How to Become a Pilot after 12th: In India, Courses, Exams, Fees, Salary 2023

Q: "What are some of the challenges Pilots face?"

"Ans. To cope with any problems that may arise, pilots must be able to function successfully under pressure. They must also be versatile because they must think on their feet as well as adjust to unusual working hours. Working at different times of day is another issue that pilots frequently face."

Q: "What should I do when I graduate from high school if I want to be a pilot?"

"Ans. You can join the IAF’s flying branch after passing the NDA. It is a general ability and math-based exam with the major disciplines of English, Geography, History, General Knowledge, Physics, Maths, Chemistry, and Current Events."

Q: "What is the cost of the pilot’s course?"

"A pilot training course typically costs between Rs. 15 lakhs and Rs. 50 lakhs."

Q: "What is the typical work schedule of a pilot?"

"Ans. A pilot typically spends 75 hours per month flying and 150 hours non-flying."

Q: "Should I go to college before starting flight training?"

"Ans. It is not necessary to attend university to become a pilot, however, it may be a good idea. There is no proper or incorrect answer as to whether or not you should go; it is totally dependent on individual circumstances."

Nikita Parmar

Updated on 30th May, 2023 , 10 min read

How to Become a Pilot in India Overview

Pilots are highly experienced, talented, and licensed individuals who must complete a variety of training courses in order to operate an airplane or a helicopter. They are in charge of flying a variety of aircraft, including passenger planes, cargo planes, and postal planes and are also in charge of maintaining an aircraft's internal mechanics and developing a flight plan while keeping numerous elements such as aircraft performance, altitude, and weather forecasts in mind.

There are 17,726 pilots in India, with 2,764 of them being women.

There are specific requirements for becoming a pilot in India that must be met in order to have a good career in the field. Students must have completed a necessary subject combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics in order to pursue Undergraduate and Postgraduate Aviation Courses. B.Sc. Aviation, BBA Aviation Management, MBA Aviation Management, B.E. Aeronautical Engineering, and others are some of the top Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees for becoming a Pilot after 12th grade. These courses are available in some of the best aviation colleges in the country, including NIMS University, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, AIMS Institute, Kristu Jayanti College, and others.

How to Become a Pilot in India Course Highlights

The following are the most important aspects of how to become a pilot-

Entrance Exam	NDA exam
Eligibility	10 + 2 in Science (MPC)/Commerce
License	A Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Salary Range (INR)	3.50 LPA- 5 LPA
Pilot Training Course Fees	15 LPA – 20 LPA
Pilot Classifications	Commercial pilot, Airline pilot, Fighter pilot, etc.
Top Pilot schools in India	Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, Bombay Flying Club, National Flying Training Institute, etc.

Who is a Pilot?

A pilot is a trained professional who manages the aircraft controls while ensuring the safety of the crew and passengers. You may fly passengers or freight from one point to another as a pilot, or you could work for a company that offers charter flights, aerial photography, or rescue services. In India, pilots can work in various fields, including commercial aviation and the air force. They perform many pre-flight checks and ensure safe flying by operating the jet in accordance with rules.

Types of Pilots

There are many sorts of pilots based on the streams and disciplines that applicants pursue. Mentioned below are the types of Pilots-

Different type of Pilots
Airline Transport Pilots	These are the pilots who fly commercial jets for private airlines and transport customers.
Private Pilots	Those who can afford a private aircraft like to have access to private pilots at all times.
Sports Pilots	They must fly below 10,000 feet and mostly within a specific range.
Flight instructors	They work for a training company and are in charge of teaching other aspiring pilots how to fly.
Air Force Pilots	Trained by the country's air force, they are professionals in flying armed planes for the defence ministry.

License to Become a Pilot

The following is the list of license to become a pilot in India-

Private Pilot License (PPL): A Private Pilot License allows a person to fly small jets and private planes. They are unable to fly commercial aircraft. Millionaires or government agencies employ them to fly personal planes.
Certified Flight Instructor (CFL): A CFL license allows a person to give flying lessons in flight training institutes. They pass on their expertise to subsequent generations.
Commercial Pilot License (CPL): After the 12th grade, the most in-demand license to become a pilot is the Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Individuals with a Commercial Pilot License may operate large airline commercial jets.

