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

How to Become a Pilot after 12th In India: What should I do after the 12th in order to become a pilot? If you want to be a pilot, you can take a pilot training course after high school or pass the NDA exam to get Air Force pilot training. The main qualification to become a pilot after 12th is to have finished 10+2 in Science, but numerous pilot training academies also accept commerce students.

In India, the minimum age for students wishing to become pilots is 17 years, and you must also provide a fitness and medical certificate. This blog will provide you with information on how to become a pilot after the 12th grade, the fees for pilot training courses, the requirements, eligibility, the top pilot training schools in India and abroad, and the wage prospects for pilots in India.

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

Entrance Exam	NDA Exam
Eligibility	10+2 in Science (MPC)/Commerce
License	Commercial Pilot License (CPL)
Salary	2 Lakhs to 5 Lakhs
Fees of Pilot Training Courses	15 Lakhs to 20 Lakhs
Types of Pilots	Airline Pilot, Commercial Pilot, Fighter Pilot, Charter Pilot
Top Pilot Schools	Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, Bombay Flying Club, Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, Madhya Pradesh Flying Club, National Flying Training Institute

Who is a Pilot?

Pilots are highly qualified individuals that undergo extensive training for flying various types of aircraft. There are different specialized courses offered for different types of aircraft. Pilots are responsible for maintaining the internal mechanisms of aircraft in addition to learning to fly different types of aircraft such as passenger aircraft, cargo aircraft, and mail aircraft. There are many types of pilots according on the streams and disciplines that candidates pursue.

• Airline Transport Pilots – Airline transport pilots are pilots who operate commercial jets for private airlines and transport customers.
• Private Pilots – Those who can afford a private aircraft want to have private pilots who can fly them around whenever they want.
• Sport Pilots – Sports pilots must fly below 10,000 feet and usually within a set range.
• Flight Instructors – They work for a training organization and are responsible for teaching other prospective pilots how to fly.
• Air Force Pilots – They are experts in flying armed jets and are trained by the country's air force. They work for the defense ministry.

How to Become a Pilot in India Overview

Pilots are highly experienced, competent, and licensed persons who must finish a number 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, as well as maintaining an aircraft's internal mechanics and developing a flight plan while keeping numerous factors in mind, such as aircraft performance, altitude, and weather forecasts.

There are various qualifications for becoming a pilot in India that must be satisfied in order to have a successful career in the industry. To study Undergraduate and Postgraduate Aviation Courses, students must have completed a required curriculum combination of Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics.

Some of the best Undergraduate and Postgraduate degrees for becoming a Pilot after 12th grade include B.Sc. Aviation, BBA Aviation Management, MBA Aviation Management, B.E. Aeronautical Engineering, and others. These courses are offered 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.

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

Types of Pilots

There are various types of pilots available depending on the streams and disciplines that applicants study. The following are the different sorts 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-

1. Private Pilot License (PPL): A Private Pilot License permits a person to operate small aircraft and private planes. They are unable to fly commercial aircraft. Millionaires or government agencies hire them to fly personal planes.
2. Certified Flight Instructor (CFL): A CFL license lets a person to teach flying lessons in flight training facilities. They pass on their knowledge to succeeding generations.
3. Commercial Pilot License (CPL): After the 12th grade, the most sought-after license to become a pilot is the Commercial Pilot License (CPL). Individuals with a Commercial Pilot License can fly large airline commercial planes.

How to Become a Pilot in India?

In order to become a pilot in India, several procedures and preparations must be followed beginning in elementary school. The steps that can be completed to become a Pilot at various levels are as follows:

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

After successfully completing Class 12th, the tasks indicated below are critical for becoming a pilot.

1. After completing Class 12, students who want to become pilots can pursue a variety of Undergraduate Aviation Courses such as BSc Aviation or any other undergraduate degree.
2. Postgraduate Aviation courses, such as MSc Aviation Courses, may be pursued by students interested in becoming pilots. They must also pass Pilot Licensing Exams before becoming eligible to become pilots.

To become a pilot after the 12th grade, students must go through a series of phases and processes that are necessary for a smooth and easy journey through the process. The following are the steps to becoming a pilot in India after completing 12th grade:

Steps		Details
Step 1	Select a Flight Training Institute	This strategy would not only ensure that students received an in-depth study of the subject, but it would also establish the groundwork for them to thrive as individuals. Among the greatest aviation institutes in India include the National Flying Training Institute, Indira Gandhi Rashtriya Uran Academy, Rajiv Gandhi Academy of Aviation Technology, Bombay Flying Club, and others.
Step 2	Gain Experience	After the 12th grade, students must acquire flying hours, which is the second most significant step in becoming a pilot. Commercial pilots must have at least 250 hours of flight time, while airline pilots must have at least 1,500 hours. Formal schooling will provide a basic knowledge; however, those seeking more in-depth learning and experience may seek a personal tutor or even join the military. Prospective pilots can get the Private Pilot License (PPL), Certified Flight Instructor (CFL), Commercial Pilot License (CPL), Commercial Multi-Engine Land (CMEL), and other licenses.
Step 3	Finish All Training and Examinations	Students must pass all aptitude and psychological tests, and they must gain experience as a Pilot and Co-Pilot in a regional airline. After gaining sufficient experience, pilots will be able to apply for larger airlines and substantial hours of flying.
Step 4	Airline Pilot Experience	Seniority and experience are the sole determinants of progression from pilot to captain. Pilots seeking additional flight ratings must pass further FAA written and practical exams. Pilots might continue to research and investigate business changes. To help pilots enhance their abilities and progress their careers, the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA) offer educational seminars and webcasts.

