How to Become a Pilot in 2025: Fees, Exams & Institutes

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

Decide Joining a Flying School- Candidates need to enroll in a DGCA-approved flying school-per their comfort. A good variety of aviation courses is offered in an organized form in these schools.
Gain Some Flight Experience - One of the most important aspects in becoming a pilot is acquiring a substantial number of flying hours. Becoming a commercial pilot requires at least 250 hours of flying time. Military pilots in the USA log 1,500 flight hours. The institutions supervise the flight hours. Besides regular flying, the aspirants will also be undertaking land theory studies.
Take Examinations and other Formalities - To be eligible to apply to most major airlines, candidates must pass an aptitude and/or psychological test. They must also have worked as either Pilots or Co-pilots.
Pilot License - The candidates must appear for the DGCA examination, which assesses the basic aviation theory, regulations, and allied subjects. Having cleared the examination, they will be in a position to get licenses for SPL, PPL, CPL, and ATPL.
Pilot Work - After going through the above process, the candidate shall commence work as a Pilot/Co-pilot. After completing a long training period and gaining experience, the candidate may grow to become a Captain and work on long-haul flights. 

Understanding the Requirements to Become a Pilot 

There are many requirements for being a pilot. Let's understand them:

Educational Requirements

• A minimum of 10+2 education in physics and mathematics is required.
• The minimal age for beginning pilot training is 17 for a Student Pilot License (SPL). 
• To earn a Commercial Pilot License (CPL), you must be at least 18 years old.
• While a high school diploma is sufficient for a Private Pilot License, many airlines prefer individuals with a college degree, especially in aviation or related industries, because it expands work options.

Medical Requirements

The details are tabulated below:

Licenses and Types of Pilots 

There are several types of pilot licenses in India, including the Student Pilot License (SPL), Private Pilot License (PPL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL), and Flight Instructor License (FI).

Student Pilot License (SPL)

• Issued by a DGCA-approved flying school.
• Allows you to fly a light-category aircraft for training or hobby flying.

Private Pilot License (PPL)

• Allows you to act as the Pilot In Command (PIC) in non-commercial operations on airplanes or touring motor gliders (TMGs). 
• A fundamental step toward a career as an airline pilot. 

Commercial Pilot License (CPL)

• Allows you to act as a pilot of an aircraft and get paid for it. 
• Applicants must pass the Commercial Pilot Aptitude Test (CPAT) and be at least 18 years old. 

Airline Transport Pilot License (ATPL)

• Required to fly large commercial airliners, such as Boeing 747s or Airbus A380s.
• The most difficult to obtain and require a minimum of 1,500 hours of flight time. 

Flight Instructor License (FI)

Gives room for training student pilots to fly different types of aircraft and different weather conditions.

There are different types of pilots in India, including commercial, military, private, and cargo pilots. All pilots have to obtain a license from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) in India. 
Commercial pilots: Operate commercial airlines on an as-needed basis for passenger and freight transport.
Military pilot: Belong to the Indian Air Force, flying military airplanes, such as fighter jets, bombers, and transport planes.
Private pilots use the airplane for private purposes, either for transporting or just fun. 
Cargo pilot: Is in charge of flying cargo airplanes that transport freight and goods. They might also work for emphasis on major cargo airlines, which includes FedEx and UPS. 
Corporate pilots are those hired by a company to fly only for company use. They generally operate smaller jets and turboprops.
Flight instructors: Train people in flying aircraft. 

Top Recommended Colleges for Flight School 

The leading institutes and their fees are tabulated below:

Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot

The Step-by-Step Process to Become a Pilot is tabulated below:

Step 1: Research Your Path

Before starting your career as a pilot, you should do adequate research. There are two ways to do this in India: one is flying civilian planes, and the other serves in the Indian Defense Forces. The first way is to become a commercial pilot, while in the second, the candidate becomes an air force pilot. You will find out that many considerations need to be evaluated before selecting to become a pilot. Each candidate must ascertain the eligibility criteria of the route he or she tends to select. These would involve a few tests as well as medical checks. 