How to Become a Pilot in India?

To become a pilot in India, specific processes and preparations must be taken beginning in elementary school. The following are the actions that may be taken to become a Pilot at various levels-

How to Become a Pilot in India After 12^th?

The actions outlined below are critical for becoming a pilot after successfully completing Class 12th-

After finishing Class 12, students interested in becoming pilots can study several Undergraduate Aviation Courses such as BSc Aviation or any other undergraduate program.
Students interested in becoming pilots might pursue Postgraduate Aviation courses such as MSc Aviation Courses. In addition, they must pass Pilot Licensing Exams before becoming eligible to become a pilot.

To become a Pilot After 12th, students must follow specific stages and procedures that are critical for an efficient and easy voyage through the process. Mentioned below are the step wise process of becoming pilot in India after 12^th Class:

Steps

Details

Step 1

Select a Flight Training Institute

This approach would not only ensure that the students receive an in-depth study of the subject, but it would also lay a firm basis for them to flourish as individuals.

National Flying Training Institute, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, Bombay Flying Club, and others are among the best aviation institutes in India.

Step 2

Gain Experience

Gaining experience is the second most important step in becoming a pilot after 12th grade, with students needing to accumulate flying hours.

Commercial pilots must have 250 hours of flying time, whereas airline pilots must have 1,500 hours.

Formal training will give a basic education; however, individuals who wish to get more in-depth information and experience might seek a personal tutor or even join the military.

Some of the top licenses that prospective pilots may obtain are the Private Pilot License (PPL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL), and others.

Step 3

Finish All Training and Examinations

All aptitude and psychological examinations must be passed, and students must get experience as a Pilot and Co-Pilot in a regional airline.

Pilots will be able to apply for larger airlines and extensive hours of flying after getting adequate experience.

Step 4

Airline Pilot Experience

The advancement from pilot to captain is totally determined by seniority and experience.

Pilots seeking extra flight ratings must pass further FAA written and practical tests.

Pilots can continue to study and explore the changes in the business.

The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA) offer educational seminars and webcasts to help pilots improve their skills and advance their careers.

Eligibility of Pilot Course after 12th

In India, eligibility to become a pilot is determined by two factors: physical fitness and educational qualifications. In order to become a pilot, each candidate must meet certain qualifying conditions. Male and female pilots have distinct physical needs.

The physical qualifying standards for both female and male flyers are listed below-

Physical Requirements of Pilot Course (Male Candidate)

The list of physical qualifications required to become a pilot after the 12th grade is given below-

Specifications	Details
Height	163.5 cms
Vision	6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other
Leg Length	99 cms - 120 cms
Thigh Length	64 cms
Sitting Height	81.5 cms - 96 cms
Candidates must not be colorblind or suffer from night blindness.

Physical Requirements of Pilot Course (Female Candidate)

The list of physical qualifications required to become a pilot after the 12th grade is given below-

Specifications	Details
Height	162.5 cms
Vision	6/6 in one eye and 6/9 in the other
Leg Length	99 cms - 120 cms
Thigh Length	64 cms
Sitting Height	81.5 cms - 96 cms
Candidates must not be colorblind or suffer from night blindness.
The DGCA has special qualifications for becoming a commercial pilot after the 12th.

How to become a Pilot: Educational Requirements

The educational requirements for students desiring to become pilots after the 12th grade are provided below-

Candidates interested in becoming pilots should have a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Operations, or a similar field.
Students from any other science stream can apply for this course; but, in order to work in this field, they must first complete an aviation degree.
Every pilot must have a pilot transformation certificate and instrument rating certification. Students must get a commercial pilot license.
A minimum of 250 hours of ground training is required for aspiring pilots to get a pilot's license.
Aside from flying technical capabilities, students must also possess personal and emotional attributes in order to become pilots.

