Becoming a pilot is a dream for many, and in India, you can start your journey right after completing your 12th standard. If you’re passionate about flying and want to turn that passion into a career, this guide will help you understand the steps to becoming a pilot in India.

1. Eligibility Criteria

Before starting, it’s important to know if you meet the basic requirements. Here are the main criteria:

• Education: You must have completed your 12th grade with Physics and Mathematics. A minimum of 50% marks in these subjects is usually required.

 

• Age: You must be at least 17 years old to begin pilot training.

 

• Medical Fitness: You need to be medically fit to become a pilot. This means undergoing a medical examination by a Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA)-approved doctor. The medical exam checks your eyesight, hearing, and overall physical fitness.

 

 

2. Choose the Type of Pilot License

There are different types of pilot licenses, and the one you choose depends on your career goals. The two main licenses are:

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL): This is the most common license for those who want to work as a pilot for airlines. A CPL allows you to be paid for flying.

 

• Private Pilot License (PPL): This license allows you to fly private planes for personal use. You cannot earn money with a PPL.

 

 

3. Choose a Flying School

Once you meet the eligibility criteria, the next step is to choose a flying school. Many flying schools in India offer pilot training. Some popular flying schools include:

• Top Crew Aviation (TCA) Jaipur Rajasthan.

 

• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics (IGIA)

 

• Rajiv Gandhi Academy for Aviation Technology

 

• Madhya Pradesh Flying Club

 

• National Flying Training Institute

 

• Bombay Flying Club

 

When selecting a flying school, it’s important to check if the school is approved by the DGCA. The training must be done at a DGCA-approved institute for you to obtain a valid pilot license in India.

4. Entrance Exams

Some flying schools have entrance exams to assess your aptitude for pilot training. Common tests include:

• Written Test: This usually covers topics like physics, mathematics, and general knowledge.

 

• Aptitude Test: This test checks your hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and ability to handle stress.

 

• Interview: You might also need to attend a personal interview where your communication skills and personality are evaluated.

 

 

5. Pilot Training

After passing the entrance exams and enrolling in a flying school, you will begin your pilot training. The training is divided into two parts: Ground Training and Flight Training.

• Ground Training: In this part, you will study subjects like air navigation, meteorology, aviation regulations, and aircraft systems. This is important because a pilot needs a strong understanding of theory before flying.

 

• Flight Training: Once you complete the ground training, you will start learning how to fly. This involves actual flying lessons in small aircraft under the supervision of a certified instructor. You need to complete a minimum of 200 hours of flying to earn your CPL.

 

 

6. DGCA Exams

During your training, you will also need to pass several exams conducted by the DGCA. These exams test your knowledge of aviation theory and regulations. Clearing these exams is essential to getting your CPL.

7. Pilot Training Cost

Pilot training can be expensive. In India, the cost to become a commercial pilot typically ranges from ₹35 lakh to ₹50 lakh. This includes ground training, flight training, and other fees. Some flying schools offer loan options or payment plans to help students manage the cost. Scholarships may also be available for meritorious students.

8. Type Rating

Once you have your CPL, the next step is to get a Type Rating. This is additional training to fly a specific type of aircraft, like an Airbus A320 or a Boeing 737. Most airlines require you to have a type rating before you can work as a pilot.

Type rating is an additional cost and can range between ₹25 lahks to ₹30 lakh depending on the aircraft.

9. Job Opportunities

After completing your pilot training and getting your CPL and type rating, you can start applying for jobs. Some common employers for pilots in India include:

• Air India

 

• Indigo Airlines

 

• SpiceJet

 

• Go First

 

Airlines usually have their own selection process, which may include interviews, simulator tests, and medical exams. Once selected, you will begin flying as a First Officer (co-pilot) and, with experience, work your way up to becoming a Captain.

10. Other Career Paths for Pilots

Apart from working with commercial airlines, there are other career options for pilots:

• Chartered Flights: Flying private jets for corporate clients or VIPs.

 

• Cargo Airlines: Working with cargo airlines to transport goods.

 

• Flight Instructor: Teaching new pilots how to fly.

 

• Government Jobs: Some government agencies, like the Indian Air Force or Coast Guard, also hire pilots.

 

 

Conclusion

Becoming a pilot in India after 12th is an exciting journey that requires dedication, hard work, and financial planning. By following the steps outlined above, you can achieve your dream of flying and building a successful career in aviation. Always remember to stay focused, keep learning, and never lose sight of your passion for flying!