Step 2: Choose a Flight School

Before becoming a civil aviation pilot, you must pass through a flight or training school. Research various flying schools in your city or across the nation. Be aware of the typical cost and length. These types of institutions offer various training based on age, experience, and budget. These training institutes offer you both practical flight training as well as classroom lectures to enhance your flying skills. 

Step 3:  Start Ground School

There is no reality to the statements, Pilot's Ground School is basically a theoretical part of the pilot training program that deals with aviation regulations, meteorology, navigation, and aircraft systems. Most pilots join the Ground School after completing their tenth or twelfth grade. The programs last three to six months and are conducted both online and in-person. Written exams conducted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) have to be passed by the students before they can undergo any practical training. The establishments providing for this application are under the DGCA, like the Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics and Capt. Sahil Khurana Aviation Academy.
 

Step 3:  Begin Flight Training 

To start your flight training, research different pilot schools in your area and their respective programs. You need to apply for FAA medical certification afterward. Application for FAA student pilot certificates would come after that. Several flight schools offer admissions flights. Once you are enrolled, you will begin to receive supervision lessons in ground school and flight training. The Private Pilot Knowledge Test and will take two tests for you to complete the Private Pilot Practical Exam.
 

Step 5: Pass the FAA Written Exam

So there are several studying materials that could help you better get prepared to take that Private Pilot Knowledge Test, but that is with proper planning. Practicing tests gives you familiarity with what kind of questions will be there and with the form of the exam itself so that you will certainly know where you may need to do considerable reviewing. Study guides break down your entire logical thinking and ground school material, whereas these are the aviation regulations navigation, meteorology, and aircraft systems knowledge. The passing score of the examinations is a minimum of seventy percent. The Private Pilot and Instrument Rating tests have sixty questions and kindly grant you two hours for completion. The Commercial Pilot test has one hundred questions and gives you two and a half hours' duration. 

Step 6: Complete Flight Hours and Practical Exam

As a result, all pilots in civil aviation have a minimum number of flying hours required under the aegis of the DGCA before they can be granted licenses. The particular amount of flying hours required is, however, given by the license type or category that one is pursuing. For instance, an SPL license does not have any flying hours requirement while one would need, at minimum, 200 flying hours to qualify for an CPL license. Throughout the career journey, recording flying hours becomes an extremely important process, as logging 200 hours for CPL or ATPL goes beyond the threshold of a year or two. 

Step 7: Obtain Additional Ratings (if desired)

Pursuing additional ratings can make you more competitive in the job market; instrument rating for flying in poor visibility conditions, multi-engine rating for flying larger aircraft, etc.

Financial Considerations 

There are many considerations you need to understand before becoming a pilot. Details are explained below:

 Cost of Pilot Training

The cost of pilot training in India can range from ₹10 lakh to ₹75 lakh, depending on the type of license and training program. 
Cost components:

• Flight training: The biggest expense, which includes aircraft rental, instructor fees, fuel, and other costs. 
• Ground school: Part of the cost of becoming a commercial pilot. 
• Hostel: An optional cost that depends on the facilities provided. 
• Type rating: Airline-specific training that's optional. 
• Cadet pilot program: An efficient program that includes food, accommodation, and books 
   

Financing Options

Financing options for aviation training include scholarships, bank loans, and subsidized training programs. 

• NBAA Charities scholarship program: Offers cash awards for tuition reimbursement and training awards for working professionals in business aviation. 
• AME CET: Offers scholarships for aviation students, including Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME). 
• Gati Resources: Offers merit-based scholarships to the top 1% of 12th class students. 
• PILOT CET: Offers scholarships to candidates who score well on the PILOT CET exam. 
   

Bank Loans

• Baroda Gyan Education Loan: Offers education loans for aviation courses and pilot training.
• Commercial airlines: Offer subsidized training programs or pay for a pilot's training in exchange for a commitment to work for them. 
• Pradhan Mantri Kaushal Vikas Yojana (PMKVY): Provides financial assistance for flight training to financially disadvantaged individuals

Flight training scholarships can come from a variety of sources, each with its own eligibility criteria and application process.
 