Pilot Course Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in any of the aviation courses, one must fulfill the school or academy's qualification requirements. To become a pilot in India, you must have completed the 12th grade and have the following qualifications:

The candidate must be at least 17 years old to begin training.
One must have a minimum of 50% in their 10+2, which may vary depending on the institute.
One must have completed MPC subjects (Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry) as well as English at an intermediate level.
If a person is not a science student, then he/she can take the needed topics through the National Institute of Open Schooling or as a private candidate through the corresponding state board.
A medical certificate from the proper authorities is required.

Pilot Course Entrance Exams Accepted

Some of the most important entrance exams that must be passed in order to become a pilot are listed below-

AFCAT (Air Force Common Admission Test)

Specifications	Details
AFCAT Full-Form	Air Force Common Admission Test
Registration Date	To be Notified
Exam Date	To be Notified
Mode of AFCAT Exam	Online
Total no. of Questions	100
Marks	3 marks for each correct answer (-1 negative marking)
Duration	120 minutes
Total Marks	300

NDA (Union Public Service Commission National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Exam)

Specifications	Details
NDA Full-Form	Union Public Service Commission National Defence Academy and Naval Academy Exam
Registration Date	December 2022
Exam Date	To be Notified
Mode of NDA Exam	Offline
Total no. of Questions	270
Duration	5 hours
Total Marks	900

CDSE (Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services)

Specifications	Details
CDSE Full-Form	Union Public Service Commission Combined Defence Services
Registration Date	October 2022
Exam Date	To be Notified
Mode of CDSE Exam	Paper-Based
Total no. of Questions	English - 120 General Knowledge - 120 Elementary Math - 100
Marks	1 marks each
Duration	6 hours
Total Marks	300

Skills required to Become a Pilot in India

Aside from academic knowledge, students must have the following skills to be good pilots-

Physical Fitness
Technical expertise
Decision-making and critical thinking
Environmental and situational awareness
Excellent communication abilities.
A very focused and disciplined disposition
High degree of adaptability
Mental fortitude and physical fitness
Excellent sense of teamwork
Leadership ability

Top Pilot Training Institutes in India

Mentioned below are some of India's most famous colleges for pilot training and education along with average fees of the colleges-

Flight Training Colleges	Average Annual Fees (INR)
Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy	Rs. 42 lakh
The Bombay Flying Club (BFC)	Rs. 10 lakh
National Flight Training Institute	Rs. 50.05 lakh
Government Aviation Training Institute	Rs. 55 lakh
Indian Institute of Engineering and Aeronautics	Rs. 12 lakh
Indian Institute of Aeronautics	Rs. 1.70 lakh
Wingsss College of Aviation and technology	Rs. 23 lakh
Hindustan Aviation Academy	Rs. 4 lakh
Ahmedabad Aviation and Aeronautics	Rs. 20 lakh

How to Become a Pilot in India: List of Aviation Courses

The following are the UG and PG courses that a prospective pilot might study to advance his profession in the aviation industry-

Aviation UG Courses List

Courses	Annual Fees (INR)
B.Sc. Aviation	Rs. 65k
BBA Aviation Operations	Rs. 78k
BBA Airport Management	Rs. 1 lakh
B.Sc. Aeronautical Science	Rs. 90k
BMS in Aviation Management	Rs. 80k
B.E. in Aeronautical Engineering	Rs. 3 lakh
B.E. Aerospace Engineering	Rs. 3.75 lakh
B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering	Rs. 2 lakh
B.Tech Avionics Engineering	Rs. 90k

Aviation PG Courses List

Courses	Annual Fees (INR)
M.Sc. Aerospace Engineering	Rs. 2 lakh
MBA in Aviation	Rs. 10.50 lakh
M.Sc. in Aviation	Rs. 6 lakh
M.Sc. Aeronautical Science	Rs. 7.35 lakh
M.E. Aeronautical Engineering	Rs. 8 lakh
M.Tech. Aeronautical Engineering	Rs. 9.90 lakh
M.Tech. Aerospace Engineering	Rs. 2 lakh
M.E. Aerospace Engineering	Rs. 5.90 lakh
M.Tech. Avionics Engineering	Rs. 8.75 lakh

