How to Become a Pilot in India After 12th – Eligibility, Exams, Cost, Salary and More

So, you have just finished your 12th and you keep thinking about one thing – becoming a pilot. That dream of wearing the uniform, flying above the clouds, hearing “Captain, ready for take off,” and controlling a big aircraft... sounds exciting right?

A lot of students across India have this same dream. But many give up because they do not know where to start, or they think it is only for rich people or toppers. The truth is, if you are serious, healthy and ready to work hard, then becoming a pilot is totally possible.

In this guide, I will explain everything you need to know about how to become a pilot in India after 12th – eligibility, entrance exams, cost, training, job scope, and even salary.

Let us take off...

Step by Step Process to Become a Pilot in India After 12th

1. First, Check if You are Eligible

Before you think of flying a plane, let us see if you can actually begin training. Here is what you will need:

• You must have passed 12th with Physics and Maths

• You should be minimum 17 years old

• You must be medically fit (as per DGCA guidelines)

   

• And you should be able to read, write and speak English properly

But what if you did not take Maths or Physics in school?
No worries, you can give those two subjects from NIOS (open school) and become eligible.=

2. Get Your Medical Tests Done

This is one of the most important steps. You do not want to spend 40-50 lakhs and then find out you are not medically fit, right?

There are two medical tests you will need to pass:

• Class 2 Medical (this one you can do first)

• Class 1 Medical (you will need this before applying for CPL)

They check your eyesight, hearing, heart (ECG), blood pressure and few other things. Only DGCA-approved doctors can do these tests. Try doing it early, just to be safe.

3. Join a Flying School (Choose a Good One)

Once your medical is clear, the next step is to take admission in a DGCA approved flying school. These schools teach you both theory (classroom stuff) and give you flying practice.

You will need minimum 200 flying hours to apply for a Commercial Pilot License (CPL).

Do not just join any random school. Choose one that has good aircraft, decent instructors and placement support. Ask for reviews from ex-students.

4. Pass the DGCA Exams

To become a licensed pilot, you will have to pass the DGCA exams. They are tough, but if you study regularly, you will manage.

The subjects are:

• Air Navigation

• Air Regulations

• Meteorology

• Technical General

• Radio Telephony (RTR)

Most flying schools help you prepare for these exams, so you are not alone. The exams are held multiple times a year, so you will get chances.

5. Get the Required Licenses (SPL, PPL and CPL)

You do not just become a pilot in one go. There is a process with different licenses:

• Student Pilot License (SPL) – lets you do solo flights during early training

• Private Pilot License (PPL) – allows you to fly non-commercial aircraft

• Commercial Pilot License (CPL) – this is the main one that lets you work as a pilot

Most students go straight for CPL training after 12th. PPL is usually part of the CPL program.

Cost of Becoming a Pilot in India

Let us be honest, pilot training is expensive. But that is because you are learning something that very few people can do.

Average Cost:

• In India: ₹35 to ₹55 lakhs

• Abroad: ₹25 to ₹45 lakhs (but make sure the foreign school is DGCA approved)

The cost includes school fees, flying hours, simulator training, books, exams, licenses etc.

How to manage this cost?

• Apply for education loans

• Join cadet programs by airlines (like Indigo or Air Asia)
  Ask schools about scholarships or payment plans

Top Flying Schools in India

Here are some popular and trusted flying schools in India:

• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aviation, Rae Bareli

• CAE Gondia (Indigo Cadet Program)

• Bombay Flying Club, Mumbai\

• Indira Gandhi Institute of Aeronautics, Chandigarh

• Capt Gopi Aviation Academy, Hyderabad

Always double-check if the school is DGCA-approved before joining.

What Happens After You Get Your CPL?

After completing CPL, you can apply to airlines for the role of First Officer (co-pilot). But many airlines ask for something called Type Rating – it is training on a specific aircraft model (like Airbus A320).

Type Rating can cost another ₹20–30 lakhs, but many airlines help or cover this cost if you get selected.

Pilot Salary in India

Here is a rough idea of what pilots earn:

• Fresh CPL holders with Type Rating: ₹1.5 to ₹2.5 lakhs per month

• Experienced captains: ₹5 to ₹10 lakhs per month or more

Salary depends on airline, experience and aircraft type. International pilots earn more.

Other Ways to Become a Pilot

If you cannot afford commercial pilot training, do not worry. There are two solid options:

1. Join the Indian Air Force

You can become a fighter or transport pilot by:

• Giving NDA exam after 12th

• Or AFCAT after graduation

The best part? Training is free and you get paid during training too.

2. Join a Cadet Program

Airlines like Indigo, Vistara, and Air Asia offer Cadet Pilot Programs. These are expensive but include training, exams and often give better job chances after training.

Quick Summary – How to Become a Pilot in India After 12th

Final Thoughts

Let me be real with you – becoming a pilot is not easy. It is not cheap either. But if you have that fire in you to fly, to explore the world, and to do something few people can – then go for it.

Yes, it will take time. Yes, it will take money. But once you get there, it is one of the most satisfying careers in the world. Every flight you take, every time a kid waves at your plane from the ground... it all feels worth it.

Do not let doubts or fear hold you back. If you believe in yourself, the sky is not the limit – it is your starting point.

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