Return on Investment (ROI)

1. Entry salary for pilots from India: After obtaining a CPL, commercial pilots in India are paid between INR 6,00,000 to 12,00,000 per year. Most of these figures differ from each airline to each location.
2. Salaries for experienced pilots: A pilot with enough experience may demand a salary of between INR 12,00,000 to 25,00,000 per year. That is surely possible now because of the mounting demands made by many major airlines around India.
3. For captains on board airline carriers: Their income is around INR 30,00,000 per annum, but depends on the usual size of planes flown on international routes. Well-experienced airline captains can make as much as INR 50,00,000 per annum for work with a major airline in accordance with market forces.
4. Industry demand: Growth in aviation in India and increasing traffic building expectations in the wake of increased number of airlines have opened higher prospective jobs for even a budding pilot.
5. Training cost: Approximately between INR 10,00,000 to 50,00,000 or even higher depending upon the location of the pilot school and even the type of aircraft they are going to build their career on. The expenses involved, in this case, are enormous.
4. Demand in Industry: The Indian aviation sector, in fact, is growing with increasing air traffic and new players entering the market. This can be looked into as an increase in job offers for pilots, however.
5. Training Cost: The cost of pilot training in India would, between, INR 10,00,000 to 30,00,000 or more, which would depend on many factors like the flight training school, the country where the training takes place, the type of aircraft used, and the total duration of the course. That is an expensive investment on part of a pilot.
6. Additional Benefits: Several airlines provide big concessions, travel allowance, and bonuses that are included in the overall pay package. 

Hidden Costs and Additional Expenses

The total investment goes beyond simple training fees. Here are some expenses that people often overlook:

• Medical Examinations: Class 1 medical exam (₹8,000-15,000) and Class 2 medical exam  (₹6,000-10,000)
• Study Materials and Uniforms: ₹1-2 lakhs for books, educational materials, and required attire.
• Examination Fees: ₹50,000-1 lakh for CPL certification tests.

Regional Variations in Training Costs

Location choice substantially affects the overall expenses. Metro areas like Delhi, Mumbai, and Bengaluru have higher training costs due to operational expenses. Monthly accommodation costs vary by location:

The aircraft type training, requiring ₹20-30 lakh, is done after obtaining the CPL. Airlines ask for the advanced training; however, the cost varies according to the type of aircraft and the training section.
Do note that flying schools offer detailed packages starting from ₹35 LPA. Final investment usually goes higher than the base package because of these bits and bobs and the region. 

ROI Analysis for Different Training Paths

Your career path plays a key role in determining ROI. Your earning potential grows substantially as you build flight hours and experience. Entry-level positions might offer lower starting salaries, but the long-term career prospects in aviation stay promising.

Cost-benefit Analysis of Fast-track Programs

Fast-track programs need a higher original investment of ₹60-75 lakhs, but they offer clear benefits:

• Quicker completion time (12-15 months)
• Earlier entry into the job market
• Structured pathway to employment

These programs just need full-time commitment and higher upfront costs. You should assess if the faster timeline justifies the extra investment of ₹15-20 lakhs compared to regular training paths.

Alternative Financing Options for Pilot Training Fees in India

Students can explore innovative financing solutions beyond traditional banking:

Entry-Level Pilot Opportunities

For entry-level pilots with limited flight hours, the most common opportunities include becoming a Flight Instructor, working as a First Officer at a regional airline, joining a Cadet Pilot Program with a major airline, or taking on roles in cargo aviation or private jet operations where lower experience levels may be accepted.

• Flight Instructor: A popular starting point to build experience and hone flying skills by teaching new students at a flight school. 
• First Officer (Co-pilot):Typically the first role with a commercial airline, working alongside the Captain on smaller aircraft or regional routes. 
• Cadet Pilot Programs: Some airlines offer sponsored training programs where you receive funding to obtain your commercial pilot license and then become a pilot within their fleet. 
• Cargo Airlines: May have entry-level pilot positions for pilots with lower flight hours, often flying smaller cargo aircraft. 
  Private Jet Operators: Can offer opportunities for pilots with limited experience to fly private jets for individuals or companies. 
   