List of Certification to Become Pilot

Certifications	Annual Fees (INR)
Aviation: Airline Customer	Rs. 36k
Cabin Crew Training	Rs. 31k
Service Course: Aviation Industry	Rs. 36k
Aviation: Aircraft Ground Support Equipment	Rs. 36k
Security Operations, Processes & Strategies in Aviation	Rs. 36k

Pilot Salary In India

The wage structure for all pilots differs; we have included the salary structure of pilots based on numerous characteristics below-

Sector-Wise Salary Placement of Pilot

Name of the sector	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Government (IAF)	Rs. 5 - 8 lakh
Private (Commercial)	Rs. 18 - 60 lakh

Specialization-Wise Salary of Pilot In India

Types of Pilots	Average Annual Salary (INR)
Private Pilots	Rs. 1.5 - 2 lakh
Flight Instructors	Rs. 3.2 lakh
Commercial Pilots	Rs. 24 lakh
Airline transport Pilots	Rs. 11 lakh

Experience-Wise Salary Salary of Pilot in India

Experience (in years)	Average Annual Salary (INR)
< 2	Rs. 17.50 lakh
2 - 5	Rs. 20 lakh
5 - 10	Rs. 45 lakh
10 - 20	Rs. 70 lakh
20 +	up to Rs. 90 lakh

Top Recruiting Companies of Pilot

Some of the largest employers in this field include-

Air India
IndiGo
Air Asia
Spice Jet
Air India Charters Ltd.
Vistara
Jet Airways
Indian Air Force
Personal Charted Plane

Difference between Civil Aviation and Armed Force Aviation

In order to become a pilot in India, aspirants can pick between two options: civil aviation or the Indian Defense Force.

Civil Aviation: To become a Pilot in Civil Aviation, commonly known as a Commercial Pilot, aspiring candidates must get several commercial pilot certificates from various permitted agencies, according to India's Directorate of General Civil Aviation.
Indian Defence Force: To become a pilot for the Indian Defence Force, one must first pass numerous Entrance Exams, after which they must undertake rigorous training for three years at the National Defence Academy before joining the Indian Air Force (IAF). Aside from the multiple-aptitude tests, candidates must also pass medical exams in which their height, weight, and eyesight are meticulously assessed.

Also Read: Aviation Courses after 12th and BBA in Airport Management.

Advantages of a Pilot Career

The following are some of the advantages of how to become a pilot in India-

Good Income: Pilots are paid a good salary, which allows them to live well and afford to make investments. As a pilot, with a solid pay scale, one can also fly to locations they have never been to for free.
Job security: Pilots are in high demand as the need for them grows.
Unlimited learning opportunities: the aviation sector is always developing, and there is a lot to learn as a pilot. This chance will help you improve your multitasking abilities.
Non-Monetary Benefits: Pilots receive a variety of health benefits, free lodging, food, and other allowances, and even travel savings for family and friends.
Flexible working hours: Because pilots have flexible working hours, they can travel according to their requirements and preferences.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q-1

What are some of the challenges Pilots face??

Ans. To cope with any problems that may arise, pilots must be able to function successfully under pressure. They must also be versatile because they must think on their feet as well as adjust to unusual working hours. Working at different times of day is another issue that pilots frequently face.

Q-2

What should I do when I graduate from high school if I want to be a pilot??

Ans. You can join the IAF’s flying branch after passing the NDA. It is a general ability and math-based exam with the major disciplines of English, Geography, History, General Knowledge, Physics, Maths, Chemistry, and Current Events.

Q-3

What is the cost of the pilot’s course??

A pilot training course typically costs between Rs. 15 lakhs and Rs. 50 lakhs.

Q-4

What is the typical work schedule of a pilot??

Ans. A pilot typically spends 75 hours per month flying and 150 hours non-flying.

Q-5

Should I go to college before starting flight training??

Ans. It is not necessary to attend university to become a pilot, however, it may be a good idea. There is no proper or incorrect answer as to whether or not you should go; it is totally dependent on individual circumstances.

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