot after 12th, candidates need to apply for pilot training schools and candidates must have completed class 12 in the science stream. The general procedures are as follows. 

1. Consider joining a Flying School - Candidates should choose a flying school based on their preference and must enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school. These schools develop a strong base for candidates and also teach aviation subjects in detail.
2. Endeavor to Gain Practical Experience - Adding flight hours is one of the essential steps in becoming a Pilot. 250 hours of flight time is required to become a Commercial Pilot. For Military Pilots, flight time is 1,500 hours. Flight hours are accumulated under the supervision of flight instructors. Apart from flight sessions, candidates are also required to undergo ground theory training.
3. Complete Tests and other Prerequisites - Candidates are required to pass all aptitude and psychological tests to become eligible for applying for big airlines. They are also required to work as Pilots and Co-pilot.
4. Pilot License - Candidates should prepare and pass the DGCA exam which tests the candidate’s knowledge of aviation theory, regulations and other related topics. After clearing the exam, they can apply for different licenses like SPL, PPL, CPL and ATPL.
5. Work as a Pilot - After finishing the steps numbered above, candidates can start working as Pilots or Co-pilots. After they spend time and get experience, they can see growth to higher posts like the Captain and working on long-haul flights.

Entrance Exams to Become a Pilot

Admission to aviation courses at leading colleges and universities is based on candidates' success in entrance tests. AME CET, IGRUA, and SSAT are some of the most prevalent entry examinations approved by India's leading schools. Candidates wishing to join the Indian Air Force as pilots must pass entrance tests such as AFCAT, NDA, or CDS. The admission exam information is as follows. 

• AME CET
• IGRUA
• AFCAT
• CDS
• NDA

Top Colleges to Become a Pilot

India offers numerous flying schools and universities that provide courses and training to prospective pilots. The Bombay Flying Club, Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy, Government Flying Training School, and IGRUA are among the leading colleges. The table below lists the top colleges. 

1. The Bombay Flying Club: It is located in Mumbai and the average course fees (INR) is 34.56 L. 
2. Rajiv Gandhi Aviation Academy: It is located in Hyderabad and the average course fees (INR) is 20 L.
3. Government Flying Training School:  It is located in Bangalore.
4. Hindustan Institute of Engineering Technology: It is located in Kanchipuram and the average course fees (INR) is 3.82 L.
5. IGRUA:  It is located in  New Delhi and the average course fees (INR) is 38 L.
6. BAA Training:  It is located in Gurgaon and the average course fees (INR) is 1.16 Cr.
7. Academy of Carver Aviation Pvt. Ltd: It is located in Pune and the average course fees (INR) is  9 - 43 L.
8. Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA):  It is located in  New Delhi and the average course fees (INR) is 1.59 L.
9. Adventure Flight Education Pvt. Ltd: It is located in Mumbai and the average course fees (INR) is 46.92 L.
10. Adventure Flight Education Pvt. Ltd: It is located in New Delhi and the average course fees (INR) is  25.56 L.

Average salary for pilots

Commercial pilots in India earn an average annual salary of ₹3,62,744. Salaries range from ₹ 2,11,000 to ₹ 10,73,000 annually.

How Much Time is Required to Become a Pilot

To be a pilot in India may need much time and effort. Time to become a pilot is dependent on the type of license, number of flight hours required, availability of slots among others. For private pilot training three months are taken plus 60 hours flying but commercial pilot training lasts for two years. In India, it takes around four or five years to qualify as a commercial pilot after completing all licenses doing training and getting employed.

Tips for Becoming a Pilot in India

If you're dedicated to becoming a pilot in India, there are a few consequential things you should take into account:

1. Involve in Research and Decide Your Path: First and foremost, you must ascertain which domain and field you want to go plunge in. Are you focusing to be a commercial pilot, a private pilot, or join the Indian Air Force? Each field has its own set of prerequisites and conditions. That is why,  it's significant and become crucial to do your assessment seriously and be acquainted of your field beforehand.

2. Educational Prerequisites: Ascertain you've finished your 10+2 with Physics and Mathematics. If you were unable to do that, you need not bother whatsoever! You can complete these subjects through the National Institute of Open Schooling (NIOS) or other related boards.

3. Stay Physically and Mentally Hale and Hearty: You must obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate from a medical examiner acknowleged by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). This certificate confirms that your health is good. It also approves that you are capable enough to embrace the accountabilities of a pilot.

4. Choose a Flight Training School: Find a flying school that's approved by the DGCA. It does not matter whether it's in India or abroad. Take the time to explore the school's fame and influence, facilities, training aircraft, and the success rate of its graduates.

5. Get a Student Pilot License (SPL):  Get enrolled in a flying school and get yourself a Student Pilot License. This encompasses clearing a written exam, an oral test, and a medical examination.

6. Rack Up Flying Hours and Get a Private Pilot License (PPL): You'll need to log the required number of flying hours (usually around 40-60) to obtain a Private Pilot License. This includes both solo and dual flights, as well as gaining experience in cross-country flying.

7. Set Your Sights on a Commercial Pilot License (CPL): Continue your training and aim to accumulate a minimum of 200 flying hours. On top of that, you'll have to pass theoretical exams to obtain a Commercial Pilot License. This involves flying as Pilot-in-Command (PIC) and gaining experience with night flying.

8. Ace the DGCA Exams: Prepare yourself for the DGCA exams, which cover subjects like Air Regulations, Aviation Meteorology, Air Navigation, Technical General, and Technical Specific.

9. Obtain a Type Rating: Once you have your CPL, you'll need to get a type rating for the specific aircraft you want to fly. This requires additional training on a full-motion simulator and familiarization flights.

10. Job Application and Networking: Start applying to airlines or other aviation employers. Attend aviation job fairs and network with professionals in the industry. Keep an eye out for job openings and consider boosting your employability with a strong resume and extra certifications, like an instrument rating.

By following these steps, you'll be well on your way to making your dream of becoming a pilot in India come true.