Factors to Consider When Seeking Entry-Level Pilot Jobs

You must take into account the following factors:

1. Flight Hours

• Minimum Requirements: Most airlines have specific minimum flight hour requirements for hiring pilots. These can vary significantly based on the airline and the type of positions available. 
• Building Experience: Gaining experience as a Flight Instructor is crucial for accumulating the necessary hours. This role not only helps you log flight time but also enhances your flying skills and knowledge, making you a more competitive candidate.

2. Airline Size

Regional vs. Major Carriers : Smaller regional airlines often have more flexible hiring practices and may be more open to employing pilots with less experience compared to major carriers. 
Opportunities: Consider starting with regional airlines, which can provide valuable experience, potentially leading to opportunities with larger airlines later on.

3. Location

• Target Regions: Think about where you want to base your flying career. Different regions may offer various opportunities based on the demand for pilots and the types of operations prevalent in the area.
• Aircraft Operations: Research the types of aircraft operated by airlines in your desired location, as this will also influence your hiring prospects. For example, some airlines may focus on turboprop operations in specific areas, while others may primarily operate jets.

Crafting Your Pilot Resume

If you're interested in becoming a pilot, it's important to have a strong resume that highlights your ability to succeed in this profession. While not all major carriers request a resume for a pilot position, interviewers often refer to your application during the interview process. Therefore, knowing how to write a pilot resume ensures you provide them with an acceptable application.

How to Write a Pilot Resume?

Here are the steps you can follow to write a pilot resume:

1. Include your contact information. At the top of your resume, include your first and last name. Follow your name with your contact information so hiring managers have a way to reach you. Make sure to include an email address and a working phone number.
2. Write a summary of qualifications. Below your contact information, write a two-sentence summary of your qualifications. Use this section to introduce yourself to the hiring manager and explain what makes you the best fit for the pilot position.
3. List your relevant pilot experience. Create a section for your professional pilot experience. Make sure to include your former job titles, the names of your employers and your relevant job duties.
4. Include your education. Highlight your education as it pertains to a pilot career. Include a section for educational programs you completed, as well as any relevant degrees you earned.
5. Consider additional sections. At the bottom of your resume, consider including additional sections, such as a section for your memberships and your flight times and ratings. These sections will give hiring managers a greater look at your candidacy and potential fit for the role.

Acing Interview

Acing pilot interviews is an important step to get your career in aviation off the ground since, apart from giving you a chance to showcase your technical skills, it also allows you to demonstrate your ability to handle stressful conditions and work as a team player. 

• Knowing the types of questions that are usually asked and what is expected of you when sitting down for such interviews will be a big plus. 
• From detailing your flight training experience to showcasing your problem-solving ability through scenario questions, adequate preparation will have you oozing confidence and competence.

Advancing Your Career

There are various career advancement opportunities for pilots who would like to advance their career in aviation. With the constant demand for skilled aviators, foreign pilots have various opportunities to pursue, including becoming a commercial pilot, instructor, charter pilot, or check pilot. 

• There are specialized options too, such as working in the aviation industry, becoming an aviation consultant, or a flight simulator instructor.
  There are also career development opportunities with training and certification courses, making the pilots more efficient in the profession of choice. 
• All these opportunities give the pilots an opportunity to develop their skill set and career development. 
• Finally, successful career development is dependent upon being prepared, possessing the appropriate experience, and being willing to put in the effort to achieve one's goal. 

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:
 

• Involve in Research and Decide Your Path: First and foremost, you must ascertain which domain and field you want to plunge in. Are you focusing on being a commercial pilot, a private pilot, or joining 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.
• 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.
• Stay Physically and Mentally Hale and Hearty: You must obtain a Class 1 Medical Certificate from a medical examiner acknowledged 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Conclusion

Pilot is a demanding profession with enormous scope for development on a personal and professional level. Begin your career in aviation on a positive note by completing the required coursework and getting enrolled in a good flight school to train practically and accumulate flying hours. Acquire the required qualifications, starting with the Private Pilot License (PPL), Instrument Rating, and Commercial Pilot License. You can accumulate a lot of flying hours and have your qualifications recognized by junior positions like flight instructor or banner towing. Join aviation associations to network with aviation professionals and undertake continuing education to stay updated with aviation law and technical advancements to get a job.