Eligibility of Pilot Course after 12th

In India, two aspects determine eligibility to become a pilot: physical fitness and educational qualifications. Each candidate must achieve certain qualifications in order to become a pilot. Male and female pilots have different physical requirements.

The physical requirements for both female and male fliers are mentioned below-

• Physical Requirements of Pilot Course (Male Candidate)

The following is a list of physical requirements for becoming a pilot after the 12th grade: 

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

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 following are the physical requirements for becoming a pilot after the 12th grade:

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 following are the educational requirements for students wishing to become pilots after the 12th grade:

1. Candidates for pilot positions should have a Bachelor's degree in Aeronautical Engineering, Aircraft Operations, or a related subject.
2. Students from any science discipline may apply for this course; but, in order to work in this profession, they must first obtain an aviation degree.
3. A pilot transformation certificate and instrument rating certification are required for all pilots. A commercial pilot license is required for students.
4. To obtain a pilot's license, aspiring pilots must complete at least 250 hours of ground instruction.
5. Students must have personal and emotional qualities in addition to flying technical ability in order to become pilots.

Pilot Course Eligibility Criteria

To enroll in any of the aviation courses, one must meet the qualification requirements of the school or academy. In order to become a pilot in India, you must have passed the 12th grade and meet the following requirements:

1. To begin training, the candidate must be at least 17 years old.
2. A minimum of 50% in 10+2 is required, which varies depending on the institute.
3. MPC disciplines (Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry) as well as English at an intermediate level are required.
4. If a person is not a science student, he or she can take the required topics as a private candidate through the respective state board or through the National Institute of Open Schooling.
5. A medical certificate issued by the appropriate authorities is required.

Pilot Course Entrance Exams Accepted

The following are some of the most essential entrance tests that must be passed in order to become a pilot: 

• 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)

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

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 

Students must have the following skills in addition to academic knowledge to be successful pilots:

1. Physical Fitness
2. Technical expertise
3. Decision-making and critical thinking
4. Environmental and situational awareness
5. Excellent communication abilities.
6. A very focused and disciplined disposition
7. High degree of adaptability
8. Mental fortitude and physical fitness
9. Excellent sense of teamwork
10. Leadership ability

Top Pilot Training Institutes in India

Some of India's most well-known colleges for pilot training and education are listed below, along with average tuition rates.

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 some UG and PG courses that a prospective pilot could take to further his career in the aviation industry:

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

• 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 each pilot varies; we have included the salary structure of pilots depending on a variety of factors 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-

1. Air India
2. IndiGo
3. Air Asia
4. Spice Jet
5. Air India Charters Ltd.
6. Vistara
7. Jet Airways
8. Indian Air Force 
9. Personal Charted Plane

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Difference between Civil Aviation and Armed Force Aviation

In India, candidates can choose between two choices for becoming a pilot: civil aviation or the Indian Defense Force. 

1. Civil Aviation: According to India's Directorate of General Civil Aviation, aspiring applicants must get many commercial pilot licenses from various permitted agencies in order to become a Pilot in Civil Aviation, also known as a Commercial Pilot.
2. Indian Defence Force: To become a pilot for the Indian Defence Force, one must first pass a series of Entrance Exams, followed by three years of rigorous training at the National Defence Academy before entering the Indian Air Force (IAF). Aside from the multiple-choice tests, candidates must also pass medical exams that measure their height, weight, and eyesight.

Advantages of a Pilot Career

The following are some of the benefits of learning how to become a pilot in India:

1. Good Income: Pilots are compensated handsomely, allowing them to live comfortably and make investments. As a pilot with a good pay scale, you can also fly to places you've never been before for free.

2. Job security: Pilots are in great demand as the demand grows.

3. Unlimited learning opportunities: The aviation industry is always evolving, and there is a lot to learn as a pilot. This opportunity will help you enhance your multitasking skills.

4. Non-Monetary Benefits: Pilots are provided with a variety of health benefits, as well as free accommodation, food, and other allowances, as well as travel savings for family and friends.

5. Flexible working hours: Pilots can travel according to their needs and preferences because they work flexible hours.

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

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What should I take after 12th to become a pilot?

Ans. Q1. What should I do after the 12th to become a pilot?
        Commercial Pilot Training.
        BTech in Aeronautical Engineering.
        Diploma in Ground Staff and Cabin Crew Training.
        BSc in Aviation.

2. How many years is pilot training?

Duration: Pilot training takes 16 months and can be extended to 36 months depending on the domain and the number of flight hours required.

3. What is the age limit for pilot?

To solo an airplane, an individual must be 16 years old, 17 years old for a Private Pilot Certificate, 18 years old for a Commercial Pilot Certificate, and 23 years old for an Airline Transport Certificate. According to FAR Part 121 (major airline regulations), all pilots must retire at the age of 65.

4. Which stream is best for pilot?

Candidates for the pilot training course must have a 10+2 in science with a minimum of 50% marks. Mathematics and physics are required disciplines for candidates interested in pursuing a career in aviation.